Not knowing what was inside the black coffin on the high platform, Joseph Wilson merely used the "Mystery Weakens, Reality Enhances" decree to envelop the picture frame placed upside down at the bottom of the high platform.
A faint breeze seemed to blow through the enclosed mausoleum, and the candles on the iron lampstands began to flicker.
#66Chapter 66 New Ghost Frame
A dawn-like radiance appeared on Joseph-Will's body. He held a bronze charm in his hand, pouring his spirituality into it. The surface of the bronze charm flickered with fire and lightning.
Standing below the platform, Aaron suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu. This power was very similar to when his ancestor, Valna-Will, sealed the Death Mask for him.
Crimson flames and silver-white lightning surged from the surface of the bronze charm, rushing towards the inverted picture frame at the bottom of the high platform. Only bronze shards remained in Joseph-Will's hand.
The inverted picture frame at the bottom of the high platform was instantly engulfed by the crimson flames and silver-white lightning. The gentle breeze inside the sealed tomb suddenly intensified, scattering the invisible restraints and silence.
The candles on the iron lamp stands quickly burned down, becoming exceptionally bright, but soon reached the end of their lives, melting away completely.
However, the main tomb chamber was still illuminated like daytime by the surging flames and lightning.
The three aged corpses on the ground rapidly decayed, emitting a foul stench, leaving only three skeletons and a pool of pus, as well as three portions of Beyonder characteristics and their weapons.
The storm of intertwined fire and lightning gradually subsided, and the bottom of the high platform gradually returned to calm.
From a distance, Aaron saw that the picture frame that had been inverted at the bottom of the high platform had completely disappeared, leaving only a square scroll made of some unknown material, its surface densely covered with intertwined crimson and silver-white patterns.
Its size was surprisingly consistent with the "Ghost Picture Frame" covered with black cloth in his hand, which made Aaron's imagination run wild.
Aaron turned his head to look at a gentleman carrying a suitcase behind him. He immediately understood, put down the suitcase, took out a white rabbit from inside, controlled the force and distance, and skillfully threw the rabbit near the painting.
Everyone stared at the rabbit. After seeing that it was fine even when its nose nudged the painting on the base of the high platform, Reinhardt-Will and Joseph-Will stepped towards the platform, and Aaron followed behind.
The rest of the team dispersed to collect the scattered Beyonder characteristics and various Beyonder materials.
Joseph-Will picked up the scroll on the ground and turned it over, revealing the front of the painting.
It was a portrait of a young man with a smile on his lips.
He had black eyes and black curly hair.
He had a broad forehead and a thin face.
He wore a monocle polished from crystal over his right eye.
He was wearing a black classical robe and a black pointed soft hat on his head.
Amon!
Before Aaron even got close, he felt the Ghost Picture Frame covered with black cloth in his hand tremble slightly, then he stopped and looked at the picture frame in his hand and the painting in Joseph's hand, his guess becoming more certain.
Joseph, who had put away the painting, seemed to have thought of something and looked back at Aaron with a strange gaze, making Aaron feel a bit confused.
The three of them silently ascended the steps to the high platform. Upon reaching the black coffin, Joseph sensed for a moment, then suddenly extended his right palm and pushed hard.
With a creaking sound, the heavy coffin lid cracked open, as if it hadn't been nailed shut at all.
The three of them simultaneously saw that the inside of the coffin was empty, with only a layer of light gold soft padding on the bottom, embroidered with a worm with twelve rings.
Worm of Time!
Not only Aaron, but also Michelle and Reinhardt clearly knew something. None of them went to take this seemingly harmless Worm of Time. They exchanged silent glances.
Reinhardt-Will was the first to break the silence, looking at Aaron and saying:
"The letter you sent to Michelle was directly handed over to Ancestor Valna. It was His personal instruction that I come to assist in completing this exploration."
"Before I left, Ancestor instructed me to hand over everything related to Amon in the mausoleum to you in the end for you to handle."
Aaron blinked his eyes, looking at the serious faces of Reinhardt-Will and Joseph-Will, and instantly understood the meaning of the ancestor.
Shifting the blame! No, more accurately, it was to gain the protection of the Evernight Goddess.
Aaron's expression remained unchanged, but he secretly complained in his heart, "So I'm just a tool. I wonder what price I'll have to pay to ask for the Goddess's protection."
After the family's Beyonders below the platform had collected and sealed all the Beyonder materials and other gains, Reinhardt-Will and Joseph-Will placed the scroll with Amon's image on it beside the coffin.
Then, at Aaron's request, except for Aaron himself, all the family's Beyonders withdrew from this underground mausoleum. Aaron also placed the Ghost Picture Frame covered with black cloth in his hand on the other side of the coffin.
Aaron surveyed the empty and silent mausoleum, as well as the various murals depicted on the inner walls and ceiling of the mausoleum, and the stone door leading to the abyss hidden behind the murals.
Aaron exhaled lightly, composed himself, took out the prepared spiritual materials, and skillfully arranged the ritual.
Spirituality surged into the Crimson Moon mark on his wrist, while he solemnly chanted in ancient Hermes:
"You are the Evernight Goddess, more exalted than the starry sky, more ancient than eternity."
"You are the Lord of Crimson, the Mother of Concealment."
"You are the Empress of Calamity and Terror, the Lord of Slumber and Silence."
"I pray for your help, I pray for your protection."
After chanting the honorific name, Aaron switched to normal Loenese and, using concise language and a respectful tone, recounted the general course of events.
He emphasized Amon's malicious humor and danger, the hardship of finding this underground mausoleum, and his noble act of eliminating hidden dangers for the people of Backlund.
At the same time, he arranged a sacrifice and bestowal ritual on the coffin, with the Worm of Time inside the coffin as the main offering, and placed the Ghost Picture Frame and the image depicting Amon on both sides.
Gritting his teeth, Aaron took out the Human-Skinned Shadow characteristic he had put away from his Pregnant and placed it on top as well. He solemnly chanted the sacrificial incantation in ancient Hermes.
The originally dim underground mausoleum was only illuminated by candlelight on the coffin on the high platform. In an instant, red moonlight suddenly illuminated this underground mausoleum, casting a red moon glow on everything.
Aaron clearly felt a gaze watching him.
Before Aaron could speak further, an invisible force lifted the items on the altar.
The Ghost Picture Frame and the image depicting Amon were both shrouded in dark mist. Blackness gradually enveloped the two items, then quickly receded.
Aaron keenly noticed that two slightly illusory Worms of Time, much smaller than the one in the coffin, were peeled from the Ghost Picture Frame and the image depicting Amon.
Interestingly, the original image depicting Amon, after the Worm of Time was forcibly stripped away, transformed into a special symbol composed of a disk, twelve segments, and a pointer.
This scroll depicting the special symbol seemed to be pulled, directly entering the Ghost Picture Frame beside it. A new picture frame, ancient and mysterious, its surface covered with intertwined crimson and silver-white patterns, appeared on the altar.
The door of sacrifice and bestowal then opened, sucking in the three Worms of Time, one large and two small, and the Human-Skinned Shadow characteristic on the altar, leaving the picture frame.
Immediately after, Aaron felt as if everything around him was shrouded in dark mist. The high platform where the coffin was located and the stone door leading to the abyss hidden nearby seemed to be about to be enveloped by the mist.
Chapter 67: Dividing the Spoils
In the blink of an eye, Aaron appeared at the entrance of the passage leading to the main tomb chamber. The new "Ghost Picture Frame," its surface covered with a layer of gray, fell at his feet.
Aaron didn't pay attention to the Ghost Picture Frame that fell at his feet; instead, he looked with shock at the scene before him.
A large hole with a radius of several dozen meters appeared before him. The place where the main tomb chamber was originally located had directly disappeared, as if it had been erased by an eraser.
Was it directly concealed? Could it have been teleported to that hidden town?
Although he thought it was impossible, Aaron still couldn't help but think to himself:
"If Amon took that passage to the abyss and upon opening the door found himself in the Goddess's hidden town, that would be quite the spectacle."
No longer letting his thoughts wander, Aaron looked at the smooth dome that appeared because the entire main tomb chamber had disappeared and started to worry if this dome would collapse.
Suddenly, red moonlight surged into the passage, sweeping through the entire underground mausoleum. It disappeared after a moment, and the ethereal and vast sense of being watched also vanished with it.
The entire underground mausoleum returned to peace and became pitch black, with only the lantern in Aaron's hand still shining.
Only now did Aaron have time to pick up the Ghost Picture Frame that had fallen at his feet, looking at the frame in his hand, which was slightly grayish-black with intertwined red and white patterns on it.
Aaron couldn't help but recall the two Worms of Time that were peeled off from the frame and the painting respectively when he performed the sacrifice just now, and he couldn't help but feel a lingering fear.
Amon had actually parasitized a Worm of Time in both of these items. If one used them without any precautions, they would likely be unknowingly parasitized by the Worms of Time without realizing it.
He let out a breath, took out the remaining spiritual materials and a used candle with only a small piece left, and set up a simple sacrifice and bestowal ritual.
Looking at the meager ritual before him, Aaron thought to comfort himself:
"Anyway, the target of the ritual is myself. Even with a used candle, I won't mind the simplified process."
"Moreover, this time I gained a complete Ghost Picture Frame. The harvest is already well worth the price."
Aaron threw the frame into the open "Gate of Sacrifice," put away all the materials, straightened his clothes, and carrying the lantern, returned the way he came.
Standing at the entrance of the underground mausoleum, Joseph Wil and Reinhardt Wil watched Aaron walk up empty-handed. The two exchanged glances.
Joseph Wil, with his sharp eyes, noticed that the Human-skinned Shadow characteristic that Aaron had originally put in his jacket pocket also seemed to be gone.
Reinhardt Wil took a step forward, seemingly wanting to confirm his guess, and asked:
"Has the matter been resolved?"
Glancing at the family Beyonders not far away, he lowered his voice and continued:
"Was it that entity who provided the protection?"
"How were those items related to Amon dealt with?"
Aaron looked at Joseph Wil behind Reinhardt Wil, who was staring at his jacket pocket with a playful look in his eyes, and couldn't help but twitch his mouth.
No longer looking at Joseph Wil, Aaron lowered his voice and replied to Reinhardt Wil:
"The matter has been resolved. That entity provided hidden protection."
"Those items, as the price for the protection, have already been sacrificed to that existence."
"The entire main tomb chamber has completely disappeared, and all traces have also been erased. Let's hurry and leave."
Instead of returning to the luxurious East Tack Villa in Empress Borough, Backlund, the group went directly to the East Tack Manor in the suburbs.
After placing all the acquired items in the manor's warehouse, Aaron finally knew the gains from this exploration and couldn't help but click his tongue slightly in surprise.
Aside from the items directly related to Amon, they acquired a Sequence 5 "Gatekeeper" Beyonder characteristic, a Sequence 5 "Priest of Light" Beyonder characteristic, and a Sequence 6 "Hypnotist" Beyonder characteristic.
These all came from the three decayed corpses. The combination of two Sequence 5s and one Sequence 6 indeed had the strength to break into the main tomb chamber, but unfortunately, they still fell.
Aaron speculated whether a considerable portion of the numerous vengeful spirits and shadows in the mausoleum originated from the small Underworld within that Sequence 5 "Gatekeeper".
A certain number of soul bodies, undead, and nature spirits originally contained within the internal Underworld, after the small Underworld within the "Gatekeeper" shattered upon his death, escaped into the underground mausoleum and after a long period of evolution, formed the scene previously filled with phantoms.
Besides these three Beyonder characteristics, they also acquired two magical items, roughly corresponding to the Sequence 6 level, but they were both oriented towards attack, and Aaron wasn't interested.
The rest were a large number of mid and low-Sequence Beyonder materials, with plenty of main materials and auxiliary materials. From the perspective of price alone, their combined value even exceeded the value of those three Beyonder characteristics and two magical items.
Joseph Wil lightly coughed, interrupting Aaron's thoughts, and said in a calm tone:
"That mausoleum was discovered and reported to the family by you, so for the final distribution, you will choose one item first. The rest will be transported back to the family, stored in the treasury, and your contribution will be recorded based on this."
As he spoke, he exchanged glances with Reinhardt Wil, then glanced at Aaron's empty jacket pocket, and continued:
"To compensate you for the efforts you made in exchange for that entity's help and protection, you can also choose one more item from the remaining Sequence 6 Beyonder characteristics and magical items."
Aaron was slightly stunned upon hearing this, and a smile immediately spread across his face. He didn't foolishly explain that the Ghost Picture Frame was actually still with him and unceremoniously took the two Beyonder characteristics of Sequence 5 "Gatekeeper" and Sequence 6 "Hypnotist".
After putting away the Beyonder characteristics, Aaron seemed to have thought of something. A shy smile appeared on his face as he looked at Joseph Wil and spoke with some embarrassment:
"The Human-skinned Shadow Beyonder characteristic I originally took, um, it's gone. This is the main material for Sequence 6 'Faceless', and it's very hard to find."
"Cough, cough, I saw that another Human-skinned Shadow Beyonder characteristic was acquired in the underground mausoleum earlier."
"My subordinate Dallen Sherlot has been performing exceptionally well recently. He has been a Sequence 7 'Magician' for many years."
"He has always been loyal, established an intelligence network in Backlund, and provided a lot of help to the family. The specific location of this underground mausoleum was found by him."
"I have already bestowed upon him the 'Faceless' potion formula as a reward, and I also believe that his contribution is sufficient to exchange for another Human-skinned Shadow Beyonder characteristic."
Joseph Wil had originally felt a jolt in his heart when he saw the shy smile on Aaron's face, but his expression gradually softened as he heard the rest.
After exchanging a glance with Reinhardt Wil beside him, Joseph Wil slowly nodded and said:
"I will send someone to verify. If the situation is confirmed to be true, I will exchange his merits for the Human-skinned Shadow Beyonder characteristic. The family will not mistreat anyone who makes a contribution."
#68Chapter 68: Taking Stock of Harvest
As a self-proclaimed qualified boss, it's only natural to fight for the interests of hardworking employees. As long as it's within the rules, no one can criticize.
Aaron, who was just about to exchange a few more pleasantries, saw a flash of golden light in Joseph Wall's eyes opposite him the moment he was about to speak. He found himself back at the entrance of the manor, with two sealed boxes containing Beyonder characteristics beside him.
Joseph Wall's slightly ethereal echo resounded in his ears:
"This batch of Beyonder materials is very valuable. Reinhardt Wall and I will go to Irsil together, supervising each other and guarding the escort."
"I won't be in Backlund during this period. Don't cause any trouble."
Aaron pursed his lips. Two demigods for escort?
The only demigod-level item was still lying in the Disordered Country. For the remaining items, one demigod guarding was more than enough.
Supervising each other? What demigod would betray their family for a few Sequence 5 or Sequence 6 items worth at most tens of thousands of pounds? Weren't they just trying to get some peace and quiet?
Reinhardt Wall watched Aaron's carriage drive away from East Tussock Manor, a smile on his lips as he looked at Joseph Wall beside him and teased:
"Are you really planning to go back to Irsil with me?"
Joseph Wall's originally stern and rigid face twitched. He spoke dully, "Yes."
After a few seconds, he added, "I've been on duty in Backlund for 12 years, and it's always been peaceful. But this kid has been here for just over three months, and the number of times I've had to personally intervene is almost equal to the total over the past 12 years."
"It's good to go back and rest. I haven't been back for 12 years."
The clatter of hooves lessened, and the carriage remained parked at the entrance. Aaron stepped down from the carriage, holding two iron boxes in his hands.
Unknowingly, dawn was almost here. The sky was still veiled in a thin layer of morning mist, and the eastern horizon was tinged with a warm orange hue.
Aaron hadn't slept all night. The excitement of exploring Amon's Tomb and the thrill of his gains had faded. Now, he only felt physically and mentally exhausted.
Aaron pushed open the bedroom door and saw Irvine elegantly perched on the desk, her light silver eyes fixed on him, an open book beside her.
Aaron glanced at her and felt something was off. He instructed Irvine not to come in, walked into the partition, set up a Wall of Spirituality, and sacrificed the two boxes in his hand to the Disordered Country.
Aaron walked out of the partition and was surprised to find Irvine still sitting properly by the desk without moving. Although surprised, he was too tired to ask and lay down on the bed.
The scene from just now flashed through Aaron's mind, and a question arose in his heart: That book, it seemed like it was open to that same page when I left yesterday. How is it still on the same page after a whole day?
Irvine saw Aaron lie down and his breathing become steady. A hint of slyness flashed in her light silver eyes. She tiptoed to the windowsill and ran out again.
In an empty alley in the East Borough, a group of stray cats had gathered. They were assembled quietly and orderly, as if forming a small family. Irvine sat regally in the center of the cat group, full of presence.
Aaron's figure appeared at the entrance of the alley. He stared at the scene dumbfounded. He hadn't expected to see this after following Irvine. So, this cat ran out to become the boss.
Upon seeing Aaron, a flicker of panic flashed in Irvine's eyes. She let out a meow, and the cat group immediately scattered and fled. She then walked back to Aaron's side, pretending to be calm.
Aaron once again picked her up by the scruff of her neck, looking at her with a mix of amusement and exasperation, and asked, "Honestly, how long has this been going on?"
Irvine weakly meowed, symbolically resisted with a few 'cat paws', and spoke haughtily:
"It's been almost two weeks. I've already gathered all the stray cats in the East Borough. Now they all listen to me."
Aaron rolled his eyes. He didn't stay any longer, taking her back to the bedroom through the Spirit World, placing her back on the desk, and going back to sleep himself.
Irvine lay sulkily on the blanket, feeling that Aaron had ruined her detective adventure operation. She unhappily used her tail to flip the pages of the book beside her.
In the magnificent hall shrouded in dark golden mist, Aaron sat upon the throne, looking at the Ghost Picture Frame in his hand, lost in thought.
After a moment, his right hand lowered the divination pendulum, which hung silently above the Ghost Picture Frame. Aaron murmured softly, closed his eyes, and performed a divination.
"Ghost Picture Frame (In Secrecy)"
Ability 1: Except for the holder, anyone who walks within its range and is reflected within it will have their spirit body and physical body forcibly absorbed, becoming a portrait. It can hold up to 3 portraits.
Ability 2: After getting within a certain range, consume spirituality to make the hand of the scroll rotate clockwise to extract the time from an enemy who has lost the ability to resist and store it.
Consume spirituality to make the hand of the scroll rotate counter-clockwise to select a target and bestow the stored time upon them.
One full rotation of the hand represents 120 years. Each clockwise rotation will form a slightly smaller and more blurred special symbol in the corner of the scroll, composed of a dial, twelve segments, and a hand.
The symbols formed by time provided by beings with divinity are light golden, while others are gray-white.
Negative Effect: Must provide a hidden environment when used, otherwise it will attract Amon's attention. Cannot be used for more than 1 hour in the external world, otherwise it will uncontrollably plunder time and life over a large area.
Opening his eyes, Aaron looked at the Ghost Picture Frame in his hand with satisfaction. After combining it with that scroll, its abilities had been enhanced. Although the usage conditions were a bit harsh, it was very powerful.
Aaron carefully observed the scroll within the frame and counted. There were only 5 golden marks, but there were a full 30 gray-white marks.
Although he was quite surprised that so many years of time were stored, when he recalled a Loen soldier from over a hundred years ago, a Fourth Epoch noble, a Third Epoch ascetic, and one Elf and one Giant from the Second Epoch, all mentioned in "Groselle's Travels"...
...this amount of time seemed like a drop in the bucket. After all, even counting from the end of the Second Epoch, it had been at least 2600 years.
He put the Ghost Picture Frame into the pile of miscellaneous items, summoned the Staff of the Setting Sun, and looked at the two Beyonder characteristics floating before him.
One was a black-based, multi-colored door-shaped crystal, which was the Sequence 5 "Gatekeeper" Beyonder characteristic. The other was a crystal clear, light golden crystal that seemed to have scales inside, which was the Sequence 6 "Hypnotist" Beyonder characteristic.
Looking at the "Hypnotist" Beyonder characteristic before him, Aaron smiled. The Beyonder materials for Irvine's future advancement were ready. The extra low-sequence Beyonder characteristics that were extracted could also be left for Audrey and Susie.
As for the "Gatekeeper" Beyonder characteristic, he could prepare one for Syd Watson and let him exchange for it at an equal value. The extra Beyonder characteristics could be traded with the Church of the Evernight for certain items or help.
After making up his mind, Aaron repeated the previous operation, first extracting the "Gatekeeper" Beyonder characteristic layer by layer. Remembering Joseph Wall's words from before, he couldn't help but shake his head.
Since his backer was gone, he might as well honestly digest the potion and, while he was at it, promote his East Tussock Bicycle Company.
Hmm, also, when I get back, I'll have Dallen check when this year's Roselle Memorial Exhibition starts. My spirit body strength, which is far beyond that of a normal Sequence 7, should be sufficient for action now.
The Blasphemy Slates are still very important to me now, especially the Black Emperor card corresponding to the Disordered Country. I must get it.
The figure on the throne suddenly vanished, and everything returned to silence.
#69Chapter 69: Remarks on the Release
Thank you very much to all my readers for your support over the past month, and also thank you to my editor for the recognition. This book should be going premium tomorrow. As a little newbie, I'm a bit excited, hehe. First, I humbly beg for your initial subscriptions tomorrow.
Alright, back to the main topic. This is my first time writing a premium note, and I don't really know what to say, so I'll just chat casually. When I started writing this book over a month ago, I simply loved 'Lord of the Mysteries' and its characters, and I wanted to give them a better ending.
As a complete newbie, with no one around me writing novels, I first downloaded a writing assistant app and just hammered out over 10,000 words on it before publishing directly.
At the time, I didn't even know about internal submissions, haha. However, my editor contacted me after I posted the 5th chapter and picked me up.
Returning to the plot, I think I mentioned some of it in the reader group. When I was outlining, I considered the time point to start the story. The reason I chose three years ago is because the Spectator pathway roughly falls under the category of order and rules, and establishing one's own order and rules always requires a certain amount of time and planning. Even if you transmigrate and become a king at the start, it takes time to suppress opposition, so I chose the time point three years ago.
This was also to fit the Spectator god-ascension ritual I designed, which requires a certain amount of time to prepare.
However, these three years will be briefly summarized, except for events related to potion digestion and those potentially connected to later plot points. The pace will be accelerated while maintaining story continuity and a certain degree of logic.
I will also do my best to maintain the logic of the plot development and make the story reasonable. However, after all, no book can satisfy everyone, and my skill level as a newcomer is limited. I hope everyone can be understanding of any shortcomings. I am also trying hard to balance work and writing. Although it's a bit tiring, the daily updates will absolutely not be less. Please rest assured on this point.
Oh, right, and to the friends who replied in the reader circle with preferred character names and place names, I have noted down all the names you suggested. Some have already appeared, and for those who haven't yet but I replied to you, they will definitely appear later. Thank you all for your support.
(*^▽^*) Actually, I originally wrote more, but I looked at it myself and felt it sounded like complaining, so I deleted that part. Thank you all for not finding me long-winded and reading this far.
Finally, I must thank readers like Yuè Lǎng Shī Qiān Bǎi Rén, Yīng Yáo, Liáo Xīn, Dōutǎ DATE, Qián Jí Zhèngyì, Màimài Fǎshī, Reader 20220322174159490, Reader 20200811100126942, Guòqù Xùqǔ, Reader 20170209223423332, and others for their rewards and monthly votes. There are quite a few people, so I've only listed the top 10 readers. I can see the monthly votes, recommendation votes, and your comments from other readers in the backend, and I am also very grateful for your support.
Lastly, I once again humbly beg for your initial subscriptions tomorrow. Thank you all for your support.
(*^▽^*)
#70Chapter 70 First Encounter
Loen, southern Dici Bay, Escorsen Port, inside a hotel.
Chek-Wald watched an old man wearing the robe of a clergyman from the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom leave, a stiff smile on his face.
The desk in front of him was piled high with books. Besides language books common throughout the North and South Continents, there were also some psychology books.
According to Bishop Montella, a true hunter doesn't rely solely on instinct or focus only on prey information. They must also understand their prey's psychology and possess a vast amount of extra knowledge.
Learning the major languages of the North and South Continents is just a basic skill. A qualified hunter must be proficient in various knowledge and skills.
Chek recalled the subtle expression on Bishop Montella's face each time he received his test papers, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions. Psychology, for him, was truly a bit much.
Chek watched the bishop walk away, then glanced at the books on the desk. Seeing that dusk had fallen, he closed the books in a gesture of giving up and walked out of the hotel.
Standing at the port, looking at the turbulent sea and feeling the sea breeze, Chek, a native of the inland, found it hard to feel happy about the scene.
However, just half a month ago, when he first crossed the Fenepot Kingdom and arrived in the coastal city of Sevia, Chek had indeed been excited for a while, until they left Sevia by passenger ship.
Perhaps it was because they had left the Fenepot Kingdom, but the clergymen of the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom stopped pretending. They directly donned their clerical robes and began their proud educational work.
The smile on Chek's face disappeared at that point. As the focus of their attention, Bishop Montella and several priests were extremely dedicated to his studies.
Chek shook his head, trying to get rid of the bad memories. Looking at Escorsen Port, where he had only been for two days, he didn't know much about it.
He only knew that Escorsen Port did belong to Dici Bay, but it wasn't located on any point of the coastline.
This was because it was an island, the southernmost island in Dici Bay, and crossing it meant entering the Savage Sea.
After lingering at the port for a moment, watching the ships come and go, Chek turned and left, finding a port bar called the "Oak Bar."
As soon as he stepped through the bar door, his hunter's intuition told him there were several faint spiritual fluctuations not far away. Out of caution, he ignored them, called a waiter, and began to order food.
The bar was extremely noisy, with a group of drunks talking about everything under the sun, but not all of it was nonsense.
A drunk man with a full beard and dressed like a pirate said excitedly:
"Someone saw 'Blazing' Danitz in Harman Port, east of us."
Another drunk quickly chimed in, somewhat incredulously: "You mean 'Blazing' Danitz, the subordinate of 'Vice Admiral Iceberg' Edwina Edwards, the fourth bosun of the 'Golden Dream'?"
The first drunk spoke with a mysterious air:
"That's him, and I also heard that 'Vice Admiral Iceberg' and her 'Golden Dream' were recently seen in this nearby sea area, seemingly looking for something."
A drunk nearby excitedly added: "Indeed, and it's not just 'Vice Admiral Iceberg', some of the other Pirate Generals also seem to be searching. The rumor is it's a key from ancient times."
"Tsk tsk, but this has nothing to do with us. They wouldn't dare come directly here. Don't we have some kind of military base set up by Loen here?..."
As they spoke, the drunks' topic gradually drifted, and they began arguing about which lady in the Red Theater was the most attractive.
Seeing that he couldn't glean any useful information, Chek withdrew his attention and began to enjoy the dinner in front of him.
"The pies in Dici use much more filling than those in Esala, but they like to add some locally produced spices. Although it feels a bit strange at first, once you get used to it, you'll find it has a unique flavor..."
Chek sat near the bar counter in the tavern, secretly evaluating his dinner. He nodded inwardly, deciding on his main course for the next few days. He took a bite of the greasy pie and finished the last bit of cool and refreshing sweet iced tea.
Just as Chek was about to get up to pay the bill, he felt a slightly violent aura appear behind him. He sharply turned his head to look at the bar entrance.
A young man with sharp features, a rugged outline, and bronze-colored skin, with short blue hair, was standing at the doorway.
There was a scar on his face, seemingly from a knife wound. His eyes were fierce, and he wore a black leather jacket. He also carried a gleaming battleaxe on his back, and a violent aura spread from him.
The entire bar immediately quieted down. Many people recognized him: Ferran Edas, an adventurer who had recently risen to fame.
It was said he came from Dici Bay over a month ago and had successively hunted down several wanted pirates in the past month.
Even though they were just small pirates with bounties under 300 pounds, this was enough to deter the riffraff in the bar.
Listening to the whispers of the people around him, Chek felt that this person was very similar to the one in his memory, with the same mixed-race appearance and the same Sailor pathway.
However, due to the obstruction of the dark golden mist, he could only see the general outline and features, not the specific appearance, which prevented him from confirming the other party's identity.
Ferran Edas clearly felt the gaze and frowned, turning his head to look. Immediately, a strange sense of familiarity also surfaced in his heart.
However, because of the teachings of those clergymen these past few days, Chek's temperament and attire had changed, so Ferran only felt a sense of familiarity.
Feeling the faint sense of threat emanating from the other party, Ferran concluded that he was at least a Sequence 8 Beyonder.
Since arriving at Escorsen Port, Ferran had also gone through several life-and-death struggles and hunted many pirates. He was very confident in his intuition.
Especially after he officially became a Sequence 8 "People of Fury" last week, his intuitive premonition of danger had further improved, which also helped him avoid many fatal dangers.
Ferran did not actively provoke him. After a simple nod, he walked straight to the bar counter, tapped it, ordered a glass of strong rum, and drank it in one gulp.
Staring at the smiling bartender opposite him, he said in a deep voice:
"Inot, you know why I'm here. Give me the information on your other competitors. Remember, I only want those with bounties."
Inot Gold, the owner of the "Oak Bar," and a part-time bartender as his malicious pleasure, was also an agent for a pirate crew.
Ferran was able to complete multiple hunts in just over a month, thanks to the information provided by this owner.
Inot Gold took out a pre-prepared slip of paper from under the counter and handed it to Ferran with a grin. For them, this kind of no-cost business was naturally a pleasure to see happen.
Chapter 71 Transmission
Ferran took the note, glanced at it, and memorized the information on it. With a slight rub of his fingers, the note turned into dust.
Innot-King looked at Ferran with satisfaction. If it weren't for this kid making too many enemies, he would have considered recruiting him into his team. It was just a pity that such a useful blade might break at any time.
Ferran didn't care about others' thoughts. As he turned to leave, he realized that the gentleman with scholarly demeanor who gave him a sense of familiarity had already left and was nowhere to be found.
Tightening the axe on his back, Ferran walked slowly towards the district on the east side of the harbor, recalling the information recorded on the note earlier, thinking to himself:
"This is another excellent role-playing opportunity. If this continues, my 'Citizen of Wrath' potion will be digested quickly. I still need to keep taking missions to earn money."
On a nearby rooftop, Chack half-crouched, watching Ferran leave...
North Borough, Backlund. The Church of the Evernight Goddess, Backlund Diocese Headquarters, "St. Samuel Cathedral".
The weather at the end of August should have been extremely hot, but the atmosphere in the conference room at this moment felt like it had dropped to freezing point.
Saint Anthony Stevenson, clean-shaven with deep eyes and wearing a black archbishop's robe with red trim, angrily slammed the telegram in his hand onto the table.
In the heavy and oppressive atmosphere, the several Red Gloves members sitting opposite held their breath, facing the demigod's pressure, all slightly breathless.
After a moment, Saint Anthony slowly sat down and closed his eyes.
Seeing that the atmosphere was no longer oppressive, urged by the other Red Gloves members' gazes, "Requiem Master" Sost bit the bullet and stepped forward. After bowing respectfully, he picked up the telegram on the table.
Sost only glanced at it and couldn't help but shrink his pupils, exclaiming:
"Archbishop Inns Zangwill has defected from the Church with a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact!"
All the Red Gloves below looked at each other, their faces full of disbelief. Anthony opened his eyes, which seemed to burn with black flames, and coldly spat out two words: "Traitor."
Queen's Borough, Backlund. Inside the luxurious villa of the Easthawk family.
As a favored one of the Evernight Goddess, Aaron naturally had the right to know about this matter. He glanced at it indifferently and threw the telegram in his hand into the distant fireplace.
Watching the paper turn to ashes, Aaron couldn't help but shake his head. What a grand play.
He then ignored the matter and picked up a newspaper that Dallen had just given him this morning from the table.
The newspaper had specially highlighted the headline in red - "The Commemorative Exhibition for Emperor Roselle will be held at the Kingdom Museum on September 15th."
Hosted by the Church of Steam and Machinery, the exhibition would feature Roselle's original invention manuscripts and various relics, open for only one day.
Mr. Horamick Hayden, Honorary Professor of Physics at Backlund University, emphasized the preciousness of this exhibition in the newspaper's exclusive interview column and hoped that more people would feel the charm of machinery.
Aaron couldn't help but twitch his mouth when he saw this name. Wasn't Horamick Hayden the member of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery's Divine Assembly and the Archbishop of the Backlund Diocese?
To seize this annual publicity opportunity, this esteemed Archbishop had also personally stepped forward.
After all, in terms of fame and appeal among the common people, he, as an Honorary Professor of Physics at Backlund University, far surpassed other bishops and priests.
Folding the newspaper, he placed it along with the letter he had written next to it into an exquisite silk pouch. A miniature white cat was hand-embroidered on the front of the pouch.
A white blur flashed, and Evelina jumped onto the desk. Looking at the small pouch in front of her, she grumbled somewhat reluctantly:
"Aaron, you're not making me deliver letters again, are you?"
"Delivering letters is something you humans do. I'm just a cat."
Aaron tapped its head and said with a smile:
"Why have you become a broken record now?"
"You've been delivering letters for so many days, how can you still ask this kind of question?"
"After you deliver the letter to Miss Audrey, you can go play with Susie. Don't you like playing with her the most?"
Evelina resignedly put on the small pouch herself. Then, somewhat indignantly, she patted the table with her paw and said dissatisfiedly:
"But you don't have to deliver letters every day, and playing with Susie every day gets boring."
She then looked at her small body and said even more loudly and dissatisfiedly:
"Susie has been eating something lately, her body has gotten so big. Unless I lie on her head, I have to keep looking up at her."
"And Susie especially likes to lick people, no, lick cats. Every time I go to play with her, she licks me all wet, making me too embarrassed to go to the East Borough to find my subordinates."
Looking at Evelina standing on her hind legs with paws on her hips, Aaron chuckled, leaning on the sofa and saying in a teasing tone:
"Let me think, who was it who wanted the Sequence 8 'Mind Reader' potion a few weeks ago?"
Evelina seemed to have been hit by a sudden blow. Her momentum from just now instantly dissipated. Carrying the small pouch, she jumped onto the sofa and rubbed Aaron's hand with her head.
"It's me, it's me. I'll definitely deliver the letter to Miss Audrey. When can I get that potion?"
Aaron took out another piece of stationery, wrote a letter, put it into Evelina's pouch, and replied with a smile:
"Your performance has been good lately, and the potion is also fully digested. I'll give it to you tomorrow."
"I've written another letter to Audrey. Susie shouldn't lick you all over with saliva anymore, and Audrey will also arrange for a maid to give you a bath."
"Also..."
Before Aaron could finish speaking, a white blur darted out, leaving only its echo behind:
"I know, I know, it's just about not being able to talk, you have to say it every time..."
Queen's Borough, Backlund. The luxurious villa of Count Hall's family.
The window of the second-floor bedroom was gently tapped. Audrey, who was lying on the desk looking at a mysticism book with great interest, heard the familiar tapping sound on the window and got up with a smile.
The large golden retriever that had been lying at her feet lifted its head from where it was buried in food, immediately stood up, its tongue hanging out, its face full of anticipation.
Audrey opened the window. A cute white cat with a small backpack sat upright on the windowsill. It meowed, as if greeting her, and then jumped onto the desk.
With a serene and elegant smile on her face, Audrey picked up Evelina. After taking off the small backpack, she placed her next to Susie, smiling and saying, "Susie, look who's here?"
Susie barked, circled happily, and then, remembering something, bit off a piece of her favorite dog biscuit and placed it in front of Evelina, barking excitedly again.
Evelina looked at her much larger playmate, then looked at her own small body. She tentatively took a bite of the dog biscuit. Hmm... the taste seemed okay.
Audrey opened the envelope, took out the two letters and a newspaper inside, unfolded the letters, and began to read.
Soon, a blush appeared on her delicate face. Audrey then guiltily glanced around. Only when she didn't see her personal maid Annie did she relax and continue reading.
After about half an hour, Audrey finished reading all the letters and the newspaper with a red face. She tucked one of the letters into an old book she didn't often read and placed it in a corner of the bookshelf.
Leaving the newspaper on the desk, Audrey washed her face. After her complexion returned to normal, she hummed a tune and walked out of the bedroom with the other letter.
#72Chapter 72 Apprentice
As soon as Audrey stepped out of her bedroom, she heard the voice of her personal maid, Annie, coming from the corridor not far away.
"Susie, look at the mess you've made! I'm definitely going to ask the young lady to discipline you properly."
Audrey's mouth twitched instantly. She quickly walked over and saw Susie squatting innocently on the carpet. Evelyn, who was covered in sticky slobber from being licked, was also perched on Susie's head with an innocent expression.
Not far away, there was a pile of shattered pieces on the floor. Audrey remembered there used to be a vase there.
Instantly understanding what had happened, Audrey said to Annie in a gentle tone, "Alright, Annie, I'll make sure Susie is disciplined."
Seeing that the young lady had spoken, Annie said no more and began to clean up.
Susie obediently followed Audrey back to the bedroom. Audrey lectured it for a couple of sentences with a helpless expression, then put Evelyn into Susie's dedicated bathroom.
She had the maid wash the slobber off Evelyn and, at the same time, looked at Susie and said, "You can't lick Evelyn anymore, understand?"
Susie barked, stuck out its tongue, nodded its head, and sat upright beside Audrey.
-----------------
Watching Evelyn disappear from sight, Aaron swallowed the words he hadn't finished, smiled and shook his head, then walked into the compartment to change into his bounty hunter outfit.
During this period, he had been learning various interrogation techniques and had interrogated many thieves and criminals, but the digestion progress was slow. Aaron guessed that perhaps only the feedback from interrogating Beyonders could speed up digestion.
Coupled with the subsequent acting requirements for the 'Judge' pathway, after discussing with his father, Aaron decided that Joseph-Will, who had just returned to Backlund, would personally negotiate with Major General Chunas Colger, Deputy Director of MI9.
With the push from the faction within MI9 that supported the Eastern Tock family, and the Eastern Tock family's long-standing influence rooted in the military.
After some negotiation and exchange of interests, Aaron obtained the rank of Major and joined the internal 'Anomalous Affairs Court' within MI9, specializing in handling Beyonder cases.
In fact, with his identity as a Blessed of the Evernight Goddess, joining the Nighthawks team to handle Beyonder cases could also help with digestion, but obtaining a military rank and position now would be more beneficial for his future actions in the Southern Continent.
Weighing the pros and cons, he still chose to join MI9. Next week, Aaron would officially take up his post.
Seeing that it was still early, Aaron decided to gather some more information. He put on his mask, changed into the vest he hadn't used for a long time, Lucifer Joseph.
Aaron's figure became illusory, and he arrived at the 'Bravehearts Bar' located deep within Iron Gate Street in the Backlund Bridge area.
Kaspars Canning, behind the counter, looked at Aaron with surprise and couldn't help but say,
"Lucifer? You're not dead?"
Realizing he seemed to have said the wrong thing, he coughed dryly and immediately changed his words:
"Ah, no, I mean, I thought you hadn't shown up because you were being hunted by enemies and had left Backlund. Seeing you again, I really..."
Aaron interrupted him with a face full of dark lines, "A glass of Sunya Blood Wine."
Kaspars smiled awkwardly, quickly brought over a glass of Sunya Blood Wine, and said it was on him, celebrating the return of the bounty hunter Lucifer.
Aaron ignored the owner's little bit of cleverness and went straight to the point:
"Anything interesting happening in Backlund lately?"
Kaspars' eyes lit up. He mysteriously invited Aaron into a private room and whispered:
"There really is. Lately, many people have come here offering rewards to find someone. The reward amount is a full 1000 pounds, and I think they can offer more."
As he spoke, he took out a portrait from a cabinet in the compartment. The painting showed a thin old man with messy, completely white hair, wrapped in a thick coat.
Kaspars looked at Aaron, who was frowning and staring at the painting, and smiled:
"The person offering the reward also provided some information: he's very afraid of the cold, wearing thick clothes even now, and loves to eat sugar, as if he's a steam engine and candy is high-quality coal."
Listening to Kaspars' description, Aaron finally understood the source of the inexplicable sense of familiarity in his heart. He secretly thought:
"This should be Turanich von Helmosin, the greatest scientist, mathematician, and mechanist after Emperor Russell, the father of the second-generation difference engine."
"He's also the human embodiment of 'Orange Light' Hilarion."
"Could it be that this person is in Backlund right now? Two years later, his manuscript for the third-generation difference engine caused fierce competition and significant involvement between the Loen military and Intis spy organizations."
"Hopefully, he won't be discovered this time, otherwise it will definitely cause a huge disturbance and affect my plans."
Seeing that there was no other information, Aaron walked out of the compartment. He met a short lady with short blonde hair head-on. Aaron nodded slightly and walked straight past.
Hugh was stunned for a moment, evidently recognizing this previously very famous bounty hunter. Feeling the pressure emanating from the other party, Hugh couldn't help but feel a wave of dejection.
She quickly walked to the counter, didn't exchange pleasantries, directly submitted her task and collected the bounty, then left the bar. After walking around a couple of times to confirm she wasn't being followed, she walked towards the apartment she shared with Fors.
Arriving at the doorstep, Hugh found a letter for Fors in the mailbox and took it out. As soon as she pushed the door open, a strong smell of mixed cigarette smoke and alcohol assailed her, making Hugh frown.
Hugh quickly opened the window, threw the empty wine bottles and cigarette packs to the side, and somewhat helplessly woke up her friend who was sprawled on the sofa, placing the letter in her hand.
Drowsy Fors mumbled about how Hugh had destroyed a writer's inspiration while tearing open the letter in her hand.
Suddenly, Fors's hand began to tremble. Hugh quickly noticed her friend's abnormality and hurried over to look at Fors.
She saw a sentence written on the envelope: "Mrs. Annelisa is critically ill and wants to see you one last time."
-----------------
It was drizzling. Fors wore a beige, high-collared long dress with ruffled edges. Her brown hair was slightly curled and draped over her shoulders, and her light blue eyes revealed sorrow.
Looking at the emaciated old woman on the bed, whose hands tightly gripped hers, Fors felt an unbearable ache in her heart.
Mrs. Annelisa had once brought her an unforgettable period of warmth after she lost her mother. That was the happiest time for her before she met Hugh.
The old woman on the bed looked calm, even with a hint of serenity that came from facing death. She looked at Fors kindly and said weakly:
"Child, you don't need to grieve for me. It is my blessing to see you before I go. After I die, take a glowing item from my body; that is my last gift to you."
"Take this bracelet from my hand as well. It can protect your safety, but you must not use it unless your life is in danger. The method of use is in a black-covered book in the cabinet."
"If someone claiming to be my relative comes looking for you, you can give them a bronze-green hardback notebook from the cabinet and my other belongings."
The old woman seemed to say something else at the end, but her voice was already like a wisp of smoke, inaudible.
The tightly clasped hands slowly lost their strength. Fors felt as if a piece of her heart had been hollowed out. A shimmering light appeared in Mrs. Annelisa's palm.
Before she could release her emotions, the light merged into their clasped hands.
Suddenly, indescribable whispers assailed her. Fors, confused by the situation, felt her brain twitching, and could only grit her teeth and endure.
She didn't know how long it had been. Fors opened her slightly blurry eyes and found herself lying on the ground, soaked in sweat.
Fors gritted her teeth and stood up, planning to go to the next room to change into clean clothes before dealing with Mrs. Annelisa's affairs and figuring out what had just happened.
Just as she was leaning against the wall with her hands to catch her breath, a slightly illusory doorway opened between her hands. Fors directly fell through, landing squarely on the floor of the next room.
A bump rose on Fors's forehead. She looked at the illusory door on the wall that was about to close and then at her own hands in disbelief, momentarily forgetting to cry out in pain.
#73Chapter 73 Taking Office
Backlund, Green Cemetery.
The gloomy rain had been falling for two days, and a faint dampness rose from the bluestone slabs. The tombstones and stone carvings in the cemetery also seemed more ancient and solemn due to the rain's baptism.
Fors changed into an elegant black dress, holding an umbrella in her left hand and a flower in her right—the kind Mrs. Anlisa liked most when she was alive.
The priest of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery softly recited a eulogy. Fors thanked the priests, placed the flower before the new tombstone, and stood there for a long time.
Her fingers traced a silver bracelet on her wrist. It had five dark green, rough stones, their surfaces covered in burn marks, bumpy and uneven.
After discovering her peculiar ability, she found the black-covered book Mrs. Anlisa had mentioned.
Through the descriptions recorded within, Fors learned about her current state: she had become a Sequence 9 'Apprentice,' possessing the ability to open doors and pass through obstacles by utilizing the peculiarities of the spirit world.
She also learned about the ability of the bracelet on her wrist. By tearing off one stone and chanting "Door" in ancient Hermes, she could use the spirit world to travel to her desired location, thus escaping irresistible dangers.
However, Mrs. Anlisa had particularly emphasized the cost of using it in her notes: after use, one would suffer the "Blood Moon Curse," and every time there was a blood-colored full moon, they would start hearing the mad whispers of the full moon.
After handling Mrs. Anlisa's funeral arrangements and taking her belongings, including the bronze-green hard-covered notebook, she boarded a carriage back to her rented room.
Standing outside the door, Fors looked at the already dark night and the light in the room on the west side of the first floor, suddenly revealing a mischievous smile.
She circled around to the west side of the room, placed her hands on the wall, and a phantom doorway appeared. Fors stepped inside, intending to give her friend a surprise.
In the bedroom, Xio was wondering why Fors hadn't come home for several days and if something unexpected had happened.
Suddenly, Xio felt the hairs on her body stand on end.
She pushed down with her feet, propped herself up with her hands, and sprang back abruptly, half-turning her body, delivering a sharp elbow strike, while simultaneously reaching for the triangular stiletto strapped to her calf with her right hand.
Crack!
She bumped into a warm body, causing the person to let out a familiar cry of pain and fall to the ground.
Xio stopped her subsequent movements, halted the hand reaching for the stiletto, and looked with a bewildered expression at her friend, who was clutching her stomach, writhing in pain, and teary-eyed.
Xio's mouth twitched involuntarily. She asked somewhat awkwardly, "Fors, how did you get in?"
Fors could swear to the heavens that the injuries and beatings she had suffered in the past few days were more than she had accumulated in the past year combined.
Without immediately answering, she waited for a moment, covering her stomach, slowly stood up by leaning against the wall, and complained:
"Xio, are you crazy? You attack without even looking! And with such heavy hands!"
"Who told you to appear behind me without a sound? Attacking with full force when facing unknown danger is a basic skill for every bounty hunter, okay?"
Xio defended herself somewhat awkwardly, then righteously questioned:
"Besides, why didn't you use the door? You really scared me just now!"
Fors blinked her eyes, suddenly speechless.
-----------------
West District, Backlund, Belloto Street.
Aaron stepped out of the luxurious carriage and examined the inconspicuous three-story building before him. There were no signs on the door indicating its identity, only a simple house number: "9".
Today was his first day taking office within MI9's "Abnormal Affairs Tribunal."
In front of the building stood a man in a Loen Major's military uniform, smiling, seemingly waiting for Aaron. Seeing Aaron alight from the carriage, he proactively stepped forward and introduced himself:
"Hello, Lord Aaron, I am Glen-Will, the leader of the 4th Special Investigation Group of the 'Abnormal Affairs Tribunal,' a Sequence 6 'Intriguer.'"
"I will be guiding Lord Aaron today to tour and familiarize yourself with MI9 and our department, the 'Abnormal Affairs Tribunal.'"
Normally, since joining MI9 was equivalent to joining the military system, military officers meeting each other would usually address each other by their rank, not their noble title.
Therefore, hearing the address, Aaron asked with interest:
"Are you also a member of the East Balam family? How did you end up joining MI9 in Backlund?"
His question had a reason. As the East Balam family, who were outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds with the King's faction, even if they joined MI9, they would primarily choose MI9 in East Balam County and the Southern Continent.
The Loen MI9, where the King's faction was extremely strong, would certainly try to make things difficult at every turn. It was not a good choice for promotion. Even Aaron had joined solely for the digestion of the potion and the accumulation of experience.
Glen-Will walked ahead, leading the way for Aaron, and turned back with a smile, saying:
"Yes, Lord Aaron, my grandfather is Joseph-Will."
"I joined MI9 at 21, trained in the Southern Continent, became a Captain at 25, was promoted to Major due to excellent performance, and was seconded back to Backlund. I've been working here for 5 years."
Upon hearing the first sentence, Aaron's expression immediately became somewhat strange.
Looking at the smiling, enthusiastic Glen-Will before him, he really couldn't see any blood relation to the rigid and serious Joseph-Will.
Aaron muttered in his heart, perhaps it was due to the Beyonder pathway; the Hunter pathway seemed to enjoy smiling.
The Glen-Will before him was like this, and so were Danitz and Anderson Hood. The Red Angel Evil Spirit was still smiling every day even after becoming that monstrous appearance, although the ancestor wore a mask and couldn't be seen smiling, but... probably, if mocking counts.
Each of these people was a smiling tiger, skilled at scheming. No, except for Danitz, he didn't have the brains for that.
Hearing the latter part of the conversation, Aaron glanced at the Major's uniform on him. A young officer with rich experience had not made any progress for five full years, which clearly showed the suppression from the King's faction.
Glen-Will seemed to say it casually, but Aaron could clearly feel the bitterness beneath his smile.
Entering the door and reaching the corridor, he continued to introduce:
"The core part of the MI9 office building is underground. The upper floors are mainly for clerical staff, responsible for collecting, forwarding, and other document-related work."
"Of course, most Beyonders belonging to MI9 don't stay underground after finishing their work, as the environment there is poor and the atmosphere is oppressive, with the possibility of accidents due to improper management of Sealed Artifacts at any time."
"I'll take you to see Major General Chunus, the Deputy Director in charge of the 'Abnormal Affairs Tribunal.' Then you'll be officially onboard."
Glen-Will added with a smile, "Major General Chunus is quite hard to see lately. He's often on missions, and each mission lasts one or two months."
Aaron's lips curled into a sarcastic arc. He was busy transporting people for George III and building mausoleums all day; how could he have time to manage MI9's affairs?
However, human trafficking involving a demigod personally also had its secrecy maximized. It was probably because the population loss was too severe to be concealed any longer.
This, of course, also involved interference and concealment from the King's faction, to the extent that the Storm Church only noticed it two years later and began investigating the disappearance of people in the Southern Continent.
Chapter 74 Military Intelligence Section 9
Glen Will led Aaron to a room on the second basement level. The sign on the door read "Major General Qunas, Deputy Director."
Glen Will stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a low voice from within said, "Come in," Glen Will opened the door for Aaron.
Aaron nodded slightly and stepped inside. Glen did not follow, but gently closed the door and waited outside.
The room was exceptionally luxurious. The floor was covered with thick, pure wool carpets woven with elaborate patterns. All the tables and chairs were made of finely carved mahogany, emitting a faint fragrance.
Major General Qunas Korg, the Deputy Director of MI9, ostensibly a Sequence 5 "Chaos Mentor" of the "Lawyer" pathway but actually a Sequence 4 "Fallen Count," sat behind the mahogany desk, examining Aaron with his deep blue, almost black eyes.
He had thick but tidy black eyebrows and short, stiff, dark hair. His nose bridge was high like a mountain, and a large area of beard extended around his mouth.
His features were sharp, his face long, his lines cold, giving him the look of a tough guy. His shoulders were exceptionally broad, making his clothes fit tightly.
In his hand, he held a "Chief Cigar" produced in the Miconte region of East Balam—widely considered the best cigar in the world.
Qunas took a deep puff of his cigar, his deep blue, almost black eyes narrowing slightly. Aaron felt a sense of pressure wash over him.
Looking at the accomplice of the Backlund Great Smog incident, who was now puffing smoke before him, Aaron couldn't help but sneer inwardly:
"Only showing off Sequence 5 strength to try and intimidate me? A fool's errand."
Seeing Aaron's calm expression, a hint of surprise flashed in Qunas's eyes. He stopped using his pressure to give this young man a 'welcome' blow.
After all, to the outside world, he was currently only a Sequence 5 "Chaos Mentor," and his ability to contend with demigods relied entirely on a powerful Sealed Artifact.
He spoke slowly: "Welcome, Major Aaron, to MI9. You have been assigned to the 4th Special Investigation Team of the 'Anomalous Affairs Tribunal' as the Deputy Team Leader."
"I hope that in your future work, you will uphold the principle of loyalty to Loen and loyalty to His Majesty the King, achieving great deeds."
Qunas emphasized the words 'loyalty to His Majesty the King.' Seeing that Aaron on the other side still had a deadpan expression, he waved his hand for him to leave.
Glen, who was waiting outside the door, saw Aaron walk out expressionless. With an 'I knew it' look, he said nothing more and led Aaron towards the office of the 4th Special Investigation Team.
Aaron pushed open the door. The interior was simple yet elegant, with light wood tables and chairs that exuded a serious yet friendly atmosphere. He stood at the doorway, scanning the room, and found that the large office contained only 3 people.
Major Glen, the team leader, cleared his throat and walked in, pointing to a burly man closest to the door to introduce him to Aaron:
"This is Captain Klaus Reinhold, our team's executive officer, a Sequence 8 'Furiousman.' He previously served in the Navy."
Then he pointed to the blond young man beside him and said, "This is Captain Innote Kim, a Sequence 8 'Barbarian.'"
Finally, he pointed to a silent but extremely diligent woman with long brown hair sitting furthest inside and introduced her:
"This is Lieutenant Maya Zenoni. She was recently seconded to our team. She is a Sequence 9 'Mysticologist' and is responsible for analyzing and deciphering extraordinary clues."
Aaron stood at the doorway, understanding the members' abilities and roles. He also noticed the surprise in the eyes of his team members, realizing they had recognized him.
After all, whether it was killing the serial killer, starting the East Tussock Bicycle Company, or his own identity, he was definitely a well-known figure in Backlund, especially in a place like MI9.
"Everyone, I am the new Deputy Team Leader, Aaron," he said in a steady voice, his language concise yet full of confidence. "In the days ahead, let us face the challenges before us together and begin our work."
-----------------
East Borough, Backlund, the dilapidated Tussock Street.
Mia Khalifa, her eyes bloodshot and vacant, sat on the bed. Her child had died of some illness, her husband had left her, and she had been fired from the factory due to her dazed state.
She didn't know why she was here. Her only remaining memories were some fragmented moments from before and some vague, terrifying images.
In a trance, she heard seductive whispers that seemed to promise an escape from her pain.
In a moment of blurred consciousness, Mia seemed to see a cross filling the sky, on which a naked man was nailed with black iron nails and ancient wooden stakes.
His arms were spread wide, his feet were above his head, which hung down like a pendant, and his body was covered in bloodstains.
Behind the cross was a shadow covering the entire world, and a pair of indescribable eyes slowly opened.
In just an instant, everything shattered. The room seemed like a mere illusion, crumbling inch by inch. In her final moments of consciousness, Mia desperately reached out her hand towards the inverted figure on the cross.
Tussock Street, in a dim basement, Mia, who was lying on a bed, suddenly flushed crimson, her eyes snapping open.
Before the few people in black robes around her could step forward to check, bright red fleshy tendrils grew from Mia's eyes, mouth, ears, and every pore on her body.
Mia's body was covered in cracks, but not a single drop of blood flowed out. Her body rapidly withered, and the bright red fleshy tendrils swayed without wind, eventually weaving and coiling into a blood cocoon.
The few people in black robes around her instantly fell silent with fear, their trembling faces showing expressions of repentance.
Drip, drip.
Accompanied by footsteps, a person wearing a hooded black robe, with a face so beautiful it was unnatural, unlike that of a male, walked into the basement.
A black-robed figure cautiously stepped forward, his voice trembling as he spoke:
"Respected Mr. A, the Lord's attempt to descend has failed again. A mortal's fragile body simply cannot bear the great Lord, not even a tiny bit of His power."
"I suggest we choose Beyonders of different Sequences for the next attempt."