Chapter 193: Goodbye Pestoya |
The battle in front of the Unicorn Inn had abruptly come to an end.
The fight that erupted from Storm Manor had set the underworld ablaze, throwing the entire camp into instant chaos.
The clash of high-tier spells caused a series of terrifying tremors near the manor, as if mountains were collapsing and the earth was splitting apart.
From a distance, one could see the residence of Princess Theresa suddenly conjure the phantom images of four golden-armored knights, each towering twenty to thirty meters high.
It was as if someone was fiercely battling these knightly apparitions, the clanging sounds of their weapons echoing throughout the camp.
Shockwaves surged one after another, like waves crashing against the entire camp.
With the golden knight phantoms guarding the manor, the attackers' methods were not weak either.
The fourth-tier fire spell "Meteor Incineration" gathered meteors within the septagram in the sky, raining down like droplets...
The wide-ranging fourth-tier lightning spell "City-Destroying Thundercloud" crackled with lightning, as thunder dragons rampaged down...
Upon seeing this display of multi-elemental high-tier spells, Su'en knew that it was Mr. Black who had made his move.
This "Scholar" had truly mastered the alchemical arts of various elements. Even though he wasn't a fifth-tier, his area-of-effect spells were even more troublesome than those of a fifth-tier.
How many in the camp had ever seen high-tier spells?
Witnessing this apocalyptic commotion, everyone was horrified.
For a moment, near Storm Manor, ice, frost, lightning, fire... various elemental spells collided like festival fireworks, exploding across the sky.
But as dangerous as it was, it was time to show valor.
"There's an assassin attacking Princess Theresa, let's go support her!"
"We can't let the villain escape!"
"..."
The clamor and shouts were incessant, as everyone excitedly prepared to lead their troops to the rescue.
The major families in the camp, along with their own forces, rushed towards Storm Manor in a frenzied surge, thousands of people flocking to the scene.
And just as the crowd surged forward, someone amidst them suddenly activated a septagram, and before the others could react, another high-tier spell was unleashed, forcing several fourth-tier guards who were trying to seal off the manor to dodge in panic. Although it wasn't necessarily fatal, it made them realize that there were still assassins mixed in with the group.
Then, a thunderous shout!
"Everyone is forbidden from approaching the manor, or they will be killed without mercy!"
But this command not only failed to stabilize the situation, it made things even more chaotic.
While the higher-ups were unable, the people from the lower districts continued to pour in, eager to show off in front of the princess.
The camp was filled with various scavenger groups, mercenaries, family guards, city guards, security teams... Dozens of groups, unfamiliar with each other, soon began to fight amongst themselves as someone fired a shot.
"Damn it! Who's launching rockets..."
"Motherfucker, stop shooting randomly. We're mercenaries from the David family!"
"We're targeting you, I just saw that rocket, you're part of the assassin's group!"
"Go to hell, you're the ones from the assassin's group."
Some fanned the flames, some fired shots, and those who tried to mediate inevitably got hit.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Pop! Pop! Pop!
The sound of gunfire was chaotic.
Suddenly, someone shouted.
"Not good! The assassins are breaking out!"
"..."
The chaotic situation provided the "assassins" with an opportunity to attack and retreat.
The battle started quickly and ended just as swiftly.
A few cloaked figures caused some commotion in the manor, seemingly achieving their goal, and without any hesitation, they fled towards the outskirts of the city.
Perhaps they were cautious after having lured and killed a fifth-tier professional last time.
The high-tier guards in the manor dared not pursue too far, fearing a repeat of the old trick or a diversion.
The lower-tier professionals couldn't stop them, and the cloaked assassins faced little resistance as they broke through the encirclement, leaped over the city walls, and disappeared beyond the city gates.
.......
In front of the Unicorn Inn.
Several guards had died, and "Qiantiao" had also sustained some injuries.
Su'en watched the "Rakshasa women" successfully escape into the distance and let out a slight sigh of relief.
Now, Qiantiao and the Rakshasa women had completely severed their ties.
Although it seemed coincidental, it didn't matter anymore.
As long as Qiantiao wasn't a "Rakshasa woman," just a gangster, no matter what, the level of danger had dropped countless notches.
Even such ordinary gang records would no longer enter the sight of high-level officials like the leaders of the Umbrella Organization.
The Umbrella Organization would probably quiet down for a while.
On the other hand, Rena stood there in a daze.
This young lady, who had never experienced major setbacks, witnessed her best friend's head being delivered to her tonight. She witnessed an unprovoked attack. The intense emotions of powerlessness and being at the mercy of others washed over her like a tide, eroding some of her beliefs. In her originally bright and sparkling black eyes, there was also a trembling light that was difficult to describe...
The old butler had been injured in the fight with the "coroner" Servis, with a patch of bright red blood on his shirt.
He tidied himself up, covered it with his coat, walked over, and seeing his young lady in a state of shock, he sighed softly, "Miss, you should go upstairs and rest. Leave everything here to me. We'll leave the city tomorrow morning."
The attack was by people from the Umbrella Organization, they had realized.
So, they could only swallow this loss, no matter how bitter.
Even though the Reyes family was once a top financial tycoon in the inner city, they couldn't afford to provoke that organization.
Rena was somewhat dazed as she returned to her room and just sat on the bed in a stupor.
"Qiantiao" glanced at her, then turned to Su'en and said, "Let her be alone for a while, this might be good for her."
Su'en nodded, "Hmm."
The cruelty of this world was far greater than what Rena had seen.
The play had to continue, and Mr. Mirror and Su'en entered another room.
.......
The door closed, and a soundproofing array was set up.
Although Su'en knew that Mr. Mirror and his group wouldn't have made a move without a comprehensive plan, he was still curious and asked, "Mr. Mirror, won't exposing so many people's movements alert the Black Tower?"
"It won't have much impact."
Mr. Mirror's expression was calm, as if everything was within the plan, "After this relic event, the preparations will be almost complete."
As she spoke, a miraculous scene unfolded before Su'en's eyes.
"Qiantiao," who only had the strength of a second-tier, was also not lightly injured, with many wounds on her body.
But in the moment she entered the room, Su'en suddenly saw her wounds visibly healing!
Without using any potions, just relying on her exaggerated self-healing ability, she was instantly as good as new.
Su'en was somewhat surprised: Had Mr. Mirror also modified her bloodline, or was it some kind of special self-healing ability?
This healing efficiency was almost on par with that of an "Abomination."
It was much stronger than his own.
But considering that she was likely a fourth-tier, or even higher, expert, it was normal for her to have some incomprehensible methods.
Instead, Su'en was more concerned about Mr. Mirror's words that "the preparations are almost complete."
It sounded like the big shots were ready to strike at the Black Tower?
But Mr. Mirror didn't seem to want to continue on this topic. She looked at Su'en and reminded him, "Although tonight's trouble has been muddled through, that 'coroner' Servis's methods are not so simple. The Umbrella Organization will definitely come to probe. Be careful in the future."
After a pause, she continued, "I will be with the team for the next few days, but once we reach the relic, I have other matters to attend to. At that time, you take care of the team, don't let them be wiped out. Especially take care of Rena for me."
Su'en nodded, "Hmm."
Rena had helped him several times, and within his capabilities, Su'en naturally would also think of saving her life.
His expression unchanged, but upon hearing this, a slightly strange thought popped into his mind.
Mr. Mirror actually took such good care of Rena, could it be... there was some special relationship?
Like, an illegitimate daughter?
Although Su'en didn't ask, Mr. Mirror seemed to guess his thoughts.
She glanced at Su'en, her expression somewhat helpless, and added, "The Reyes family was built up by my own hands. Rena's mother died for me. That girl has good talent and learning, just lacking in experience. I plan to train her to be the heir of the Reyes family."
"Oh..."
Upon hearing this, Su'en suddenly understood.
But with this revelation, his thoughts became even more active.
Built up by her own hands?
That was quite a significant piece of information.
The Reyes family had been a well-known family for decades, and if she had built it up, how old was Mr. Mirror?
Su'en thought of the previous healing anomaly, and indeed, high cellular activity could make a person appear young, but... was she actually an elderly woman?
However, just as this thought crossed Su'en's mind, he clearly saw "Qiantiao" touch her forehead and shake her head, looking at him strangely and somewhat helplessly.
"I... never mind..."
She seemed to want to say more but didn't seem inclined to explain further.
Perhaps because she was disguised as Qiantiao, Su'en felt that "Mr. Mirror" seemed quite approachable and not as cold and distant as one might expect.
Thinking that Mr. Black's teacher was right in front of him, Su'en naturally asked directly if he had any questions, "Mr. Mirror, I saw a mask appear on the face of that Umbrella Organization leader earlier, it seemed to be a curse item related to mental power?"
"Qiantiao" placed her knife on the table and began to tidy up her battle-torn clothes, nodding as she said, "Yes. Over the years, the Black Tower has also unearthed quite a few good things. That is the 'Tri-Color Mask of the Usurper,' a very nice ancient curse item. Servis had some deviations in his professional cultivation, his mental power became aberrant, and that mask is used to suppress his uncontrollable split personality..."
Upon hearing this, Su'en realized it was as he suspected.
And listening to its function, it seemed quite suitable for his own "symptoms"?
He asked directly, "Mr. Mirror, could I use that mask?"
"Qiantiao" looked at him and said, "I've heard from Emilich about your situation, and indeed, the mask would be useful for you. But it's a temporary solution, not a cure. The essence of the mask's effect is suppression, just like how you suppress it with your will, it will eventually backfire."
(Emilich, Mr. Black's real name)
Su'en originally thought the item's effect was a bit redundant, but then he suddenly heard "Qiantiao" seem to think of something, and she changed the subject, "However, if you can master a top-tier mental secret technique, it would be a very suitable advancement material for your 'Puppeteer' lineage, helping you break through the limit of 'Multitasking.' Normally, the 'Tri-Color Mask of the Usurper' is an advancement material that only a fourth-tier mental professional can withstand. But in your case... you're a bit special, you should be able to handle it at the third tier."
"Advancement material?"
Upon hearing this, Su'en immediately perked up.
He knew she was probably referring to his "special" trait, likely meaning the extraordinary mental power due to the "Reaper of Death" talent.
If she said it was suitable, then it was definitely a material with a very high compatibility.
Moreover, she directly pointed out the effect after advancement, which could break through the limit of "Multitasking"?!
"Qiantiao" looked at Su'en, her eyebrows curved, and asked, "Do you want to kill him?"
Su'en nodded, "Hmm."
Not to mention the curse material, when he and Sabina had signed the master-servant contract, they had agreed that once he had the strength, he would help her kill that man.
"It won't be easy to kill that guy."
"Qiantiao" teased, not saying much else, and then said, "Just a reminder. Remember, if you encounter him in the future and see the mask is 'red-faced,' be very careful. If you see the mask turn 'black-faced,' he will have a combat power not inferior to a fourth-tier..."
"Hmm."
Su'en didn't expect to be able to kill that 'coroner' Servis in a short time.
But now, wasn't there strong support at hand?
And now that he had a target, his thoughts revolved around achieving that goal.
In an instant, he came up with some ideas.
A plan quietly took shape.
"Qiantiao" smiled, not responding further.Upon encountering this individual, Su'en straightforwardly inquired about another matter that piqued his curiosity, "Mr. Mirror, are you aware of the existence of the underground altar at Storm Manor? Mr. Black mentioned before that you could help me unravel my confusion, including that symbol representing 'Fate'..."
"Qian Tiao," true to what Mr. Black had initially said, seemed quite willing to clarify his doubts, explaining, "The underground altar of Storm Manor is a relic left from the previous prehistoric civilization, the 'Dawn Era' of the Akavia period. The identities of those five statues are the elders of the most mysterious alchemical organization of that era, the 'Rosicrucian Order,' true god-tier alchemists. That was the most authentic, closest to our time, and most glorious era of alchemy. When Sir Isaac named this city, he wished to see alchemy return to its splendor during the Dawn Era..."
As she spoke, she seemed to think that since she had already said so much, she might as well add a few more words: "This is a prehistoric civilization that is almost unrecorded in the current historical materials of Old Lingdun. Legend has it that the alchemists of the Dawn Era battled across various fragmented planes, and top sorcerers could even hunt deities, creating a powerful alchemical civilization..."
"I see..."
After listening to her, Su'en's eyes trembled lightly, profoundly shaken.
Alright, this big shot really does know everything.
And through her words, it was evident that her understanding of Dawn City reached an incredible depth.
She not only knew about the altar but also its origins.
This world is not only fascinating now, but its history, once buried in dust, is equally captivating.
.......
Although Mr. Mirror wasn't Qian Tiao, she seemed to share the same fondness for bathing and soaking as that gambling-addicted lady.
The previous battle had left her stained with blood, which caused her brows to furrow tightly.
As she spoke, she also undid her robe, not looking at Su'en, and said, "Alright, I'm going to take a bath. We'll talk later."
Su'en naturally understood and averted his gaze.
The gambling-addicted lady wouldn't mind his presence, but this big shot still cared about such things.
Soon, the sound of water trickling from the bathroom could be heard.
The noise outside the window never ceased, and the pursuit of the assassin continued until late into the night.
After bathing, "Qian Tiao" lay on the bed to rest.
Su'en sat cross-legged on the sofa nearby, meditating.
It was probably around two or three in the morning when suddenly, "Qian Tiao," who appeared to be sound asleep, noticed something and exclaimed softly, "Someone's coming!"
Upon hearing this, Su'en immediately understood her meaning.
Zolo was Qian Tiao's male companion, and they had to play their roles thoroughly.
Anyone looking at the two of them in the room in their current state would immediately sense something was amiss.
Su'en quickly changed into pajamas and jumped into bed, while "Qian Tiao" also cozily snuggled into his embrace.
As the big shot indicated, he didn't show any odd behavior and held her as he should. At this moment, "Qian Tiao" was wearing a thin nightgown, the touch was genuine. A large expanse of skin contact allowed both to clearly feel each other's temperature.
However, there were no romantic thoughts.
Although the touch of her tight skin was identical to that of the gambling-addicted lady, thinking that Mr. Mirror was probably of a significant age, Su'en always felt something was off.
Su'en didn't sense any movement from the approaching person, which meant the visitor must be a master of the third order or higher.
He guessed it was probably the Umbrella Organization coming back to check?
"Qian Tiao's" persona was that of a second-order professional, and she shouldn't have been able to detect the other party.
However, things didn't go as Su'en had expected.
Because soon after, Su'en, who had his eyes closed pretending to sleep, heard someone calling him by his ear.
"Mr. Su'en, long time no see..."
Despite hearing no sound, no one entering through the window, and no footsteps, the call seemed to be right next to his ear.
"Hehe... I know you're not asleep..."
Su'en thought he was hallucinating and lifted his eyelids slightly, only to see a face emitting a pale blue glow immediately before his eyes!
Just ten centimeters away, a semi-transparent little girl was face-to-face with him, her big watery eyes filled with a mischievous smile.
If Su'en weren't so composed, a normal person witnessing this scene in the dead of night would likely be scared out of their wits.
.......
"Pestoya?"
Su'en tentatively asked.
The little girl in front of him, dressed in a princess gown and looking adorable, was someone he remembered well, the "Ghost Species" he had encountered on his first day after crossing over!
He glanced at "Qian Tiao" beside him, who seemed to be breathing evenly, apparently deep in sleep.
Unsure whether she was truly asleep or pretending, Su'en knew that today's events were likely to get messy...
Pestoya looked at Su'en, recognizing him, and her little face lit up with joy. She floated in mid-air, twirling around, "Oh my, I thought you had forgotten about me~"
Listening to her playful voice, Su'en remembered their first meeting.
Although this ghost species girl could be a bit unruly at times, the two shared a kind of instant "resonance."
He smiled, "How could I forget?"
Saying so, Su'en got out of bed, tucked "Qian Tiao" in properly, and then asked, "Pestoya, how come you're here?"
If he hadn't seen that "butterfly brooch," he would have been quite happy to catch up with the ghost species girl he once found quite to his taste.
But now, her appearance here complicated matters.
"I don't know... I just felt you were nearby and came to see you~"
Pestoya tilted her head, thinking, as if she had lost a part of her memory.
But she didn't seem to mind; she had forgotten many things over the past thousand years.
But seeing an old friend, she was genuinely happy, "I didn't expect it to be Mr. Su'en."
Su'en walked over to the coffee table in the suite and poured himself a cup.
Although he wasn't sure if ghost species could drink tea, he also poured a cup for Pestoya, who was sitting beside him.
While pouring the tea, Su'en joked, "I've become so handsome, how did you recognize me?"
Pestoya sniffed the tea cup and even took a sip, saying, "Of course I can recognize you. I know your soul~"
With a playful wink, she added, "But your soul has become much stronger than before, I almost didn't recognize you~"
It was like a reunion of old friends, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
The two chatted casually.
Su'en subtly probed a few questions and discovered that Pestoya didn't remember what had happened after he left.
It was as if she had woken up and felt his presence nearby, which brought her here.
But... the curse space of Storm Manor had clearly disappeared before.
And the ghost species from the curse space had actually come outside?
But he was certain that this girl was the same one he had seen before.
After chatting about a few light topics, Su'en directly asked, "Pestoya, where are you living now?"
"I live in the manor~"
Pestoya said, floating up for a bear hug, giving Su'en an enthusiastic embrace, "I thought I'd never see Mr. Su'en again. I'm really so happy~"
Her physical state was strange; although she was a spirit, she could become corporeal when she wanted to touch something.
"I'm happy too."
Su'en smiled.
Listening to her cheerful tone, he could feel her genuine happiness.
After all, he was the first "friend" this girl had interacted with in a thousand years.
The two chatted for quite a while.
Su'en's previously acquired flirting skills also came in handy.
Jokes and memes came naturally, and even the little girl enjoyed them.
Pestoya was amused to laughter, and the room was filled with her bell-like giggles.
Su'en truly believed she had just come to reminisce.
But there were two issues he deliberately avoided mentioning.
One was the question she had entrusted him to ask.
The other was the matter of the brooch.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Pestoya, floating in front of Su'en, suddenly remembered something and asked, "Eh... Mr. Su'en, why don't I see you wearing the butterfly brooch I gave you?"
Su'en's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.
The girl seemed very sensitive to emotions, and before Su'en could think of an excuse, her face suddenly darkened, "You... don't like the gift I gave you?"
Her eyes brimmed with tears, a look of hurt on her face, "But... that was my favorite, my most precious thing."
As she spoke, her eyes gradually turned red.
Then, it wasn't the red of being upset, but a sinister, fierce crimson.
Pestoya looked at Su'en, tears falling uncontrollably from her eyes, each drop of pale blue tear light dissipating before it hit the ground.
With a sobbing voice, an overwhelming sadness erupted, "Mr. Su'en, I don't know why, but I feel so sad right now..."
Even though I gave you my most precious gift, you lost it.
It's like watching my mom and dad burn me alive back then.
They were the parents I loved the most in my life...
It's the pain of losing the most precious thing in my heart...
A heart-wrenching pain.
Su'en, seeing this, knew she was showing signs of a violent transformation.
The first time they met, she had slaughtered Ivan "The Ironhead" and his gang in such a state.
He wanted to explain, but indeed, he couldn't produce the brooch.
But after all, he had no ill intentions towards this little girl.
He felt Pestoya's indescribable emotions, loneliness, and sadness...
He sighed, reached out to pat her head, and said truthfully, "I like the gift you gave me. But I'm sorry, it seems I've lost it..."
These words seemed to soothe the upset Pestoya, the red glow in her eyes dimmed a bit, but it still didn't fade away.
Su'en then gently rubbed her face with both hands and solemnly said, "But I will definitely find it."
Although she was a thousand-year-old ghost species, her heart was still that of a ten-year-old girl.
She was easy to console.
Hearing this, the red glow in the little girl's eyes finally stopped.
Emotions can't lie, and Pestoya could tell that Su'en
But she still looked at Su'en with a pitiful face, mournfully saying, "Mr. Su'en, if you don't find my brooch, I'll eat you up!"
Her tone was so pitiful, so very pitiful.
Saying so, Pestoya also bared her little fangs and bit down on Su'en's hand that was patting her head.
A firm bite.
"..."
Su'en didn't mind, he smiled and didn't retract his hand.
However, he was curious; his skin, which ordinary bullets could hardly penetrate, actually hurt from the bite?
After biting, she seemed to have vented her anger.
Pestoya lifted her head, but at that moment, her gaze was drawn to a necklace on Su'en's hand, "Eh... Mr. Su'en, how come you have this necklace?"
Saying so, she waved her hand, and the crystal pendant fell into her grasp.
Su'en glanced at it.
The clues in his mind connected like lightning.
This was the [Sereya's Crystal Pendant] he had obtained from slaying an Umbrella Organization fortune-teller on his way to the ruins.
He had been wearing it because the alchemical item had a property that evaded divination.
He had always found the name of this necklace familiar.
Now, hearing Pestoya's tone, he immediately confirmed something.
"Sereya" was a common female name,
But coincidentally,
This necklace had a significant background.
The person Mr. Mirror had sent him to meet in a certain cursed space, the founder of the Puppeteer, was also named "Sereya."
And more coincidentally, Su'en's own Puppeteer initiation materials were obtained from Pestoya herself.
Some special professions are passed down in succession.
The source of the coincidence was that Su'en had also seen this name in the family portrait in the library of Storm Manor when he first crossed over.
She was the mother of the girl before him, Sereya Isaac. (She took her husband's surname)
.......
Pestoya's recently calmed emotions suddenly became violently turbulent, "You... saw her... my mother?"
Afraid that she would remember something and be traumatized again, Su'en directly said, "Didn't you entrust me to ask them a question? I've learned some clues, and I was planning to help you inquire."
Pestoya fell silent.
After a while, she squeaked, "Oh."
Su'en felt the conflict in her heart.Filled with love, yet there was a despair akin to a vengeful obsession.
The atmosphere suddenly turned cold.
Seeing the object, Pestoya was reminded of someone and lost the interest to stay any longer.
She said to Su'en, "Mr. Su'en, I'm tired. I'm going to sleep now. I'll come to see you next time."
"Okay. See you next time."
Su'en nodded and waved at her.
He watched her leave through the window with a somber expression, slowly fading away until she was gone.
Su'en ultimately didn't mention to her that the brooch was in Theresa's possession.
He felt that this matter was a bit complicated.
The Pestoya before him seemed to have lost some memories.
Intuition told Su'en that it was best not to trigger any other peculiar plotlines until things were clearer.
.......
After Pestoya left, "Qiantiao" on the bed suddenly opened her eyes.
Su'en didn't see the glint that flashed through her profound eyes.
Now that Pestoya was gone, Su'en sat on the sofa with a furrowed brow.
Many doubts in his mind were connected, but without the key information, none could be unraveled.
He felt it necessary to report the situation to the boss, so he turned to look at "Qiantiao" on the bed and coughed lightly, "Cough! Cough!"
An immediate response followed.
Without turning around, "Qiantiao" said, "Go to sleep. It's nothing."
Clearly, she had been awake all along.
"But..."
Su'en thought she was unaware of the situation and wanted to say more.
At that moment, "Qiantiao" interrupted directly, "Can't say."
"..."
Hearing these three words, Su'en's gaze sharpened slightly.
Can't say?
Does that mean...
Pestoya is indeed involved with that indescribable entity?
