Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 169: Hero’s Fate

Nol had a dreamless night.

Since arriving in Tahe, he had never slept so well. The long-standing hidden pain in his body disappeared, making him feel exceptionally light all over. This sense of relief was intoxicating, and he couldn’t help but wish it would last longer.

He opened his eyes and saw Teest sleeping beside him.

Teest’s face was very close, his breathing light and even. One of his arms was draped over Nol’s waist, while the other was under Nol’s head as a pillow.

Nol couldn’t help but look for a few more seconds, his gaze sliding from the other’s silver-white eyelashes to his slightly parted lips.

The clean face, the quiet bedroom, the comfortable bodies—everything was so normal, it was touching. The previous chaos and anomalies felt like nightmares in their daily lives.

But they weren’t.

If it weren’t for the lurking threat of Star Stealer Sol, this would have been such a relaxing time. Unfortunately, their schedule today didn’t involve lying lazily in bed. They had a dragon to meet.

Nol hesitated for a moment, deciding not to wake Teest. He gently turned over, then almost jumped out of bed—the black candle was perched on the bedside table, its single eye gazing at him mournfully.

“You can still be scared by me. Impressive,” it said with a sigh, not bothering to lower its volume.

Teest opened his eyes, yawned, and tightened the arm around Nol’s waist a little.

“Good morning, honey.” He stretched on the stone bed for a while before lazily getting up.

“Why is Kando at the bedside?” Nol couldn’t help but touch Teest’s long hair.

Teest replied, “Because we’re missing a night light.”

Nol’s hand stroking the hair paused.

Teest continued, “Well, we talked about something last night—trivial stuff. I was about to tell you. What do you think, Kando? Have you made your decision?”

The black candle’s gaze was incredibly complex. “…Pretty much.”

Nol moved between them. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Preliminary experiments.”

Teest reached over Nol, poking at the candle’s twisting tears. “Learning has to be gradual—first learn that one plus one equals two, then you might have a chance to unlock complex magical formulas, right?”

“Your knowledge seal is too complicated. We need to bypass magic itself and directly interfere with memory, starting with something simple like a ‘name seal’.”

Nol opened his mouth but said nothing.

Part of him was confused by Teest’s ambiguous words, while another part whispered blurry answers to him.

Yes, Kando and he shared similar seals.

Now that it was suddenly brought up, was Teest suggesting…

Sure enough, Teest said softly, “Yesterday, I had a chat with our Miss Perradat for a while, and she agreed to give up the deal with Kando.”

Nol’s eyes lit up. “So it wants to repay your kindness by helping us sort out the theory?”

He didn’t hide the strange relief and sentiment on his face.

Teest’s smile froze for half a second, his gaze slowly drifting away. “Uh, no. I just inherited the deal with Kando… Now I’m its master.”

“Also, it’s not just theoretical. He wants to get hands-on…” The candle chuckled dryly. Its short “hehe” contained at least ten emotions, and none of them were positive.

Nol: “……”

Nol: “Kando is considered my friend.”

“I have to admit, I initially wanted to use it for experiments.” Teest’s gaze drifted even further. “But I guessed you might be a little… slightly dissatisfied. So I offered a fairer trade, entirely voluntary.”

It was still our old friend, the Mad Monk. What was he hoping for?

Great. Less than ten minutes after waking up, his bedroom was already a scene of lively chaos.

Nol rubbed his temples hard. “Thanks for the consideration, but let’s not experiment on friends.”

After that, Nol sighed. “If we really need to clarify the situation with the ‘name seal’, we can find someone else. Some evil spirit with a long history of misdeeds or an Eternalist with a similar situation.”

“And, what did you use to trade for Kando? …Teest, you know you can’t look me in the eye when you’re guilty. You—wait, did you threaten Perradat?”

Teest’s gaze seemed to fly out of the room. His face was an astonishing picture of pure innocence.

Alright. Nol felt heavy-hearted. He thought he knew the answer.

“Anyway, let’s think of another way.”

“No need.” The candle suddenly spoke up. “That guy’s negotiation was quite fair, and I also want to recover my memory. The worst part is, I must have a master.”

Nol turned his face, looking at Kando with a complex expression.

Kando: “Wait, I’m not interested in being a servant! It’s just… a clear ‘recognition’ in my mind, without context. You understand this feeling, right?”

“Just like you instinctively dare not return to the Dragon’s Lair.” Seeing no anger from Nol, Teest cheerfully turned his head to interject.

“I want to know my past.” Ignoring Teest, Kando continued, “No matter what my past was, I’ve turned into a monster now. Things can’t get worse—it might even be helpful to you. It’s a perfect proposal.”

“Perradat would never release me voluntarily. For Her, every card must be played at the crucial moment. This is my best chance. I’m willing to cooperate!”

Nol didn’t know how to respond.

Throughout their journey, Kando’s understanding of the system was unnaturally extensive. Its ability to manipulate space was mysterious, and Nol still had no clue about its origins.

But he had an intuition that those abilities weren’t granted by Perradat. They weren’t powers related to fate.

Moreover, despite the black candle’s sharp tongue, its nature was relatively sincere and honest. If it completely changed after recalling its past…

Was it really a good idea to touch those memories? Nol was hesitant.

…Whether for Kando or for himself.

Beside him, Teest looked at him seriously.

“If that’s what you wish.” Eventually, Nol gave in. “Just don’t remember you’re Star Stealer Sol, since it also hates the Dragon’s Lair.”

“It’s not without that possibility,” the candle said slyly.

“You don’t have to worry about that.” Teest flicked the candle. “I have some guesses about this guy’s identity—I asked the Red Dragon Sage for you while you were resting.”

Nol quickly checked the system time—he had only slept for eight hours, not eighty?

In the blink of an eye, Teest had made a deal with Perradat, even dragged Painter out of bed, and woke up the Red Dragon Sage in the middle of the night to inquire about ancient gossip.

After a night of turmoil, the Mad Monk still had time to sneak back into bed and pretend nothing happened.

But knowing all this was for him, Nol’s helplessness turned soft. He wanted to kiss Teest, but with the candle’s burning gaze beside him, he could only pretend to be calm.

“Thank you both.” What else could he say?

Seeing Nol’s awkwardness fade, Teest happily waved his finger. “Before we meet with the dragons, let’s do a little warm-up.”

“I’ll find a way to bypass the seal with power and look at the memories inside the seal. Then, through methods other than normal curse-breaking, return the memories to Kando.”

[If its inner self is terrible, it’s okay not to return it.] Teest sent a thought to Nol, his mood as light as if he were shopping at a vegetable market.

Nol decided to pretend he didn’t hear it. At this moment, his Teest might be the knight furthest from chivalry in all of Tahe.

After saying these things, Teest approached Nol proudly. “Assuming the method works, I will invite Subelbot to deal with your knowledge seal—whether you want to open it or reinforce it, we will have a way.”

“This is your last chance. Are you really sure?” Nol couldn’t help but ask the black candle again.

“Did you really grow ears? For this day, I have endured for over two hundred years!” Kando hummed unhappily.

“Okay, I have only one request.” Nol closed his eyes and turned to Teest. “This time, I’ll be with you.”

He wanted to see those sealed memories of Kando himself.

In the early morning, the only assistant was Painter.

“Miss Lynn hardly slept last night, standing alone in the corner. I think she needs some time to think—let’s let her focus all her energy on negotiating with the dragons.”

Painter sighed deeply.

“I know what you want to ask. Don’t worry. I can handle it alone—I’ve been an opponent of the Eternal Church for quite a while, and I know how to stabilize seals of this level.”

“Then we’ll leave it to you.” Nol smoothed the wrinkles on his clothes and took a couple of deep breaths.

The little black candle was still slumped on the bedside table, its eyes looking up at Nol, revealing a peculiar sadness.

“Come on,” it said.

……

Nol stepped into a pure white space.

There was no distinction of up, down, left, or right here… There were only black patches flickering everywhere.

Their edges emitted a soft light, floating in this space, like windows filled with the night sky appearing out of nowhere. If one ignored the special nature of this place, the “scenery” nearby was almost beautiful.

“Shrouded magic.” Nol approached the “patch” closest to him. “They block normal memories? They’re… hm, not very strong, but there are too many.”

“That’s why you need a succubus, honey.” Teest extended his hand and waved it out of thin air.

Countless patches flew like kites, lining up in front of him. The power to control dreams, no doubt. Nol drew closer, watching those domino-like floating patches.

They emitted a soft humming, gently swaying.

Teest’s expression turned a bit more serious. He extended his hands, and a majestic, cold power floated up like seawater. The edges of the patches flickered, becoming somewhat ethereal, and their glow grew brighter.

Instead of a queue, it looked more like a discontinuous pathway now.

Nol was reminded of two mirrors placed opposite each other.

“Easier than I thought.” Teest hummed deeply. “Sure enough, trash can’t compare to the system.”

When Teest recalled the oppressive feeling given by that “foreign Nol” last time, the hairs on the back of his neck still stood up. Invading this kind of seal was about as difficult as picking up a penny; but compared to invading Nol’s seal, Teest would rather steal Perradat’s remains again.

“Please.” In front of the slightly trembling passage, Teest extended his hand as if inviting a dance.

Nol firmly grasped that hand and stepped forward.

The moment he saw the world in front of him, a feeling close to fear struck him.

He found himself standing on a pale beach, not far from the ancient Demon King that should have disappeared long ago. The black-gray sea, the bloody sky, the dimly lit reefs like rotting corpses, and the busy shadows wandering everywhere.

The air was filled with a familiar stench, as if time had turned back.

It was just like they were still fighting the ancient Demon King, and everything that followed was just an illusion.

Looking at this land for the second time, that terrifying déjà vu faded.

Nol realized that the challengers this time weren’t faces he recognized. He saw an old man in tattered clothes, a woman in silver armor, a mage with a big beard… This team wasn’t small in number, and they were on the verge of collapse.

Broken bodies were swallowed by the Demon King’s corruption. The few leading them were all heavily injured, soaking the pale beach with blood and flesh.

The owner of this memory stood at the forefront of the team; his vision was stained red with blood.

On the long sword, the face of the memory’s owner was reflected.

Nol instantly tightened his grip on Teest’s hand.

He recognized that face—of course, he recognized that face. Damn it, he had considered this possibility, but… but Kando was nothing like that person—the NPC that the “Tahe” production team had put the most effort into.

…That was the hero, Drake.

---

Kinky Thoughts:

I had a suspicious feeling, but now it’s confirmed.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 168: Chaos

Nol disliked the feeling he was experiencing at the moment.

During his transformation into a monster, he had successfully enhanced his ability to stay conscious. Now, that very ability began to… harm him. He could feel the so-called “knowledge seal” at the edges loosening—something heavy, foul-smelling, and bitter-tasting was spilling out from the edges.

Memory was such a delicate thing.

Asking most people, “Did you attend elementary school?” would immediately yield an affirmative answer. This fact was ingrained in people’s minds, as clear as one plus one equals two.

However, recalling details from the distant past required further digging into one’s memory, recalling certain images, names, or events.

Nol suddenly discovered that his thought process was blocked regarding certain matters. Some “facts” were deeply etched in his brain, yet he couldn’t recall more through them.

Not thinking about it kept everything normal, a voice in his mind told him.

But how could his thoughts be so obedient?

Nol couldn’t help but try to remember. He didn’t remember buying a house and living in Joy Garden, just as he didn’t remember how he commuted to and from work or what his colleagues looked like. The more he tried to recall each event, the more blurred the faces in his memory became.

Did these events really happen or were they just his imagination?

He remembered he had a plant, which he placed in the bedroom. When cooking, he could just lift his hand to conveniently water it with the rice washing water. When showering, he would place it outside to avoid getting splashed with hot water.

He was accustomed to brewing tea for himself, so he filled his wardrobe with tea leaves. They were covered in thick spider webs, which he had to cut through with scissors to reach. He often worked while cutting them, and the webs would stick to his office chair.

He never ordered takeout at home. After all, he was seldom there. When hungry, he would simply cook noodles with green vegetables and eggs. The eggs would roll out of the fridge on their own, and the rotten vegetables had to be washed to become fresh again. Instant noodles were stacked in boxes, sometimes barking at midnight.

He liked looking out the window.

From the windows of the living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, he always loved this 360-degree view. He could see everything.

It was just that the bathroom window was too small, sometimes blocking his pupils.

So, he never bought curtains.

The only thing he couldn’t remember at all was his own face in the mirror. The mirror would only stick to his body—cold, slimy, and slippery, so he couldn’t see it.

Nol slowly hugged his head.

He suddenly realized some subtle and terrifying details that had always been there, right under his nose. Yet, the seal in his mind always forced him to divert his attention, not to think deeply.

Don’t look, don’t think. Don’t look, don’t think. Maintain the status quo.

But he kept remembering more. Nol could feel the seal loosening further. Something was about to burst forth.

He remembered being treated in a hospital with no other patients, walking in a plaza filled with twisted, inhuman statues. He remembered having meetings at work, the office, and home looking exactly the same. Colleagues sat on the broken living room floor, their faces always turned towards him.

He remembered designing art concepts, writing code logic, slowly crafting the world setting. Those vaguely faced colleagues bustled about, gradually revealing their true faces. They all bore his face.

……

He remembered the intense pain of limbs being shattered and then fused back together, the rot and healing of flesh, incorporating new flesh. He remembered the flow of murky slime, elderly people cursing loudly outside the window. He remembered…

It seemed he had already…

His barely gathered thoughts were once again on the verge of a chaotic eruption. Nol gasped for air. Biological instincts warned him wildly that he had reached the edge of a cliff and could go no further.

He absolutely must not break the seal. This was a warning from himself.

But he…

Rings of blue fire suddenly bound Nol. In his distorted and melting vision, Kando broke free from Lynn’s side and floated into mid-air.

The emotion in the single eye of the black candle was heavier than ever. It was saying something as dark entities seeped out from its body, rushing towards Nol.

Like shedding a coat soaked in ice water and stinking of foul odor, Nol’s thoughts suddenly became light and clear. The previous troubles vanished without a trace. He couldn’t even remember why he was troubled.

What was he supposed to do? Right, meet with the dragon leader, defeat Star Stealer Sol…

Nol straightened up, suddenly noticing Lynn had run to the furthest corner of the cave, defensively sticking to the wall. Painter was expressionless, with his paintbrush wand already drawn.

Only Teest remained in place, still firmly holding Nol’s hand, as if unsure whether to feel sympathy or amazement.

“Fuck,” the black candle said. “That was close.”

Its flame had never been so weak. The magic just now—whatever that magic was—clearly took a lot out of it.

“What did you just do?” Teest’s gaze swept towards the black candle.

“Risky move, asking Perradat to use its power to take away this guy’s previous name, forcing him to forget the things associated with that name.” Kando said with lingering fear, “Living long enough to see everything, I didn’t expect this trick could have a positive use.”

Nol patted his head in confusion. “Take away the name? But all my knowledge is still here.”

The three people and one candle in the room looked at him speechlessly, their faces filled with unsaid words.

After hesitating for a few seconds, Nol shook his head again. “Anyway, thank you. Whatever you did just now was very helpful.”

Kando chuckled dryly, falling to the ground. “Don’t thank me too soon—your power is too strong. Perradat’s method is only a temporary fix. It might just take a couple of days before you start remembering things you shouldn’t.”

Nol patted his head harder, feeling a numb and cold sensation in his brain, as if something had been forcefully extracted.

“Let’s call it a day. I’m a bit tired.”

Nol let Teest squeeze his wrist. “I want to get some good sleep.”

“Of course, honey.” Teest kissed his forehead in response.

For a second, Painter’s expression was a bit complex. He coughed twice. “Then I won’t disturb the two of you.”

Lynn hesitated, finally sighing heavily. “I also…”

Nol thought Lynn’s attitude was a bit strange. The next moment, this thought quickly slid into the abyss, leaving no trace. Hmm, everything was normal.

Teest’s palm caressed Nol’s cheek, recalling everything that had just happened.

Just then, before Lynn could finish speaking, Nol suddenly transformed.

His form began to change into a monster, even worse than a short while ago. Nol’s flesh seemed to swell and writhe as if about to explode. This time, what protruded from his back weren’t beautiful crack wings but grotesque red and green flesh wings.

If his previous monster form still resembled a human, this time he seemed to want to become… something akin to a dragon.

Lynn immediately applied protective spells to everyone present, then shut her eyes tightly, while Painter instantly enveloped the vicinity with magic, to avoid alarming the dragons or letting this unprecedented monster escape.

Teest just watched intently.

He had a sort of blind confidence that his Nol wouldn’t do anything to him. Teest watched very carefully, from the swelling flesh to the wrinkles on the wing membranes.

Perhaps because he was too close, Teest noticed the varying shades of the swollen flesh and the subtle differences in texture. They seemed to be carefully stitched together with extremely fine threads, forcefully joined together carrying the dull color of corpses.

Nol unconsciously let out a low groan. Teest placed his hand on the monster’s cold body, gently patting in a soothing manner. He wasn’t sure if it was helpful—at least it wasn’t for him, but his sister liked it.

And Nol… Nol was a normal person, wasn’t he?

Teest stood next to the surging form of the monster, calmly and gently patting it, even though, at this moment, he couldn’t even find Nol’s features.

The monster’s deadly groaning softened, turning into confused and dazed murmuring.

Golden threads gently wrapped around the transforming body with just the right amount of force. In the darkness, those strands of light seemed almost gentle, as if formed from condensed rays of light.

“Shh—” Teest smiled. “Honey, we will solve this problem.”

The monster’s transformation slowed down, and suddenly the black candle flew out from Lynn. With the name temporarily taken away, Nol reverted to his original form, as if nothing had happened.

Star Stealer Sol really knew how to exploit people’s weaknesses, Teest thought. If this kind of anomaly happened a few more times, Nol might change his mind and decide to eradicate “himself” as an unstable element.

Of course, that was if Nol was still conscious by then, which Teest was doubtful about.

In the early hours, Nol fell into a deep sleep on the bed.

He still had his handsome human appearance, his loose robe sliding to one side, revealing beautifully contoured collarbones. Teest sat by the bed, his golden eyes twinkling faintly in the night.

A God from another world creating a knowledge seal and an excessively abnormal form.

The crazy end of the three Demon Kings, Star Stealer Sol’s targeting and deals, and the help and pleas from Loser.

The truth about the world he had sought for so long, in the end, all converged to one point. Everything originated from the person before him, his person. The best part was, they were hand in hand, walking towards the final mystery.

Such a sweet fact, but it was a pity that Nol would suffer because of it, and Teest couldn’t taste much sweetness from it. How unfortunate.

Teest gently caressed Nol’s exposed arm, the skin warm and soft, lacking the previous dead material feeling. His fingertips glided gently, as if peeling off an invisible layer of candy wrapper.

“Kando,” Teest suddenly said.

“Tsk.” The black candle emerged from a pile of luggage. “How did you know I was watching?”

Teest shrugged indifferently. “You’ve always been a voyeur. It’s not news.”

“You two aren’t planning on doing anything tonight, are you?” Kando spoke in what could only be described as a horrified tone. “I understand people have different tastes, but aren’t you a bit too…”

“Nol said he was tired, and I’m not an animal in heat all the time.” Teest glanced at him. “I just wanted to ask you something, or more accurately, ask Loser who’s behind you.”

“I can’t just order a False God around like a dog…”

“Come on. It’s definitely watching.” Teest chuckled briefly. “After intervening to seal Nol, do you think it would just leave?”

To bypass the [God’s Forsaken], Star Stealer Sol projected itself onto the serpentman prophet. So how did Perradat watch them? It wasn’t hard to guess.

Teest suspected that it had been watching them much longer than Star Stealer Sol had—after all, it was a False God with real prophetic power. If it wished, it could create a thousand “chance meetings”.

Teest looked at Kando calmly, his gaze passing through its single eye to something that existed deep within it.

The black candle rolled its eye. “I don’t know…”

Before it could finish, its voice suddenly changed. The previously comical, non-human voice turned into a sweet young girl’s voice.

A familiar magical fluctuation spread out, identical to that of the headless body.

“Good night.” The single eye of the black candle curved slightly.

“I knew it. Only a big voyeur could bring out a little voyeur.”

Rather than addressing a fallen god, Teest’s tone was more akin to speaking to a rubber duck in a bathtub.

The black candle: “……”

The black candle cleared its throat. “Good night, Mr. Teest. I have many names. Here, you may call me Perradat.”

It pretended not to hear the earlier comment.

“At a critical moment, we indeed should collaborate further.”

Teest raised an eyebrow. “Is this what your prophecy told you?”

“No,” Perradat said. “Having taken away Lord Nol’s name, I’m now involved and can no longer foresee related futures.”

“If Lord Nol truly falls into madness, I will completely lose to Star Stealer Sol… You called me concerning the knowledge seal, right? I will—”

“Ah, you got it wrong.” Teest relaxed on the bed, crossing one leg. “I just want you to release Kando—you made it induce Nol to fight Star Stealer Sol. Now that your goal is achieved, there’s no need to constrain it anymore.”

Perradat quietly observed Teest. Unfortunately, a single eye didn’t reveal much emotion.

“Lord Nol’s problem…” It shifted the topic.

“I don’t trust cooperation with Star Stealer Sol, just as I don’t trust yours. In the end, you’re all just coveting outsiders.” Teest said, “I’ll figure out Nol’s situation myself—if you want to cooperate with us, well, with me personally, then release Kando.”

“You’re not such a generous person.” After a while, Perradat responded.

Teest narrowed his eyes. “I have my plans. You just need to answer me. Agree or refuse.”

“If it can earn a bit of trust from both of you, of course, I’m willing.”

Perradat pondered for a full two minutes before speaking again. “Please believe in my sincerity. My survival doesn’t require dominating the world. I only need a small corner—I just hope Star Stealer Sol disappears. I have no intention of fighting against the true God of Creation.”

“You can negotiate with Nol when the time comes.” Teest said, “We’ll solve everything together. Nol won’t go back on his word. You and your little candle have been watching for so long. You should understand his character.”

“As for what you can get from me.”

Teest fearlessly faced the fallen god.

“After Star Stealer Sol disappears, I won’t try to get rid of you. Is that a good enough price?”

---

The author has something to say:

A chapter that might cause a drop in sanity. I tried my best. Hope it works.

Gently lying down (……

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 167: Nol Speaks

Dragon’s Lair.

When Lilith woke up, she didn’t see the familiar tent ceiling but an unfamiliar rock cave, as if it was her first day in this world.

Dim stone walls were in front of her, surrounded by the heavy smell of blood and viscera. She woke up in a pile of corpses in a cage, wrapped in dried blood like armor.

Her lower half had turned into a serpent’s body, with scales cracked open and flesh torn, causing unbearable pain. Her lips were chapped and wrinkled, and her throat felt as if it had been roasted in a desert. The discomfort and pain throughout her body made her want to cry, and then her dry eyeballs also became part of the pain.

Everything seemed like a nightmare.

She didn’t know how to “walk” and could only crawl on the ground, licking the moist droplets on the stone walls. Occasionally, other serpentmen would appear and throw animal carcasses to her. She couldn’t stomach them, only able to chew on the moss in the corners with a fishy smell.

Starving, she dared only to drink a bit of blood and swallow a few clumps of raw meat.

Through bits and pieces of conversation over a dozen days, she pieced together her current situation.

The original owner of this body was named Lisbeth, one of the tribe’s prophets. In pursuit of power, she ventured into the tribe’s forbidden lands to learn ancient divination arts that had been banned.

Lisbeth’s tribespeople insisted it was the prophecy of an evil god and threw Lisbeth into a cage. Before determining her punishment, another prophet was sent to make a prophecy for her.

[Touching the forbidden surpasses death. In turmoil, your wishes will be fulfilled.]

However, at that time, other than knowing “this is likely another world” and “this world has magic”, she was clueless about other common knowledge, let alone deciphering the prophecy.

Despite declaring over and over her lack of worship for the “evil god”, it was all treated as deep and deceptive acting.

Had Dorothy’s adventure team not happened to be fighting nearby, she might have died confusedly deep in the cave.

What followed was simple: recognizing a fellow countryman in Dorothy, figuring out the system and skills, and gaining a preliminary understanding of the situation. Renouncing the hard-to-remember name of Lisbeth, Lin Li renamed herself Lilith and joined Amazon*.

*Clarity: Lisbeth (莉兹贝丝) vs Lilith (莉莉丝).

However, after Dorothy knew her origins, she made her keep it secret from the other Players.

“I’ll keep an eye out for your sister,” she promised repeatedly. “As for the rest, you have to pretend you know nothing.”

Why? Lilith didn’t quite understand.

All she knew was that upon hearing she came from Joy Garden and knew nothing about the game “Tahe”, Dorothy first froze, then a hint of despair appeared in her expression.

They just transmigrated into the game differently, Lilith thought. Weren’t they all just transmigrating into the game?

Fortunately, Lilith understood the dangers of this world. She didn’t pry into Dorothy’s reasons and used her skill, [Lost Prophecy], to contribute to Amazon without reverence.

However, not long after making a prophecy for Barto, she lost her memory. When she opened her eyes again, it was… like this.

The panic that should have faded surged up, and she abruptly sat up, wanting to scream, but saw two familiar figures beside her.

Barto stood in the corner, motionless. He was still breathing, but his eyes were devoid of light, like painted wood.

Dorothy sat on her stone bed, peeling the skin of a flame scale fruit—a hard-skinned fruit that resembled dragon scales that was very sweet and only found near the Dragon’s Lair.

“Sister!” Lilith sighed in relief. “What happened? I seem to have blacked out…”

Dorothy showed that subtly complex expression again. “I don’t know.”

She glanced warily at Barto in the corner. “But, I think someone will give us answers.”

……

In another cave.

“…So that’s roughly what happened.” Painter supported a holy light shield and said in a serious tone, “Miss Lynn told me the truth about Paradise and your identity. Now, I am your staunch ally.”

Teest: “Then remove the magic shield. I’ve said I won’t steal your sword.”

Painter pretended not to hear, and the holy light shield kept shimmering. “Thank you all for your honesty. Many of my questions have been answered.”

Nol had returned to human form, wearing a loose black robe, and sat a bit awkwardly on a stone chair—this was his first time facing the natives as the “Creator”… Well, the mentally stable natives.

“You don’t seem very surprised,” Nol said.

Knowing the whole story, Painter was much calmer than expected. Even though Nol’s identity shifted from “Demon King” to “God of Creation”, Painter’s gaze toward Nol didn’t change.

“Haha, whether this world was created by the Goddess of Life or you, or even if it originated from a godless coincidence, Tahe is Tahe. Many beings have come this far on their own, unrelated to gods.”

Painter spread his hands in the holy light. “To me, you’re like my ancestors’ ancestors who created me—worthy of respect and gratitude, but not awe.”

With the golden glow illuminating him, this former Pope’s image was radiant, his words heartwarming. It was just a pity that the reason for the appearance of the holy light shield was regrettable, Nol thought.

Teest circled the holy light shield twice, clicking his tongue. Nol couldn’t tell if he was after the sword or just disliked Painter.

“How can you see the system?” he asked bluntly. “Is your situation like mine?”

Painter waved his hands repeatedly. “No, no. This Villain is just an ordinary person. I don’t have the favor of the world’s authority, even using existing magic for projection. That’s not simple magic—at least not for me alone.”

“Projecting on that prophet, I could watch the world through her eyes. I think, by using this method, Star Stealer Sol also intended to bypass the restrictions of [God’s Forsaken].”

“What do you mean?” Lynn immediately caught on to the issue. “Are you saying, that prophet is—”

Painter: “A resident of Paradise, I guess.”

“Now she’s nominally ‘sacrificed’ on the Players’ side. Afterwards, returning to the Players’ side or following us, she can choose freely.”

As Painter said this, his gaze shifted to Nol, and he smiled like a fox that got the hen.

It was as if his face was saying, “Just give me that sword.”

“That means Dorothy might have guessed some of the situation,” Lynn murmured. “But she’s keeping it from the other two Player leaders… If she’s worried about causing chaos among the Players…”

“Then this is up to you. You go negotiate with them.” Teest glanced at Nol, trying to hide his indifference.

Lynn pinched the bridge of her nose hard.

How did she get assigned a task so quickly, and by someone not even her boss? She needed time to digest the situation too.

She had indeed staunchly refused Star Stealer Sol’s temptation, but people’s hearts weren’t made of steel. The path to find her sister and return home once lay before her. To say she didn’t care would be a lie.

Lynn couldn’t help but look at the other three present.

Teest definitely didn’t care, no doubt. She suspected even if the entire Lost Tower exploded, the Mad Monk wouldn’t blink an eye. He was temporarily their ally, solely because of Nol.

Painter was kind and righteous, but the Pope’s “good intentions” didn’t extend to “betting the world on an outsider’s return home, rushing to join an evil god”.

To be honest, in the entire event, Lynn was most surprised by Nol. Nol’s decisions were very decisive, so much so that it seemed uncharacteristic of someone who grew up in peaceful times. It wasn’t that she didn’t support Nol’s decision. She just thought he would hesitate more.

“Thank you for your hard work.” Nol sincerely turned to Lynn, unaware of her inner doubts. “Please talk to those two and also reconfirm the prophecy.”

Both prophecies were fake, Nol speculated. He was worried that, with Star Stealer Sol possessing Perradat’s remains, indeed some degree of “foresight” could be achieved.

Where dragons are born, where mistakes converge. The Master of the world returns to the start of the dream.

This was true. He had indeed returned to the beginning of it all. A mix of truth and lies in the prophecy would definitely deceive people more effectively than pure nonsense.

The prophecy given to the Players, “He will grant you the way home”, “You will witness a noble sacrifice”, were likely traps set by Star Stealer Sol to fan the flames.

As for the other descriptions… “Lost knowledge is reset”, “You will find what you have lost”, “You will find the answers you seek.” They all reflected one thing—the trip to the Dragon’s Lair would provide some answers.

Are these pieces of true prophecy, or just smoke and mirrors by Star Stealer Sol?

He must verify this properly.

Nol fell into thought as usual, as if he had just had an ordinary day, not one where he made decisions affecting the fate of the world.

Lynn watched him for a while. “I understand. If necessary, I’ll try to get a real prophecy done for you.”

“Thanks,” Nol said. “Also, that sword is rightfully yours now, Mr. Painter.”

Teest clicked his tongue even louder, sitting next to Nol and eyeing Painter. “And I have to pay for the rewards for those Players.”

“Just testing the system’s judgment on ‘God’ is a great feat.”

Nol placed a hand on Teest’s knee. The system represented the law of the world. If the “God” of the “system’s quest” had a huge interpretative space, the situation with the “prophecies” would likely be the same, giving their actions much more confidence.

Just a few hours ago, Teacher Star Stealer Sol kindly demonstrated this to them.

Although the prophecy given was false, whether Nol chose to sacrifice for everyone or Painter pretended the serpentman prophet sacrificed, the Players would “witness a noble sacrifice”.

Whether it was Star Stealer Sol deceiving the Players through projection, or Painter, the “temporary god of the Drifting Mercenary Group” pretending to be the Goddess of Life, both could pass the system’s judgment of “listening to the words of God”.

The Chosen Ones’ baffling oracles could become their weapon to forge fate—

Nol’s greatest skill wasn’t combat, but finding loopholes in the rules.

A comforting feeling spread from his toes, warmly rushing to his chest, turning into a satisfied sigh. Nol relaxed a bit, leaning on Teest, his expression gradually easing.

“That red-haired old fox done ‘a great feat’?” Teest muttered.

“You forced Star Stealer Sol out directly, preventing a human-dragon war. Your contribution is the greatest.” Nol leaned on his lover. “My ‘loyal’ knight, do you want any other response?”

Lynn’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She pulled her knees together, looking down.

This is a perfect conclusion, isn’t it?

No one was hurt, no one died. The harsh quest was aborted halfway. Nol’s terrifying condition was successfully reversed, appearing very stable mentally. Everyone’s cooperation was seamless, decisively driving away the False God. Everything went too smoothly that it felt unreal.

As a beneficiary, should she be dissatisfied with the “loud thunder but little rain*” outcome?

*Metaphor for doing something with great fanfare but little actual action (AKA all bark no bite, much cry little wool).

Teest and Painter were stronger than her, and they hadn’t spoken up. Maybe she was overthinking… Maybe there could be such an overly “happy” ending?

But Lynn couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off, yet she couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Looking at Nol’s smiling face, she felt like she was looking at a complex puzzle missing a piece.

“It’s getting late.” Lynn hesitated. “The prophet and Dorothy aren’t easy to deal with. I have my puppet watching over there. I’ll talk to them tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Nol smiled.

“Tomorrow we’ll go find Subelbot.” Teest planned excitedly. “The matter of the knowledge seal, we’ll talk to it properly.”

“It’s best to wait until Miss Lynn’s talk is over. Going together with Miss Dorothy shows more sincerity in negotiating peace with the dragon race,” Painter interjected.

Ah.

Lynn suddenly realized the source of her discomfort. Teest and Painter, after all, were different from her.

They were warriors from another world, accustomed to life and death, not prioritizing Earth at heart, unaware of Earth’s situation, and unclear about Earth’s values.

So they couldn’t feel Nol’s subtle… detachment.

“Xu Yue.” When the other three discussed the itinerary, Lynn spoke up solemnly.

Hearing this name, Nol turned his face. “What’s up?”

“Are you okay?” Lynn stared straight into his eyes. “Star Stealer Sol is indeed untrustworthy, but that was still a painful decision.”

“Painter covering for you in the name of God isn’t a long-term solution. In case your situation is exposed, you will face many who accuse you, like Barto. You need to be mentally prepared.”

Nol tilted his head slightly, but his face still wore a gentle smile. “I will be. Thank you for the reminder.”

His expression didn’t change—no trace of conflict, trouble, or hesitation.

Something was indeed off.

Lynn felt a chill at her feet. She tried to stabilize her expression. “After a battle, it’s time to relax. Let’s chat casually—my first business trip in two lifetimes, and it turned out to be a big deal. If only we had ice-cold beer here.”

Teest’s gaze swept over her, containing a hint of scrutiny.

He said nothing, instead silently shifting his gaze away, as if… offering encouragement?

Could it be that this guy had also realized it?

Lynn took a deep breath inwardly, trying to continue naturally. “Speaking of which, you mentioned before that you attended A University’s XX College? I have a colleague who also went to A University, always complaining about how bad the second cafeteria’s food was.”

“It wasn’t that bad.” Nol recalled for a moment in response to this abrupt topic. “Just generally too sweet. The tomato scrambled eggs were frighteningly sweet.”

“Haha, she said the same thing! She also said that dish always had leftovers, and if anyone bought it, the serving lady would give a generous portion.”

“Auntie Liu, right? I remember.” Nol’s tone carried a bit of reverence. “The first time I saw her serve so much, I was quite touched…”

Normally, Teest wasn’t too fond of these Earth-related topics. This time, uncharacteristically, he remained silent with his arms around Nol, quietly listening.

Lynn paused, then changed the subject. “Speaking of which, how’s the cafeteria at your company? I’ve seen posts online saying it’s pretty good.”

“…It’s not bad,” Nol replied slowly.

Lynn waited patiently for more, but it didn’t come. Nol’s blue eyes just looked at her, like the wings of a dead blue morpho butterfly.

Suddenly, Lynn felt an eerie sensation of walking through a minefield. She sharply changed the topic. “You rarely talk about this. I was just curious—I remember our neighborhood is quite far from your company. Commuting must be quite difficult.”

“…Quite difficult.” Nol still looked at Lynn in the same way.

Teest’s pupils suddenly narrowed, and Painter’s expression froze. For a second, Lynn instinctively wanted to run away, to escape from this… unknown entity in front of her.

Teest tightened his embrace around Nol’s waist, nodding subtly to Lynn. Almost simultaneously, a veil-like light swept over her body. That was Painter’s calming magic.

Calm down. Lynn clenched her fists, trying hard to pretend everything was normal.

“Let’s drop the commuting topic. It’ll just make us all cry anyway. Let’s talk about colleagues instead.”

Lynn tried to keep her voice steady. “I know you’ve chatted with Lao Luo and others about the gossip in the art department. Share some with me. Let’s give Painter something fresh to hear—how about starting with some weirdos? Difficult people like Barto?”

Nol: “I have many colleagues.”

At this point, his gaze suddenly became distant. “I have many colleagues, from different departments. The question is too broad…”

“Like?” Lynn smiled stiffly. “What’s the name of the colleague you’re closest with?”

Lynn knew this question was very abrupt, but she really couldn’t continue the conversation. At this moment, she hardly dared to look into those eyes.

“What kind of question is that?” Nol chuckled, sounding like a normal person for a second. “His name is—”

His voice abruptly stopped, as if he was frozen in the air.

“…I don’t remember.” After a few seconds, he murmured as if in a trance. “I can’t recall.”

“It’s normal. That happens to everyone, forgetting words as soon as pen is put to paper.” Lynn’s tongue felt numb. “A nickname is fine. What about their appearance? Describe the appearance—”

“…I don’t remember,” Nol said.

“What subway line do you usually take to work?”

“…I don’t remember,” Nol said.

“……” Lynn really started to feel scared. “When did you move into Joy Garden?”

A crack appeared in Nol’s voice, pain slowly seeping through.

“…I don’t remember,” Nol said.

---

The author has something to say:

Lynn: My boss is sick (literally). My boss’ significant other is also sick (literally)

Working environment is extremely challenging…

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 166: Possibilities

Previously, Nol had been quietly listening.

Star Stealer Sol blatantly ignored him, perhaps convinced that his mind was muddled beyond communication. What a logical arrangement… The creator entered the cruel otherworld he crafted, witnessing the twisted fates of many, watching his compatriots crumble before his eyes.

He still remembered the guilt, wandering, and exhaustion from those early days.

Now, having finally grown stronger, he was greeted by a state of chaotic thought shrouded in dark unknowns… Such a path could crush any sane person.

Then someone appeared, offering him the sweet release of death and cutting through the tangled morass.

With his original level of mental disarray, Star Stealer Sol’s stance was like asking a feverish elementary student to solve a world-class math problem. Not to mention the “divine oracle” stirring things up.

Nol was sure that, facing the pain and torment he had endured, he would likely accept.

Not for anything else, but for a justified release.

Unfortunately, Nol had never been so clear-headed.

There were minor flaws in the whole event.

The so-called “prophecy of fate” felt slightly off from the start… When the remains of Perradat provided the “prophecy”, it borrowed the corpse of the Eternal Pope.

But just a short while ago, it had delivered a prophecy in another form right in front of them, so why suddenly change the method?

Was a prophecy appearing before the remains of Perradat necessarily given by “Perradat”?

The “Master” of the Eternal Pope was Star Stealer Sol from the start, not Perradat.

Coincidentally, Star Stealer Sol specifically lured him, a “suspected Demon King’s minion”, to Amazon.

Amazon held the prophecy, “He will grant you the way home”… Clearly, this wasn’t a prophecy the Popes would receive. And even if the situation was still unclear, would the coward Perradat suddenly intervene in the battle?

Prophecies could be forged, both in content and outcome.

The monster-transformed Nol stood calmly, hearing the creaking of his thoughts. Strangely, his mind became clearer after calming down.

Behind the monster, the crack-like wings gradually became transparent, as if the world itself was healing.

Nol tried to hide his wings, continuing to ponder amidst Star Stealer Sol’s buzzing nonsense.

Following this line of thought… Star Stealer Sol used some means to discover the old pope’s death, then immediately dropped a divine oracle, luring the attacker to the Dragon’s Lair.

At the same time, he spread “prophecies” among the nearby Players, dangling the bait of “a way home”. This way, Star Stealer Sol could stir up opposition and even eliminate him, the “unknown attacker”.

“The way home” was too vague. “Sending people back to Earth” was a way home. “Unlocking the sealed area of this quest” was also a way home.

Similarly, “noble sacrifice”. This was easier to handle. If the hat couldn’t be passed on, Star Stealer Sol just needed to ensure someone died.

If Nol were to write this script, “Players suffered heavy losses, a prophet jumps out to sacrifice himself summoning the projection of the Goddess, and the Goddess protects the Players with her power”… This situation could serve as a “guarantee for fulfilling the prophecy”.

This would significantly increase the Players’ trust in the goddess.

Whether the “attacker” was a minion of the Demon King or the Demon King himself, this setup had too much room for manipulation. At worst, Star Stealer Sol could gain information about the attacker and the trust of the Players, which would be a sure win.

It seemed that from the moment they crossed the oracle’s transmission formation, Star Stealer Sol began its scheme.

For instance, the sudden appearance of Enbillick Alva. Could he be in the same situation as the prophet in front of them?

The dark, sticky malice pushed them step by step towards destruction, offering an irresistible reason. This thing worked hard to create such a situation. No matter how beautiful its words were, Nol didn’t believe a single bit.

After all, for him, “giving up the future” was never an option.

He and his knight had made a promise.

Nol’s gaze shifted to Teest.

[…Will that soft-hearted Demon King betray everything it protects for you? …You are the “price” that can be sacrificed.]

Star Stealer Sol whispered softly to Teest, every word a stab to the heart.

Nol could see a hint of disarray in Teest’s silhouette. The Mad Monk hid it well, but Nol could see. Perhaps along the way, facing the torments that could crush him, he always looked to Teest.

[…I am willing to do my best to preserve a piece of its soul, to accompany you in a new shell… a shell at your disposal…]

If it were the Mad Monk he first met, he would definitely agree quickly. After all, his knight was a control freak who liked to hang people with golden threads. He would be happy to put a collar on the victim.

But Nol knew that Teest wouldn’t choose this now. He just knew.

Not long ago, Teest said he would offer loyalty. In fact, Teest offered far more than life and loyalty… But his knight hadn’t realized it yet.

[The Demon King will not resist. Everything is destined…]

[No, the Demon King will resist.]

Nol teleported behind Teest, soothingly covering Teest’s eyes. Don’t be tempted by that false light. His chest gently leaned against Teest’s back.

[Even if it’s destined,] Nol said.

[Do you feel shaken when you hear “a shell at your disposal”?]

At the same time, Nol sent a telepathic message to Teest in a light, almost teasing, tone. [Wasn’t I enough at your disposal before? I said, you just need to ask me.]

[Honey, you really are becoming more… um, open,] Teest responded, his thoughts carrying a sense of relief.

Star Stealer Sol fell silent for a few seconds. Nol didn’t know if this thing could parse their telepathic message. Never mind. It didn’t matter to him.

[You are stronger than I imagined.]

After a few seconds, Star Stealer Sol still maintained that annoyingly holy tone. [You have unnecessary caution towards me… I admit, I’ve done some things, but that was just for self-preservation. My respect for you hasn’t changed.]

[Regardless of what happened before, the conditions I offer now are genuine. If you have doubts, you can fill in any details you want.]

Her tone was almost sincere. [I understand your concerns. After all, they are your compatriots.]

“Compatriots!” Barto raised his voice. “Damn, I knew it…”

“God has spoken to this extent. I think you just want to live cowardly—”

[Yes,] Nol said.

He released a part of the False God’s pressure.

Barto was choked up on the spot, Lynn moved slightly in surprise, while Dorothy stood like a stone statue, expressionless. Painter stepped back two steps with the corners of his mouth curved upwards.

[The past is just the past.] For the first time, uncertainty appeared in Star Stealer Sol’s tone. [I sincerely offer you a deal—]

[No,] Nol said again.

The huge monster covered Teest’s eyes, bowing its faceless head.

“Tilia’s” smile faded a bit.

[So you choose to be enemies with your compatriots, and I will give them new rewards—your corpse, your power, will guarantee their way home.]

She looked sadly at the monster in front of her and the white-haired knight it enveloped.

[Is this the path you choose…]

[Yes,] Nol answered without hesitation.

Putting aside the other party’s insidious intentions, even if Star Stealer Sol’s offer was a true escape, he would never become a compliant pawn.

He would forge a new path, a better one—this was his world, and even if such a path didn’t exist, he would create it.

Because he promised someone an ending.

“From this second onwards, every person who dies will be on your head!” Barto roared. “No wonder the main quest is to subdue the Demon King. We will tell everyone the truth—that a Player has obtained the Demon King class! You wait…ugh…”

Before he could finish, the anger on Barto’s face suddenly froze.

His beautiful face gradually stiffened, and outlines of doll joints faintly appeared on his fingers and arms. Barto’s eyes widened as if he wanted to say something, but only a clacking noise came from his throat.

Lynn extended her hands, as if controlling a puppet, her fingertips glowing with a dim light.

The ability of the Supreme Domination Witch, [Living Puppet]—

Turns beings of lower strength into puppets to serve as subordinates. The controlled are fully conscious but unable to do anything, essentially making them sentient vegetables.

Unless the spell is actively lifted by the Supreme Domination Witch, the controlled will remain in a puppet state forever.

“I knew this trick would come in handy someday.” Lynn’s expression was complicated. “Don’t worry. You won’t die. I won’t send you to the battlefield—I’ll let you find a quiet corner to gather dust. If our leader is in a good mood, he might mercifully seal you away.”

“Why… Why…” Barto struggled to ask.

“Because I’m not a bullshit saint. I only care about family and friends, not the end of the world.”

Lynn’s expression remained complicated, but her tone was firm. “I support my own people who have helped me, rather than someone who jumps out halfway and speaks pretty words.”

She said this while looking towards Dorothy not far away.

“Even if I make the wrong choice and suffer for it, it just proves I misjudged someone. After all, I’m still young and only understand simple truths—like, if Mr. Demon King truly had no choice, Lady Goddess wouldn’t be in such a hurry to make a deal.”

Dorothy’s expression remained unchanged.

Lynn smiled slightly. “Even the Demon King doesn’t know how to send people back, yet Lady Goddess does. So, who brought the poor Players here in the first place?”

“Now Lady Goddess wants to make a deal with the Players… In a world without oversight, what kind of ‘fair’ contract can be made between two parties of absolutely unequal power? I’m really curious.”

“Pfft.” Painter couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry, please continue.”

Dorothy’s expression gradually changed, and she looked at Nol with complicated eyes.

The smile on Star Stealer Sol’s face slowly faded. Nol believed that if it weren’t for the Players watching outside the sound barrier, she would have killed Lynn immediately.

What to do next?

Nol subconsciously pulled Teest closer to him.

There were still many Players outside. They needed a foolproof plan. Maybe they should just leave on the undead dragon. As for the problem of Dorothy possibly leaking the situation…

[What are you doing? You, this—] Suddenly, “Tilia’s” friendly and beautiful face twisted. [You blasphemous—]

A mighty magical fluctuation came from Painter’s direction, and Nol immediately realized it was a meticulously prepared ritual magic. No wonder Painter had been mostly silent. This guy…

“As a mere mage, I happen to have studied various magics,” Painter said with a smile. He looked at the struggling “Tilia” with eyes devoid of humor. “My power may not be enough to confront a god, but it’s sufficient to dispel a projection spell.”

“I don’t like your negotiation attitude. Life isn’t something to be bargained with. If you insist on doing so, remember to change your face next time.”

He raised his hand smoothly.

In the dazzling white light, the image of the Goddess of Life melted away. Teest instinctively acted, and the False God level power isolated all surrounding influences, ensuring the serpentman prophet wouldn’t be affected again.

Not just Star Stealer Sol, but Teest and Nol hadn’t expected it either.

In a standoff with a False God, the human Painter dared to pull such a move—regardless of whether the process was pleasant, they genuinely needed to negotiate with Star Stealer Sol. Abruptly interrupting this conversation could potentially offend three False Gods at once.

But Painter still made his move without a moment’s hesitation.

The incident happened so suddenly that Star Stealer Sol didn’t have time to take the sword called the “Dominator” with it. It stood upright in the soil, emitting an intimidating glow.

This wasn’t over.

After the light faded, in front of many Players, the serpentman prophet still had the appearance of the Goddess of Life. In contrast, Painter himself disappeared into the shadows, nowhere to be seen.

The “Goddess” gently raised her palm, and the sound barrier set up by Teest slowly disappeared. While casting, the “Goddess” sneakily winked at Nol and Teest.

Nol: “…”

Teest: “…”

Lynn muttered. “You really like cross-dressing.”

“This Villain admires Mr. Nol. He’s not ready to be troubled by ‘rumors’.” The “Goddess”—Painter muttered back. “And I had something I wanted to verify.”

[My children.]

Then, Painter resumed “Tilia’s” gentle and sacred voice. [Remember my words. The strife here has been resolved, and the evil here has been purified.]

Nol quickly transformed back into human form, shadows forming a wide cloak. He “weakly” fell, and Teest caught him in a reversal.

[Your courage and perseverance allowed the hero Drake to awaken me.]

Painter spoke convincingly. [This subjugation was actually a ruse. The Demon King wanted to stir up strife between you and the dragon race. Remember, God loves order and peace.]

[Please think for yourselves, discern for yourselves, and follow your own path. Do not be misled by bloody rumors. Life and goodwill are always worth praising.]

It must be said, Painter looked more like the “Goddess Tilia” than Star Stealer Sol did.

Nol’s speechlessness from within his cloak gradually overcame his fatigue. It was a great sight to see everyone working together…if only the method wasn’t so strange.

But what exactly was Painter trying to verify with such a grand gesture…?

[I have come here at the cost of the precious life of the flesh I inhabit. I will not easily descend again. Drake is my absolute envoy.]

[Warriors, may the truth illuminate your way home.]

Costing a precious life? This serpentman isn’t dead, is she?!

Lynn looked at Painter with an indescribable gaze, then glanced sympathetically at Barto. A real “Saint” indeed spared no possible evil deed, clearly intending to make the serpentman exit from the Players’ side.

The Players cared not for NPC specifics; many moved eyes looked towards the “Goddess”, hope kindling faintly in their gaze.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Painter raised the “Dominator” sword high into the sky. Then, with an illusion…he sneakily slipped it into his magical pocket.

Nol couldn’t help but whisper, “We can all see that.”

Painter whispered even softer, “A little reward is due for This Villain who helped you two wrap things up beautifully.”

Teest whispered with a tinge of pity, “What does a mage need with a sword?”

That was a sword capable of slaying gods! But remembering that Star Stealer Sol wanted him to use it to kill Nol, Teest didn’t really want it.

Painter: “There’s always a time when it’ll be useful. Besides, it looks very valuable. See, Star Stealer Sol would never expect me to take the sword. It will only chase after you, so we can successfully deceive it—since it’s already tracking you, one more reason won’t matter.”

Teest: “How astonishingly shameless. You actually manage to sound so righteous.”

As they spoke, his hand still tightly held Nol’s. If not for being careful, his nails would have dug into Nol’s flesh.

Watching these three secretly muttering, Lynn felt a headache coming on. She snapped her fingers, and the controlled Barto walked over to Dorothy, clutching her wrist tightly.

“We have things to discuss, Miss Dorothy.” In front of many Players, Lynn spoke through Barto’s mouth.

Dorothy nodded imperceptibly, sighing.

Amidst the bustling chaos, a system popup suddenly appeared in front of everyone.

[You have completed the time-limited area quest: Divine Revelation.]

[You have met the conditions for completing the quest “Divine Revelation”: Listening to the words of God alongside the hero Drake.]

[Quest rewards: Will be settled in subsequent events.]

The smile on “Tilia’s” face suddenly became meaningful.

She turned towards Nol, pointing to her chest, where Painter wore the Faceless God amulet.

Nol’s mood, which was just relaxed, became heavy again. He understood what Painter wanted to verify—a problem that had always troubled them, a definition filled with mysteries.

“Look.”

Turning away from the Players, Painter silently mouthed.

“A joke-like ‘God’ like myself can actually satisfy the system’s literal judgment.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, fate still holds infinite possibilities.”

---

The author has something to say:

Let’s see how many were fooled by Star Stealer Sol’s fake oracle in the previous chapters, huh?

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Kinky Thoughts:

Just for some clarity, there are two terms being used throughout the novel to refer to “prophecy”. The first is “oracle” (神谕). This is a specific term that still refers to a “prophecy” but it’s directly from a God/deity. You can think of it as “God’s decree”. It carries a religious/divine subtext.

The second term “prophecy” (预言) is a more general term that encompasses “oracle” but doesn’t necessarily have to have the implication of a religious or divine undertone (for instance, it can come from a fortune teller).

Note, in this novel’s context, oracles are specifically applied to “Chosen Ones” (like Painter, Eugene, etc.).

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 165: The Perfect Option

The sudden change in the quest left the Players a bit dazed. Dorothy frowned and gestured subconsciously for the Players to form a defensive formation.

Teest was the most aware of the system’s changes.

Behind him, the remains of Perradat began to lose control. Dark runes emerged from the void, once again densely entangling that body. A soft white light covered the body’s convulsions and tremors, and within ten seconds, the body disappeared into the light.

As he expected, Star Stealer Sol’s first reaction was to drop everything and come to reclaim the remains.

The enemy’s personality traits became clearer. Teest curled his lips, not forcibly fighting for control of the remains—there was no point in fighting over it at this juncture. It was necessary to hide his skills.

In the distance, Nol, after brewing for a long time, took control of his thoughts.

It was like escaping from a hot, stuffy room and suddenly breathing fresh air. Nol almost wanted to sigh. In an instant, he knew how to return to human form—those pieces of knowledge were like remnants of a dream, leaving shallow imprints in his mind.

He chose not to revert immediately—the moment seemed likely for Star Stealer Sol to “appear”, and it was necessary to hide his abilities.

Nol tried to appear unchanged, only sneaking a few glances at Teest. Teest squinted at him, showing a sort of “waiting for praise” smug smile.

Together with the bewildered Players, they quietly waited.

The soft white light lit up again, and greenery sprouted from the barren, cracked land around them. Centered on Teest, a lush lawn slowly spread out. Bushes unfolded like peacock feathers, and climbing vines blossomed with fragrant flowers. Life spread like wildfire, creating a scene very fitting for a “Hero”.

Lynn felt a lightness on her wrist, and Lilith suddenly disappeared.

Along with her disappearance, Painter’s Holy Light Lock also vanished.

An image of a beautiful woman appeared three or four steps away from Teest, floating in the air, dressed in a classic robe with loose braids adorned with flowers and fruits. This stranger had a gentle look in her eyes and radiated a warm glow, giving an immense sense of comfort.

It was the image of Tilia, the Goddess of Life.

She was about the same height as Lilith. Lynn frowned imperceptibly.

Next to Lynn, Painter’s expression turned even uglier. “There’s residual fluctuation from the Holy Light Lock. She used the body of the serpentman prophet.”

“Possession?” Lynn asked quietly.

“More like domination plus projection.” Painter barely moved his lips. “The serpentmen’s talent in the realm of inspiration is naturally high, especially a prophet. The price of being spiritually close to a god is being more easily ‘seen’ and ‘influenced’ by a god.”

“If she has made a prophecy recently, the probability of being discovered would be quite high.”

No wonder Lilith insisted on coming with them. When exactly had she been influenced by Star Stealer Sol?

A chill ran down Lynn’s back. Luckily, she and Painter were tight-lipped, never discussing Teest and Nol’s matters in front of Lilith. As the most powerful False God at present, this guy’s methods were… very real and dark.

“Is She strong?” she continued to probe quietly.

“No, that’s just a projection.” Painter stared at the goddess’s image not far away. “Even if you destroy it, you’ll only kill the innocent prophet.”

[My Hero, I’ve always wanted to see you.]

“Tilia” spoke, her voice ethereal with divinity, completely different from Lilith.

[I’ve also always wanted to see you,] Teest said with a smile, his tone gentle, but with a subtle hint of bloodthirst. [You¹ can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted to, Tilia.]

[Your awakening was earlier than I thought,] “Tilia” said softly, ignoring Teest’s disrespect¹ and also ignoring Nol behind her. [You will become the pointer of the new world, my brave child…]

¹He used the informal form of you.

Her attitude was like that of a true god.

Teest glanced at Amazon and saw that many were relaxed, showing hopeful expressions on their faces.

Before Tilia could say the next sentence, Teest suddenly extended his hand, creating a huge soundproof barrier that covered nearby. It just covered Painter, Lynn, and Dorothy—and Barto, who, unluckily, walked towards the god and was just caught by the edge of the barrier.

But that was just a small insect.

Teest glanced at Barto, not intending to recast the spell for such a person. At worst, he’d erase the guy’s memory afterward, not caring if it damaged his brain.

Tilia smiled. [It seems our Hero wants more.]

“I just want to talk to you.” Teest maintained a hero-like gentleness on his face. “After all, this is just a damned projection. Even if I turn you into pulp, it’s useless.”

[I can grant you power, power beyond your imagination.] Tilia, as if not possessing the emotion “anger”, continued softly, [I can establish an unbreakable absolute contract with you. You will become my subordinate god, enjoying infinite life and absolute power. As long as…]

[As long as I kill the Demon King for you.] Teest scoffed. [I thought you’d be a bit more original, like ‘domesticating’ me, just like how you ‘domesticated’ the Eternal Pope.]

Tilia’s expression softened. [That was not domestication, but asceticism. Suffering is the best path to realizing one’s true nature, and you are already mature, my child.]

She extended her hands, and a glimmering golden longsword appeared in her grasp. It was a remarkably beautiful sword, its semi-transparent blade reminiscent of sunlight itself.

[This is my first gift to you, the “Dominator”… Go. The new Demon King is right here. I won’t mistake this power.]

Her tone was almost sincere.

Nol was exposed, as expected.

‘It’s just the exposure of his monster form. Not a big problem,’ Teest thought. He would stay with Nol afterward, not giving Star Stealer Sol a chance to spy on them.

This time, they were spying on Star Stealer Sol.

Its style and tactics could be analyzed through its language and actions.

Teest’s gaze quickly moved away from the longsword, crossing his arms, obviously not intending to take the sword. Tilia just smiled, still steadily holding the longsword.

Is this guy so shameless? Lynn was somewhat surprised. Going straight for Teest, Star Stealer Sol really didn’t take Nol into account.

As if hearing her thoughts, Tilia raised her head, smiling sweetly at her.

[The Demon King will not resist,] Tilia said to her in a seductive voice, as if wrapping around the organs. [I’m just choosing the most dignified way for it—being killed by the strongest Hero present, becoming part of legend.]

She smiled, tossing out a terrifying chip.

[…Its sacrifice can be exchanged for your return home. Whether you’re part of the group or stranded outside, you will have a chance to return home.]

[Similarly, I’m willing to pledge all my power as collateral for this absolute contract.]

Both Dorothy and Barto froze inside the barrier. A chill seized Lynn again, as if a snake were wrapped around her ankles.

What does that mean?

Nol’s death can be exchanged for their return home? Even knowing Nol for so long, Lynn’s heart still skipped a beat.

No wonder this guy dared to throw a weak projection in front of them.

Even if forced out by Teest, the cruel game of chess still continues.

“That prophecy!” Barto screamed. “He will grant you the way home!”

Dorothy remained silent, her expression somewhat distant. For a moment, she instinctively reached for her weapon, but then hesitated in her movements. In the end, she released her grip on the weapon, pressing hard on her temples.

Going home.

Setting aside conflicts of interest and moral differences, this was nearly every Player’s goal.

They had been in this mad world for too long. Not to mention killing a monster, even if it meant killing a fellow human as a pass, there would definitely be plenty of people who could do it.

Nol stopped caressing the undead dragon, remaining silent. He slightly lifted his head, looking towards the so-called “Goddess of Life” behind him.

[The Demon King will not resist.]

As if Tilia had eyes on the back, she repeated it softly again. [Because its nature is not evil. Unfortunately, it cannot withstand its own power. I believe, it must have realized—what kind of danger is hidden within itself.]

[It has only two choices—lose its sanity or become a source of disaster alone. Or, with my help, use that power to open a distant space, personally becoming the path home for everyone.]

“Why should we believe you?” Lynn couldn’t help but speak out.

She tried not to think about her possibly stranded sister. No, she couldn’t be swayed by these words. She must say something. She absolutely couldn’t follow this guy’s narrative.

[You may have misunderstood me.]

Tilia’s smile remained unchanged. [Long ago, I was the Demon King’s companion. Together, we created this world.]

[No matter what rumors you’ve heard, they are from the perspective of an invader. No matter what ruins you’ve seen, I did not destroy them.]

[I’m just here to end the suffering of an old friend, to award the Hero with glory, and to guard the peace of this world. Dear Painter, my rebellious envoy… you know this is a weak projection. I allow you to verify the truth of these words.]

Painter took a deep breath. “I refuse.”

“What the fuck are you doing?” Barto cursed loudly. “Isn’t this a great opportunity to prove it?”

Painter laughed. “Then you do it yourself.”

Immediately, his sharp gaze turned towards the “Goddess of Life” with a thoughtful expression on his face.

Damn, Lynn was really confused for a few seconds.

They only knew that three worlds had been destroyed, unclear about why they came to be. The situation with Nol remained a mystery, and everything they knew about Star Stealer Sol was indeed told by “Perradat”, an outsider.

However… Nol’s situation wasn’t right was an undeniable reality. Star Stealer Sol’s willingness to mortgage power in exchange to give Teest glory and allowing Players to go home was also a reality.

Stepping back ten thousand steps, regardless of the relationship between Star Stealer Sol and Nol, it had nothing to do with the Players involved. Even if the Star Stealer Sol had wronged Nol, the vast majority of Players wouldn’t care.

Star Stealer Sol was well aware of this.

Even if Nol was unwilling to give up here, once such a fact spread… what awaited them was only hell. They could erase the memories of others present, but they couldn’t stop a False God from spreading the news personally.

…The meaning of the prophecy gradually surfaced. Everything was developing in the direction the prophecy indicated. They would know the answer—they were about to return home.

…Is fate truly inescapable?

The people present—except for Barto—were relatively friendly. Star Stealer Sol only threw out a few words, and everyone fell into silence, with a tendency to split emerging.

Before, Lynn thought Perradat lost too easily. Now it seemed, they underestimated Star Stealer Sol…

Teest still stared intently at the false goddess’ face, while Star Stealer Sol also looked at him with a smile.

[Ah, you’re unwilling to kill the Demon King. I know that look. You care too much. Admiration? Obsession? Lust… or love?]

At the same time Star Stealer Sol spoke softly, those false eyes were seemingly trying to penetrate Teest. [Naughty boy, bringing down a god isn’t your victory. It’s your biggest mistake…]

Teest was expressionless.

[You care about it, care enough to give up this glory. Who domesticated you?]

Star Stealer Sol continued softly, its voice as light as a demon whispering in the night. [Child, think about it. Will that soft-hearted Demon King betray everything it protects for you? You’re decisive, but it hesitates.]

[You are the “price” that can be sacrificed.]

Teest’s hand holding the “Betrayer” tightened its grip.

[I will give you fairer treatment, child. I know everything in the world. You can ask for everything you want to know, everything you own. If you wish, I am willing to do my best to preserve a piece of its soul, to accompany you in a new shell… a shell at your disposal…]

[I will give you a wonderful ending far beyond your imagination…]

“What are you dawdling for?” Barto couldn’t help it, striding towards Tilia. “Give me the sword. Can I do it?!”

Dorothy frowned tightly, but ultimately didn’t stop Barto.

Barto stumbled to Tilia’s side, his cheeks flushed with abnormal excitement. However, the moment Barto reached out to grab the sword, he was instantly blown away by Teest’s breath.

“Fine, fine, I won’t touch it. Just hurry up and kill it!”

Barto rolled around on the ground a few times, not even bothering to cry out in pain. He eagerly stared at the sword, as if it would evaporate on the spot the next second.

“I don’t get your hesitation. One life in exchange for so many families—do you know how hard we’ve had it?! Not to mention those who’ve committed suicide, I’ve seen at least a dozen people break down mentally!”

Damn. Nol could hear all this.

Teest immediately raised his head, looking in Nol’s direction. The monster’s face was a void of black, emotionless.

“You too, Dorothy! What’s with the pretense? People have sacrificed themselves to save a child plenty of times! It’s a monster. What secrets could it have? Are you worried about the ‘noble sacrifice’?”

Barto continued to spray spit in his urgency. “In the worst-case scenario, if it’s one of our own—then it should understand the reason even more! Does it want to live a good life while so many people continue to live in hell? If it’s such scum, then killing it is no loss!”

“Shut up.” Dorothy finally spoke up, unable to bear it any longer.

Barto: “Then why don’t you do it? Goddess, that sword isn’t reserved for Drake, is it?”

[Of course not, child.]

Tilia raised her voice, her gaze shifting away from Teest with a smile. [This is the glory bestowed upon the brave, equal in opportunity for everyone.]

[I promise, the power and flesh of the Demon King are enough to create a spatial pathway. I promise, I won’t harm you, and will send you back to your homeland. I promise, I will ensure the world of Tahe lasts forever… I promise, I will fulfill the wishes of the Hero.]

Her gaze swept over Barto, Lynn, Painter, and Teest. Then she lifted her head, and countless shimmering words appeared out of nowhere, forming a radiant contract.

Below the contract, a beautiful Goddess held the sword, waiting for her Hero.

Throughout, she never looked at Nol.

[Come, children.]

Her voice was soft and sweet, filled with a holy aura.

[The Demon King will not resist. Everything is destined…]

Teest had envisioned many scenarios. In each one, he wouldn’t waver in front of Star Stealer Sol.

Star Stealer Sol discovering his relationship with Nol wasn’t a big deal. It wouldn’t let them go either way. Star Stealer Sol taking away the remnants of Perradat didn’t matter, he never planned to use it. Even if Star Stealer Sol was the righteous side… he didn’t care which side held the “greater good”.

He only needed to do two things: observe Star Stealer Sol as much as possible and stand with his God.

But Teest hadn’t anticipated this.

Star Stealer Sol had never communicated directly with Nol, yet every word was meant for Nol to hear. It surely knew something about Nol—knew Nol was from a foreign world, knew Nol was kind-hearted, knew what Nol… most desired.

Nol created Paradise. In addition to his good nature, he must also have the guilt of “being the creator, inextricably linked to everything.” Teest had seen it in his eyes, felt it in his words.

Nol pursuit for the truth, beyond wanting to confront Star Stealer Sol, also harbored unease about his own anomalies. Nol’s unusual loss of control this time, Teest could taste his confusion and fear.

Sacrificing himself, a dangerous individual, for everyone to return home… a perfect option, tailor-made for Nol.

All Nol had to do was abandon Teest.

To abandon a lunatic who had yet to offer love, a relationship that was distant from the start.

Teest found he no longer wanted to look in Nol’s direction. He didn’t want to take that risk. He didn’t want Nol to make that choice… He didn’t want to hear that answer.

You said you wouldn’t leave me.

You said you’d always stay by my side.

Those flimsy promises, like sweet nothings whispered in bed, could they weigh more than the lives of so many of Nol’s compatriots?

Teest wasn’t sure—he couldn’t be sure. No, he knew the answer. He just didn’t want to admit it…

In Star Stealer Sol’s hand, the sword “Dominator” shone brightly, too dazzling for Teest’s liking. He couldn’t afford to be distracted and hesitate any longer. He had to think immediately, think about the next step—

Suddenly, darkness enveloped Teest’s vision.

A pair of monstrous hands covered his eyes. Nol had appeared behind him at some point.

[No, the Demon King will resist.]

In the midst of the cruel conversation, Nol’s voice sounded for the first time. His voice was calm and decisive, with a certain determination.

[Even if it’s destined.]

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The author has something to say:

Realizing that without their significant other, neither can achieve a perfect ending…

If Teest wasn’t here, Nol might have really agreed (.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 164: In God’s Name

The assault on the undead dragon was about to begin and Teest was still absent.

Lynn was almost getting used to this—without Nol, Teest was like a gust of wind, not expected to stay by their side for long. When she brought back the serpentman who claimed to be Lilith, as expected, only Painter was in the tent.

“A prophet from the Priest Serpent Clan? At this time?” Painter raised his eyebrows.

“It’s a bit complicated.” Lynn sighed, explaining the situation as succinctly as possible.

After hearing it, the real “Saint” also showed a hint of confusion. “An innocent being suspected of imprisonment—it is indeed necessary to clarify the situation. But isn’t this too rushed?”

“I’ve considered it. Her strength lies in prophecy, and her own level isn’t high. We can handle it. If Barto has ulterior motives, it could be more troublesome,” Lynn said. “Let’s take her with us for now.”

The serpentman girl timidly hid behind Lynn, glancing at Painter with her four eyes, a flash of white light circling her pupils. Painter unconsciously frowned, examining the serpentman for a while. “I can set up a Holy Light Prison. During the battle, let’s temporarily keep her here.”

“No!” Lilith screamed sharply. “I don’t want to be locked up again. Please, take me with you. I’m a prophet. I can serve you—didn’t this sister just say, my abilities pose no threat to you?”

Lynn and Painter exchanged glances.

It sounded reasonable, yet suspicious. The reality was, if they left her behind forcefully, they wouldn’t learn more. Normally it might be okay, but in this event full of unknowns, this girl might become a clue, or with some luck, a key.

“You can follow, but I will cast a Holy Light Lock on you.” Painter said softly, “Your hands will be locked, and you won’t be able to cast spells. If you harbor ill intentions towards us, it will immediately bind you completely. Sorry, child, we have our concerns.”

“No problem!” Lilith puffed out her chest, full of reassurance. “Ah… wait.”

She snapped her fingers, and a mist seemed to envelop her, making her indistinct. When the mist dissipated, only a small snake, about the length of a forearm, remained. The small snake’s head bore two devil-like horns, and its four yellow eyes gleamed.

It flicked its tongue, shaking its head. “Now you can put the Holy Light Lock on me. This form is less threatening, right?”

After being locked by magic, Lilith climbed up Lynn’s arm and into her sleeve.

Lynn wasn’t very worried—she evolved from a Puppet Witch, and her original form was inanimate. Even if Lilith bit her, she would only break a few teeth.

“Let’s go.” She picked up Nol’s staff. “I guess that one won’t come back just to fetch us.”

She was right.

When the Amazon troops appeared on the battlefield, Teest was already there.

In the distance, the monster and the undead dragon seemed to freeze. The undead dragon lay quietly with the monster’s hand on its nose, like a bizarre and benevolent statue.

A fog spread around the monster, obscuring its true form from everyone. But the outline reflected in the mist was terrifying enough. The pressure felt like a razor blade scraping across one’s nerves.

…Is that Nol? Lynn gasped.

She knew Nol’s situation was complicated, but becoming this kind of monster? Why? No matter how you looked at it, that thing didn’t resemble a variant of a Dracolich, but something… something entirely new.

According to the dragon, Nol bore a knowledge seal.

But as the creator of “Tahe”, Nol possessed all the knowledge of the Tahe continent. His past had traces to follow, and his present was flawless, so what exactly was the “knowledge” sealed in his mind? Lynn couldn’t understand at all.

A kind of terrifying intuition made her reluctant to investigate further.

Lilith coiled around her wrist, tightening her constriction.

Dorothy herself stepped forward to command. In the shadows, she took a deep breath. “I’ll repeat once more—magic team, control your casting time, physical team, get ready to throw. Aim at the undead dragon. Do not attack the thing beside it. Retreat immediately if something goes wrong. Don’t be greedy.”

“The rest, flexibly support Drake’s team. Prioritize the lives of the team members. Prepare the short-distance teleportation items. Don’t hesitate. This is not the time to spare your items.”

Everyone silently responded, nodding like waves.

Lynn couldn’t help but look at Teest’s silhouette. This man hadn’t communicated with them before the battle—she guessed their strength was insufficient to partake in that plan—she was uncertain about Teest’s intentions.

This pair, hmm, each more mysterious than the other.

However, being hammered by reality over the years, Lynn was adept at dealing with “colleagues who don’t talk.” No matter, since they didn’t mind bearing the consequences of bringing her along, she would act according to her own thoughts.

Lynn’s fingertips lit up with a dim light again. Her two magic puppets, “Tom” and “Jerry”, twitched, and their movements suddenly became more agile than real people.

The undead dragon was Nol’s creation, so she would stand on Nol’s side. Regardless of Teest’s intentions, she wouldn’t just watch the dragon die.

“Charge—!” Dorothy commanded softly.

At the same time, Lynn heard Teest’s low chuckle.

“Respond, honey.” He stood still, murmuring almost inaudibly.

Lynn was about to act, then realized there was no need—countless heavy spells exploded in front of the undead dragon, completely dissolved by a thick magical barrier.

Within the barrier, the undead dragon curiously raised its head, its fleshless face showing a subtle curiosity like, “What are you guys doing?”

The outcome of physical attacks was even more desperate. The closer the spears and arrows got to the undead dragon, the slower they flew, eventually stopping mid-air and then clattering to the ground. After two waves of full-strength initial attacks, not even the tips of the undead dragon’s claws were scratched.

“So gentle.” Teest whispered, “I knew it would be like this.”

He casually beckoned with his finger.

The earth surged, and countless skeletons emerged from the ground, picking up the weapons that fell on the battlefield, turning towards Amazon’s side. Their decayed throats made hissing sounds, and their dark eye sockets were devoid of fire.

They were adorned with rotten armor and decayed clothes. Saddles hung on horse ribs, and hand axes were stuck to their spines… Among them, there were even a lot of fresh corpses. Although they looked more like clumps of meat sauce, Lynn still recognized the Eternal Church’s holy symbol among them.

The scent of death drifted across the battlefield.

This was Teest’s doing, Lynn was very certain.

After becoming the Supreme Domination Witch, she was very sensitive to all kinds of dominion magic.

In her memory, Nol only summoned pure undead monsters, while these in front… She couldn’t say for sure. They seemed like corpses being forcefully controlled—thoroughly dead things—but also carried a hint of the Mad Monk’s unique magical fluctuations.

The Mad Monk stood at the front line, his long sword pointing forward, his minions facing the “companions” at their backs.

…What a sinful commander.

“The first counterattack!” As expected, Dorothy misunderstood. “Destroy these monsters!”

After the initial attacks were thwarted, Amazon’s morale wasn’t high. However, their formation was very efficient. With Dorothy’s words barely falling for two seconds, magical radiance turned towards the approaching army of corpses.

But these were different from the undead monsters they had encountered before.

Destroying a skeleton’s head, the remnants would stand up again with scorched marks. Exploding the skeleton horses into pieces, the pieces would just move towards the people like a swarm of insects. The monster’s vicinity became a thorough no-life zone, with various forms of death dancing within.

The monster’s silhouette slightly lifted its head, as if focusing intently on enjoying all this.

In the midst of this magical bombardment, Teest charged towards Nol, his long sword “Betrayer” wrapped in pure platinum firelight, and his eyes seemed to be burning. The corpses that touched the long sword ignited, falling down, never to crawl around in their incomplete forms again.

Golden hair fluttered, while the blade blazed like the sun. If Lynn didn’t know the truth, even she would believe there was only a hero, as handsome as a god, before her.

Such a good performance.

Lynn raised her hand, casting several grand spells for visual effect. Painter also did his duty, bombarding with holy spells, with equal showmanship.

Nol’s protective barrier buzzed, and the fight seemed intense. But they all knew it would be okay.

With the Players’ firepower suppression, the army of corpses soon turned to dust. Even so, they didn’t disperse but clawed near the protective barrier, forming a gray-white “living” fog.

The scene was grand, but it couldn’t end this way.

The quest didn’t give a deadline. As long as Nol and the undead dragon weren’t “subdued,” the Players would be stuck here. A rough quest design. The designer didn’t care about “bottlenecks”—it obviously preferred Players to collapse, only wanting the war itself.

Lynn glanced at Teest from the corner of her eye.

The atmosphere is about right. What do you plan to do?

On her wrist, the cold Lilith tightened again.

Drake stopped.

The tip of his flaming sword lowered, and his hair was lifted up by the mist containing ashes, leaving several bloody marks on his cheeks.

In the wind, he gracefully raised the sword tip.

Dorothy sharply sensed something was off, raising a palm to signal a ceasefire.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t an enemy that can be dealt with from a distance.”

Drake’s voice was firm and clear. “The Demon King loves sacrifices. It seems someone must step forward, Miss Dorothy.”

‘So keeping distance doesn’t work? Players ultimately have to face death.’ Dorothy thought calmly.

“I’ll be the first to step forward and break through this detestable barrier for everyone,” Drake said. “Please direct your team to focus on healing me. Thank you.”

“If it doesn’t work out, retreat first.” Dorothy clenched her teeth. “You don’t need to make such a sacrifice. We can try a few more times—”

“Don’t worry. I won’t die, nor will I suffer irreparable consequences.”

Drake flashed an… overly sweet smile. “He’s watching over me. How could I possibly die?”

“……” Dorothy was silent for a few seconds. “All healing professions, focus on healing formation!”

“And you.” Teest turned to Painter, mouthing, “Playtime is over, Pope.”

Painter narrowed his eyes, ultimately nodding.

“Drake.” Lynn couldn’t help but speak out.

“Don’t worry, miss.” Teest turned his head, leaving the back of his head expressionless to everyone. “We all know, to break the Demon King’s defense, only the power of a god can do it.”

We know quite a few gods, but which one are you referring to? That was what Lynn really wanted to ask.

At the same time, she had a bad feeling. On her wrist, Lilith moved restlessly. Lynn glanced over the battlefield and, as expected, spotted Barto in the most securely defended area.

That bad feeling intensified.

“Drake—”

Before she could finish, Teest’s sword tip emitted a blinding light. The ground shook, and dark clouds quickly covered the sky. A terrifying power spread out, nearly knocking several lower-level fighters off their feet.

The ashy mist seemed to sense something, violently churning.

“Here, I summon my Lord, the Subordination God Perradat.”

Teest’s voice was clear and loud. “Please grant me the power to resist fate.”

…What?

Lynn’s heart skipped a beat while Lilith froze on her wrist.

This was definitely made up on the spot! They had just learned the name of Loser. Perradat was miserably hiding in some dark corner, unable to grant even a ball of yarn.

What the hell is going through the Mad Monk’s mind…

“Here, I summon my Lord, the Subordination God Perradat.”

Unfortunately, Teest repeated it. “Break free from your chains.”

Bloodstains began to appear on his body, a curse madly corroding his flesh. Under the top Players’ healing spells, those bloody wounds opened, healed, then opened again, like a blood-red flower about to bloom.

This time, even Painter’s composed expression faltered. In the midst of the storm, he widened his eyes at Teest.

“Here, I summon my Lord, the Subordination God Perradat.”

Ignoring the bloody mess on his body, Teest cheerfully repeated for the third time.

“…Please come to my side.”

Above and behind Teest, the air made a terrifying, booming sound. Numerous bizarre cursed chains emerged from the void, twisting and struggling, snapping one by one, turning into shadows.

As the cursed chains diminished, the silhouette in the air became more solid.

The gray-white, ashy mist flew over, wrapping around the figure. Its outline resembled a huge… uh, girl’s “head” topped with a white veil. The veil was decorated with lush vines and flowers, and her hands were gently hanging down.

Lynn internally cursed in standard Chinese.

She didn’t know if Painter could recognize it, but as a Supreme Domination Witch, she would never misjudge—this wasn’t any blood sacrifice to please a god. Teest was dominating the thing behind him!

Teest was dominating the remnants of Perradat.

What the hell is going on?

Lynn had never thought so quickly in her life—

Right, Star Stealer Sol forcibly intervened in the system, modifying the quest. Focusing its energy on suppressing the system would inevitably weaken its control elsewhere, making the remnants of Perradat easier to manipulate.

It wasn’t that there was an oversight in Star Stealer Sol’s plan—simply breaking free the shackles of Perradat’s remnants actually had no meaning. Just bringing this dangerous thing out of the Dragon’s Lair would require figuring out how to deal with the entire dragon race.

The problem was, this was Teest.

Possessing [King of Eternal Sleep], capable of granting the concept of death and then controlling it, Teest.

The headless girl they encountered initially had the ability to teleport. The Dragon’s Lair wasn’t far from here. Teest just needed to withstand Star Stealer Sol’s cursed chains, dominate the remnants, and command it to come out on its own.

Aside from the over-the-top crazy angle, the plan was actually quite feasible.

After all this, Teest never intended to complete the quest. He aimed to overturn the tables at the level of gods!

Perradat’s remnants were one of the heavyweight artifacts left in the world by Star Stealer Sol. Should this thing show any tendency of being abducted, Star Stealer Sol would definitely not just watch quietly.

Teest responded to Star Stealer Sol’s cruel opening move, but in a way that was even more… forceful and brutal.

“Praise my God.”

The smile on Teest’s face grew bigger, radiant to the point of not resembling “Drake” at all.

Behind him, the figure of the girl slowly opened her arms, emitting an even more terrifying aura. Teest’s power, combined with the power of Perradat’s remnants, caused Nol’s protective barrier to gradually crack.

Inside the barrier, Nol sat quietly, his face without features always facing Teest.

Behind Teest, the power of Perradat became increasingly tumultuous and dangerous. Dorothy hurriedly led the team to retreat by a dozen meters. In this bizarre atmosphere, she actually gained a bit of reassurance.

That such a monster was an ally and not an enemy was indeed a relief.

“Continue healing!” Under the oppressive force that felt like it could crush people into meat paste, she ordered hoarsely, “Assault the barrier. The target remains the same!”

Within the Player camp, magical lights lit up again. The light wasn’t as splendid as before, but it was several times fiercer.

Crack, crack. The magical barrier gradually peeled off, turning into scattered light.

The monster didn’t struggle or resist. Even though it had no eyes, a kind of gentle gaze seemed to brush over like feathers.

Choose, following the direction of the sword tip. Teest looked up at the sky, full of malice.

He would never harm Nol, but Star Stealer Sol didn’t know about their relationship. What’s more delightful was that, protected by “God’s Forsaken”, Star Stealer Sol never paid attention to him. It was too busy targeting the Demon King, unaware of him, a hidden opponent.

The only one capable of stealing the remnants of a False God was another False God.

If he really made a move to kill Nol, taking away Perradat’s remnants… in the eyes of Star Stealer Sol, he would be an extremely threatening, completely unknown target.

I know you’re watching Star Stealer Sol. Do you dare to gamble with your own safety?

Come out.

Within five seconds, a familiar quest pop-up appeared in front of Teest.

[Significant Changes to Area Environment.]

[Necromancer’s Curse [Hell Mode] forcibly terminated.]

[You have triggered a time-limited area quest: Divine Revelation.]

[Quest Completion Condition: Listen to the words of God together with the hero Drake.]

[Quest Reward: Issued by the hero Drake.]

[※Quest Introduction: Brave warriors, congratulations to you all. The special event of Hero Drake has been triggered ahead of schedule. The main storyline “Divine Revelation” has begun, and all current area quests are terminated.]

[※Area restrictions will be lifted after the mission ends.]

Teest hid his mocking smile.

He knew it would be like this—once he took to the stage, Star Stealer Sol would definitely spare Nol to “balance”.

The game now truly began.

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The author has something to say:

Nol: My Teest being a desktop cleanup master is pretty normal, right?

Teest: Laughing to death. Who wants to play by your rules? Come out (reaching for the trash can)

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 163: Message

Prophecy.

Hearing the familiar word, Lynn’s heart skipped a beat. Their trip to the Dragon’s Lair coincidentally matched a prophecy. Now another one appeared, making it hard to believe it was just a coincidence.

She kept her expression unchanged. “Uh, weren’t the Priest Serpent Clan extinct? And I’ve heard that prophets are rare…”

“Amazon locked one up with a magic collar and hid it in a private space. This isn’t the usual treatment for serpentmen, and I was present at the prophecy.” Barto slightly lifted his chin.

Lynn waited for him to blurt out the prophecy, but instead, Barto stopped there. It seemed he wasn’t as foolish as she thought, which Lynn found somewhat disappointing.

“Thank you for the information. I’ll discuss it with my companions. Such important information, Miss Dorothy probably wouldn’t intentionally hide it.” Lynn nodded as if obediently, pretending to leave.

Playing the long game to catch the big fish. Against such people, one must not appear too eager.

Barto’s face showed disappointment, and after a few seconds, he couldn’t contain himself. “What do you think about this?”

Lynn put on an innocently puzzled face. “Which matter?”

“Amazon imprisoning an innocent serpentman.” Barto deliberately made his voice sound naive and sweet. “The Priest Serpents aren’t bad. Capturing their prophet to use as a prophecy puppet is too much.”

“It is a bit, but the priority now is to eliminate monsters…” Lynn responded, her interest piqued as she returned his gaze.

In the face of war, what exactly does this guy want to do?

Thinking such thoughts openly in front of someone he just met, Barto probably thought she was the “Saint” of the team. Holy professions indeed couldn’t stand the enslavement of the weak… Unfortunately, the ability of the “Supreme Domination Witch” was pretty much as it sounded—destined to enslave the weak.

However, this misunderstanding was interesting, and Lynn chose to quietly watch Barto perform.

“The prophecy of war is already completed. Amazon is fully focused on the enemy.” Barto lowered his voice. “I can steal the key, and we can free the serpentman in the chaos. Given the current situation, Amazon won’t have the energy to look for her… She’ll be free!”

After saying this, Barto sighed deliberately. “I’m a bit unconfident on my own. It would be great if you could help me.”

He was seeking a declaration of comradeship*; Lynn saw through his purpose at a glance.

*The term used here is (投名状) which is a certificate of investment. It refers to demonstrating loyalty through action towards an organization (a pledge of loyalty to join a group). || In this case, basically, by having both Lynn and him act together to “free” Lilith means they agree to join forces.

It was clear Barto really wanted to get close to “Drake” and his party, using Amazon as a stepping stone.

What a schemer.

“That’s not good, is it?” Lynn “innocently” asked back, “Aren’t the Alva Merchant Group and Amazon in long-term cooperation? If you do this, what about the Merchant Group…”

“Don’t worry. I’m confident I can handle it.” Barto patted his chest. “Anyway, I can’t bear to see that poor serpentman suffer. Ah, if you’re worried about the cooperation, just pretend I didn’t say anything.”

After saying this, Barto showed a dejected expression.

Lynn pondered for less than two seconds before showing a sympathetic face. “I understand. As long as it doesn’t affect the main quest, I’ll help you.”

“You’re as saintly as the rumors say,” Barto remarked.

Lynn: “…You flatter me.”

Wrong person, asshole. The real “saintly” one is still snoring in the tent.

Five minutes later.

“Thanks for the information. Let her be,” Dorothy said tiredly. “If possible, you can accompany her. With someone like you watching, at least there won’t be a big mess.”

“I’ve met many people. You don’t seem like the type to imprison the innocent,” Lynn explained properly. “Is this really okay?”

Due to the incident at the Brick Mountains, Lynn had a good impression of Dorothy. Imprisoning an innocent girl, she believed her fellow compatriots wouldn’t do such a heartless act; there must be a deeper reason.

Dorothy smiled bitterly. “It’s a bit complicated… Anyway, she won’t settle down unless she causes me some trouble. Rather than waiting for her to surprise me, it’s better to let her satisfy herself with this matter.”

Seeing Dorothy’s attitude, it seemed she was too lazy to bother with Barto.

‘Interesting,’ Lynn thought.

Judging by Dorothy’s demeanor, the serpentman wasn’t “strictly imprisoned”. It seemed there was some kind of understanding with Amazon… Anyway, she now owed her a favor.

“That lady mentioned, the serpentman gave a prophecy.” Lynn straightforwardly got to the point. “We’re very interested in this prophecy. Please name your price.”

……

Guest tent.

As the sun rose, Teest returned on time. He took out salted meat, cheese, and water from his pouch, devouring them not so much as eating but as if charging a magical device.

“So,” Painter said while stuffing salted meat into sliced bread. “You went to see Mr. Nol again last night.”

“Yeah.” Teest chewed the salted meat. “It’s normal for married people to sleep together. But you, leaving Lynn alone like that?”

“Given This Villain’s special identity, Barto not noticing doesn’t mean the Amazon leader won’t. Plus, Lynn knows them better than I do, so it’s more appropriate for her to negotiate.”

“Alright.” Teest shrugged indifferently.

Even though he had agreed to play the Hero, he still couldn’t find enthusiasm for these people. To be precise, without Nol nearby, everything else became 50% more boring.

Painter stared at him for a while. “You’re in better shape than a while ago.”

“Because I’ve had a great idea,” Teest said. “Don’t ask, you wouldn’t like it—just show off your ‘sly fox’ skills to keep those ‘Players’ happy.”

“It’s my honor.” Painter chuckled dryly, not pressing further.

On matters related to Nol, he trusted the Mad Monk wouldn’t lie. It was hard for things on the battlefield to go as planned. He just needed to keep a close eye.

Thinking this, Painter bit into the salted meat. Its flavor was rich and much more delicious than the bland varieties found in the market. He swallowed a piece of bread in two or three bites and reached for his plate again.

“This was all prepared for Nol.” Teest suddenly said, “Too bad, he won’t be able to eat it—catching thornworms is quite hard. This one will spoil if not eaten soon, and who knows when the next one will be caught.”

Painter’s fork trembled slightly, then steadied. Pretending to hear nothing, he took another large piece.

Teest: “Tsk.”

“Big news!” Lynn burst into the tent. “Amazon also has a prophecy… Hm? The salted meat smells good.”

Right after Lynn tasted a bite, Painter cheerfully said, “It’s thornworm salted meat.”

Lynn: “…”

Lynn: “…Blergh!”

“…Are you really a ‘Saint’?” After vomiting, Lynn wiped her mouth. “Tell me, how did you deceive the system?”

Painter chewed the salted meat unconcernedly. “By my honest virtues.”

Lynn looked like she wanted to smack him, but politely held back. “Anyway, let me tell you about Amazon’s prophecy…”

After the prophecy was recounted, the lively atmosphere once again turned solemn.

“It’s almost the same.” Teest narrowed his eyes.

Where dragons are born, where mistakes converge. The Master of the world returns to the start of the dream…

Next, on their side, it was “You will find what you have lost...” while on Amazon’s side, it was “He will grant you the way home.“

Lost knowledge is reset, and pursued desires are fulfilled. You/You* will receive the aid of fate…

*Clarity: Former is formal form of you, while latter is informal. In Nol’s prophecy, it’s the formal form.

Next, on their side, it was “You will find the answer you seek”, while on Amazon’s side, it was “You will witness a noble sacrifice.”

The content of the prophecies was highly similar, and the situations they presented were incredibly alike. It was almost like the same drama being explained to different characters by a certain being.

The lost things, the way home, the sought-after answers—these descriptions were rather ambiguous and hard to define. The problem was the “noble sacrifice”…

Both pairs of eyes simultaneously turned towards Painter.

Painter: “…”

Painter: “Thanks for the recognition, but the problem is I’m not dead yet.”

“How wonderful. You can think of your epitaph in advance,” Teest said. “It’s also not too late to leave a ten-thousand-word will now. Do you need paper and pen?”

“No thanks. I’ve written my will long ago.”

Lynn remained silent, only looking at the prophecy. The outcome of this battle seemed somewhat optimistic for now. But that “noble sacrifice” was really ominous. Could there be any chance of avoiding it?

Perhaps sacrificing something else…

Unfortunately, Perradat, who knew prophecies, wasn’t present, and they could only guess along the way. Now it was different. Now she truly had someone to consult. To better understand these prophecies, she must meet the serpentman prophet in person.

“Amazon has decided to attack the undead dragon tomorrow.” Lynn mused as she gnawed on bread.

Teest clapped his hands happily. “Great. I was worried we wouldn’t have enough time—this timing is good. I need to go out for a bit later.”

Painter: “Perfect, I can draw some more scrolls to have on hand.”

“I also have things to do.” Lynn made up her mind. “So we’ll act separately.”

“No problem.”

“Agreed.”

Luring Barto out turned out to be much easier than Lynn had imagined. With Dorothy’s tacit consent, Barto actually managed to steal the keys. Lynn watched Barto’s smug face, trying hard to suppress the pity in her heart.

While Dorothy was out of the tent for lunch, Barto led her into the serpentman prophet’s secret tent.

Sensing the presence of outsiders, the serpentman prophet straightened up instantly. A large magical collar hung around her neck, and her eyes… Her eyes were filled with white light?

When Lynn looked again, the white light was gone, leaving only the serpentman’s deep yellow pupils.

It watched them for a while, then slowly smiled.

“Do you seek to know your fate?”

Barto let out a short “eh” and then, glancing at Lynn, cleared his throat with pretense. “We’re here to free you, miss.”

‘Here it comes,’ Lynn thought. If the serpentman really had a secret agreement with Amazon, this was the best moment to refuse—claiming the collar couldn’t be opened, citing danger from the outside—such polite refusals weren’t hard to imagine.

The serpentman seemed briefly confused for two seconds, appearing dizzy. Lynn looked into her eyes, within the deep yellow pupils and around the black slit pupils, there was a thin, bright silver rim.

Is it a characteristic of the Priest Serpent Clan? This species’ survivors were too few, and none were in the Lost Tower, so she wasn’t sure.

“Free me…” the serpentman prophet chewed on the phrase, her pupils gradually focusing. “Yes, yes. Please save me. Take me away from here!”

Her attitude was very eager. “I don’t want to stay here anymore. Please protect me and take me away. Afterward, you can have as many prophecies as you want, please.”

Eh? Lynn’s brow twitched.

The serpentman prophet was in good shape and appeared well. Her environment was clean and comfortable, with no signs of rough treatment on her body.

That collar was also suspicious… Judging by the “Supreme Domination Witch’s” perception, it didn’t have strong domination magic. It seemed more like a decoration than a confinement tool. Not to mention, Dorothy didn’t object to her “rescuing”.

What’s going on with this prophet?

Lynn: “You—”

“My name is Lilith.” The serpentman prophet continued pitifully, slithering to Lynn’s feet and grabbing her skirt. “Save me, kind soul…!”

“See?” Barto turned around. “Those Amazons really are despicable.”

In fact, Barto was also confused about the serpentman prophet’s change in personality. Anyway, saying so had no downside.

Lynn pondered. “Amazons are all outside now. You can wait.”

She needed to investigate further.

“No—!”

Lilith clutched her skirt tighter, piercing the fabric with her sharp nails. “I have an invisibility potion. I can hide and come with you. Isn’t there going to be a fight outside? With me, I can help you avoid the worst outcome! If—if you don’t agree, I’ll trigger the alarm here, and we’ll all be done for!”

Her tone was full of despair, threatening them incoherently.

The situation became even stranger. Lynn looked down at the tearful serpentman. Regardless of the cost, she must leave today? Was it the prophet’s instinct warning her of a crisis, or… something else?

She looked up at Barto. “Miss, I think I should take her to Drake first—her condition doesn’t seem good, and it’s not safe outside. I worry you can’t take care of her alone.”

“Of course, thank you,” Barto said “earnestly”.

Being seen as a good person without needing to follow up, and even incidentally owing a favor, this was a win for him.

“Wuwu…” Lilith showed a relieved expression, tears streaming down her face.

Barto stepped forward, gently patting her back, not forgetting to whisper softly for appearances. Lynn stood upright, watching the two with a flash of coldness in her eyes.

She silently moved her lips, muttering something. After a dozen seconds, she put on a pitying smile, bent down, and placed her hands on both their shoulders.

“It’s okay,” she said with a smile. “It’s all over.”

A dim glow flashed across her fingertips.

……

Last night, Nol sat under the night sky.

It took him a full three minutes to realize this.

For him at this moment, thinking was an incredibly difficult task. If a normal person’s thought process was a straight line, his brain was now filled with countless grains of sand.

Sand enough to obliterate reason.

Just the words “I” and “night sky” required a great effort for him to match the concepts.

…What is the night sky? What am I doing? What am I?

…Do I exist?

…What is existence?

A sandstorm spread over the parched soul while meaningless words flew everywhere. Even on the eve of a severe illness-induced coma, Nol’s thoughts had never been this faint.

His perspective seemed to shatter into a kaleidoscope, each piece pointing in different directions, occasionally spinning and splitting. The life on Earth, the life as a will-o’-wisp, Nol’s life… and many bizarre, unexplained fragments played in his head in disarray.

Fighting against this overwhelming chaos was like humans trying to resist a tsunami. Maintaining the last bit of clarity was as difficult as keeping a candle lit in a storm.

But he had a small, shining anchor.

In the boundless night, amid scattered and chaotic views, he saw Teest.

Teest was talking, Teest was smiling at him, Teest was lying on his legs, spreading out his body relaxedly. That silver hair flowed over strange flesh as if everything was normal.

Nol reached out his hand with difficulty, stroking those strands of hair and the knight’s warm cheek.

This is Teest, Nol’s spouse.

I am Nol.

This is Teest, Nol’s knight.

I am Nol.

This is Teest, the person I love.

I am Nol.

The hair slipped through his “hand”, but he could not feel its presence. His senses were a mess— cold, hot, pain, itchiness blossoming everywhere… but he wanted to touch that hair. How close it was.

If only he could regain a bit of sensation.

Fighting this omnipresent chaos, he had a small goal. His fingertips.

Nol desperately tried to organize his chaotic senses, searching for the familiar touch hidden among them—soft, smooth, slightly cool. Teest’s hair.

It always calmed him.

Finally, his fingertips regained some sensation, honestly conveying the texture of the strands.

‘Good,’ Nol thought. But he was a bit greedy… He wanted more warmth, to find his own palm…

For two whole hours, more difficult suppression and combing through. He touched warm skin and the scars and blood on it.

Teest was injured. Not good.

He wanted more. He wanted more clarity, enough to make him sober so he could systematically treat a wound…

The boundless chaos didn’t disappear, but he forcefully tore open a gap. His thoughts were no longer like fine sand scattered in a storm; they gradually settled, becoming solid and firm.

After the treatment, Nol stroked Teest’s hair over and over.

He stabilized his current feelings, trying to slowly gather his scattered thoughts.

Just when he was finally able to think normally, an extremely distorted pop-up window appeared in front of Nol.

[Warning! Warning! The knowledge seal is experiencing abnormal interference. Please remove the abnormal factors as soon as possible!]

[Warning! Warning! The knowledge seal is experiencing abnormal interference. Please remove the abnormal factors as soon as possible!]

[Warning! Warning! The knowledge seal is experiencing abnormal interference. Please remove the abnormal factors as soon as possible!]

After several pop-ups, a new window floated out.

[Condition met. You have received a message record…]

[Do not unlock the seal under any circumstances—!]

[From: Xu Yue]

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The author has something to say:

Healing is truly in the touch—!!!

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 162: Night Talk

Amazon campsite, guest tent.

“Did you go there all by yourself?” Painter glanced downward, frowning, unusually raising his tone.

Amazon wouldn’t hide such intelligence as “monster appearances” from guests. Right after Demon King Nol disappeared, a monster showed up near the undead dragon. It was blatantly obvious where that absurdly strong “monster” came from.

Teest was wiping the dirt off his feet with a wet towel, not bothering to look up. “Of course. I had to see him. Do I need to explain what ‘marriage’ means again?”

His tone was very matter-of-fact.

Painter’s mouth opened and then closed, after which he took a few deep breaths. “How is Mr. Nol doing?”

Teest was silent for a few seconds. “Not so well, I guess. Whatever that seal is suppressing, it’s already affecting him.” He paused, then continued, and Painter witnessed a scene he would never forget—

The Mad Monk averted his gaze. “’Wanted by Fate’ definitely couldn’t do this. Could it be because I touched the seal?” For the first time, Painter heard a hint of unease in Teest’s voice.

From what he knew about the Mad Monk, even if the guy accidentally killed someone, he would just say, “Sorry, my hand slipped.” Even if he was pointedly accused of making a mistake, Teest would readily admit it without fussing over the “mistake” itself.

At this moment, however, Painter saw in those golden eyes an emotion that shouldn’t exist… something close to “regret”.

“No.”

The former Pope answered honestly. “With my understanding of magic, if you broke something that day, there would definitely be a change in the magical fluctuations on Mr. Nol—this isn’t to comfort you, it’s an objective opinion from a mage.”

“The system suddenly changing the quest content—it must be Star Stealer Sol meddling.” Lynn was irritably running her fingers through her hair. “Let me think this through… First, it used the system’s power to draw Nol to the center of the battlefield, then trapped the nearby Players.”

“Second, didn’t the Red Dragon say Nol’s knowledge sealing power was very ‘pure’? If the seal is maintained by the system, and the system nearby is forcibly interfered with by Star Stealer Sol, the seal would also be affected, right?”

Painter stroked his chin. “This line of thinking is indeed interesting.”

Teest: “He had anomalies before, but none as severe as this time.”

“The anomalies of Mr. Nol before, compared to human interference, seemed more like natural triggers.” Painter gestured. “Encountering situations that touch on memories, or his own power increasing, could cause the seal to wobble briefly. As for this time, I agree with Miss Lynn’s speculation—the system being interfered with by Star Stealer Sol accidentally triggered Mr. Nol’s anomalies.”

“In terms of the outcome, it still benefits Star Stealer Sol.” Lynn’s face wrinkled in frustration. “It’s openly probing us.”

If Nol was lucid—this was a “trolley problem” of intelligence gathering. Through Nol’s choices, one could basically determine the true attitude of Paradise towards Players.

If Nol wasn’t lucid—it only made the probing all the more perfect and cruel.

Lynn couldn’t even force a bitter smile. Star Staler Sol had set up the bloody stage, whereas they—they were still guessing the cause of Nol’s anomalies, let alone finding a solution.

In this gamble, they had completely lost the initiative and couldn’t just restart as in a real game.

“Kando, with your power, can you open a spatial rift?” Teest suddenly asked.

The silent black candle spoke dispiritedly. “No. Loser can’t defy the system, let alone me, who made a deal with It.”

“Then, I’m a bit curious about how this ‘Loser’ failed.” Teest ignored the main topic at hand and pulled up a chair in front of the candle. “I know you’re bound by a contract, so speak what you can—I guess, your master wouldn’t want to see Nol fall here.”

The candle’s single eye rolled slightly, and after a moment, it said tiredly, “Loser’s real name is ‘Perradat’, belonging to a species called the Floating Cocoons… It’s okay if you don’t understand, you just need to know, He is an ‘outsider’ to this world.”

“Perradat accidentally discovered this world and wanted to nest here. Unfortunately, He found another outsider already here. Like two stray dogs fighting over a corpse, they began to confront each other.”

“Lower than I expected,” Teest said. “Then what? How did stray dog Perradat lose?”

Lynn looked at Teest with some confusion—she was puzzled by this person’s thought process. With a big issue at hand, why was Teest suddenly interested in a past divine war?

Painter slowly relaxed his brows, silently listening.

“Believe me, Perradat is the most cautious and life-valuing creature I’ve ever seen. He also possessed the gift of prophecy, so He’s definitely not an easy opponent.”

“The result was Star Stealer Sol was even more afraid of death. Star Stealer Sol never fights directly but only attacks in various forms of stealth and somehow always succeeds—to this day, Perradat doesn’t know how He lost. Even the name ‘Star Stealer Sol’ was heard from the opponent.”

Saying this, the candle laughed briefly. ” Perradat only knew that Star Stealer Sol suddenly understood Him very well. All His actions were accurately predicted. As you can guess, Perradat was struck down. He decided to play dead and lie low, waiting for a new force to cooperate with.”

Teest hummed, tapping his thigh intermittently.

As expected, there was no epic battle in Perladat’s fall. It was just a bleak reality.

“So, Star Stealer Sol’s real body isn’t strong.” He mused. “It specializes in gathering information and then crafting, uh, what’s the word, a ‘perfect strategy’?”

“If it was really powerful, it wouldn’t need such roundabout methods. Plus, if Loser really valued its life, as you say, it wouldn’t have hesitated to wage war on Star Stealer Sol.”

“According to what you said, Star Stealer Sol’s real strength should be similar to, or even lesser than, Loser’s.”

Star Stealer Sol didn’t dare to directly confront the ancient Demon King, possibly due to some special reason related to “creator authority”. But it also avoided confronting other outsiders directly, which was quite telling.

For the first time, appreciation appeared in the black candle’s gaze. “I won’t deny… Perradat did say, if faced with a being like ‘The Pillar of the World’, He wouldn’t dare make a move.”

“Then I have only one question left,” Teest said. “Compared to ‘Loser’ in His prime, what level is that headless corpse in the cave?”

“A tenth.” The candle answered crisply. “That is the remains of Perradat’s avatar. Star Stealer Sol’s real body isn’t there, unable to suppress more power.”

Teest lowered his gaze, slowly outlining the enemy’s form in his mind.

Star Stealer Sol excelled in scheming. Its abilities were unknown, and it was accustomed to gathering intelligence, manipulating behind the scenes.

Its real body was weak, unlikely to enter the fray now. Even the previous battle between the two gods couldn’t force it out of the shadows, let alone this little skirmish.

But It was definitely watching. Whether through the four moons, the eyes of Its followers, or some other means…

“Shouldn’t we first resolve Nol’s issue?” Lynn couldn’t help but speak out. “We can talk about these matters later. The important thing is—”

“The important thing is, the more the enemy likes underhanded tactics, the less we can afford to be passive.” Teest stared in the direction where Nol was, expressionless. “Nol’s anomaly is caused by system interference, so dragging Star Stealer Sol out to end the interference is the best solution.”

Painter grimaced as if in pain. “Drag it out…”

“It wants chaos, It wants war, It wants to probe our situation. Not giving It a good show would be too disappointing, wouldn’t it?” Teest bared his teeth, looking eager to tear something apart.

“Let me remind you, the people here are our compatriots.” Lynn pressed her temples. “Please, don’t even think about things like blood sacrifices.”

“I promised Nol, this time I’d play the hero,” Teest said softly/ “I won’t break the game rules.”

After saying that, he added, “…By the way, I’ll be going out again tonight. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back on time at dawn.”

The night gradually deepened, then was diluted by the increasingly bright twilight.

The undead dragon lay quietly, and the alien monster sat motionless beside it. A soothing magic continuously flowed from its palm and… probably around its thigh. Teest calmly rested his leg, lying on his side.

The omnipresent pressure from all sides remained, but from another perspective, this was also a kind of embrace. The bluish-red skin was cold and moist, with a faint smell of decay, but no matter. He had already gotten used to it in the Eternal Church. How wonderful this touch was, like a cold kiss.

Nol occasionally uttered unintelligible murmurs, with the short syllable “Teest” mixed in. That sound, like bubbles rising and bursting, brought a strange sense of comfort.

Teest liked it here; he comfortably closed his eyes.

His body was covered in wounds of various sizes and depths. Blood soaked through Teest’s clothes, flowing down the stone platform. Wounds that could be healed with recovery magic, so Teest let them be, and the blood continued to flow out little by little.

Until the monster’s “hand” gently covered them, awkwardly healing those wounds.

[Teest,] it said. [Teest.]

“I’m ready, honey,” Teest said. “I don’t know if this will be a good story.”

“But it’s bound to be thrilling. I hope you’ll like it.”

……

“Redeploy the investigation team.” In the Amazon command tent, Dorothy hadn’t slept all night. “We can’t delay too long. The longer it takes, the more panicked everyone becomes.”

“First, find a way to kill the undead dragon, and immediately retreat after killing it. If its master becomes enraged, we can still gather some intelligence.”

“What if, without the undead dragon, that thing enters its second phase…” Assassin Sharp couldn’t help but shudder. The undead dragon was manageable, but its eerie master indeed left her with a psychological shadow.

“It’s better than dealing with both sides at the same time.”

Dorothy forced a smile. “We’ve brought plenty of light-based output this time, and the quality of Drake’s companions is high—Ruby has seen them. It seems like there’s a ‘Saint’ and a ‘Sorcerer’, and Drake himself is a magic swordsman—just suitable for this battle.”

“The mission given by the system can’t be an impossible situation. No one will die, and if there’s a permanent debuff from death, there will be a way to remove it. Don’t worry.”

“Understood. Then I’ll go find Bonnie Jie to draft the attack list.”

Dorothy nodded, hesitating for a moment. “I heard Mandela secretly made some buns? Are there any left? I’d like to eat some.”

“There should be some left…” Sharp replied, somewhat puzzled. Dorothy never cared about these things before.

“I see.”

Fifteen minutes later.

Dorothy, holding a stack of pan-fried buns, entered Lilith’s secret tent.

“Wow, pan-fried buns—!” The snake girl sprung up like a spring.

“No vinegar. I used some sour lemon juice instead.” Dorothy sighed. “Eat up.”

Lilith’s claws reached for the buns, then slowly stopped. “Sister, something’s off in your tone… This isn’t going to be my last supper, is it? I know the quest has changed. Is our opponent that scary?”

“Not optimistic.”

Dorothy shook her head. “Listen, Lilith… Lin Li. If something happens to me, I might not be able to look after you. Remember, don’t let anyone know your true situation. As long as your prophetic ability exists, they will protect you unconditionally.”

“I don’t understand. Can’t even Sharp Jie know?”

A sorrowful expression crossed Dorothy’s face. “If you were just ‘an exception’, that would be one thing. But if all the monsters in Paradise are like you… that means, this might not just be a ‘game’.”

If Paradise was full of people like Lilith, they would be all their compatriots, yet they hadn’t contacted the Players sooner. It could only mean that Paradise’s side had some intelligence—some negative information that was inconvenient to tell the Players.

Regarding the possible content of that intelligence, Dorothy had some guesses. But no matter what the answer was, it was bound to bring chaos to the Players.

Rather than betting on so many Players’ sentiments, Dorothy preferred to believe in the peaceful approach of the Master of Paradise.

The recent incident in the Brick Mountains had even shocked Hot Ash himself. With more and more strange events happening, the last thing Players needed now was chaos.

“The situation is special. I’ve removed the seal on the door, and there’s an invisibility potion in this small bag. If no one comes for you for more than twenty-four hours, remember to check the situation yourself.”

“Thank you, sister. I’ll remember.” Lilith finally took a bun and chewed it carefully. “If the situation gets too urgent, I’ll run away.”

Dorothy managed a strained smile.

“If you’re really uncomfortable, how about I make a prophecy for you?” Lilith offered. “Although I personally don’t like spoilers in life, given the circumstances…”

“No need.” Dorothy patted her head. “I only have one outcome—going home and having a good New Year with my parents. I don’t want to know about anything else.”

“Just like you only have one outcome. You’ll find your sister, and you both will go home.”

“Mm,” Lilith responded with a smile.

Not far from the command tent.

Barto was fuming, veins popping. He had just come for a logistics mission and ended up getting involved in something big—recently, he hadn’t leveled up at all, and he wasn’t fit for the battlefield! Now, with the system locking the dungeon and the quest incomplete, he couldn’t even leave.

If it weren’t for that damn scroll delivery mission, Barto wouldn’t want to deal with that bitch Dorothy ever again. He thought to himself, getting involved with these women never ends well, as he kicked the scroll box again.

Who’s in the mood to find the recipient? Let’s just get this cursed quest over with first.

Speaking of which, the snake woman had a prophecy.

Someone would grant them the way home, and they would witness a noble sacrifice. Barto originally thought “the way home” meant a way back to Earth, but now it seemed, it could also mean leaving this cursed place.

A noble sacrifice… Well, it certainly wouldn’t be his. As long as they survived until a specific character sacrificed themselves, they would have a chance…

Thinking this, Barto finally felt a bit calmer. It was almost dawn. It might be good to go out for a walk to clear his head.

As he stepped out, Barto immediately saw Lynn, carrying a basket of bread.

She didn’t look like one of the Amazons. A guest, perhaps… Last night, Dorothy threw out “Drake’s visit” as a pacifier for everyone. Could this be one of that Hero Drake’s companions?

This newcomer looked to be no more than eighteen, petite, with two flaxen braids, full of girlish charm. Her pale red eyes were round and beautiful, like a little girl who might appear in a fairy tale.

‘Quite cute,’ Barto thought. And being one of Drake’s companions, it wouldn’t hurt to get on good terms.

“Good morning.” Barto put on his trademark sweet smile, blocking Lynn’s path. “Guests are up so early, huh?”

Lynn struggled to suppress the subtle look in her eyes.

Well… At Lynn’s own request, Nol had shown her every Player he met through memory images, to enrich her “Paradise Intelligence Database”.

Hmm… this person, she remembered, was a man?

Hmm…

“Good morning, miss. I’m used to getting up early.” Lynn also put on a perfunctory smile. “Any new news from your side?”

She couldn’t say that the Mad Monk “Drake” had gone out in the middle of the night and hadn’t returned, and she was trying to summon him with fresh bread.

“Nothing new from the battlefield. Honestly, Amazons’ reaction is slower than you’d think.” Barto said with an air of importance, “I’m actually a representative of the Alva Merchant Group, not a member of Amazon.”

Good, the intelligence database can be enriched a bit.

“Oh my, a representative of the Alva Merchant Group?” Lynn feigned surprise. “You’re so young. That’s amazing! But if a representative is here, is something the matter…”

“Don’t worry. It’s just a secret merchandise transport.” Barto winked mysteriously. “There are plenty of secrets here.”

Lynn maintained a perfect smile with a hint of appropriate admiration in her eyes. “Wow, really? Is it a secret weapon?”

“Ah, just a person-finding tool, nothing exciting.”

Barto was completely unguarded around this “Hero’s companion”. Setting aside how prestigious the name Drake was, such a pure and cute girl must be the “Saint” mentioned in the intelligence—Saints had high moral standards.

That scruffy man must be the “Sorcerer”. That face did look a bit familiar. Had he seen him before? …Never mind. It wasn’t important.

Here stood a Saint Sister, seemingly very innocent, easily manipulated in minutes.

Securing this connection, leaving here would be another achievement. The Alva Merchant Group would surely value him even more.

“But we do have a secret weapon,” Barto said, beaming.

“Amazon have secretly hidden a prophet from the Priest Serpent Clan. It has prophesied about this crisis!”

---

The author has something to say:

You think she’s a Saint.

Actually, it’s a Supreme Domination Witch (…

Teest is not only unflustered but also wants to rest his leg on someone.

And don’t get it wrong! This couldn’t possibly be the final battle (lol

---

Kinky Thoughts:

Well… if you didn’t know what Loser was before, this chapter should really tell you who it is now. Anyway, no spoilers for those who haven’t read Stray.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 161: Hero and Monster

Assassin Sharp prowled in the shadows.

While still on Earth, Sharp excelled in gymnastics. She coincidentally acquired the rare class change of “Blood Dancer” and, from then on, became one of the top assassins among Players, specializing in breathless stealth.

As one of Miss Dorothy’s capable officers, Sharp was responsible for investigating the undead dragon. Tonight, it was her turn for the night shift investigation.

To be honest, she was somewhat puzzled. The Undead Dragon Telistam was much more docile than she had imagined. Even though it was of a level that needed not fear the sunlight, it would just quietly sit on a hillside, gazing at the distant scenery.

The quest required them to eliminate the undead dragon in order to bring peace to the land. But as far as Sharp was concerned, the land was peaceful enough already—there were no humans nearby; only some small animals were running around.

For some reason, the undead dragon deliberately concealed its aura. Birds dared to perch on its beautiful dragon horns, and it seemed not to mind at all.

During this time, Sharp hadn’t witnessed a single battle.

‘How strange,’ she thought. Normally, targets specified for extermination were extremely vicious, and could clearly be seen as villainous from a glance. And such a peaceful quest often had hidden details or side quests… This dragon was too quiet—so quiet that she somewhat hesitated to strike.

It clearly hadn’t disturbed any creatures.

Just then, a faint chill seeped into the night. A system pop-up suddenly appeared in front of Sharp.

“Hell mode?!” Sharp almost exclaimed out loud.

Map lock, severe death penalties. Sharp felt a chill all over her body and couldn’t help but look again at the quiet, undead dragon. The dissonance of this quest grew stronger—it was as if the dragon was being targeted by the system.

Sharp’s cold sweat instantly soaked her back, and her previously effortless stealth now seemed panic-inducing. This quest was really bizarre. They couldn’t slack off or make mistakes. They had to quickly eliminate the target and leave.

The undead dragon lay there unknowingly, the blue fire in its eye sockets silently burning.

Around it, several small will-o’-wisps gently swayed. The bright cyan glow illuminated the skeleton, and the bones under the moonlight emitted a soft, pearl-like luster, almost beautiful to behold.

Suddenly, it raised its head in a certain direction.

At the same time, Sharp felt an indescribable aura, like an ice-cold blade touching her throat. She hid further into the shadows and looked towards the source of the aura.

In that brief moment, she seemed to understand the reason for the increased difficulty of the mission—

A monster was approaching under the moonlight.

Indeed, most of their quest targets were monsters, but “game monsters” and “real monsters” were absolutely not the same thing. Even by the standards of game monsters, one with this appearance was definitely not easy to deal with.

It looked to have a vaguely humanoid form.

This creature was thin and slender, like a person wearing a bizarre long robe. Its long black hair dragged on the ground, and twisted, organ-like hard horns grew on its head.

The robe on its body seemed to be made of flesh and blood, thin and covered with capillaries. It exhibited a strange bluish-red color, the moist sheen resembling fresh innards.

The “robe” was full of wrinkles and gaps, with pure black eye-like structures dotted along the texture. Like a complicated ceremonial robe, it completely covered the monster’s body and limbs, trailing on the ground for two to three meters.

Sharp wanted to take a closer look, but phantasmal fog swirled around the monster. Its outline shimmered vaguely, making it hard for her to see the details.

She could only vaguely see that where the face should be, there was only an empty, lightless black. Two arm-like things stretched out from the robe, attempting to cover the face that had nothing.

Those arms were also black, like the void, making it hard to understand the purpose of this covering behavior.

But she could see clearly what was behind the monster.

Were those wings? She didn’t know.

They appeared finely shimmering, like the radiating cracks formed when glass was pierced—those cracks converged on the monster’s back, like six bizarre wings. They flowed and morphed with its movements, the cracks flickering with ominous pale light.

‘It’s like the very cracks of the world itself,’ Sharp thought out of nowhere.

Despite the distance, whispers crossed her ears, directly drilling into her brain, as if those words had a certain corrosiveness.

[Can’t be seen… Don’t look… Can’t be seen… Don’t look…]

[Don’t look… Don’t look… Don’t look… Don’t look…]

The undead dragon quietly watched it, slowly lowering its head as if in submission, or perhaps… pity?

The air was filled with an increasingly strange atmosphere—not hostility or killing intent, but a pure and unusual sense of oppression. As a human at the top of the food chain, Sharp suddenly understood the feeling of a weak creature encountering a natural predator.

Even though that thing was several hundred meters away, she felt like she was about to be crushed by a landslide.

Her scalp tingled, her limbs were cold as if they didn’t exist, and her heart was about to shatter her ribs. As an assassin known for elegance, Sharp, for the first time, fled the scene in a scramble.

‘This is bad,’ she thought.

Facing the undead dragon, she could still subconsciously consider tactics and countermeasures. But facing that thing, she only wanted to run away as far as possible.

…Can this quest really be done?

…Can everyone still leave here alive?

The day she found herself trapped in the game, she had never felt as desperate as this moment.

Behind her, the monster stopped in front of the undead dragon. It still covered its face, its head hanging low, like a statue.

……

When she was close to the camp, Sharp finally couldn’t help but gasp for breath. She supported herself on her knees, her heartbeat thundering in her ears.

“Are you okay?” A detached yet polite voice sounded.

The voice appeared out of nowhere, startling Sharp nearly to the point of drawing her dagger. After seeing the person in front of her, she breathed a sigh of relief.

This time, it wasn’t a monster, but a young man with pale golden shoulder-length hair and golden pupils.

The person was dressed simply, with a similarly ordinary long sword at his waist. If not for his overly handsome face, he would seem like a common wandering swordsman.

And he was barefoot.

“I’m fine.” Sharp wiped the cold sweat from her face. “May I ask who you are?”

Normal people wouldn’t appear at this place at this time.

The man paused for half a second. “You can call me Drake.”

“Drake?” Sharp raised her voice. “The ‘Drake’ who fought the ancient Demon King?”

“You could say that,” the handsome young man said. “I’m investigating the undead dragon nearby. The aura here is off. It’s better for you not to stay too long.”

Ah, that makes sense. Sharp finally relaxed her shoulders and let out a heavy sigh.

The sudden change in the dungeon’s difficulty surely had a reason behind it.

So, it turned out the legendary “main character” had appeared, and everything must be part of the main storyline. That chilling monster surely wasn’t meant for them to fight—Hero Drake assisting Players was the normal game routine.

Still, she remained cautious. “Your shoes?”

“The soles wore out. It’s more convenient to move this way,” Drake said without hesitation. “Since you’re fine, I’ll be on my way…”

“You can come with me.” She thought of letting Miss Dorothy confirm his identity. “You don’t look too good either. We can share some hot soup, soft bread, and a pair of new shoes.”

The self-proclaimed Drake: “Thank you. I’ll pay for them.”

He was quite straightforward.

Sharp gripped the handle of her dagger tighter. “You’re welcome.”

Miss Dorothy naturally hadn’t slept with the sudden change in the quest. Her tent was brightly lit, with sheepskin scrolls strewn across the table. The moment she saw “Drake”, she froze for several seconds.

She was, of course, aware of his existence, including his face. Hot Ash in the Brick Mountains had encountered Drake himself and shared the intelligence immediately.

“Miss Dorothy,” Drake greeted her coolly.

“You know me.”

Drake: “During that time in the Brick Mountains, Mr. Hot Ash was assisted by your people.”

According to Hot Ash, also known as Hot Ash*, Drake was supposed to be more of a lone wolf. His easygoing manner of following her people back here, could it be…

*Clarity: Pinyin Hot Ash (霍塔什) vs actually Chinese Hot Ash (热灰). The former is the English pronunciation of his name in pinyin, while the latter is what his name would be if it was in Chinese.

“Are you in trouble, Mr. Drake?” Dorothy asked softly. “I guess it’s your companions?”

Drake was candid. “There’s a lady and a gentleman, my employers for now. I’ve left them a mark. They will arrive later… This land has been sealed off, and we’re short on supplies.”

“If you can provide supplies and information, I can offer gold wheels, or my sword.”

Dorothy hummed. “No need to be so formal. We would help even ordinary travelers. Feel free to stay here.”

Although not many had seen “Drake”, Dorothy remained cautious. If he was the real Drake, it would be good to have him owe a favor; if he was an imposter with ulterior motives, she could keep an eye on him.

“I won’t lie. The sealing came suddenly, and our people are also in disarray.” Dorothy skillfully changed the subject. “Once we’ve conducted our investigation, we’ll explain the situation to you.”

Drake lowered his gaze and nodded crisply.

‘As taciturn as the legends described,’ Dorothy thought. God knew how much she wanted him to be the real deal.

Upon entering the tent, Drake—Teest immediately cast an illusion and then activated “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. As for Painter and Lynn, who would arrive later… they would survive, probably. They would figure it out.

He headed straight for Dorothy’s tent, ghosting past the curtains without causing them to flutter. The soundproofing magic formation was no issue for him now. He just needed to concentrate a bit of the Demon King’s corruption to poke a hole through the invisible “magic soundproof shield”.

Dorothy’s table was illuminated by a bright magic lamp. The center of the tent was as bright as day, while the edges remained dim. Teest leaned against the tent’s edge, wrapped in the shadow that enveloped him like amber.

He listened to them discuss whether “Drake” was trustworthy, the changes in the quest, and the severe penalties for death. He listened indifferently. Those statements were less tangible to him than the evening breeze in the tent.

He listened to them discuss the still-peaceful undead dragon and the monster that appeared beside it…

The next moment, Teest’s figure melted into the shadows. Dorothy and her companions continued their earnest discussion, completely unaware of the empty corner in the tent.

Under the moonlight, Teest saw Nol.

His God, unrecognizable, stood in front of the undead dragon like a quiet corpse. Teest carefully discerned in the night that Nol had one hand on the dragon’s skull.

Gentle and peaceful waves slowly seeped out. He was soothing it.

Even now, Nol remembered to avoid a war.

Teest watched the twisted figure.

That “monster” was bizarre yet beautiful, like the unusual moment of a Dracolich’s transformation, or like a butterfly mid-metamorphosis. It wasn’t a creature of this world, nor a power that belonged here.

Nol still had some sanity left, wary of the four moons in the sky, desperately hiding his aura. Unless one got close, it was hard to feel his presence… but once close, once observed closely, that twisted presence made one’s insides churn.

This was still the result of Nol deliberately suppressing himself. If he truly let go, what would he become?

Whenever Teest thought he had unraveled all of Nol’s mysteries, Nol would present new puzzles. How exciting. He should have been happier than the night he defeated the ancient Demon King.

Yet, Teest couldn’t feel happy.

[Nol.] His call was like a drop of rain falling into a dry well.

“Nol.” Teest called out again with his voice, but Nol remained motionless. They were only a dozen steps apart. Nol should have been able to hear him.

There was only empty darkness on that face, without the smile he was accustomed to.

Teest couldn’t help but move closer.

Had he done something wrong? Should he not have rashly investigated that seal? Even the Mad Monk, who never doubted himself, felt a bit of confusion at this moment.

“I thought we were strong enough.” After a moment of silence, Teest spoke almost mockingly. “I used to make a name for myself hunting the higher-ups of the Church. Now, I can suppress Subelbot. Before, I couldn’t even dream of something so outrageous.”

“But a ‘False God’ is still a ‘God’… You’ve become like this, and I don’t have a clue.”

Nol remained silent.

“You’ve told me many stories.” Teest continued, “You said adventure stories should always have a good ending. This doesn’t count as a good ending—it’s not even an ending. It’s extremely dangerous, completely unknown, and impossible to explore. Such an adventure has no joy… I should leave immediately.”

In front of him was an extremely dangerous dead end.

They were being played by Star Stealer Sol. He should leave immediately and stay far away. Giving up his life now was meaningless. Even if he left now, it wouldn’t break the deal between them.

And from what he knew of Nol, Nol wouldn’t blame him for it.

Teest took another step forward.

For some reason, he just wanted to stay here.

Step by step, his bare feet crossed the grass. Teest stood in front of Nol, the deadly oppressive force hitting him as if it wanted to squeeze his flesh out of his skin.

Teest grabbed Nol’s hand—if it could still be called a “hand”—and gently kissed it. The familiar buff of [Betrayal Overture] seeped into his flesh again, and they stood together once more.

“Alright, I’m going to up the ante on our deal.”

Holding onto that insubstantial twisted limb that distorted like smoke, Teest said, “I give you ‘loyalty’ and you give me a ‘response’. How about it? This is a discount! …I just realized, I’ve already given you my ‘loyalty’, and I don’t know how to take it back.”

“What a great deal. There won’t be another chance like this.”

Life was a gold wheel, complete and shining. Given away, taken back, or mortgaged near the heart, it was an easy-to-understand chip.

But loyalty was like roots; he didn’t know when it took root in his flesh, making it impossible for him to leave. Teest didn’t know how to eradicate it, just as he didn’t know how to understand this situation.

The crack-like “wings” tore through the night sky, and that face remained empty. Even when locked in the dungeon of the Eternal Church, Teest never felt such a terrible… sense of powerlessness.

“It seems I didn’t raise the stakes enough. I’ll tell you another secret.”

Teest’s tone was light, as if this was just another night time chat. “You never asked me why I chose ‘knight’ at first. I had prepared an answer for so long.”

“You wouldn’t think it was because of that kid Piel, would you? I don’t care about him that much—oh, it’s also not much related to my brother’s expectations. I rarely listen to him.”

“It’s just because the last customer of our family’s jewelry store was a knight. When it was time to choose a profession, I remembered this and just picked it. How about that? Isn’t it surprising?”

Nol remained silent.

“It’s quite boring. I knew it,” Teest said. “I’m not sure if I can give more… Ambiguous things can’t be conditions. That would be unfair to you.”

Beside Nol, the undead dragon Telistam also quietly watched him.

‘What an incredible irony,’ Teest thought. This foolish dragon threw itself wholeheartedly towards its deceased friend, and he thought he was smarter. He chopped himself into pieces, bit by bit, turning them into chips, just hoping to be able to withdraw at any moment.

By the time he realized, his whole person—almost his entire being—was already beside Nol.

“Let it be, then.” Teest pondered for a long time, as awkward as rummaging through all his pockets for change. “This is all I can offer, just for a ‘response’. This is bleeding me dry…”

Nol suddenly moved.

The movement was slow, and the joints were stiff. The monster leaned forward, stretching its arms, then slowly brought them together.

A hug.

Teest fell silent. Now it was his turn to freeze in place.

After a long time, he hugged the monster in front of him. The black hair felt like slime, slipping through his fingers, hard to grasp. The monster’s flesh was also cold, like a real corpse.

“It’s too cold. This doesn’t count,” he murmured in complaint.

[Okay…]

A voice entered his brain.

[It doesn’t count… I… remember…]

“…Honey, don’t you have anything else to say at such an important moment?”

[No…]

“No?”

[Don’t… be sad… Teest…]

[Teest…]

It stroked his hair, calling out over and over.

[It’s not… over yet…]

Teest grumbled a few times. Despite the deadly oppressive force, he still tugged at a few strands of “black hair”.

“If I really wanted it to be over, why would I make such a big deal?” he clicked his tongue. “Lord Nol, you still owe me quite a bit.”

“This terrible adventure story, I’ll change it to something more decent.”

Teest said, “Since you’re not in a position to, let me play the ‘Hero’… but this doesn’t set a precedent.”

After that, Teest tightened his arms.

‘A very good hug,’ he thought.

---

The author has something to say:

Nol’s half-demon transformation (?

---

Kinky Thoughts:

Oh, I really love this chapter. Teest slowly understanding his feelings… Ah… Chapters like these are why I love Nian Zhong’s writing so much.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 160: Script Writer

Barto returned to his tent, pushing aside the wine bottles on the table—if nothing else, the wine in this world was genuinely good. Back in the novice village, he could only afford cheap barley beer. Since joining the Alva Merchant Group, high-quality red wine was available in abundance.

For logistical work this time, Barto had specifically picked out some high-quality cheese and the best ham to accompany the wine.

As long as it wasn’t too outrageous, as long as he, a “Player”, asked for it, the Alva Merchant Group would provide. Barto thought this was what he considered the smartest use of resources. Why wouldn’t those fools try it?

Barto sat at the table and took out a slender case from the system’s item bar.

This was the focus of this logistical work, the transport of a special magical item. Just by bringing this item along, he could earn a personal transport fee of ten gold wheels.

It was said to have been specially ordered by someone in Amazon. Barto had heard the introduction beforehand. This item was rare, potent, and very expensive. However, in terms of practical value, it wasn’t anything significant.

[Wanted by Fate: Effective radius 50 km. Provide your impression, and it will summon the person you wish to see.

※Valid for 5 days. Please ensure the person you are looking for is capable of movement and not too far away.]

The item description was ordinary, which didn’t change the fact that it was a black magic item.

It must be some girl wanting to find a man she fancies, going through the trouble of getting such a complicated item. Barto could only think of using it to find rare quest targets, but sadly, the item was too expensive, and it was a loss no matter how he thought about it.

The case was specially made, and it could only be opened within a hundred meters of the employer. In theory, Barto shouldn’t touch it… But who cares? A look wouldn’t hurt, as long as he didn’t tamper with it, right?

Barto pulled the scroll out of the case, weighing the expensive item in his hand, when he suddenly noticed his palm was a bit wet.

Sniffing, there was a faint smell of blood in the air. Barto frowned and decided to open the sealed scroll. Then, his hand shook, nearly dropping the scroll to the ground.

To activate this item, a clue for the person being sought was required. A realistic painting, a photograph, a video clip—the more realistic the impression, the better the effect.

At that moment, the activation bar of the item was stitched with a withered eyeball. It was covered in blood, and the pupil was a beautiful ash gray. And the moment Barto opened it, the scroll activated automatically.

A cool magical ripple spread out, like ripples caused by a stone falling in water.

…What’s happening?!

Barto hurriedly tied the scroll back up and put it back into the case as it was. That was when Barto noticed that the “recipient” written on the box had already blurred.

It wasn’t his fault; it was the Merchant Group’s issue!

Even if he hadn’t impulsively opened it, to find this recipient with a blurred name, he would have had to open the case to confirm! It wasn’t his mistake!

Well, at worst, it would just attract some random person nearby. After all, Amazon would clear the area, and unrelated people would be discovered sooner or later.

Let it be, then. If the client asks, just say the Merchant Group didn’t package it well.

Barto, frustrated and confused, threw aside the case and opened another bottle of red wine.

……

That night, Nol held Teest as usual as they slept.

He liked to cuddle Teest’s head in his arms or rest his head on Teest’s arm. This person was literally his “security”. As long as he saw that silver hair, he always felt there was hope.

But that night, he couldn’t sleep, no matter what.

The discussions of the day were still swirling in his head—writing a script, persuading Amazon. It sounded not too difficult, but he had this nagging worry—a sense that “something is missing”.

Maybe the plan wasn’t detailed enough, Nol thought.

According to his current idea, he planned to first collect some items that could serve as rewards, then use the reputation of “Hero Drake” to his advantage. Then, they just needed to cooperate with the undead dragon to stage a grand play, providing a sufficiently peaceful ending.

Next, as long as he could persuade the Players and the dragon race to interact, he could figure out a way to shift the “Demon King” identity onto Star Stealer Sol.

A standard plan. If all went well, he could even save the undead dragon.

…But the subtle unease still lingered. What was the problem?

Nol couldn’t help but hug the sleeping Teest tighter, his nose brushing against the other’s long hair. The infamous Mad Monk emitted a very warm scent.

Better not to overthink for now. Nol closed his eyes, telling himself it was best to wait until dawn and discuss it with everyone.

Wait and discuss with everyone at dawn…

■■■■■■■■■■■■■……

Teest woke up early in the morning.

He felt a sudden chill for no reason and instantly opened his eyes. There were no malevolent visitors in the cave; instead, there was one less presence.

Nol wasn’t by his side.

Next to the stone bed, Nol’s boots were gone. His cloak was still neatly folded on the stone platform, indicating he had likely left in his pajamas. The black candle was also securely placed on the table, still soundly asleep.

Dracoliches decomposed the food they ate into magic, so there was no need for Nol to get up at night… Could it be the same situation as before? Thinking of Nol staring blankly in front of Lynn’s cottage, Teest quickly put on his cloak and stepped into the night.

Outside the room, nothing. In the distant cave, nothing. On the spider-web-like mountain roads around, nothing.

The Dragon’s Lair was terrifyingly quiet. Nol’s presence was nowhere to be found. Telepathy felt like throwing a stone into the abyss, with no response whatsoever. Teest summoned Ben, who sniffed around and whined in confusion.

So, Teest made a swift decision and headed straight for Painter and Lynn’s place.

“Do you remember a person named Nol?” The Mad Monk got straight to the point.

First, he needed to clarify if this was part of Star Stealer Sol’s domestication process.

“Of course. What’s the matter?” Lynn, having been woken up before dawn, had a face full of unspoken curses.

“He’s gone,” Teest said succinctly. “There are no signs of a fight. He left on his own.”

Lynn’s last bit of sleepiness vanished instantly, and Painter tensed up. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. There was nothing unusual last night. If there were invaders nearby, I would have definitely woken up… But if Nol wanted to leave without me noticing, I indeed wouldn’t have detected it.” Teest crossed his arms, his fingertips tapping his arm restlessly.

Painter lowered his gaze, thinking for a few seconds.

“This is the Dragon’s Lair, protected by ancient magic. Star Stealer Sol couldn’t have directly intervened.” The former pope said solemnly, “He must have used some method to lure Mr. Nol out of here.”

‘To get him away from [God’s Forsaken],’ Teest added in his mind.

“How did that thing know Nol was here?” Lynn’s face turned even uglier, as they had all thought the Dragon’s Lair was absolutely safe.

“It might have some understanding of Nol, knowing he would come. It might want to create an incident that forces Nol to show himself.” Teest hummed. “Regardless of the situation, I must find him quickly.”

He needed to be by Nol’s side.

Without Nol, he felt a very subtle discomfort. It was like waking up to find oneself missing a leg or an arm.

For half a year, his [Betrayal Overture] buff had been deactivated for the first time. Strength and something else… were drained from his bones, leaving only a continuous cold, which Teest disliked intensely.

“The Claw Scar Mountains,” Teest said.

“This Villain thinks so too.” Painter nodded.

Lynn twisted her brows in frustration. “Please, explain.”

Teest glanced at her. “Intuition.”

“Ordinary divination only provides a very vague direction. To effectively search for an unknown target, there are only four things in the world that can do it—Oracle, Witchbone Horn, Bloody Spindle, and the Wanted by Fate.”

Painter patiently explained.

“Let’s not talk about the oracle. The last three are very powerful dark magic artifacts. The first two have strong curse properties and are almost impossible to find on the market. The ‘Wanted by Fate’ is somewhat better. It doesn’t take the user’s life or organs but brings great misfortune to the user.”

“Mr. Nol is very powerful and wouldn’t be taken away by simple magic. The person being searched for leaving on their own is very much like the effect of [Wanted by Fate].”

Lynn let out a long sigh. “Continue.”

She thought [Wanted by Fate] must be a system item. The current Nol indeed couldn’t resist the system’s power.

Painter: “Here’s the problem. The stronger the power of the artifact, the greater the restrictions and costs—these three items all have a range limit. They require your target to be within a certain distance of you. Otherwise, the effect doesn’t work, but the cost is still taken.”

So that’s it. The most likely stage nearby to cause an incident was only the Claw Scar Mountains.

Facing the level of power of Nol and Teest, this kind of sneak attack could only be done once. Star Stealer Sol wouldn’t just drag Nol to a desolate place to take a look. There must be a scheme.

“I understand,” Lynn said. “Let’s go now.”

Her words had not yet fallen, and Teest was already gone.

The Mad Monk even forgot to wear shoes, she thought with mixed feelings as she quickly put on her cloak.

“Do you have a way to find Nol? He’s not an ‘unknown target’ to you.” Lynn packed her suitcase within half a minute and turned to ask Painter.

Painter’s smile was a bit bitter. “If that person managed to deceive even the Mad Monk, I have no way either. To be honest, I’m more worried about what’s about to happen than Mr. Nol himself.”

“First, Mr. Nol’s abnormal frequency of occurrences, being guided all the way to the Dragon’s Lair, and then the Claw Scar Mountains issuing a quest. All of this is too coincidental… Really too coincidental.”

Before Painter could finish, Lynn suddenly frowned.

In front of her, the system pop-up appeared again.

[The regional environment has changed.]

[You have triggered a time-limited regional quest: Necromancer’s Curse [Hell Mode]]

[Quest completion conditions: Kill the wandering undead dragon Telistam and its master in the Claw Scar Mountains.]

[Quest rewards: Highest level +5; the Lost Dragon Clan’s treasure; permanent buff “God’s Blessing”.]

[※Quest introduction: Brave warriors, the Demon King has discovered your movements. It has sent its sharp minions to fight alongside the evil dragon Telistam. The Demon King’s curse has corrupted this land. The living cannot leave, and the dead will have their levels reset to zero, suffering the permanent debuff “Agony”.]

[※Combat recommendation: Second-job transfer full level; number of people ≥100]

Lynn’s face instantly darkened.

The good news: Star Stealer Sol didn’t yet know that the person it was looking for was the “Demon King” himself. It probably didn’t expect the Demon King to personally run around with his family, only considering Nol as the Demon King’s “right-hand man”.

The bad news: she could probably guess what Star Stealer Sol wanted to do—as Nol wanted a “peace without war”, Star Stealer Sol intended to throw Nol into a battlefield filled with his compatriots. The nearby area was forcibly locked by the system, and Players couldn’t even leave before the mission ends.

Nol would die if he didn’t resist, and if he did resist, he was likely to destroy his compatriots. All this assuming Nol himself was sober and rational… At this point, they couldn’t be sure if Nol himself was sober.

Star Stealer Sol was sharper than they imagined. If this was a “true domestication” that was about to begin, it was too cruel.

Lynn didn’t know how bad the permanent debuff “Agony” was, but Lynn knew of Players who were tortured in the hunting lodge until they chose to “log off” on their own, and she didn’t hesitate to make the worst guess.

“It seems our quest this time isn’t to write a script.” She sighed. “We have to tear up the script.”

Painter: “Miss Lynn?”

Lynn pursed her lips, looking at the powerful former Pope beside her. After a brief thought, she quickly made a decision—

“Godfrey Painter. Given the special circumstances, I, as a representative of Paradise, request to make a deal with you,” Lynn said.

Painter was surprisingly calm. He didn’t speak but looked at her with his light green eyes.

“‘The truth and protection of Paradise’ in exchange for ‘cooperation without concealment’.” She said, “From now on, we have no room for mistakes in what we have to do, and we can’t distrust each other internally.”

Lynn trusted her judgment of character. She had to bet on this— the Mad Monk wouldn’t care about anything other than Nol, so someone had to make decisions for Paradise.

“This day came faster than I thought.” Painter stared into Lynn’s eyes. “No problem, as long as you promise one thing.”

“What?”

“Do not sacrifice this world. Otherwise, This Villain… will betray immediately.” Painter was succinct. “My cooperation with you is not because ‘I like you’, but because I want to escape from that False God who treats war as a toy. I hope you understand.”

“Deal,” Lynn said.

She walked into Nol and Teest’s room, picking up the staff they had forgotten.

At the same time.

Nol was walking under the moonlight.

His head was filled with all sorts of thoughts—normal and abnormal, tiny and large. They buzzed like a blender, turning even his brain into mush.

He shouldn’t be walking here. Amidst the chaos of thoughts, Nol struggled to stay sober. He should be by Teest’s side. Without [God’s Forsaken] nearby, such behavior was very reckless.

He shouldn’t be walking here. But his legs dragged him forward. The sky gradually twisted, and the shadow of the only moon gradually blurred. Soon, he would leave the shelter of the Dragon’s Lair.

He shouldn’t be walking here. Since he couldn’t resist… he had to think of other ways…

Right, the plan. His plan. He had his script.

Nol stretched his body, trying to morph into the appearance of Drake. Accompanied by the creaking sound of flesh twisting, the shadow cast by the moonlight twisted into a bizarre shape. Five arms waved aimlessly while two heads wobbled.

It felt like a thousand people were talking in his head, with continuous tiny screams. Nol bit his lip—probably his lip—forcing his thoughts back.

No, no…

This won’t do.

By the way, what do humans look like again? Four arms and four legs? Five arms and three legs?

How many heads? How many eyes? How many mouths?

Damn, can’t remember.

But he couldn’t maintain his original appearance. He couldn’t just expose himself like that. Star Stealer Sol would see. Star Stealer Sol would find out. He must protect Paradise, protect the Players… He must protect Teest…

Nol walked under the moon, and the shadow on the ground gradually changed its shape.

Under the moonlight walked a pure “monster”.

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