Chapter 80 - Mask

The Holy Light of the Sun Domain. Ebner had seen Mr. Gaston use Beyonder items more than once when he was fighting against monsters on Damir Island. Therefore, the analysis of the White Eye was relatively complete. The simulation now had at least 80% of the original's effects.

A bright and pure warm light descended from the sky and landed on the giant priest's head. A scream was heard as golden flames formed a human figure on the priest's head!

The illusory figure and the golden light seemed to be locked in a stalemate for a moment before they were quickly defeated.

Then, in the warm and bright light, all the coldness, evil, and dark shadows quickly dissipated.

Looking at the holy light he summoned, Ebner nodded in satisfaction. He didn't know if it was a coincidence, but he felt that his simulation of the abilities of the other four pathways of Omniscience and Omnipotence far exceeded the other Beyonder pathways.

For example, Xio's "might." Even if it was only a Sequence 9 ability, he could only simulate about fifty to sixty percent of it. As for the abilities related to Wind-blessed and Solar High Priest, even if they were very difficult, the effects of the simulation were better.

If I could prepare a ritual in advance when simulating the Holy Light and pray to the Eternal Blazing Sun for help, the effect of exorcism wouldn't be inferior to the original Solar High Priest… Of course, this is just a thought. A Blessed of Knowledge like me praying to the Eternal Blazing Sun? "He" might have given me an Unshadowed Spear on the spot!

After making a few self-deprecating remarks in his heart, Ebner cast his gaze at the nearby giant priest. By now, the signs of him losing control had vanished, and his wrinkled face had regained its calm. He was closing his eyes tightly, crossing his hands and pressing them against his chin, as though he was making the most pious confession.

After a while, he opened his eyes, revealing a light blue color. He smiled at Ebner and said, "Child, thank you. I'm fine now."

It seemed like he had temporarily suppressed the former him that had been split out? That made sense. This giant priest's situation wasn't that bad, to begin with. If he hadn't been cursed with black magic, he wouldn't have nearly lost control.

From this point of view, although Dawn Paladins had the ability to exorcise evil spirits, there was still a gap between them and the Sun Domain.

As these thoughts passed through his mind, Ebner did not withdraw his revolver, nor did he continue to approach. Instead, he cautiously asked, "Father, is there anything else you need my help with?" His meaning was that if there was nothing else, I would leave first.

"My name is Ivanov Ilyich Utravsky. You can call me Father Utravsky. I sincerely thank you, child." In his calm but emotional voice, Bishop Utravsky stood up. He was over 2.2 meters tall and muscular. His priest uniform was tight as if the legendary giant had reappeared in the Northern Continent.

Compared to calling him by his name, it's actually easier to call him Father! Ebner inwardly lampooned the format of the Feysac Empire's name, but on the surface, he asked with concern, "Father, why are you cursed by an evil spirit?"

"I was caught off guard and was ambushed while tracking a thief…" Father Utravsky explained vaguely before sincerely saying to Ebner,

"Child, you saved me. I will repay you. However, it's already very late today. I believe you are worried about following me back… How about this? You can come to the Harvest Church on Rose Street tomorrow morning. I will prepare a thank you gift for you."

With regards to this, Ebner did not refuse hypocritically. Although saving the priest was just a matter of convenience, since he had already been paid attention to by Lilith, it was natural to earn some wool from "Her" subordinates.

As for completely curing the priest's schizophrenia? That would be left to Klein, who sought the Magician's performance in the future. He had no intention of risking his life for a stranger. Even the Tarot Club members who had a good impression of him, other than Xio, Ebner's current thoughts were to provide limited help without exposing himself.

After watching Father Utravsky's vigorous footsteps disappear into the night, Ebner narrowed his eyes and analyzed his previous answer.

"In the novels, this priest has always told Klein everything he knows when he barged into the Harvest Church. Why is he so vague when it comes to me? That's not right. He told Klein about his own matters, which is why he's so magnanimous… In that case, it's very likely that this matter involves the Church of Earth Mother."

"He was ambushed while chasing after the thief… With the priest's powerful frontal combat ability, it was clearly premeditated by the enemy to plot against him… Furthermore, using black magic to curse is very similar to the work of a Demoness…"

"If it really was done by the Demoness, I wonder what she stole from Father Utravsky."

After thinking for a while, Ebner didn't waste any more time. He hurried to the subway station and took the last subway back to the Hillston District teacher's house.

After a short rest, according to the usual practice before leaving Backlund, Ebner borrowed 2-081 to analyze it for a while before reading the books in his teacher's study. Finally, he returned to his room and fell asleep.

The next day, early on July 22, Ebner had a simple breakfast and was about to head out to the Harvest Church in South Borough to see what sort of thank-you gift Father Utravsky had prepared for him when Detective Isengard Stanton walked over with a stack of newspapers and placed them on the table.

Ebner glanced down and saw that the top sheet was the Daily Observer, which Mike was serving as a reporter.

"You solved a murder case on the liner you came back from? You didn't mention this when you recounted your experiences," Detective Isengard asked with a chuckle.

As that matter might involve the Snake of Mercury, it's best if you, a Sequence 7, don't know… Alright, although I'm also a Sequence 7, I already have many eyes on me. I don't feel like I'm being bitten by lice anymore.

Ebner made a few self-deprecating remarks and then briefly explained to his teacher how the child had been killed by the acorn. He did not even mention the gold coin from the Solomon Empire.

"Why does it feel like it's too much of a coincidence…" Detective Isengard was indeed a wily old fox. He immediately sensed something amiss from his student's words, but seeing that Ebner had no intention of explaining, he didn't probe further. Instead, he said, "That Reporter Mike is quite a friend. He actually published this matter on the second page. It looks like you'll be able to gain quite a reputation very soon."

Although the Daily Observer wasn't the best newspaper, it had a rather large circulation. It was only slightly inferior to the Tussock Times, Backlund Daily News, and other newspapers that covered the entire Loen Kingdom.

To be able to appear in such a newspaper, even if it was only a small piece, it was enough to increase Ebner's reputation.

"So I invited him to the ball tonight, too," Ebner replied with a smile after swallowing the last of his ham.

The Harvest Church was one of the few churches the Church of Earth Mother had in the Loen Kingdom. It was also the only cathedral in Backlund that believed in Earth Mother.

This golden cathedral had a rather striking spire and the Sacred Emblem of Life engraved on the outer wall. It was a simple baby surrounded by symbols like wheat ears, flowers, and spring water. It was completely different from the surrounding buildings.

Ebner pushed through the tall front door and peered into the church hall. Rows of seats were neatly arranged, with the huge Sacred Emblem of Life at the top and candles lit on both sides. Though clean and bright, there didn't seem to be a single believer.

On the front seat, Father Utravsky, who was like a small mountain, was praying with his eyes closed. When he heard someone enter, he opened his eyes and turned around.

Upon seeing that it was Ebner, the forty to fifty-year-old priest smiled gently and said,

"There you are, child."

"Once again, I sincerely thank you for saving me."

"Also, I've already prepared the thank you gift."

As he spoke, he took out a mask of unknown material from the pocket of his brown priest uniform. The mask was painted with exaggerated colors and strange patterns, looking like a clown.

"This is actually the spoils of war from yesterday's ambush battle. I don't know its name, so I only call it the Clown Mask. After my appraisal and experiments, I can change its appearance to another person after wearing it… Yes, it's just its appearance… But once you specify its appearance after changing, it can't be easily changed. It will take at least a month or two to change it. Currently, its designated appearance is that of a beautiful lady. You can wait for a period of time before using it again. In addition, after wearing it, your strength, speed, balance, and other aspects will be greatly enhanced." Bishop Utravsky pointed at the item in his hand.

This is a clown mask? It is currently a big boss mask for women! And you even tried it… I wonder what a 2.2-meter tall muscular giant with a small pretty face looks like…

The image of a certain comedic animation flashed across his mind. Ebner hurriedly shook his head and cut off the terrifying connection. He took a deep breath and asked,

"What about its restrictions and hidden dangers?"

Father Utravsky looked at the mask with strange patterns and gave a detailed introduction.

"It might have the characteristic of being 'alive'… because it will look forward to your performance after you wear the mask. It's best that you create a character for the person you pretend to be before wearing it and create a stage that corresponds to the performance. Otherwise, once it's unsatisfied, it will take the initiative to control your body to perform the performance it wants!"

"In addition to that, it has another problem. Once you wear it for more than two hours, you may be replaced by the personality you've developed, and your mind may split."

Ebner was quietly relieved to hear this negative effect. The 'living' characteristic might be troublesome for others, but it was easier to deal with for those with gold fingers.

Even if his Eye of Pure White couldn't suppress the mask, it was obvious that it was a Seer Sequence item. Wouldn't it be more honest if it was placed above the gray fog? It could also increase Mr. Fool's sense of mystery in front of the Tarot Club.