Standing at the base of the mountain referenced in the ancient texts, even without reading Roselle's diary entries on the matter, Ebner's "Pure White Eye" sensed the presence of an immensely powerful yet centralized force of "Distortion" and "Chaos."
These energies seemed to stem from the wards and arcane rituals within the ruins.
However, Ebner chose not to reveal his findings to Roselle and the others immediately, allowing them to continue searching for the "entrance" while he seized the opportunity to "analyze" this power of "Distortion" and "Chaos."
Even if he couldn't master it immediately, he aimed to imprint it within the "Pure White Eye" for future study.
Initially, Roselle appeared enthusiastic, but after a few hours of fruitless effort, his determination waned, and he abandoned the search to join Ebner.
"In the absence of visible progress, it's difficult to maintain my motivation," Roselle commented wryly as he approached.
"So, my dear 'Doctor Strange,' I see you've been standing here for quite a while… made any discoveries?" Roselle asked with a smile.
Though his expression hinted that he didn't truly expect Ebner to have uncovered anything, especially since their "archaeologist" guide hadn't found a thing.
Ebner, however, had been waiting for precisely this question, knowing that the Spectator role demanded he wait for an inquiry. Since this "Roselle" possessed a "soul," he was capable of providing feedback to Ebner's role-play.
"I did come across something interesting." Ebner pointed to a moderately flat rock just ahead. "You might try standing there."
In this period, Roselle possessed the fearless vigor of a "young calf unafraid of the tiger," and he immediately leaped onto the stone without a trace of concern for possible danger.
Of course, Roselle had his own calculations: he could both demonstrate trust to draw Ebner in and rely on Caron's protection should any danger arise.
The moment he stepped onto the stone, the scenery abruptly shifted around him. When he came to his senses, he found himself within a secluded cave halfway up the mountain.
Startled by the sudden change, Roselle instinctively stepped back, only to find himself returned to the stone at the base of the mountain.
"This is…" Understanding dawning on him, Roselle repeated the process several times, stepping forward and back repeatedly. Finally, he turned to Ebner, "Is this rock some kind of teleportation device? Leading directly to the ruins?"
Ebner nodded before shaking his head, "It is indeed an entrance… but this isn't 'teleportation.' It's a 'distortion' that brings distant places within a single step, while making places within reach impossibly far."
Though Roselle didn't yet know this was a high-sequence ability of the "Lawyer" path, he could understand Ebner's explanation well enough. "In other words, any attempt to approach the cave without using this 'entrance' will be futile?"
"Unless you possess demigod-level 'Order' abilities to 'negate' this 'chaos.'"
Thanks to his earlier "analysis," Ebner understood that the "chaos" here operated at a conceptual level, so even abilities like "teleportation" and "wandering" would be ineffective without the "entrance."
"Well, well… as expected of a 'Doctor Strange' of true erudition!" Roselle exclaimed in admiration, adding under his breath, "Haha, having someone as knowledgeable as you join me just before exploring these ruins… it's like the treasure within was meant for me all along! I must truly be the 'protagonist' of this era!"
Ebner ignored Roselle's self-congratulatory remarks. Instead, he subtly attuned to his spiritual energy, sensing a faint but distinct step in his potion's digestion. So, role-playing does indeed work here… These "information constructs" may not provide feedback, but this "Roselle" clearly can. He really is special…
While Ebner considered this, Roselle gathered Grimm and Edwards. After a brief discussion, they decided to venture into the cave right away.
Thanks to Roselle's notes on the cave, Ebner knew it was rife with lethal "distortions" and "chaos," even though it held no physical enemies. Every step posed potential danger.
So he solemnly warned the three of hazards Roselle had mentioned, such as "discovering oneself suddenly at the edge of a lava pool," "attempting to stop only to find oneself still running forward," and other unexpected occurrences, reminding them to remain cautious.
Of course, his words were mainly aimed at Caron, who was silently following them. After all, Roselle's diary had made it clear that the vampire Viscount's contribution had been instrumental in their survival.
…
Outside the Dock Union Hall at East Balam Wharf in Backlund, Cesimir, the "Sword of the Goddess," had just led a Nighthawk squad in dispatching three "Ascetics" when he noticed Lanevus descending the dim stairway, his linen shirt framing his sharply defined features.
His expression was indifferent and calm, utterly devoid of fear.
"I am curious—after the 'Giant' was killed, you had every chance to escape. Why did you stay?" Cesimir asked casually, as if oblivious to the anomaly.
Lanevus's footsteps echoed in the silent, somber atmosphere. He flashed his trademark sneer and replied, "It's simple.
"I am no longer just Lanevus.
"Why would I run?"
With that, he tore open his shirt, revealing a figure hanging upside-down embedded within his chest.
"I am now the 'True Creator!'"
In an instant, the space around them shattered like glass, obliterating the scene created by "1-063."
The presence of a god… Cesimir reflected, though he wasn't caught off guard. The intelligence he'd received had prepared him, and he calmly instructed Lorretta beside him, "Use '1-088.'"
Lorretta nodded gravely and raised a silver cross from around her neck high above her head.
Instantly, a radiant light erupted from the cross, forming a three-meter "Luminous Cross" in mid-air, illuminating every corner and weakening all filthy and fallen powers. Even the aura of the "True Creator" was momentarily suppressed.
Seizing the opportunity, Cesimir lunged at Lanevus with his gleaming bone sword.
Yet Lanevus did not evade. Instead, he smiled triumphantly, allowing the bone sword to pierce his chest.
A wave of silent energy rippled through the area, striking every Nighthawk with its spiritual shockwave.
Thanks to "1-088," most of them withstood the impact, though Borgia, who had suffered backlash from wielding "1-063" earlier, lost consciousness.
Cesimir himself had prepared safeguards, having endured a similar incident during the "Witch of Pain" case. While he exhausted several spirits he'd sealed within his teeth, he suffered no personal harm, only temporary spiritual depletion.
Struggling slightly, Lanevus laughed maniacally, "Haha, I really ought to thank you all!
"Yes, I sincerely thank you!
"Truly, look into my eyes—I'm grateful!
"Had you not intervened, in just a few more months, I would have fully become the vessel for the True Creator's descent. By then, my state would have been indistinguishable from death!"
He then recounted his efforts over the past few months to attract the authorities' attention, finally flashing an eerie grin.
"I know you're stalling for time to recover, but so am I…
"And do you know why?"
"Because I've prepared a 'dessert' just for you!" Lanevus sneered.
At that moment, a figure in a black robe appeared before the union hall with alarming speed. His eyes froze upon seeing the bone sword in Lanevus's chest, and his face twisted with cold rage. He turned sharply toward the Nighthawks, his aura radiating wrath and cold cruelty.
The Aurora Order's Emissary! Cesimir's heart tightened. Although he still had some strength left to protect himself, he feared for his team.
Resolving to do all he could to delay the emissary, Cesimir stepped forward.
This new arrival was none other than "Mr. A," who had received Erin's letter. Seeing the True Creator's descent thwarted fueled his berserk rage, and he didn't hesitate to summon his "Scribe." A transparent, ethereal tome floated before him, accompanied by distant chanting:
"I arrive, I witness, I record."
His "Scribe" prepared to release a wide-range "lightning strike."
"No!" Cesimir, unable to prevent it, used his "Nightmare" ability in a desperate attempt to draw Mr. A into a dream.
Yet a "Shepherd" possessed ample means to counter a "Nightmare," making Cesimir's effort futile.
Dark clouds gathered overhead, flickering with lightning.
As the Nighthawks faced imminent peril, a red suit of armor descended from the sky, landing in a kneeling position and erecting two barriers to deflect the incoming lightning!
Seeing this, Lanevus's grin widened.
Now that he was sure no ambush remained, it was time to leave this troublesome place.
Meanwhile, in the guise of a "Clown," Klein wrote a divination statement:
"Lanevus's escape route."
Then, leaning back, he quickly recited it, allowing himself to slip into a deep dream.
(End of Chapter)