As Alastor's words fell, the entire dim room fell silent, except for the rhythmic breathing of Shana.
Fang Li remained silent.
It wasn't because Alastor's proposal was abrupt, but rather this development fell within the realm of inevitability.
After all, Sydonay's attitude towards the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) at that time had already explained everything.
"That 'Thousand Changes' has always been a lone figure in the Crimson World Crimson Lord, enjoying taking commissions from Denizens, finding joy in the role of a bodyguard. Given his unconventional style, even surpassing the usual enthusiasm when facing a Treasure Tool like the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child), there must be something beyond the ordinary," Alastor explained. "Although the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) is the coveted treasure among all Crimson World Denizens, 'Thousand Changes' showed a delight that surpassed the expected reaction to a Treasure Tool. Therefore, there must be some hidden circumstances."
Alastor's speculation almost completely hit the mark.
Indeed.
There must be some hidden circumstances.
Otherwise, an illustrious Crimson Lord from a previous generation would not choose to retreat when he had not yet made every effort, especially when he had an absolute advantage in battle.
Adding to Sydonay's overly persistent attitude, there had to be a reason behind it.
"And, this reason must be extremely important."
Alastor told Fang Li, "I believe Sydonay will not give up so easily. He will undoubtedly come again to seize the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child). At that time, with your power alone, it would be impossible for you to protect the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child)."
Alastor had reasons for saying this.
"After all, that 'Thousand Changes' is affiliated with the 'Bal Masqué' Crimson Lord."
Fang Li's eyes suddenly glittered.
—Bal Masqué.
It was a large group of Crimson World Denizens.
Although most Crimson World Denizens coming from the Crimson World to the present world were here to indulge their desires, making alliances and forming groups was unlikely. However, not all Crimson World Denizens were like this.
The 'Bal Masqué' was a group that gathered a large number of Crimson World Denizens.
Not only ordinary Denizens but also many magical Royal Capitals were affiliated with this group. Its scale was so vast that it could even provoke a unified response from all Flame Hazes.
Sydonay, known as 'Thousand Changes,' was, in fact, one of the Crimson Lords of the 'Bal Masqué.'
Moreover, he held a position just below the leader who ruled the group, one of the three Crimson Lords known as the 'Trinity.'
"Since the leader of the 'Bal Masqué' disappeared, that 'Thousand Changes' has also maintained a distant connection with the 'Bal Masqué,' disregarding the organization's operation. He roams around only for his own interests, being called a Crimson Lord who neglects his duties," Alastor said with a somewhat serious tone. "However, it cannot be denied that this Crimson Lord has not completely separated from the massive Denizen group, the 'Bal Masqué.'"
In other words, Sydonay's unequal attitude towards the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child), when he encountered it, was most likely not his personal desire but the desire of the 'Bal Masqué' to which he belonged.
The one eyeing the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) might not be Sydonay individually but the entire Denizen group to which he belonged.
"If that's the case, things will become very troublesome," Alastor said. "Next time, if the other party attacks, it's highly likely that the entire 'Bal Masqué' will come together, not just 'Thousand Changes' alone."
Hence, Alastor said Fang Li alone would be utterly incapable of dealing with it.
Dealing with just one 'Thousand Changes' is already this challenging, not to mention facing the entire "Bal Masqué."
It should be noted that within the "Bal Masqué," there are numerous Crimson Lords, including the other two Trinity members who hold the same rank as 'Thousand Changes.' How formidable they are doesn't need to be reiterated.
"In this way, entrusting the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) to you alone seems a bit unsafe," Alastor carefully chose his words and said, "If we handle it, perhaps we can leverage the power of other Flame Hazes."
Even Alastor saying such words indicated that this was indeed not a problem that could be solved by one or two individuals alone.
Naturally, Fang Li was well aware of this matter.
"I'll ask you just one question," Fang Li posed a query.
"If I hand it over to you, what do you think is the best course of action?"
Hearing this, Alastor fell silent, seemingly deep in thought.
Then, Alastor spoke, "The best method would be to destroy the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child). In doing so, any conspiracies will dissipate."
Indeed, this was the optimal course of action.
Although the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) was an incredibly precious treasure among treasures, its utility was limited to Crimson World Denizens in need of the Power of Existence. For Flame Hazes, it was merely an ornament, and its uses were extremely restricted, evident from its mere fourth-rank status.
Therefore, destroying such a Treasure Tool would not be regretted by anyone except Crimson World Denizens.
However, Fang Li outright rejected this approach.
"If I wanted to destroy it, I could have done so long ago. Why would I wait for your intervention?" He questioned.
No matter what, Fang Li was well aware of the secrets of the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) and knew that destroying it would trigger significant butterfly effects.
Moreover, regardless of its limited use to Fang Li, when combined with the effects of the Ionic Spark, it still held some value.
This was a reward Fang Li had obtained with considerable effort. Who would willingly destroy it without rhyme or reason?
Anyway, once out of this world, regardless of how significant the secret of the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) might be, it wouldn't sway Fang Li, the main Divine Envoy.
"This can be considered my possession. How to handle it will be my decision," Fang Li concluded.
"If you don't want to get involved in this vortex, it's better to leave this city sooner rather than later."
Upon hearing these words, Alastor remained silent.
Fang Li then smiled faintly, glanced at Shana, who was sleeping soundly on the bed, closed his eyes, adjusted his breathing, and entered the realm of dreams.
The night quietly passed.
...