Now, what do you think of my powers, Mrs. Evangeline?" Anon asked, a sinister smile spreading across his face as he towered over the kneeling figures before him.
'How can he possess such formidable abilities? He is nothing more than a lowly demon. Why have we fallen to our knees in submission?'
"I am not just any demon, Mrs. Evangeline. I am Cerebraxis, the highest mind-controlling demon," Anon declared, his voice dripping with a potent mix of arrogance and authority.
"You can read our minds, can't you?" Valeria inquired cautiously, her eyes filled with both fear and curiosity.
"Yes, I can delve into your thoughts, unraveling the deepest recesses of your consciousness. Until now, I have been toying with Evangeline's mind," Anon replied, his smile growing wider, relishing in the display of power.
"What is it that you want from us?" Evangeline questioned, her voice trembling with a mix of apprehension and defiance.
"As I mentioned before, I require your unwavering servitude as your master," Anon responded calmly, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity.
"What do you truly expect us to do for you?" Ravenna interjected, her voice filled with a fiery defiance that had rarely wavered until now.
Ravenna, who had always stood tall and unyielding, the epitome of honor within the house of Undead, was now willingly prostrating herself before a mere commoner, her pride momentarily set aside.
"Rise, all of you. Proceed to the bed and take a seat," Anon commanded, gesturing towards the nearby bed.
Obeying his instructions, the group moved to the bed, their bodies weary, but their minds alert to the looming presence of the enigmatic figure before them.
Suddenly, the entrance gate to the room swung open, revealing two towering Orcs, their hulking forms emanating an intimidating aura. In their hands, they carried a large blackboard, a tangible symbol of Anon's authority.
All five individuals tensed upon seeing the colossal green-skinned creatures, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and uncertainty.
With a display of brute strength, the Orcs placed the blackboard beside Anon, their presence a silent reminder of the power he commanded.
"This is No.300, my loyal partner," Anon introduced his ogre companion, who is half naked still. Her boobs jiggling outside.
The group exchanged cautious glances, their minds filled with curiosity and apprehension.
"Hello," No.300 greeted.
"So, it was you who killed our husbands," Evangeline accused, her voice trembling with a mix of grief and anger.
Everyone turned to look at Evangeline, their expressions a mix of astonishment and confusion.
"Sister, what are you saying? Our husbands met their demise at the hands of Sir Mike. It is inconceivable for a mere commoner to be responsible for their deaths," Fona interjected, her voice filled with skepticism.
"Sister speaks the truth. Please refrain from making baseless accusations," Fola concurred, her eyes darting between Evangeline and Anon.
"You are correct. I was the one who ended their lives. However, I am intrigued. How did you discover my involvement?" Anon inquired, his eyes narrowing with curiosity, for he had taken great care to conceal his identity during the act.
"I caught a fleeting glimpse of your partner as you were leaving," Evangeline revealed, pointing a trembling finger towards No.300.
A mix of surprise and realization flickered across Anon's face, impressed by Evangeline's perceptiveness.I think you should take a look at
"Well, now that the truth is out in the open, let us move on to more pressing matters," Anon declared, his voice resonating with an air of authority.
"No, it wasn't just her. I have witnessed many others like her. How many of them are under your command?" Evangeline pressed, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
An evil smile played upon Anon's lips, a chilling reflection of the power he wielded, as he leaned in closer, whispering into Evangeline's ear.
"I command a legion, more followers than the entire population of this continent, and their numbers grow with each passing second," he revealed, relishing in the subtle fear that washed over her.
A shiver ran down Evangeline's spine, her mind grappling with the implications of Anon's revelation.
"Now, I shall assign each of you a task, and you shall provide me with the means to accomplish it. Do you understand?" Anon declared, his eyes scanning the group before him.
He approached the blackboard, a tool that embodied both his dominance and the weight of their submission. With deliberate precision, he inscribed a single word upon it: "Control."
Confusion filled the eyes of the group as they stared at the enigmatic word, their minds racing to grasp its significance.
"Very well, I shall take that as a 'yes.' Your objective is clear: enlighten me on how I can seize control of this kingdom," Anon announced, his voice resonating with a chilling determination.
A moment of silence enveloped the room as the weight of the task settled upon them. Each member of the group felt the weight of their own thoughts, contemplating the possibilities before them.
"Now, Isabella, you're up first," Anon declared, his gaze fixed upon the counselor with an intense scrutiny.
"As a counselor, the task should not be insurmountable. Manipulate the king's mind, compelling him to grant you whatever you desire," Isabella suggested, her voice laced with a hint of cautious optimism.
"Nope, next. Valeria, the cunning queen," Anon continued, his eyes shifting to the formidable woman who had often wielded her influence with finesse.
"While this kingdom may appear to be ruled solely by the king, the truth is that the corrupted nobles hold the true reins of power. Manipulating their minds through your influence would pave the way for dominion," Valeria proposed, her voice carrying the weight of her astute observations.
"Excellent. So, you are suggesting that I subjugate the nobles, thus securing the kingdom for myself," Anon confirmed, nodding in approval of her cunning strategy.
"Now, Ravenna, it's your turn," Anon spoke, his smile now tinged with a hint of intrigue, for he recognized the boldness that defined Ravenna's nature.
"Provide me with an army of ten thousand, and by tomorrow morning, this kingdom shall be yours," Ravenna asserted with a thug-like expression, her voice resonating with audacious confidence.n--š(-šÆ(-š®(.š-.š·.-I.)n
"An interesting proposition, but one that I can achieve on my own. I decline your offer, for I seek to rule over a kingdom of the living, not one of the deceased," Anon explained, his words carrying a tone of calculated consideration.
"What about you, twin sisters?" Anon inquired, his gaze shifting towards Fola and Fona, the duo representing a unique perspective.
"Annihilate the other continents, and once the king becomes aware of this display of power, he will surrender himself," Fola proposed, her voice resonating with a cold and calculated approach.
"...Or, you can ruthlessly dismantle this kingdom, sending a clear message to other realms that their resistance would be met with unyielding force," Fona suggested, her words echoing a more brutal and decisive path.
"An intriguing idea. You speak of setting an example, of 'killing a chicken to scare the monkey.' However, that is not the best course of action, is it, Evangeline?" Anon uttered, his gaze locking onto Evangeline, his voice laced with both anticipation and challenge.
"Now, why don't you enlighten me, Evangeline, on the correct approach?" Anon's voice carried an air of authority, his piercing gaze fixed on Evangeline.
Evangeline met his intense stare with a mixture of hatred and resignation. She knew deep down that there was no alternative but to divulge the intricacies of their world's power dynamics.
"As Valeria has previously mentioned, a kingdom never operates solely based on the king's commands, but rather on the foundation of finances," Evangeline began, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. "Our kingdom procures resources from others through trade, facilitated by merchants traversing between kingdoms."
Anon nodded, absorbing her words as he listened intently.
"Food ingredients, cosmetics, weapons, and even slaves," Evangeline continued, her voice tinged with a hint of disdain. "Every kingdom in this world engages in trade, be it with elves, dwarfs, or beastmen. Each kingdom and its respective continent are interdependent due to the scarcity of resources."
Anon's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he leaned in, eager to learn more.
"For instance, dwarfs lack access to alcohol. Constantly toiling in mines, they require a substance to numb their bodies while refreshing their spirits. Unfortunately, their land's soil composition does not allow for the cultivation of the necessary ingredients," Evangeline explained, her voice taking on a somber tone.
"Consequently, they purchase wine and alcohol from humans. Similarly, humans acquire magical artifacts from dwarfs and spells crafted by elves," she continued, painting a vivid picture of the intricate web of trade connections.
Anon absorbed the information, his mind already formulating a plan.
"Elves, on the other hand, procure spices and prostitutes from humans. However, humans often venture into elven territories, capturing and selling them as slaves," Evangeline continued, her voice laced with a mixture of sorrow and anger.
Anon's expression grew more serious as he grasped the underlying power dynamics.
"This interdependence acts as a leash, aptly named 'The Trading Leash,' constraining each kingdom's trade balance with others," Evangeline explained, emphasizing the significance of the term.
Anon leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "If you gain control over this leash, you shall become the rulers of all kingdoms within this world," he mused aloud. "No king would dare oppose your decisions. Should anyone do so, you simply sever trading ties with them. In just three days, their kingdom will descend into hunger and suffering."
A smile tugged at the corner of Anon's lips as he envisioned the immense power such control would bestow upon him.
Evangeline, too, couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope amidst the darkness that had enveloped her heart.
"Excellent. This is the key to ruling the world, not through brute force but through strategic manipulation," Anon declared, his voice filled with determination. "However, Mrs. Evangeline, I suspect this plan has its flaws."
Evangeline nodded, acknowledging the inherent challenges that lay before them.
"Indeed, there are three significant flaws within this strategy," she admitted, her voice tinged with caution.I think you should take a look at
"Firstly, control over the traders," she began, her gaze locked with Anon's. "As previously mentioned, attempting to control every single trader across the globe is an insurmountable task. Additionally, we must contend with corrupt nobles, who prove to be more treacherous than the demon lord himself. They would sell their wives and daughters to save their own skins."
Anon's brows furrowed, his mind already calculating potential solutions to this obstacle.
"Secondly, the unification of forces," Evangeline continued, her voice growing somber. "If word spreads that someone aims to seize control over the entire world, kingdoms would inevitably unite their forces to eliminate the threat, much as they did with the demon king in the past. He, too, sought world domination, just like us."
Anon's eyes narrowed, a glimmer of defiance flickering within them. He was undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead.
"Thirdly, the workflow," Evangeline concluded, her voice tinged with concern. "To exercise power over the traders, we would need to implement a permission system for every trade, regardless of its scale. Yet, establishing such a system would demand ceaseless dedication, as it would require a staggering workload of 72 hours per day. A single individual could not withstand such pressure."
Anon leaned back, his mind racing with possibilities. He had expected challenges, but he was prepared to overcome them all.
"You have presented valuable insights, Mrs. Evangeline," Anon acknowledged, his voice brimming with appreciation. "Your knowledge and experience are invaluable to my cause."
Anon's gaze shifted to the other members of the group, his voice filled with determination. "We stand on the precipice of a grand undertaking, one that requires strategic thinking and unwavering commitment. I trust each of you to play your part in this endeavor or die simple."
Isabella, Ravenna, and the others exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a mix of trepidation and resolve. They had chosen to follow Anon, knowing that he will kill them if they opposed but they were also excited to take over the world with him.
"Now," Anon declared, his voice resonating with unwavering conviction, "shall we invite the traders from this continent to a meeting with me?"
A ripple of anticipation spread through the group, their minds already envisioning the grand scheme that was beginning to take shape.
"You want us to control their minds?" Isabella questioned, her voice betraying a mix of curiosity and concern.
"I possess the power to influence their minds," Anon affirmed, a glimmer of confidence in his eyes. "But I will need your assistance in instilling fear. Make them tremble at the mere mention of my name. Kidnap their daughters and wives, ensuring they understand the consequences of opposing me."
"Eh...?" Ravenna's voice quivered with uncertainty. "But if you possess the power to control their minds, why would you fear them?"
A mischievous smile played across Anon's lips as he responded, his voice laced with a mix of anticipation and mystery. "Fear is a powerful tool, my dear. I shall handle their minds; your role is to carry out my instructions diligently. If you failed to do so, i will give you to the orcs in the breeding chamber and you will be used in my plan to take over the world but in other means."
Isabella, Ravenna, and the others exchanged glances, a newfound determination shining in their eyes. They were prepared to face the challenges ahead, to embrace the darkness in pursuit of a greater purpose.
Together, they embarked on a journey that would test their resolve, their wits, and their very souls. Little did they know that their actions would shape the fate of their world, forever altering the balance of power.
Next day...
Anon awoke to the sound of heavy rain pouring outside. Lightning illuminated the sky, casting an eerie glow through his window. The storm raged on, creating an atmosphere of raw power and intensity.
"In this weather, I crave a chocolate shake and some cookies. Rainy days are my favorite," Anon mused, gazing out at the tempestuous scene with a mix of awe and excitement. There was something about the chaos of nature that stirred his adventurous spirit.
With the academy closed due to the relentless downpour, Anon sought something to occupy his time.
The previous night's encounters with the ogre girls had left him fatigued and his swollen dick yearned for a break after claiming so many virginities last night.
"Those tight pussies got me last night, hehehe." Anon laughed.
"It's been a while since I checked my status. Let's see how it looks now."
Anon tapped into his mind and accessed his status, eager to see the progress he had made until now...
Status:
[Name: Anon Agreil]
[Level: 64]
[Exp: 30,009,655/990,000,000]
[SP: 254]
[Age: 16]
[Race: Human]
[Class: Cerebraxis]
[Mana: 240,400/240,400]
[HP: 480,800/480,800]
[Skills: 199+ Skills]
[SBP: 30,000]
[Book of Wisdom]
[Recipe Shop]
[Skill Combo Loadout]
"Now this looks impressive. My status resembles to a final boss now," Anon murmured, a sense of pride surging within him. He had grown immensely in power and experience, becoming a force to be reckoned with in this supernatural realm.
Hmmm, let's see if the skill shop has something intresting in it.
[Skill Shop Can't be opened due to severed connection with demon gods.]
"Sealed off because I can't contact the demon gods. Hmmm, what to do now?" Anon pondered, his mind brimming with possibilities.
"Let's take a round in the underground city."
Deciding to venture into the underground city and witness the ongoing activities of the ogres, Anon prepared himself.
As he made his way through the underground passages, Anon marveled at the intricate architecture and the bustling community that thrived within the depths.I think you should take a look at
"We greet you, your majesty," the guards stationed at the entrance bowed in unison, their respect palpable in the air. Anon acknowledged their gesture with a nod, acknowledging the responsibility that came with his newfound position.
"Yes, yes... Where is everyone?" Anon inquired, his gaze sweeping across the vicinity. He expected to witness the ogres engaged in their various endeavors, utilizing their unique skills and strengths.
"Your majesty, everyone is currently asleep since it's daytime up there," one of the guards responded, pointing toward the ceiling above. The underground city operated on a reversed day-night cycle, allowing the ogres to carry out their tasks in harmony with their nocturnal nature.
"Ah, yes. I forgot you all sleep during the day and work at night," Anon acknowledged, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The ogres' unique lifestyle fascinated him, offering glimpses into a world that operated differently from the human realm.
"I wonder what sephie is upto ?"
Anon's curiosity led him toward Sephie's lab, where the brilliant scientist pursued her groundbreaking experiments. The lab stood as a testament to her ingenuity, housing an array of advanced machinery and mystical artifacts.
As Anon approached the entrance gate to Sephie's lab, a low rumbling sound reverberated through the air. The gate, infused with enchantments and powered by intricate mechanisms, responded to his presence.
"Welcome, master. Please enter," the gate spoke, its metallic voice resonating with a hint of reverence. The gate swung open, granting Anon access to the domain of knowledge and innovation within.
Anon stepped into Sephie's lab and was immediately greeted by an otherworldly ambiance. The mana in the air was dense, crackling with an untapped power. The lab's interior was a fusion of metal and arcane wonders, a testament to Sephie's relentless pursuit of scientific advancement.
His eyes scanned the room, taking in the sights of shelves adorned with preserved monster organs sealed in crystal jars. The shelves stood as silent witnesses to the extensive research conducted within these walls.
Making his way toward the experiment room, Anon beheld Sephie and her trusted assistant, Ogre No.7069, engaged in a momentous project. They stood before an imposing figureāan ogre adorned in an intricately crafted suit of mithril armor. At the armor's core, a pulsating blue hue radiated with untamed energy.
"Okay, No.9799, try it now," Sephie commanded, her voice resonating with a mix of excitement and anticipation. With a well-practiced motion, she clicked on the blue core situated at the armor's center, unleashing a surge of power.
As the core activated, its vibrant blue hue transformed into a deep, intense red, illuminating the room with a mesmerizing glow. The air crackled with energy, the very essence of the room pulsating with newfound potential.
No.9799, the ogre entrusted with the trial, prepared to showcase his strength. He reached for a rod adorned with heavy weight plates, its sheer mass dwarfing the strength of any ordinary being. With unwavering determination, he attempted to lift the colossal weight.
However, the immense strain took its toll on No.9799's body. His eyes, nose, and ears began to bleed, a testament to the raw power coursing through his veins. Before he could regain his balance, his body succumbed to the overwhelming force, collapsing onto the floor, unconscious.
"Another failure," Sephie spoke with a tinge of disappointment, her shoulders slumping momentarily. Despite her brilliant mind and tireless efforts, success eluded her grasp in this particular endeavor.
"What were you trying to accomplish, exactly?" Anon questioned, his voice laced with curiosity and a touch of concern. Sephie and Ogre No.7069 swiftly turned their attention toward Anon, acknowledging his presence with a respectful bow.
"Master."
"Your majesty."
"That device looks intriguing. What does it do exactly?" Anon inquired, his gaze shifting between the gleaming armor and the enigmatic core at its center. The complexity of the creation piqued his interest, sparking a flame of curiosity within his mind.
"Master, I have dedicated the past seventy days to its development," Sephie began, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of pride and ambition. She reveled in the opportunity to explain her work to someone who understood and appreciated the intricacies of her craft.
"Hmm, what does it do? Or rather, what was its intended purpose?" Anon probed further, his tone laced with genuine curiosity. He admired Sephie's tenacity and her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
"This creation was designed to amplify the power of ogres, forging a path toward their ascendance," Sephie explained, her voice carrying a tinge of excitement. She believed in the potential of her creation, the possibility of empowering the ogre race to reach new heights of strength and capability.
"But it seems that I have encountered consistent setbacks and disappointments," Sephie confessed, a hint of frustration seeping into her words. Despite her expertise, she found herself grappling with unforeseen obstacles that hindered the realization of her vision.
"Why has it been unsuccessful?" Anon inquired, his mind working to unravel the intricacies of the situation. He understood that behind every failure lay valuable lessons, ripe with potential for growth and innovation.
"The core, obtained from monsters, does not respond as expected within this construct," Sephie revealed, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and determination. She knew that the key to unlocking the potential of her creation lay in understanding and harnessing the elusive nature of the core.
"Please elaborate," Anon requested, his eyes fixed on the core's pulsating glow, his mind spinning with possibilities.
"This core forms within a monster when it absorbs mana from its surroundings, storing the excess energy that it fails to utilize," Sephie elucidated, her voice filled with the passion of a true scholar. "However, within this construct, it has displayed unpredictable behavior, defying our attempts to harness its true potential."
*honnnkkkkkkkkkk*
As Sephie concluded her explanation, a sudden, blaring sound echoed through the lab, jolting both Anon and Sephie from their conversation. The piercing alarm-like noise signaled an urgent development, demanding their immediate attention.Ā
"What's happening?" Anon asked, a mix of concern and anticipation filling his voice. His eyes darted around the room, searching for clues to decipher the source of the disturbance.
"Something not good is happening within the Nightmare Forest," Sephie revealed, her voice laced with a sense of urgency. She swiftly maneuvered toward her private chamber, her steps fueled by a combination of anxiety and determination.
As Sephie swung open the doors to her room, she hurriedly approached a large screen, its surface illuminated with a multitude of images depicting different areas within the Nightmare Forestāa realm known for its sinister and dangerous inhabitants.
"Madam Sephie, there," No.7069 pointed toward one of the screens, drawing their attention to a specific location within the forest.
Anon and Sephie locked their gaze upon the screen, their eyes widening with disbelief and apprehension. The image displayed a massive horde of zombies emerging from the depths of the Nightmare Forest.
"This is dire," Sephie spoke, her voice laced with worry, her eyes scanning the vast horde that loomed before them.
"Can we face them head-on?" Anon's voice resounded with determination, his gaze fixed on the oncoming army of the undead.
"No, I fear no one can withstand them," Sephie replied, her tone grim and heavy with foreboding.
Anon clenched his fists, his mind racing with thoughts of strategies and possibilities. "Where are they heading towards?" he asked, his voice steady despite the urgency in his words.
"Their path leads straight to the royal capital," Sephie answered, her voice tinged with concern. "But it's not just humans within that mass of zombies. It comprises creatures of all kindsāanimals, monstersāturned into mindless abominations. And among them, there is an A-rank monster zombie, the greatest threat of all."
Anon's brow furrowed as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. "Can the king's royal army stop them?" he inquired, hoping for a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.
Sephie sighed, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Based on the intelligence reports, they might be able to hold them back for a maximum of three days, but they lack the power to eradicate them entirely," she explained, her gaze fixed on the screen before her, the display mirroring the relentless advance of the undead.
Anon glanced at the clock on the wall, his mind calculating the precious time slipping away. "How much time until they reach the first gate of the capital?" he asked, his voice tinged with urgency.
Sephie checked the data, her fingers swiftly tapping on the keyboard. "Approximately 19 hours," she answered, her voice filled with a mix of apprehension and determination.
"F...fuck," Anon muttered, frustration seeping into his words. "I thought I could have at least a moment's respite before facing another catastrophe," he spoke, his frustration mingled with a resolve that burned in his eyes.
Meanwhile, in the House of the Noble Undead...
Frank lounged amidst a group of girls, reveling in their adoration, their hands tending to his every need. Grapes were fed to him one by one, their succulent taste a brief respite from the impending storm.
A mischievous glint sparkled in Frank's eyes as he observed a spider making its way across the table. "Hey, look, a spider," he remarked to one of the girls, a playful smile dancing upon his lips.
Fear instantly gripped the girl's heart, and she sought refuge in Frank's embrace, her voice trembling. "Hiiiiaaa... Master Frank, save me," she pleaded, her body trembling with both fear and excitement.
Frank's demeanor shifted, his eyes glinting with predatory instinct. Baring his fangs, he swiftly sunk them into the girl's neck, a hunger awakening within him as her life force flowed into him, invigorating and exhilarating.I think you should take a look at
With a satisfied sigh, Frank released his grip, blood staining his lips. "Sip-Sip Haaa, delicious," he murmured, relishing the rich taste that lingered upon his tongue.
His moment of indulgence was interrupted by a butler, a figure exuding a calm and enigmatic aura, stepping forward and presenting a screen. The butler's glasses glinted, reflecting the room's dim light, his eyes radiating an otherworldly crimson glow.
Frank glanced at the screen, curiosity piqued. "What is this?" he inquired, his voice laced with anticipation.
The butler spoke with a composed tone, offering an explanation. "These are the brainless undead creatures known as 'zombies,' sir. They are devoid of pain, devoid of emotions, and they operate solely on absolute commands."
Frank's smile widened, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Interesting. Get me 1000 of these creatures," he commanded, his voice laced with excitement and intrigue.
The butler nodded, acknowledging the order. "Very well, sir. I shall make the necessary arrangements."
As Frank gazed at the screen, his eyes widened, his smile vanishing. "Wait... what?" His tone shifted, morphing into a grave seriousness that matched the impending danger.
"Yes, sir," the butler confirmed, his voice steady and calm, unruffled by the looming crisis.
Instinctively, Frank's gaze darted towards the girls attending to his needs, and a sense of alarm gripped his heart. "Ahhh, everyone, out of the fucking room now!" he bellowed, his voice reverberating with urgency.
The girls scattered, hastening to obey Frank's command, their footsteps echoing down the hall. Only the butler remained, standing resolute by Frank's side.
Frank stared at the butler, his eyes filled with determination. "Udaris, what do we do now?" he asked, his voice steady, his resolve unwavering.
The butler, Udaris, maintained his calm demeanor, his voice measured. "Master, it is crucial that we gather our forces for battle. The Mutual Relationship Rule shall be implemented, as this is an S-Rank danger," he explained, his words carrying the weight of experience and strategy.
Frank nodded, his expression growing solemn. "Udaris," he spoke, rising from his seat, "assemble all of our soldiers. I shall personally investigate if there is someone behind this."
Udaris bowed, his eyes fixed on Frank. "Yes, Master. I shall fulfill your command promptly."
The House of Witches...
Marinda, the head witch, sat engrossed in her paperwork, the room filled with an air of bustling activity. Shelly, her assistant, rushed towards her, clutching a tablet in her hands.
"Madam Marinda, please have a look at this," Shelly implored, her voice tinged with urgency.
Marinda glanced up, a hint of annoyance on her face. "What is it, Shelly? Can't you see I'm occupied with important matters? Tell me it's a matter of utmost significance, or better yet, you've discovered the whereabouts of that insufferable Anon," she scoffed, her voice tinged with frustration.