Chapter 1409 Taking Action <TOC> Chapter 1411 Curiosity Killed the Cat
Translator: SumTLMan
A powerful gust carrying the stench of decay struck as the Giant Serpent Ghost whipped its terrifying tail.
The force of the wind was so intense that it seemed to tear the very fabric of space, releasing a shrill scream. Being hit by such a blow would be devastating, if not fatal!
Angel moved swiftly. With a slight shimmer of his figure, he narrowly evaded the tail strike.
Throughout the ensuing moments, Angel’s form constantly shifted. He continually fired shots, utilizing the Prelude of Reincarnation to cleanse the surrounding ghosts. However, his efficiency in purging the ghosts here was significantly reduced compared to on the surface. This was due to the disruptive crimson beams from Cersabiras, which suppressed the power of the Prelude to its lowest ebb.
Furthermore, the ghosts here were not like the random ghosts from the other floors. Nearly half possessed the ability to influence the material world.
Given these circumstances, Angel’s situation was extremely perilous, making every move a strenuous endeavor.
The only silver lining for Angel was that, up to this point, there hadn’t been any massive explosions from the Merged Ghosts. Perhaps they didn’t want to draw the attention of those on the surface.
If either the serpent or a giant exploded, the commotion would undoubtedly alert those above.
In these conditions, Angel relied on his exceptional physical endurance and superior speed, allowing him to barely navigate through the horde of ghosts. However, persisting in this manner would certainly be to his detriment in the long run.
A sharp scream echoed behind Angel. Without turning around, he could sense the chaotic energy disarray and a bright light illuminating from his rear——
Another Merged Ghost had exploded.
Angel immediately prepared to flee. However, with the Giant Ghosts creating disturbances and Cersabiras’s timely crimson beams, Angel hesitated. He had no choice but to release his soul once more and employ the Gravity Lines to escape.
Although he once again evaded imminent doom, the pallor on Angel’s face grew even more pronounced.
It’s not that his physical strength can’t hold up, but rather the sensation of his soul being laid bare is absolutely dreadful!
As Angel’s soul felt discomfort, the attack of the ghost struck once more. The fist of the Mountain Giant fiercely smashed into the ground, creating a massive crater. If anyone were to face this punch head-on, they would likely be pulverized… Luckily, Angel managed to sidestep just in time.
For Angel, as long as the Giant Ghost doesn’t self-destruct, the immediate threat isn’t significant.
What truly bothers him is Cersabiras, who continuously harasses him with scarlet rays, as well as those Scarlet Ghosts with their eerie abilities.
Let’s not delve into the Scarlet Ghost that had the power of Word ghosts for now. Angel, while confronting other Scarlet Ghosts, found himself in peril due to a brief lapse in vigilance.
It was a Scarlet Ghost who held her own severed head in her hands.
Despite knowing the unpredictable nature of the Scarlet Ghosts, Angel approached her with utmost caution. Yet, he still unfortunately fell prey to her. The issue was that when her power was activated, it was nearly impossible to counteract.
Anyone who locked eyes with her would inevitably be ensnared.
With the ghost’s neck appearing empty and her head held in her hands, it drew even more attention. Without prior knowledge of her power activation ritual, almost anyone would instinctively look at the head she’s holding upon noticing her empty neck. And with that glance, they’d surely meet her eyes.
The only silver lining for Angel was that although this Scarlet Ghost’s power was almost unstoppable when activated, its effect wasn’t particularly powerful — or at least, it wasn’t against Angel.
Illusion.
To call it an “illusion” isn’t entirely accurate; it’s more like a surreal space.
This dreamlike space mirrors Angel’s most cherished and nostalgic memories, pulling him into a trance.
For many, comprehending such a power is daunting. Once ensnared within an illusionary realm of memories, a mere momentary lapse allows the surrounding ghosts ample time to tear one’s soul asunder.
But Angel is different. All illusionists, upon their first initiation into the art of illusion, are taught to discern reality from illusion.
Only when one can differentiate between the real and the imagined can they manipulate minds within the illusion, weaving between the tangible and intangible, achieving victory over adversaries.
In fact, the memory space constructed by the Scarlet Ghost closely mirrors reality, almost flawlessly. Yet, of all possible realms, she chose to recreate Angel’s memories.
If Angel couldn’t break through his own memories, he would be unworthy as an illusionist apprentice.
Angel easily discerned the truth from the false, swiftly regaining control of his corporeal self amidst the illusion.
The greatest challenge within an illusionary space is the quest for reality.
Consider this: Imagine you’re dreaming, deeply immersed in it. While you remain yourself, can you truly control and move your physical body? Clearly, it’s difficult. Only by awakening can you possibly regain bodily control.
The situation parallels the present. Once you find reality in an illusionary space, the battle is essentially over.
For Angel, his physical control represents reality. By holding onto this anchor, he naturally found the Scarlet Ghost’s vulnerability, effortlessly breaking free from the illusionary realm.
Although he escaped the Scarlet Ghost’s space, safety was not absolute, as he was soon besieged by other ghosts…
Angel could have chosen to leave, but he refrained. He felt that Princess Guman wouldn’t depart so easily.
Even if Angel wasn’t sure of her whereabouts at the moment, he was certain of one thing: Princess Guman sought his death and aimed to obtain the Prelude of Reincarnation. Therefore, she wouldn’t leave and was likely observing him from the shadows.
If Angel chose to open the gateway and depart, then locating Princess Guman in the future would become quite challenging.
Angel found himself caught in an intense struggle.
The battle raged on for what felt like an eternity. Even if the Giant Ghosts hadn’t self-destructed, Angel felt himself becoming increasingly exhausted.
Just as Angel considered the option of “opening the door” to escape, the moment he had been waiting for finally arrived——
“Cease your resistance; you stand no chance,” a mocking voice, cold and derisive, echoed by Angel’s ear. “Becoming a servant to me is your greatest fortune. I’ll transform you into a half-ghost like myself, allowing you to think as you did in life… What more could you possibly desire?”
Her voice resonated, echoing repeatedly like a haunting refrain.
Angel’s gaze shifted, scanning his surroundings.
“You wish to find me? Futile. Even if you slay all the ghosts, you’ll never locate me. Put aside your arrogance and accept that death is your only path.”
The voice of Princess Guman was ethereal, seeming to emanate from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint its source.
From her concealed position, Princess Guman observed Angel’s frantic attempts to locate her, the sneer in her eyes deepening. “Regardless of what you do, escape is impossible; death is your sole destiny. Rather than facing a gruesome end at the hands of the ghosts, wouldn’t it be better to maintain some dignity and seek a fitting resting place to end your own life?”
As her words faded, Princess Guman, still hidden in the shadows, noticed Angel suddenly cease his search. In a chilling twist, he was now looking directly in her direction.
A pang of unease jolted Princess Guman’s heart. Had he discovered her?
Upon careful observation, one could discern that Angel’s eyes were shut, providing Princess Guman a slight respite.
However, in that very moment, Angel’s tightly sealed eyes snapped open.
Princess Guman noticed a fleeting green glint in Angel’s right eye, and immediately after, saw the faintest smirk grace Angel’s lips.
Her eyes widened in astonishment, as before Angel, a gateway materialized. Almost instantaneously, she heard a voice by her ear.
“Found you,” Angel chimed playfully, the lilt in his voice teasing.
Whirling around, Princess Guman was taken aback to find Angel right beside her.
“Oh, your appearance has changed. You’re no longer in the semblance of a half-ghost,” Angel quipped, arching an eyebrow. Observing the seemingly ordinary ghost with vivid expressions, he mused, “Do you possess the ability to disguise yourself, or perhaps, something more…”
Before Angel could finish, the ghost, once animated with myriad expressions, began to shift. Its eyes gradually took on a familiar malevolence seen in other ghosts: resentment, chaos, hatred… Driven solely by the urge to kill, devoid of any coherent thought.
Caught off guard, Angel watched as the enraged ghost, veins popping and shrieking, lunged at him.
A frown creased Angel’s forehead, sensing that the ghost before him was no longer Princess Guman.
With a hint of regret, he raised the Prelude of Reincarnation and fired at the ghost.
The ghost dissipated, but the whereabouts of Princess Guman remained a mystery.
At that very moment, hundreds of meters away, among the myriad ghosts, Princess Guman had blended in, appearing as just another ghost, slowly making her way towards a shadowy cavern.
Princess Guman’s expression was somber, puzzled as to how Angel discovered her presence. Yet, she was acutely aware of the lurking danger should she stay.
After all, the ability to “swap through ghosts” has its constraints.
With this thought, Princess Guman briskly moved towards a cave. As she reached the entrance, she couldn’t resist casting a fleeting glance in Angel’s direction. Ghosts veiled her gaze, enabling her to unabashedly observe Angel.
At that moment, Angel was simultaneously dodging attacks from the ghosts and scanning the surroundings, his face a picture of consternation.
Princess Guman sneered, “Only fools with Loose Lips Sink Ships.”
Had Angel immediately acted when he first approached her, not allowing her a moment to react, she might have been gravely endangered given her current strength.
Regrettably for him, Angel was overly verbose.
Princess Guman smirked, not bothering to watch further, confident that other ghosts would soon bring both Angel’s soul and his weapon to her.
However, just as Princess Guman was about to proceed into the cave, a deep, raspy voice unexpectedly echoed in her ears.
Chapter 1409 Taking Action <TOC> Chapter 1411 Curiosity Killed the Cat