Chapter 1673 Trom's Request <TOC> Chapter 1675 Refuse the Challenge
Next page password is bold portion: vi8U+oyof!os
Translator: SumTLMan
In the Wilderness of Dreams.
Cold metallic lines, combined with a minimalist design, are accompanied by individuals in white robes moving through various rooms.
This is the Sin Laboratory, located far from Initial Heart City.
Angel is currently in the Sin Laboratory. He stands in front of a transparent floor-to-ceiling window. The reddish glow of the setting sun casts in, laying a layer of orange-red light on the floor, highlighting Angel’s facial features even more vividly against the contrasting lights and shadows.
This is the upper level of the Sin Laboratory, and the only office with a view of the outside world.
From Angel’s perspective, outside the window stretches an endless wilderness. Only to the south, there lies a thick black mist, creating a twilight contrast with the reddish glow of the setting sun.
This black mist is the physical manifestation of the Sin Fog.
Angel silently watches the churning black mist. After a long while, he softly says, “It seems the range of the Sin Fog has spread out a bit more?”
“Yes, the boundary markers set by your Lordship have moved forward by about half a meter,” Freud, standing behind Angel, respectfully replies.
“Half a meter? From what I see now, the encroaching speed is still within a controllable range.” Angel turns around and says, “You continue to control the scouting puppets and keep a record of the speed of its approach.”
Freud nods in agreement.
Angel walks back to his desk and takes a report from Freud’s hand.
—— —House of Hearts Experiment Record: Sabel—
The words on this report are densely packed and hastily written, with fresh ink stains, indicating that Freud has just finished it.
Angel meticulously went through the experiment’s process, and after carefully examining the conclusions, he fell into deep contemplation.
Angel mused, “Based on the report, it seems that once the Sin Demon enters the body, it indeed appears in the House of Hearts.”
Freud nodded in agreement, “Yes. When Knight Sabel entered the House of Hearts, he found himself in the observation room from when he first encountered the Sin Demon. Facing him was the ferociously fanged Sharp-Toothed Sunflower.”
“Given that the Sharp-Toothed Sunflower appeared within the House of Hearts, does it represent an obsession or an inner demon?” Angel pondered, narrowing his eyes. The last time he entered the House of Hearts, he confronted a version of himself clad in red, a manifestation of his obsession. Everyone has these obsessions, which are generally harmless; however, being possessed by an inner demon is an entirely different matter.
“In my opinion, the Sin Demon is neither an obsession nor an inner demon. For Knight Sabel, the Sin Demon is an outsider. But if we were to delve deeper, it leans more towards being an obsession. Although the Sharp-Toothed Sunflower appeared menacing with its bared fangs, it didn’t attack Knight Sabel. Only when Sabel initiated a challenge did the Sharp-Toothed Sunflower respond,” Freud explained.
Angel found himself agreeing with Freud’s perspective. The Sin Demon was not innate to Sabel; hence it couldn’t be classified as an obsession or inner demon.
“It’s not innate and leans more towards obsession. This doesn’t provide much reference for Toby’s situation,” Angel whispered. The deep-seated resentment within Toby was inherent to him, and undoubtedly a form of inner demon, which makes it different from being infected by a Sin Demon. “While it might not be relevant for Toby, the ability of the Sin Demon to manifest through the House of Hearts allows future demon hunters to face their innermost fears there and eventually overcome them.”
Freud nodded, “Indeed. This can also help those in the reserve team to better understand themselves.”
Angel then continued, “Returning to Knight Sabel, I saw in the report that upon his entry to the House of Hearts, he was presented with two doors?”
“Yes, as soon as he approached the House of Hearts, two doors appeared. One door led to the observation room, housing the Sharp-Toothed Sunflower that had merged with his body. The other door led to his former residence. Inside, according to him, were old friends and acquaintances.”
“Old friends and acquaintances?” Angel pondered, deducing that this door likely represented his own lingering thoughts or obsessions.
“Yes, he was quite vague about the specifics, but it’s confirmed that the people or memories behind this door are just the lingering thoughts of Knight Sabel’s life, not yet a fully-formed obsession.” Freud explained, and since they were merely lingering thoughts, he didn’t probe further.
Everyone has a hidden scar, some are deeply engraved, while others are just briefly mentioned.
Freud had his own.
Therefore, he had no intention of uncovering the scars buried deep within Sabel’s heart. As long as it wasn’t an obsession, it could be likened to a glass of wine from the past — once consumed, it’s gone.
“Just lingering thoughts? Knight Sabel’s temperament seems consistent.” Angel remarked. Given the many experiences Knight Sabel must have had in his lifetime, the fact that his lingering thoughts haven’t transformed into obsessions shows his truly pure heart.
“Indeed. Knight Sabel is exceptionally reliable,” Freud added wistfully.
“If they are all just lingering thoughts, Sabel’s example might not be that relevant to Toby,” Angel reflected after a moment, “It seems we need to find someone who has an obsession in their heart.”
Freud contemplated briefly, a glint of realization flashing in his eyes, “I thought of someone who might be a good test case.”
“Who?”
“Lietz’s younger brother, Sharu.”
Sharu was the one who once spread rumors about the city lord Marilyn and fled Initial Heart City overnight. He was also the reason Angel became aware of the Sin Fog’s existence.
After visiting the areas beyond the city, Sharu had become a subject for experiments. Even though his experiences could somewhat counterbalance his offenses, to control the dissemination of information from outside the city, Sharu remained confined.
“He is currently locked in a detention room in the library. During the day, he assists other scholars, sorting and organizing documents. At night, he rests in the detention room,” Freud informed. “I’ve heard from some scholars that Sharu seems more tranquil than before when he’s organizing the materials.”
“Do they imply that Sharu can be released?” Angel raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, but these old scholars might be sharp when reading documents, yet when it comes to reading people’s hearts, their vision blurs,” Freud sighed. “I later consulted with Mr. Jon, and his response was that Sharu has been very obedient in their presence.”
In other words, no one knows how he behaves behind closed doors.
As a result, Freud discreetly arranged for Sunny to shadow him.
To outsiders, Sunny seemed like a little girl. Yet unbeknownst to them, in reality, she was a formidable figure who had frightened countless talented individuals.
Her true nature wasn’t as innocent as her outward appearance suggested.
After just one night of surveillance in the library, Sunny realized that Sharu hadn’t truly repented at all. Despite his obedient demeanor during the day, he continued to display a resentful attitude in secret.
Upon learning the truth about Sharu, Freud naturally couldn’t release him and kept him confined in the library.
“That’s reassuring. I was genuinely concerned he might have reformed,” Angel whispered.
…
Upon their return to Initial Heart City, Angel and Freud immediately headed to the library.
On their way, a thought struck Freud, “I heard from Leon earlier that today an apprentice plans to challenge the Lord?”
Chapter 1673 Trom's Request <TOC> Chapter 1675 Refuse the Challenge