Chapter 2386 Spirit World Walkers <TOC> Chapter 2388 Mechanism's Core
Translator: SumTLMan
“Giant’s bloodline?”
Number 03 nodded: “Number 01 has demonstrated the ability to enlarge his body more than once, so I speculated quite early on that he might possess the giant bloodline, but there was never a chance to confirm it until an incident that occurred the year before last.”
“The incident in the Southern Region caused quite a stir, the Silver Palm Island incident.”
At this point, Firo and Nisi were both momentarily taken aback; they had also heard about the incident on Silver Palm Island, which was rumored to be related to a Mysterious Object.
As for Angel… not only had he heard about it, but he was also one of the main figures in that incident, and the only one whose identity had not been exposed yet. It was said that the people from the Song of the Deep Sea and Summer Dew Ridge were still searching for the “mastermind” who was hiding in a small space at the time.
Of course, Angel would never admit to being any sort of “mastermind,” especially since he genuinely hadn’t taken that so-called Mysterious Object.
“From what you’re saying, Number 01 was also involved in the Silver Palm Island affair? Could it be that the Mysterious Object, whose whereabouts have remained unknown, actually ended up in your hands?” Nisi’s eyes sparkled with an indescribable light.
Number 03 shook his head: “We had no intention of stepping onto the stage of the Southern Region. Although the Silver Palm Island incident was not far from us, we were not involved from beginning to end. However, shortly after the end of the Silver Palm Island incident, our people coincidentally discovered the trail of the Leviathan during an operation.”
The Leviathan was the giant sea beast that had been lurking around Silver Palm Island. After the incident, the Leviathan disappeared from public view.
There were some speculations in the outside world that the “disappeared” Mysterious Object might have been obtained by the Leviathan. Including Angel, many had entertained this thought.
However, since no one found the Leviathan afterward, the matter was shelved. Unexpectedly, the news about the Leviathan was heard again from Number 03, an outer realm wizard.
“At that time, the Leviathan was severely injured, and with rumors flying everywhere, everyone speculated that the strategic-level Mysterious Object might still be on the Leviathan. Therefore, Number 01 decided to launch an attack on it.”
“All three formal wizards from the base went, including me. However, the end result was a complete failure.” Number 03 showed a bitter smile: “Even injured, the Leviathan was not something we could defeat. The attacks from Number 02 and myself couldn’t even break through its defenses.”
“Number 01 revealed his bloodline, barely managing to leave some marks on the Leviathan’s scales, but still unable to deal with the Leviathan… The three of us together couldn’t handle the Leviathan, and we had to flee back.”
Although the final outcome was regrettable, during that siege, Number 03 truly witnessed Number 01’s strength and confirmed that Number 01 indeed possessed the giant bloodline.
“What can be confirmed is that Number 01 possesses a part of the Uya Giant’s bloodline. The Uya Giants belong to the marine lineage, and after activating his bloodline, Number 01’s ability to control water was almost as strong as mine. But Number 01 certainly has more than just the Uya Giant’s bloodline. Coupled with transplanted organs, his strength is incredibly formidable.”
After describing Number 01’s approximate combat capabilities, Nisi asked, “Is there any other information?”
Number 03 pondered for a moment before adding, “Besides, there’s something related to Number 01 that I know.”
“He’s actually quite different from the others at the base. We came to the Southern Region following orders from headquarters, but Number 01 volunteered to come here.”
“All decisions regarding the base’s operations in the Southern Region were made by Number 01.”
“This includes establishing the base, constructing the laboratories, and deciding the timing of sacrifices… Whatever needs to be done and when it’s to be done, Number 01 is in control.”
“Even the decision on when we leave the Southern Region is made by Number 01.”
Nisi said, “I remember you mentioned apologizing and compensating before, clearly stating that you would leave the Southern Region soon. According to what you’ve said, was that also Number 01’s intention?”
Number 03 nodded, “Yes, for some reason, Number 01 has been very anxious lately. Originally, according to the plan, we were supposed to stay in the Southern Region for a while longer, but Number 01 said we couldn’t wait any longer.”
Nisi asked, “Since Number 01 showed an urgent desire to leave, has he gone to complete your final objective in the Southern Region?”
Number 03 remained silent at Nisi’s speculation, which could be taken as a form of tacit agreement.
“Let’s put aside what your final objective is for now,” Angel, manipulating the illusion of Sanders, spoke up, “You mentioned encountering the Leviathan earlier, did Number 00 not join in?”
In Angel’s mind, Number 00’s capabilities surely surpassed the others. If he had been present, the already injured Leviathan might not have been able to withstand it.
Upon hearing Angel’s question, Number 03’s expression became slightly strange. She opened her mouth several times as if wanting to say something but then closed it.
Finally, Number 03 said, “There are oath restrictions regarding Number 00’s matters; I cannot discuss them further. However, I can clearly state that Number 00 did not participate in the encirclement of the Leviathan.”
Angel nodded, maintaining a calm exterior while internally analyzing Number 03’s words: According to Frost’s statement and the Culuoli Chronicles, facing an ownerless Mysterious Object, even a wizard beyond legendary would find it difficult to remain indifferent. Moreover, it was an object identified by the observers of the Crown Star Church as ‘strategic level.’
Angel believed that Number 00 could not possibly be indifferent to such a Mysterious Object.
But from the details, it seemed Number 03 wasn’t lying; Number 00 indeed did not participate in the encirclement of the Leviathan. Why was that?
Was it because Number 00 knew for certain that the Mysterious Object was not with the Leviathan?
Or is it that… Number 00 is under some sort of restriction that prevents him from acting rashly?
Given the mysterious nature of Number 00, Angel couldn’t be too cautious. However, with Number 03 unable to provide more information, Angel had to temporarily curb his sprawling thoughts.
Without further speculation, Angel changed the subject: “Let’s talk about… the Nest.”
Angel didn’t actually know what “the Nest” referred to, but during the fight between Firo and Number 03, the moment he mentioned “the Nest,” Number 03 immediately showed a look of surprise and suspicion, followed by a murderous intent towards Firo. Clearly, this “Nest” involves very important information.
Indeed, it was as such. Before mentioning “the Nest,” Number 03 responded to Angel’s questions, including revealing information about Number 01, with composure and calmness.
However, the moment “the Nest” was mentioned, Number 03’s expression changed instantly. Her demeanor became hesitant and uncertain, and her complexion turned pale. This reaction clearly indicated that the information about “the Nest” might be the key to everything.
Seeing that Number 03 remained silent for a long time, Angel casually mentioned, “The Nest… is that your ultimate goal?”
Number 03’s throat moved as if she was swallowing her saliva.
After a long silence, Number 03 finally found her voice and softly said, “It indeed is one of our ultimate goals, the Nest… the Nest is…”
Just as everyone was all ears, ready to hear what Number 03 would say next, a booming sound, like sudden thunder from a clear sky, came from a distance.
Even in the illusion, everyone heard the booming sound immediately.
Nisi looked up, puzzled, towards the source of the sound: “What happened over there?”
Firo also looked in the direction of the sound source. However, obscured by the illusion, he saw nothing. Yet, upon determining the direction, Firo seemed to realize something and turned to look at Number 03, asking, “Did something happen to the Nest?”
Number 03 was also in a daze until Firo’s question brought her back to reality.
Facing Firo’s inquiry, Number 03 did not answer but lowered her head, adopting an indifferent expression. However, in the shadows, her eyes flickered uncertainly, as if she was making some decision.
Then, another booming sound was heard. Along with this sound came a wildly violent fluctuation.
This fluctuation contained a terrifying implication. It was not like energy, lacking strong destructive power, but it resembled the pressure of laws, ignoring all defenses and directly breaking through the illusions set up by Angel.
The “Water Trace Space” illusory realm created by Number 03, at this moment, suddenly burst like a bubble.
The golden pool vanished, the crystal area disappeared, and the sofas and chairs all turned into mere shadows.
The disappearance of the illusory realm left everyone directly in the mist.
Because the disappearance of the illusion was so sudden, and the fluctuation, resembling the pressure of laws, was still lingering around, everyone was initially disoriented, including Angel, the creator of the illusion, who was in a state of confusion.
After two or three seconds, as the power fluctuation began to wane, everyone started to regain their senses.
The first thing Angel did upon regaining his senses was to look towards where Number 03 had been.
Number 03, now fully alert, without the constraints of the illusion, her eyes suddenly brightened, and ripples began to appear around her.
Clearly, Number 03 was preparing to enter the real “Water Trace” this time.
Before this moment, Number 03 had not dared to make any reckless moves, suppressed by Sanders’ strength. However, due to an accident that caused the illusion to dissipate, Number 03 naturally chose to leave.
Only by entering the Water Trace could Number 03 believe in absolute safety.
“Don’t even think about running!” Nisi and Firo also noticed Number 03’s actions and did not hesitate to launch an attack on Number 03 simultaneously.
From beneath the ground, Nisi summoned a gigantic skeletal hand, aiming to strike Number 03.
Firo, on the other hand, crushed three fire spheres, transforming them into three fiercely burning arrows of intense flame, shooting towards Number 03.
Even Angel, hidden in the shadows, was manipulating the illusion nodes in the space, preparing to control Number 03 with an illusion once again.
However, at that moment, a roaring sound, carrying the oppressive force of laws, surged into the mist.
Faced with such an unreasonable force of law, all attacks were halted at that moment.
The skeletal hand froze mid-air, the fiery arrows deviated from their target, and Angel’s illusion failed to fully materialize.
Although their attacks were ineffective, the energy fluctuation did not discriminate between friend or foe, treating Number 03 equally; the water patterns surrounding her also shattered in that moment.
Because the energy fluctuation continued to linger and spread in the surroundings, everyone was momentarily immobilized.
However, Number 03 could feel that everyone’s attention was focused on her, and once the restriction caused by the fluctuation was lifted, she would undoubtedly become the target of all.
For self-preservation, Number 03 was clear that she had to evade before others could act against her.
“The compensation I proposed earlier still stands,” Number 03 suddenly said. “My Water Trace space has movement restrictions. Once I enter the Water Trace space, I can only move within a hundred meters nearby. If you let me into the Water Trace, I cannot leave this area.”
“Once Number 01 and Number 02 return, I will immediately deliver the compensation.”
Nisi sneered: “Do you think we would believe you?”
Firo also said, “Without a Truth Spell, who knows whether your words are true or false?”
Even if a Truth Spell could be used, it would have to wait until the restriction caused by the fluctuation was lifted, and by then, using a Truth Spell would be less effective than using other methods to restrict Number 03’s movements.
“I can swear with my Great Barrier of True Knowledge that everything I say is the truth,” Number 03 attempted to show her sincerity.
However, mere words could not sway their hearts.
Nisi added, “If you stay put and don’t try to struggle later, we might believe you. But if you make a move, then don’t blame us.”
Due to the fluctuation, the relative stability between the two parties was also disrupted.
Having gained the “Freedom of Possibility,” Number 03 was determined not to fall into predicament once again.
For a moment, everyone fell silent, the air thick with an unusual quiet.
It was then, hidden deep within the mist, Angel, relying on the fact that Number 03 hadn’t noticed him, once again used Sanders’ voice to bluff: “Do you think hiding within the Water Trace, you can rest easy?”
Upon hearing Sanders’ voice, Number 03 instinctively pursed her lips.
“Even if you believe I can’t break through the Water Trace, do you think these fluctuations will allow your Water Trace to exist?”
Sanders’ words brought a sudden realization to Number 03.
Indeed, these bizarre fluctuations, which could easily shatter even Sanders’ illusions, could her Water Trace truly break through their blockade?
Although she didn’t know the nature of these fluctuations, the immense and grandiose pressure of the laws contained within felt as if she was facing the will of the world itself.
Such a magnificent, repelling force, how could it possibly allow the Water Trace to exist peacefully?
With this thought, Number 03’s face couldn’t help but darken.
The rumbling continued, and no one knew what was happening. If the issue with the fluctuations couldn’t be resolved, it seemed she had no choice but to surrender.
Another option was to return to the laboratory.
However, the laboratory had been breached by outsiders not long ago, and Number 01 was preparing to leave soon, elevating the laboratory’s security to its highest level. Even if Number 03 wanted to enter the laboratory, she would have to pass through the door laden with magic formations, and opening that door, after several layers of checks, would take at least five seconds. A five-second delay, let alone Sanders, Nisi, and Firo could easily kill her.
Therefore, returning to the laboratory was not an option either.
As despair filled Number 03’s heart, the surrounding fluctuations finally began to dissipate.
Without a doubt, the moment the fluctuations faded, Number 03 felt a magical fluctuation not far away.
Biting her teeth, she no longer used the Water Trace but turned around, her body transforming into a stream of white silk-like water, rushing towards the blazing fire area not far away.
This burning fire area was precisely where Firo had released not long ago…
The Fire Law Land.
Chapter 2386 Spirit World Walkers <TOC> Chapter 2388 Mechanism's Core