《Mage Manual》


 Chapter 2 - 2 I Really Am a Bad Person

    <h4>Chapter 2: Chapter 2 I Really Am a Bad Person</h4>


    ```


    "Name?"


    "Ash... Ash Heath."


    "Age?"


    "I don''t know, I''ve lost my memory."


    "Gender?"


    "Let me see... male."


    "Race?"


    "Probably not a dog?"


    "Past experiences?"


    "I really don''t know, I''ve lost my memory."


    ...


    Blood Frenzy Hunter Emi watched the interrogation room through a two-way mirror, hearing the cult leader respond to the questions so nonchntly and brazenly that her eyes turned into vertical pupils and her fingernails grew longer in anger.


    "Captain, does this scoundrel think everyone in the Crime Hunting Hall is an idiot? This interrogation isn''t working, let me do it. I learned some interrogation techniques from a priest during my school days and even got certified as a Level 1 Torturer. I swear on the name of the priest that I''ll make this bastard confess even to wetting his bed as a child!"


    "Burn your Torturer certificate," Gerard said calmly, "The ''Regtions on Human Rights Act Amendments'' abolished the torturer system twelve years ago, strictly prohibiting the Crime Hunting Hall from interrogating suspects. Vitors face penalties ranging from revoking the hunter''s license to imprisonment for over a hundred years. The council is watching us closely, even if Ash Heath just has a bad night''s sleep, we''ll be in trouble. If you want the council to bite us, I won''t stop you."


    "Hmph." Emi pouted in anger and fear, changing the subject, "What about the Memory Master? We''ve had this scoundrel for so long, why isn''t a Memory Master here extracting his memories?"


    "The Memory Master will note."


    "Why not? In cases like this, regardless, a Memory Master should extract memory evidence, right? I remember the ''Criminal Code'' says all criminal cases must have memories as direct evidence, right?"


    "But he''s different."


    "How is he different?"


    Gerard gave her a look, "He''s seen the Gods of Four Pirs."


    Emi was momentarily stunned, then understood.


    "Not just him, but all cultists cannot have their memories extracted."


    Gerard said, "Memory pollution is the specialty of the Gods of Four Pirs. In the cult case I helped solve 134 years ago, it was a Memory Master extracting memories from cultists that subliminally turned them into believers of the Four Pirs, causing the cult to rise endlessly from the ashes."


    "Then what do we do?" Emi was dumbfounded, "We can''t get evidence from asking, can''t interrogate, can''t extract memories... Are we just going to let him go free? Or make a special case?"


    "No need for a special case," Gerard replied, "There''s a form of execution perfect for such heinous criminals who stir public outrage... This interrogation is just a formality. The real trial will happen at 8 PM on the 15th,pleted by all citizens."


    Emi immediately understood, but looking back at the cult leader who was still in the interrogation room repeating his lost memory, she couldn''t suppress her anger. She stuck out her tongue in disdain, turned, and walked away, dragging her gray tail.


    Gerard continued watching this pointless interrogation, which had to pause as it exceeded fifteen minutes to allow the suspect to rest. This was also mandated by the ''Human Rights Act'' as basic rights.


    The cult leader was drinking water, asionally touching his recently pierced chest, his eyes showing surprise but quickly turning to worry.


    For some reason, Gerard felt he wasn''t lying.


    His reactions¡ªpanic, curiosity, fear, confusion¡ªwere very much like those of an ordinary person with amnesia.


    ording to the ''Human Rights Act,'' conditions like split personality, amnesia, and mental illness could be seen ascking self-management capacity, exempting one from criminal liability.


    If memory extraction showed Ash truly had amnesia, he could be released without charge.


    But these matters didn''t concern him, because due to the Gods of Four Pirs, no Memory Master woulde to extract his memories, so...


    "Judging you is the people''s business. Our task is to deliver you into their eyes," Gerard said, turning to leave, continuing the pursuit of the next suspect.


    ...


    ...


    "This really is an early death, early reincarnation..."


    Lying on a clean, soft springy bed, Ash put down the paper in his hands, looking around the bright, spacious cell with its own private facilities, feeling utterly deste.


    Although seeing those four ''angels'' reveal such an ugly form before dying vaguely confirmed Ash''s suspicions, he hadn''t expected reality to be worse than he imagined¡ªthe hunters'' usations werepletely correct; he truly was a bona fide cult leader.


    The gods that bestowed Ash with power were the infamous Gods of Four Pirs, notorious for always appearing together and sowing endless chaos in this world.


    The Lord of Infinite Radiance, also known as the tyrant, pursued endless war and mountains of corpses and seas of blood, killing everything his followers saw, even themselves;


    The Lord of Wind, Rain, and Snow, also called the traitor, was known for manipting mortals with intrigue, granting followers'' wishes while driving them into extreme frenzy;


    The Eternal me, known as the Merciful Father, the source of all gues and disease, was the final destination of decay. His followers became breeding grounds for disease, suffering horribly but never dying;


    The Dreamlike Spirit of Freedom, called the Prince of Lust, represented endless desire, most prominently ensnaring intelligent races. Once corrupted by desire, an intelligent being became an insatiable instinctive creature, intellect devoured by instinct.


    Ash had wondered if they weren''t fabricating the data to deceive him, but given he''d been captured, they didn''t need to go to such lengths; besides, the detailed photographic evidence of Heath''s crimes showed such brutality that Ash nearly regurgitated his mushroom soup chicken noodles.


    If Heath was truly a viin, then the Four Pirs were undoubtedly evil gods.


    @@novelbin@@


    Conversely, the Blood Frenzy Hunters chasing him were the rightful force¡ªor at least the ones maintaining societal stability.


    Within just half a day, Ash experienced extreme highs and lows¡ªinitially thinking he was a newly minted hero ready to leave the Newbie Vige, only to discover he was a cult leader gearing up for the first angelic wave.


    Then he got farmed by the heroes like a wild elite monster.


    Not only did he cross over as a cult leader, but he did so right at the hunters'' exposition to purge the cult... was he just there to give hunters performance incentives?


    Ash tossed and turned in bed,menting fate''s inequity, pondering if perhaps he really died from overwork, but all his thoughts coalesced into one: How would they execute me?


    Although the interrogation felt courteous, with free meals and a luxury single room, aside from the need to wear fine bracelets and anklets, Ash felt like he was on vacation.


    But a falling hair''s worth of thinking told him they definitely wouldn''t let him go free.


    However, Ash faintly sensed civilization in this world seemed advanced, possibly having abolished the death penalty, leaving a glimmer of hope...


    Suddenly, a crisp notification bell rang in his mind.


    "Ding dong!"


    Ash felt a warmth at the back of his neck, and a Light Screen unfolded before his eyes.


    His heart skipped, deciphering the unfamiliar text on the Light Screen with countless expectations¡ª


    "Dear Mr. Ash Heath, Prisoner Number 4001623. The Kaimon City Hall formally invites you to be a special guest on Kaimon Channel One''s ''Blood Moon Judgement'' program at 8 PM on the 15th of this month. Please pay attention to your appearance. We''ll arrange for transportation to the live broadcast. To opt-out of the program, please reply ''TC.''"


    Although he had no idea what "Blood Moon Judgement" entailed, the name alone suggested nothing pleasant, and Ash quickly tried editing ''TC'' in the dialogue box.


    However, upon doing so, another prompt appeared on the Light Screen:


    "You are currently under arrest and on trial. The messaging function is prohibited."


    Damn, so thatst line in the notice was just a joke on me!?


    Ash figured this "Blood Moon Judgement" likely signaled his execution, yet his focus remained on the Light Screen before him.


    He touched the back of his neck, feeling no discernible irregrity but clearly sensing a connection between his neck and the Light Screen, seemingly embedded there.


    Since something as significant as an ''execution announcement'' gotmunicated this way, Ash presumed this might be the world''smunication tool, not unique to him alone.


    Sure enough, when he mentally focused on the "?" icon in the top-left of the Light Screen, a string of information appeared:


    "Name: ''Heath''s Consciousness Light Screen''"


    "Version: 14.4.1"


    "Chip Model: Miracle 13"


    "Current Status: Messaging function prohibited, connectivity prohibited, channel ess prohibited, image capture prohibited, kic output restricted, Void Realm ess prohibited, magic power output prohibited..."


    "Main ID: 459105198"


    "Service Provider: Kaimon Communication"


    Ash promptly renamed it to "''Ash''s Consciousness Light Screen,''" marveling at this world''s technological sophistication, boasting Extraordinary Ability that enhanced individualbat power alongside these universally avable tech peripherals.


    The funny part was that Ash initially mistook it for his cheat in this new world, only to find it was nothing butmon property¡ªa ssic case of a time traveler mistaking a cell phone for a Divine Artifact.


    Reflecting on his earlier naive thoughts, Ash felt a bit embarrassed.


    Although Ash wanted to tinker with this new gadget more, most of its functions were locked down. Besides the calendar, messaging, notepad, and calctor, there was only...


    "Aurora''s Mage Manual"?


    Ash was bewildered.


    ```

 Chapter 4 - 4 Observer

    <h4>Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Observer</h4>


    ```


    This was a small ind.


    But this was only because Sonia couldn''t find a better noun in her limited vocabry, after all, it was just a hand-sized little ce suddenly jutting out of the sea, as if a bigger wave could drown it.


    Yet the sea level was very calm, extremely calm, without a breath of wind. Sonia''s legs were submerged in seawater, stepping on the damp sand, and she looked around.


    All around was thick milky fog, filling every inch of space. The sky looked like a spread of dark ink, dreary and heavy.


    I''m dreaming, Sonia thought.


    She remembered clearly that she was sleeping in the dormitory of the Sword and Rose Mage University, it was impossible to suddenly appear on a small ind.


    Just thinking it was a dream, Sonia felt more at ease. She crouched down curiously to taste the seawater and found it was like the water she normally drank, even a bit sweet, not the salty bitterness described in the online education courses.


    Sonia became more convinced she was dreaming because she had never been to the seaside, had never tasted seawater, so she had no idea what it tasted like.


    "But if I''m dreaming..." Sonia looked toward the center of the ind, "why am I dreaming of a corpse I''ve never seen before?"


    In the center of the ind, an unfamiliar corpse knelt half-buried in the sand.


    He wore a pitch-ck trench coat with a hood, his face indistinct, his clothing thick and heavy, giving no indication if he was male or female.


    A long sword pierced his chest, yet he did not fall; instead, he knelt on one knee. His left hand on the sword scabbard at his waist, his right hand gripped the sword hilt as if his heart had been pierced before he could draw the sword.


    Besides the corpse and the sand, there was nothing else on the ind. Sonia couldn''t swim, and believing she was dreaming, she felt no fear of the corpse, so she boldly went over to observe it.


    She noticed the long sword through the corpse was still dripping blood, the blood flowed along the beautiful engravings on the de, streaming to the dark ruby embedded in the sword''s guard, making the whole sword seem alive, it was amazingly beautiful...


    When Sonia came back to her senses, she had already gripped this long sword tightly.


    The sword scabbard fit her palm perfectly, the enchanting sword engravings struck her aesthetic sense, and that feeling as if it extended from her limb, this sword seemed...


    ...seemed crafted just for her.


    Without thinking, Sonia pulled the long sword from the corpse.


    She thought the corpse would fall immediately, so she stepped back as soon as she pulled it out, fearing it might crash onto her.


    However, the corpse did not fall.


    On the contrary, he stood up.


    @@novelbin@@


    The tap, tap of steel-toed boots on the sand echoed, and under Sonia''s horrified gaze, the corpse slowly straightened his back and drew out a sharp, cold long sword.


    With a swish, the sword edge sliced through the air, and the tip pointed directly at Sonia. Although she couldn''t see his eyes at all, Sonia felt a pair of emotionless icy gazes!


    "Don''t worry, Sword Maiden, this time, I am not your enemy."


    The corpse''s voice was neither male nor female, like the mechanical clinking of gears, "I am just going to kill you."


    You seem to have a very different definition of an enemy than normal people, hey... Sonia gripped the magnificent long sword tightly, as if that could give her a sense of security.


    "Who are you?" Her voice trembled a little.


    "I am called the Final Observer, you can call me Observer," the Observer said, "Within the next seventy-two hours, you can leave only by defeating me; otherwise, you''ll have to stay seventy-two hours to leave."


    "Isn''t this a dream?" Sonia''s eyes widened.


    "The difference between dream and reality is only that reality is a dream woven by everyone together, and a dream..."


    "Is a cage you construct for yourself."


    As the words fell, the Observer stepped on the sand and sliced forward, even though Sonia retreated as much as possible, she still couldn''t avoid the shing de light¡ª


    "You have ten seconds of rest time."


    Sonia knelt on the ground, both hands covering her throat tightly, her face full of terror.


    The ripping pain was incredibly real, as if her neck had just been severed by this inexplicable monster.


    If this was a dream, she should have woken up in herfortable warm bed at the moment she felt such pain.


    However¡ª


    "The ten seconds are over, I advise you to hold your sword tightly. Only in that way can you..."


    Sonia lifted her head, seeing the Observer gripping the sword hilt at his waist, assuming a sword drawing stance, lunging toward her with force!


    Sonia hastily raised the long sword and retreated, but the Observer''s step bizarrely spanned a dozen steps instantaneously, and when she saw the Sword Light he left behind, the Observer''s voice sounded from behind her¡ª


    "... die with slightly more dignity."


    "You have ten seconds of rest time."


    At the moment Sonia snapped back to her senses from the decapitation pain, without any hesitation, she turned and jumped into the sea, not caring if she couldn''t swim!


    Perhaps fear of death unleashed potential, Sonia almost intuitively learned to swim, albeit in a very unattractive dog paddle filled with sshes, but as long as she could get away from that creepy ind with the freak, it was fine!


    If not for the hunger in the dream, Sonia might have tried the fart propulsion mentioned in jokes.


    Amidst the sshes, Sonia clearly heard the Observer''s voice, "Running away is shameful."


    "And useless."


    Suddenly, a chill spread across the back of her neck, Sonia lowered her head and saw a cold sword tip sticking out from her throat.


    Before the wave of pain submerged her, Sonia found herself back on the ind.


    "You have ten seconds of rest time."


    This time she didn''t flee but watched the Observer''s hand.


    "Are you expecting that once I throw the sword, I''ll be unarmed?" the Observer leisurely sheathed his sword, "Why are you still so naive after experiencing several deaths?"


    "You''re really unreasonable." Sonia smiled wryly.


    "Reason lies only at the tip of the sword. To reason, words are useless, use your sword to persuade me."


    Before the Observer finished speaking, Sonia sshed into the sea with a plop. But this time she didn''t swim, she chose to dive into the sea, trying to avoid the Observer''s attack.


    ''You can''t cut through the sea, can you?'' she thought.


    Indeed, five seconds, ten seconds, thirty seconds... a full minute passed, and Sonia wasn''t attacked.


    However, unable to breathe, she felt faint.


    If this was a dream, how could ack of oxygen cause ack of blood flow to her brain?!


    The pain from holding her breath was no less than decapitation, Sonia couldn''t take it anymore, choosing a spot at random to surface, trying to breathe before diving again, hoping, maybe: Can I breathe for just a second or two, no way he''ll find me that fast!?


    A few secondster, Sonia sat on the ind, covering her recently prated mouth, incessantly licking her teeth with her tongue to ensure it hadn''t been cut off by the Flying Sword.


    "You have ten seconds of rest time."


    "Observer!"


    Sonia shouted angrily, face ring with rage, teeth clenched, hands gripping the long sword, mustering courage as she walked toward the Observer. The Observer raised an eyebrow, right hand caressing the sword hilt, saying, "If you wish to end the rest early, I have no objection."


    Snap!


    Sonia knelt before the Observer with a plop.


    "Great merciful and benevolent unknown ruler, Sonia is willing to pray to you day and night, listen to your holy words, follow your Wonders, sing your will... Please don''t torment me like this, just tell me what you want me to do, I am very obedient and well-behaved, I''ll do whatever youmand, sob sob..."


    "Really anything?" the Observer asked.


    Sonia lifted her head, crying pitifully like a delicate flower, cheeks red with blush, she seemed to hesitate, biting her lip before nodding resolutely, "Anything."


    "Alright then, I order you to¡ª" the Observer gripped the sword hilt, adopting a sword drawing stance, "defeat me."


    ng!


    "You have ten seconds of rest time."


    Soniay on the sand, staring nkly at the dark, ink-ck sky, then flipped up, puzzled, asking,


    "No, but I''ve never offended you before, why waste so much time on someone insignificant like me? There are so many evil people in this world; if you wish to punish wrongdoers, I can rmend a few people; if you''re a big baddie, I can even rmend a few high-ranking hypocrites."


    "I''m just an ordinary female student; I''m not worth you going through so much trouble. Your actions now are like using a Spiral Light Cannon to kill mosquitoes, or making a Sword Master chop firewood, a huge waste of resources. Don''t you think?"


    "Just say what you want me to do. I look like a fragile rose who could be easily carried away by the currents..."


    Just as Sonia attempted to persuade with emotion and reason, the Observer shook his head, "You''re wrong."


    Sonia immediately said, "Where did I go wrong, tell me, I''ll definitely change."


    "You were wrong from the first sentence."


    "First sentence?"


    "How can you be sure," the Observer gripped the sword hilt, adopting a sword drawing stance, "you haven''t offended me before?"


    ng!


    "You have ten seconds of rest time."


    Perhaps because she had died so many times, Sonia even felt that decapitation wasn''t that bad, ustomed to the pain it was nothing.


    She raised her gaze to the Observer, "As long as I stay here for seventy-two hours, I can leave this cursed dream?"


    "Yes," the Observer nodded, "However, there are no clocks here. Compared to a person''s lifetime, seventy-two hours isn''t long, but in the face of death, seventy-two hours is not short either."


    "Can you truly endure seventy-two hours of continual death?"


    "Moreover, why would you believe someone who keeps killing you in a dream? What if I''m lying?"


    "Take for instance that you manage to leave this dream tonight; what about tomorrow night? The night after that?"


    The Observer adopted a sword drawing stance, "Having tasted death, you should not harbor expectations of Miracles."


    ng!


    The Observer stepped forward, sweeping his sword in a horizontal arc, his entire body spinning full circle, traversing more than ten steps in an instant, the long sword slicing through Sonia''s neck once more like a hot knife through butter¡ª


    ng!


    For the first time, Sonia''s de blocked the Observer''s edge!


    In that moment, Sonia''s face bore no expression, neither fear, nor anger, nor Killing Intent, nor plea, only the coldest silence. In her ruby-like pupils, she reflected the indistinct form of the Observer, as if imprinting him deeply in her heart!


    "You leave me no choice."


    ```

 Chapter 9: Disruption

    <h4>Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Disruption</h4>


    ```


    "Ha!"


    With a shout, Ingrid raised her wooden sword high, stepped forward, channeling all her strength into the de, and struck down with full force at the armored dummy in front of her!


    Crack!


    With the sound of the dummy shattering, the wooden sword stopped at the edge of the ninth ring.


    Ingrid withdrew her wooden sword and resumed a cautious stance, using the breathing techniques taught in school to exhale a long breath, quickly recovering her energy.


    ''At this rate, I should be able to summon the shing Sword Technique Spirit by the end of this month,'' Ingrid thought.


    As a Mage University with a legacy of centuries, Sword Flower University already had various guiding techniques for training mages. The training dummy in front of Ingrid was a tool designed specifically for Sword Master apprentices to get started.


    The dummy looked like a wooden stake with a core marked by ten rings, made of extremely hard material. When an apprentice could slice into the core''s tenth ring with a single strike, it indicated that their swordsmanship talent was sufficient to summon their first Sword Technique Spirit.


    Generally, there were three types of One-winged Technique Spirits that Sword Masters could summon, namely "shing Sword," "Piercing Sword," and "Cutting Sword." Ingrid, who was engaging in shing practice, naturally aimed to summon the shing Sword Technique Spirit.


    Ingrid took a couple of seconds to adjust her breathing. By now, the dummy had returned to its original state, as if Ingrid hadn''t split it at all.


    This was the strength of the training ground at Sword Flower University¡ªno matter the extent of the damage, all the dummies in the training ground would quickly recover. As long as you still had the energy, you could thrash the dummy all you wanted, after all, it wasn''t the dummy that would end up crawling out of the training arena.


    Boom!


    As Ingrid continued her shing practice, she suddenly heard the training ground doors being sted open, and couldn''t help but nce over in distraction. Though the apprentices were sweating and shouting incessantly, this was actually a very orderly ce, and seldom did anyone dare to cause trouble here.


    Those who dared to stir up trouble here would soon find dozens of Sword Master apprentices, all pent up with Sword Qi, looking for a "close physical exchange" with them.


    Last semester, Ingrid had a few persistent suitors, but they never dared to approach her in the training ground. After all, an action that disrupted training would only need a slight frown from Ingrid for the nearby hot-blooded apprentices to jump out and uphold justice.


    Hot-blooded, reserved,bative, filled with the scent of male hormones, these were thebels of the training ground.


    At Sword Flower University, there''s a well-known joke, "Some guys initially take up swordsmanship to pursue girls but end up practicing topete with other guys. Perhaps it''s not that love loses to strength, but thatpared toplex love, it''s easier to pursue pure strength?"


    But tonight,plex love had stepped into the territory of strength on its own ord.


    Appearing at the doorway was a figure with ruby-lustered hair, her skin dazzlingly white, features so exquisite they seemed to be meticulously sculpted by an artist, a slender waist that could be held easily, and long, shapely legs.


    A rose that should''ve bloomed at banquets had abruptly blossomed amidst a forest of swords in the training ground.


    But what caught the Sword Master apprentices'' attention the most was what she held in her right hand¡ªa training wooden sword.


    "Sonia?"


    When Ingrid watched Sonia walk across half the training ground, find an unused dummy, and start lifting her wooden sword to train, she was filled with confusion.


    Although Ingrid didn''t harbor any ill feelings towards Sonia, in her understanding, Sonia was someone who would never engage in swordsmanship.


    Unlike the graceful and elegant female sword masters depicted in "Fantasy Epics" and "Knight Dramas" in the Light Screens, real-life female Sword Masters, to summon Technique Spirits and master Spells, even had to train their physical attributes to surpass those of men.


    Calluses covering hands from wielding swords aside, arms, legs, and even waist muscles would be sturdier and well-developed due to training. Those actresses appearing in the Light Screens, employing exquisite swordsmanship with dainty, muscleless hands, simply didn''t exist in reality.


    Even the Sword Technique Spirits wouldn''t acknowledge a mage with a frail physique. Ingrid had grown tired of hearing the news about Technique Spirits that abandoned their masters as they aged.


    Although some said female Sword Masters had a kind of "strength beauty," Ingrid''s own observation was that there were far more men pursuing female Water Mages than those pursuing female Sword Masters.


    She admitted that even the likes of Sonia and Lois, these delicate Water Mages, looked much more attractive and refined than someone like herself, who was like a rough man.


    She harbored no resentment over this, as while she trained, Sonia and the others were applying makeup and skincare products. Everyone got what they were pursuing.


    That''s why Ingrid was so surprised; after all, if Sonia were to start training in swordsmanship now, wouldn''t it all be for nothing? It would not only hinder her Water Technique Faction studies but also affect her carefully maintained appearance.


    However, upon noticing a handsome young man nearby who was wiping his sweat and still wearing a full training outfit despite the hot weather, Ingrid suddenly understood.


    Felix Vosloda, a first-year student in their ss, a genius apprentice in the Sword Skill department.


    Although Felix, like Ingrid, was still training hard to summon his first Initial Technique Spirit, unlike Ingrid, who merely aimed to summon the basic shing Sword Technique Spirit, Felix aspired to summon the Vosloda Family''s secret Technique Spirit, the "Wave Motion Sword."


    Each mage''s Initial Technique Spirit was crucial, even determining the mage''s future development path. Thus, families with the means would try to find suitable cultivation methods for their talented members to summon the strongest and most fitting Initial Technique Spirit.


    Even Ingrid, from a rural noble family, had a family-secret Technique Spirit cultivation method, just not one suitable for her.


    There was no doubt the Wave Motion Sword was superior to the shing Sword, and Felix''s training intensity undoubtedly surpassed Ingrid''s¡ªhe earned the title of Sword Skill genius because his swordsmanship skills and training intensity far exceeded those of his peers.


    Last semester, during the Sword Skill department''s end-of-term sparring, Ingrid lost to Felix, but she epted it wholeheartedly. After all, not only was he more talented than her, but he was also more diligent. His reputation as a swordsmanship genius was deserved.


    Butpared to his swordsmanship talent, what interested the girls more was the other side of Felix.


    Even though Ingrid came from the countryside, she knew the Vosloda Family was a top elite in the Kingdom of Stars and one of the Starry Council''s five pirs.


    Duke Vosloda, also known as the "Starforger," controlled the most advanced steel factories in the Kingdom of Stars, operating in fields spanning civilian and military sectors, bearing significant sway in military, political, andmercial spheres. He was arguably the most powerful person in the nation.


    As the duke''s second son, Felix should rightfully attend Truth University; however, for some unknown reason, he came to Sword Flower University. Many quietly spected whether he was out of favor with the duke.


    Nevertheless, even if Felix wasn''t favored, he was still a direct descendant of the Vosloda Family, remaining a member of the top echelon despite any setbacks. Naturally, many sought to climb the socialdder by cozying up to him.


    And Felix''s social skills matched his swordsmanship talent, nearly swapping a femalepanion every week, changing women faster than changing clothes.


    During the busiest times, Ingrid noticed a different femalepanion visiting the training ground for five consecutive days, making her both disdainful and impressed¡ªhow could someone have the energy for other pursuits after such intense training?


    She herself felt like melting into her bed after training.


    Skilled, attractive, and with many rumored rtionships, Felix undoubtedly was the focal point of the training ground. If Sonia had a special purpose, her only possible target could be Felix.


    But back when their dorm room rtionship was better, during one chat about the boys at school, Lois, Adelle, and Sonia all made it clear that they kept their distance from Felix.


    After all, for a flirtatious noble scion like Felix, the inevitable oue would be a politically arranged marriage by Duke Vosloda. Holding any expectations and clinging to him would surely result in being an insignificant part of his ex-girlfriend group.


    Although Ingrid, with her romantic fantasies, didn''t appreciate their naked materialism, she admitted their judgment was correct. Over the year, none of Felix''s girlfriendssted more than a week.


    Was Sonia not here for Felix? But besides Felix, no one else here could catch her eye...


    As Ingrid pondered, Sonia, with a deliberate and measured manner, began her training.


    "Ha!" Apanied by the breathing technique, Sonia struck the dummy with her sword, but she didn''t even pierce its surface.


    Ingrid watched for a while, shaking her head repeatedly: Sonia''s dominant hand was unstable, her off-hand weak, footwork loose, and overall sluggishness, none of her movements were proper.


    Even her attire wasn''t changed into a convenient training outfit, still wearing her fine, bright everyday clothes.


    Even the shout sounded more like a whine.


    Rather than saying she came to train, it looked like she was trying to grab attention.


    Whatever her purpose, it surely wasn''t training.


    Ingrid stopped paying attention and returned to her own practice. Swordsmanship training emphasized the unity of heart, body, and technique, with focus being paramount. Every strike required full mental engagement, calcting the strength to exert, the strength to reserve, the rotation of the shoulders, the wrist movements, the footwork... only when all these details were grasped could one call it a strike.


    Laziness bore no meaning, for every bit of effort by the mage apprentices was for themselves, not others.


    Only when an apprentice''s ability resonated with the Void Realm could they summon a Technique Spirit out of thin air, thereby crossing reality and obtaining the pass to the Void Realm, bing a true Void Wing Mage.


    For Ingrid at her current level, she needed to rest slightly every three strikes, stop to rx her muscles after thirty, managing to swing her sword nine hundred times in two hours constituted oneplete session, bringing exhaustion significant enough for her to fall asleep right touching her pillow post-bath.


    "Ha!"


    "Ha!"


    "Ha!"


    After a few minutes, Ingrid couldn''t contain her annoyance, looking at Sonia in dissatisfaction¡ªwithin just a few minutes, Ingrid heard Sonia swinging her sword dozens of times, with no breaks in between, which was sheer madness.


    Ingrid had every right to be angry, simr to a severe examination setting suddenly having a careless student not even reading the paper before writing answers, all the whilementing things like, "So simple," "This is it?" "Is it possible someone actually doesn''t know how to do this?" Surely the others would view that student as mischievous.


    Presently, Sonia''s actions were tantamount to mischief.


    Yet, just as Ingrid was about to warn Sonia, she realized she was mistaken¡ªeven though Sonia''s movements were still rough and rookie, each action strictly adhered to Swordsmanship Manual standards, each swing exhausting all her energy, with sweat dripping down her nose, undeniably not just ying around.


    Moreover,pared to a few minutes prior, Sonia''s swordsmanship had visibly improved, her wooden sword even managing to slice into the dummy''s first ring edge!


    Although still lowering the overall swordsmanship level of the training ground, she looked like she already had a bit of a swordsmanship foundation, something only a few months of practice could give!


    @@novelbin@@


    "She practiced swordsmanship before?" Ingrid pondered.


    Yet, she still believed Sonia wasn''t here for training¡ªas exhibiting such exertion and wastage soon would make Sonia unable to stand, far from achieving training effectiveness, though perhaps effective for weight loss.


    I see now, she must be here for body sculpting! I''ve heard of that!


    Ingrid suddenly felt she understood Sonia''s purpose, though, she thought Sonia wouldn''tst much longer.


    After all, even for Ingrid, a seasoned Sword Master apprentice, she could only manage two hundred fifty-six consecutive swings in eleven minutes.


    For a swordsmanship novice like Sonia tost a few uninterrupted minutes was already impressive.


    Just as Ingrid was feeling a bit tired and decided to pause for a break, she began counting Sonia''s swing repetitions, intending to guide her a bit when her form started faltering¡ªthough she didn''t believe Sonia would switch to the Sword Skill department, as long as it could foster a deeper interest in swordsmanship, that would be a positive oue.


    ```

 Chapter 10 - 10 Sword Maiden, You Can’t Rest Yet

    <h4>Chapter 10: Chapter 10 Sword Maiden, You Can''t Rest Yet</h4>


    ```


    "How many minutes has it been?"


    "Ny-six minutes. Has anyone counted how many times?"


    "I started counting first. I got to over seventeen hundred when I just happened to see her sword cut through the seventh ring, and I was stunned for a while. I can only say it''s around twenty-four hundred now."


    When Celia opened the door to the training ground, she saw an unbelievable sight¡ªthe swordsmanship apprentices, who usually squandered sweat and wasted youth, had all thrown down their practice swords and gathered around in a circle, discussing something.


    She thought they were watching her boyfriend Felix, wondering if he had sessfully summoned his ''Wave Motion Sword'' Technique Spirit.


    With this thought, she quickly walked a few steps faster, contemting where to celebrateter.


    To the Amber Original Club? Or perhaps the Golden Port Bar?


    However, Felix must be very tired now. Why not go directly to his ce and spend a ''good rest'' with him? Felix has known her for so long, and it''s surprising that he has restrained himself from taking the next step. Celia felt she should be more proactive.


    Yet when Celia walked into the crowd, she realized she was mistaken¡ªbecause she found that her proud and handsome boyfriend Felix was just like an ordinary onlooker, showing a shocked expression as if he were amon fish, dumbly staring forward.


    Following their gaze, Celia discovered that there was a girl in the training ground even more beautiful than herself: a casually tied ponytail, a fair and tender neck, a face as wless as if without makeup, and even the sweat dripping on it shimmered like pearls.


    An enemy and yet a fellow traveler, Celia sensed this immediately, even though the other party hadn''t said a word.


    Seemingly barefaced yet employing many makeup techniques to disguise a ''first love'' look, seemingly casual clothing that perfectly exposed her neck and wrists, seemingly simple yet perfectly essorizing her beauty... If she hadn''t studied and prepared specifically, how could she disguise such an almost perfect ''dream goddess'' image that hit all male pleasure points?


    With a nce, she confirmed, she was also a Hunter!


    With this thought, Celia squinted her eyes, disregarded the sweat on Felix, and took the initiative to hold his arm.


    In her eyes, there wasn''t a better prey than Felix in the entire training ground, or even the entire Sword Flower University.


    Even considering Truth University, Felix was a first-ss prize. As long as she could obtain the surname Vosloda, it would bring endless benefits to Celia.


    She had been nning for Felix for a long time, and even knowing Felix''s yboy nature, she had enough confidence to rein in this wild horse.


    If used well, even the trait of being flirtatious might not be a bad thing. As long as she could obtain the title of wife, Celia wouldn''t mind him sneaking around.


    It was hard to reach the harvest season, and Felix was nning to introduce her to Duke Vosloda at his birthday banquet. Now, suddenly, someone wanted to snatch her prey? Not a chance!


    "Felix, what are you all watching?" Celia asked nonchntly, "I didn''t know the Sword Skill Department had such a pretty junior."


    "You''re here, senior." Felix only then noticed Celia''s arrival but his eyes didn''t even shift for a second to Celia, as if only the girl practicing was in his gaze. "She... she isn''t from the Sword Skill Department. She''s a first-year from the Water Magic Department, named Sonia Sevi."


    He even knew her name and year... Celia''s sense of crisis grew stronger, wanting to drag Felix away immediately, but she also knew the strategy of feigning disinterest, so she pretended to be curious and asked, "Why are you all watching her train? Because she''s pretty?"


    "No... not just that..." Felix shook his head. "Because you aren''t a swordsmanship apprentice, I don''t know how to exin it to you."


    "In my first year, I dual majored in swordsmanship for a few months. It''s just that I had more talent in the Water Magic Department, so I gave it up." Celia snorted. "Plus, aren''t you a swordsmanship genius? With your exnation, how could I not understand?"


    "Well, I''ll keep it simple." Felix said, "An hour and a half ago, she was a novice who couldn''t even hold the sword correctly. Now, she can slice through the ninth ring of the armor statue with one strike."


    "She must be pretending, right?" Celia didn''t say this out of malicious intent; she had seriously practiced swordsmanship for a few months. She understood what this meant¡ªeven she could only slice into the second ring, and her level was considered above average among first-year students.


    @@novelbin@@


    "Though I thought so earlier, or rather, I wanted to think so, which is why I kept watching her train. I hoped to see her hit a bottleneck, I anticipated seeing her make no further progress... But now, after an hour and a half, my humble jealousy has turned into full admiration."


    It was hard for Celia to imagine Felix speaking such humble and sincere words. Even when talking about his father, the Star-forging Duke, and his brother Demi, he always had a disdainful, indifferent tone.


    Yet towards an almost unknown girl, he expressed admiration and curiosity. This was a very dangerous signal¡ªcuriosity often leads as the vanguard to downfall.


    Furthermore, he had watched a girl for an hour and a half... an hour and a half?


    He watched for an hour and a half, so that Hunter girl named Sonia trained for a full hour and a half!?


    Celia then deliberately observed Sonia''s training moves: sliding forward, striking the face, steady as a rock, moving like thunder... Her every movepletely followed the Swordsmanship Manual, without any shortcuts or borrowed strength, each sword strike exerted with utmost effort!


    Normally, people would need to rest after a few minutes of cultivation; Felix couldn''t train for more than three hours, with one hour being for rest and rxation. Yet, ording to them, this girl trained continuously for over an hour without stopping!?


    No wonder they were all watchingpared to a beautiful girl, these sword-obsessed young men were probably more curious about how to possess such terrifying endurance.


    But after watching for a while, Celia also merged into the crowd, her gaze uncontrobly drawn to Sonia''s training posture.


    Her movements were full of the beauty of swordsmanship, the beauty of strength, the beauty of a young woman. What''s more terrifying was that she seemed to improve at every moment, with each sword swing stronger, more precise, and more skillful than thest.


    This was a disy of art, an art of swordsmanship.


    At this moment, Celia was utterly convinced.


    If this girl named Sonia was truly targeting Felix, Celia had almost no chance of winning.


    She knew Felix''s obsession with swordsmanship well. If her ''intellectual beauty senior'' image was worth eighty points in Felix''s heart, then Sonia''s ''swordsmanship genius beauty girl'' was at a hundred and fifty points.


    ng!


    When Sonia''s wooden sword sliced into the tenth ring of the armor statue, everyone collectively inhaled sharply, and the temperature in the training ground seemed to drop¡ªthey witnessed a Miracle!


    An entrant-level swordsmanship apprentice, after nonstop two-hour training, sessfully shed into the tenth ring of the armor statue!


    Even if she did nothing else now, she only needed the timing to be right, and she would trigger the Resonance of the Void Realm''s knowledge, summon a swordsmanship Technique Spirit, and step into the Void Realm to be a Void Wings mage! Quickly, it could be a second; slowly, it could be months!


    You should know that not everyone can be a mage at Sword Flower University, with the graduation rate hovering at 50%. Every graduate Void Wings mage has a bright future!


    So starting from this moment, Sonia could already determine her carefree life for the rest of her days!


    Meanwhile, Sonia also put away her wooden sword, letting the boulder in everyone''s heart settle¡ªthe Monster covered in the appearance of a beautiful girl was finally tired.


    If Sonia continued her training, they would seriously suspect if wearing women''s clothes added to physical stamina. Although even now, it was already outrageous; a full two hours, averaging a strike every two seconds, thirty strikes per minute, totaling three thousand six hundred strikes in two hours... Just calcting this number was enough to make the swordsmanship apprentices'' scalps tingle.


    At this moment, Ingrid hurriedly went over, offering a towel and a cup of water, prepared to assist Sonia back to the dorm.


    When Sonia swung her sword a thousand times, Ingrid had already been won over by her, for the first time feeling the urge to get closer to her¡ªcould someone cultivating swordsmanship have any bad intentions?


    "Sonia, you''re tired, right? Shall we head back together?"


    Ingrid only knew one method to get closer: go back together, go to the restroom together, eat together...


    The nearly copsed Sonia took the towel, wiped herself, took a shallow sip of water, showed Ingrid a relieved smile, and just as she was about to agree, suddenly felt a surge of energy coursing through her limbs, revitalizing her strength.


    Her expression suddenly froze, her gaze fixed tightly on Felix in the crowd.


    It was the look of a Hunter locking onto prey.


    Other swordsmanship apprentices sighed quietly, Celia bit her lower lip in frustration, and Felix lifted his chin slightly, showing Sonia a confident smile.


    The reason behind these changes was heartwarming.


    Because in Sonia''s line of sight, the Observer stood right behind Felix.


    That damned little noisemaker, waving his finger, said,


    "Sword Maiden, you can''t rest yet."


    "Next," he pointed to Felix, "you need to defeat this person."


    ```

 Chapter 11 - 11 If I Made a Mistake, Please Let the Law Punish Me

    <h4>Chapter 11: Chapter 11 If I Made a Mistake, Please Let the Law Punish Me</h4>


    ```


    "If I made a mistake, let thew punish me."


    Even in such a situation, Sonia did not lose herposure and scream; instead, she calmlyined in her heart to the Observer, "Forcing me to practice swordsmanship, then making me fight Felix, what exactly do you want from me? To infiltrate the Dazzling Star noble society and be your spy?"


    "It''s not asplicated as you think," the Observer said. "It''s just about arranging a battle for you, and the strongest person here happens to be him. Nothing more. Whether he''s a noble or not is irrelevant, though I''d love to see a noble get beaten up. If possible, after you win, could you step on his face... never mind, I heard some of the Dazzling Star nobles are quite perverted. Maybe you should spank him instead... forget it, I never said that."


    "Can we change the opponent? I don''t want to get involved with Felix!"


    "Why?"


    "I''ve researched him a bit," Sonia said. "He''s odd and dangerous."


    As the most approachable noble gentleman at Sword Flower University, Sonia naturally considered Felix as a potential target. But after gathering some intelligence, she abandoned this tempting option.


    It had nothing to do with his yboy nature; Sonia didn''t see ''womanizer'' as an obstacle. What truly stopped her was Felix''s family situation and his ex-girlfriends.


    Though rumors outside were that Felix was a walking breeding machine for ten women, Sonia discovered a secret after simple observation¡ªFelix had never taken a girlfriend to stay out overnight.


    Felix lived in a vi off-campus, driving home each night after training. His car, the ''Pentium Silver Tiger,'' was unique on campus, and Sonia would asionally see him at night. He never drove a girlfriend out at night, always returning home alone.


    Of course, it might be he preferred daytime, but with the frequency of changing a girlfriend every three days, including nobledies, Sonia doubted he could "consume" them that quickly.


    Rather than being lustful, it seemed more like he was collecting them.


    Additionally, as the son of Duke Vosloda, ending up at Sword Flower University inevitably made people wonder if he was involved in some political strife.


    @@novelbin@@


    Sonia had no interest in fighting or growing with him; she preferred to catch a young noble from the newly risen wealthy ss, enjoying the benefits effortlessly with numerous opportunities. With the right skills, even splitting a family fortune wasn''t impossible.


    All these factorsbined made Sonia distinctly uninterested in Felix.


    She had an entire forest; there was no need to cling to this single tree, even staying away¡ªpartly because Sonia had never dealt with nobility, her understanding of them entirely from novels.


    And in novels, traditional nobles, except for the protagonist, were invariably viinous, oppressive, tyrannical characters; ones not evil enough would even be stripped of their noble title to bemoners.


    Cautious or rather pessimistic by nature, Sonia did not believe she would meet a good noble. With Felix''s clearly viinous traditional noble image, Sonia naturally kept her distance.


    "So, if you battle him, you might get into trouble?"


    "Exactly!" Sonia quickly responded. "I don''t know what you want from me, but I''m too weak now; I need to develop first, to stay low-key if possible; it shouldn''t¡ª"


    "This is perfect," the Observer said. "I wish for you to cause trouble, to stand bold and bash every enemy in your path to nothingness... and isn''t that your ''Heart''s Desire''?"


    "Where do I have such childish, arrogant desires!" Sonia shouted angrily.


    "Then," the Observer bowed, "may your first battle be victorious, thrashing the sword genius, kicking the Dazzling Star noble."


    "No, I absolutely won''t¡ª"


    "Felix Vosloda, the genius of the Sword Skill faction."


    Sonia lifted her wooden sword, pointing at Felix, and spoke in an arrogant tone she''d never used, "All of Sword Flower, only you are qualified to be the stepping stone for me to summon a Technique Spirit."


    "Do you dare to fight me?"


    The training ground was abuzz, sword apprentices showing expectant expressions, Celia nearly biting through her lip¡ªas expected, her target was also Felix, and using such a clich¨¦ yet effective way, she directly connected with Felix!


    Ingrid was taken aback, "Sonia, you''ve just trained for two hours, even if you must duel, shouldn''t it be tomorrow..."


    "No, it should be now." Felix stepped forward from the crowd, firmly fixing his gaze on Sonia, "Two hours, three thousand six hundred strikes, from a swordsmanship beginner to mastery. You are the most talented person I''ve ever seen, and the second to make me feel fear. If I don''t ept your challenge now, by tomorrow, I won''t even have the courage to unsheath my sword before you."


    "Now might be my only chance to defeat you. Even if others think I took advantage, bullied you while you''re exhausted, I can''t care¡ªat least after defeating you tonight, I''ll still have the right and courage to chase your silhouette!"


    "Moreover, you''re right, all of Sword Flower, only I am worthy of your challenge. Those older Void Realm Sword Masters can only understand the knowledge of the Void Realm by persistent effort,pletely iparable to you or I. So...e!"


    Meanwhile, the training ground had cleared arge space, the two standing across the expanse with training swords in hand, ready to face off.


    Sonia adopted the mostmon mid-level stance, while Felix held his sword in one hand, the de raised sidelong, appearing full of openings.


    "Wave Motion Stance..." Even though Ingrid worried a little for Sonia, she couldn''t help but anticipate their duel.


    The Vosloda Family was renowned for swordsmanship, with four secret stances capable of summoning Technique Spirits, the Wave Motion Stance being one.


    In the Sword Technique Faction, a stance was both a method of cultivation, summoning, andbat.


    Or rather, a Sword Master could summon a Technique Spirit due to his profound understanding of a sword stance, resonating with the Void Realm, transforming the void''s knowledge into a Technique Spirit.


    Each basic Technique Spirit a Sword Master independently summoned indicated he had perfectly mastered the corresponding sword stance.


    Felix had previously duelled others, but due to Ingrid being focused on studies (and not well-liked), she hadn''t gotten word of it. This was her first time witnessing the legendary Wave Motion Stance, making her eager to find a chance to duel Felix someday.


    Then she noticed Sonia''s flushed cheeks and her constant winks. Ingrid felt puzzled, but upon slight consideration, she realized: Sonia was boasting about witnessing the Wave Motion Stance first!


    Though you may be geniuses, I''ll surely catch up to you!


    Ingrid clenched her fists, making a gesture of encouragement to Sonia.


    Sonia was utterly helpless¡ªwasn''t her signal for rescue obvious enough? Why wasn''t Ingrid hurrying to drag her away!


    "What''s the point in you controlling my body to fight? Even if I win, it''s your victory; I''d just be an onlooker," Sonia thought. "If you only want to manipte my body, do as you please; I can''t resist anyway."


    "But you put me through challenges in dreamsst night and made me undergo swordsmanship training; surely, you intended some growth for me, right? How about this, you let me control my body again, I promise to fight in battles, even two if needed, alright?"


    "You think this is arithmetic, one plus one equals two?" the Observer, standing beside Ingrid, said. "Besides, who told you it''s I controlling your body to battle?"


    "If not you, then who else? Me?"


    "Exactly, it''s you." The Observer walked beside her, raising her sword tip slightly. "You think I chose just anybody for you to fight? Do you think I genuinely disregard your will and forcibly control your body?"


    "Why practice swordsmanship? Because you defeated me in a dreamst night, realizing your potential in swordsmanship, knowing you have the opportunity for power, understanding you''ve wasted too much time."


    "That''s why you''re here, pushing to the edge, just to be seen. To let your roommate, Ingrid, see, that besides your looks, you have gifts worth bragging about!"


    "Why challenge Felix? Since the first sight of him driving the Pentium Silver Tiger across campus, seen his poprity, and being the school''s spotlight, you''ve envied, admired, and hated him. You can''t me your mother for the hardships, so you could only resent people born with better circumstances than you."


    "Why do they get everything by birth? Why do they surpass you in every aspect?"


    "Don''t lie to your heart, Sword Maiden," the Observer said. "It''s you who wants to defeat him, to prove that you, Sonia Sevi, are no less than anyone else!"


    "It''s you who came to the training ground, you who grasped the wooden sword, you who want to shine brightly! Every movees from your true intentions!"


    "Indeed, I''m quite curious why you believed I was controlling you. After all, no one else can see me; aren''t you curious, don''t you suspect... am I a real existing Observer, or merely a phantom on which you ce your heart''s desires?"


    "I''m done talking, now, you can put all the me on me and then..." the Observer, standing beside Sonia, pointed at Felix, "...enjoy the rightful pleasure of crushing a genius!"


    Thud!


    With a loud bang, both simultaneously raised their swords forward, shing in battle!


    ```

 Chapter 15 - 15 You Will Die Under the Gaze of the Public

    <h4>Chapter 15: Chapter 15 You Will Die Under the Gaze of the Public</h4>


    ```


    "Give me a piece of toast, a ss of milk... What''s that? Braisedla fat? I''ll have that too."


    Ash held the tray as he sat down, observing the diners in the cafeteria.


    @@novelbin@@


    Aside from prisoners dressed in ssic uniforms, there were quite a few prison guards eating here as well. This prison seemed not to foster a hierarchy; guards and prisoners appeared equal, or rather, the guards didn''t bother with the prisoners, and the prisoners didn''t deliberately provoke the guards, creating a harmonious prison environment together.


    Ash could understand prison guards not bothering with prisoners, after all, cking off was human nature, but why did the prisoners also keep their distance from the guards?


    After all, people who are smart don''tmit crimes, so those who end up in prison must be fools who don''t know their ce, like some cult leader arrested by police hunters.


    ordingly, those prisoners must not be that bright either, but why wouldn''t they tease or provoke the guards?


    "Because they''re locked."


    Sitting next to him, the Sword Maiden poked at the braisedla fat with a finger and casually said, "The chips in your neck are locked. No attacking people, no insulting others, no harming yourself. That''s why Shattered Lake Prison is so free¡ªyou''re shackled with chains on every bone and nerve."


    "You see, on that wall is a poster for ''Creating a Civilized Prison,'' with a photo of death row inmates and students. Looks like the fostering of civilization here is quite sessful; they even have students visiting for spring and fall trips."


    Ash instinctively touched the back of his neck, eyes widening, "This¡ªthis is like having a bomb on your neck¡ª"


    "Do you have to talk so loudly?" The Sword Maiden pointed at the prisoners who looked over upon hearing him.


    Ash quickly muffled himself with toast: "As long as I wear this chip, there''s no way I can escape, right? It must have a tracking function!"


    "More than that, if they wanted, they could send a strong current through the chip to stop your heart directly." The Sword Maiden spread her hands, "So, you''re right; theoretically, there''s no way to escape this prison. Forget about escaping; even if you wanted to dig a tunnel with a spoon, the chip would stop you from destroying public property."


    "Theoretically no way, so what about in practice?" Ash took a sip of milk, surprised by its sweetness.


    "In practice... there isn''t." The Sword Maiden rolled her eyes, "I''m not from here, how would I know so much?"


    "Then where did you get the info you just shared?"


    "There''s a ''Shattered Lake Prison Encyclopedia'' in your light screen folder. I was bored and took a look."


    Ash froze for a moment, realizing of course, the Sword Maiden was just a character from a game, how would she know anything about this world?


    But now it''s troublesome, she can apparently look through other files on my light screen. I was hoping to find any mysterious websites with ck and yellow out there...


    "I can''t help with escaping, but if you want to get stronger, I have some ways." The Sword Maiden said, "In any case, first find someone to fight with. Nothing is easier to understand than a fight, right, Observer?"


    "Wait, ording to what you said, prisoners can''t attack others, so how do I fight them?" Ash finally realized the prison had fundamentally prohibited prisoners from brawling.


    "Do you ask me about everything? Are you the one trying to escape prison, or am I?" The Sword Maiden mocked, "And if you''re hungry, do you have to call for your mom?"


    "Mom! Grandma!"


    "You''re looking for trouble!"


    Ash rubbed his forehead, thinking it was so unfair. The Sword Maiden was intangible, yet her flicks on the forehead hurt so much...


    Ash looked around and saw a bald, muscr guy who had taken a ss of milk, so he went over and sat in front of him¡ªknowing others couldn''t hit him made Ash bolder.


    "Hi, I''m Ash, what''s your name?"


    "Hi, Ash, I have a boyfriend." The bald guy was very friendly.


    Ash was stunned, noticing that nearby guards and prisoners also turned their heads, prompting him to quickly exin, "That''s not what I meant, I just have some questions for you!"


    "I understand, I understand, really." The bald guy nodded understandingly, "When you hit on someone and they proactively disclose having a partner, it''s indeed awkward. But my love for my boyfriend is pure and sincere, allowing no doubt, so I state my stance right from the start, being kind to everyone, including you, Ash. I''m sure you''ll find your own love."


    "I... no... I just..."


    "Ask away." The bald guy signaled with an encouraging look, "Don''t feel awkward; failing to hit on someone is quite normal. If you can''t think of a question to cover it for now, I can wait. But honestly, Ash, your way of getting my attention is outdated, knocking over my milk on purpose like a grade-schooler..."


    Now there was no refuting, with witnesses and evidence, Ash had no choice.


    Ash felt the nearby eyes bing curious, and he opened his mouth, ultimately giving up on exining, "I just wanted to ask, if I want to fight, is there a way?"


    The bald guy blinked, "You''re new here? Oh, right, you''re the one who''s been all over the newstely... the Four Pirs God Sect leader?"


    "Uh~ I''m actually quite interested in The Gods of Four Pirs, but unfortunately, I have a boyfriend, otherwise I could''ve given you a chance..."


    Ash was truly fed up and wanted to leave, but the bald guy''s next words made him stay: "If you want to stretch your muscles, you''vee to the right person¡ªoh, I haven''t introduced myself. I''m Lanna, a member of the Death Battle Society."


    "Death Battle Society?"


    "Because of the chips, we can''t harm others. But the Death Battle Society has the warden''s permission, and during a death battle, we can temporarily lift the chip restrictions to fight. This is an exclusive benefit for Death Battle Society members."


    Ash was quite surprised, "The prison agrees to this kind of thing? How humane!"


    Lanna shook his head, "But there''s a cost to this, the biggest being what our society is named after."


    "Death battle?"


    "Exactly." Lanna finished his milk, sticking out hisrge tongue to clean the milk off his lips, looking at Ash with calm eyes.


    "If you join a death battle, someone must die for it to end. Death battle fights to the death."


    Ash blinked, "But... with so many measures to restrict us, would the prison actually allow us to kill?"


    "If someone dies, it doesn''t mean you killed them." Lanna smiled, "The death battle ring is next to the medical room. As long as the body remains intact and death is within five minutes, taking it to the medical room can revive them. Of course, any leftover seque are uncertain."


    "And even if a prisoner does die, the prison doesn''t mind. After all, every prisoner here is destined to die."


    His words carried the ''people die when they are killed'' vibe, and Ash agreed, "Yes, yes, people do indeed die."


    "Hmm? You seem to have misunderstood me." Lanna seemed surprised, "Haven''t you heard of Shattered Lake Prison''s reputation outside? Haven''t you watched the Blood Moon Judgment on the first and fifteenth of every month?"


    "Ah?"


    "Every prisoner in Shattered Lake Prison, every single one, is on death row." Lanna calmly stated, "No appeals, no escape, stripped of political rights for life."


    "Prisoners, after entering the prison, can eat well, sleep well, exercise, watch movies, and y games, but the only thing not allowed is taking a life¡ªnot even their own. Because we are only ever waiting for one oue¡ª"


    "To participate in the Blood Moon Judgment and die a terribly tragic death in front of an audience."


    ```

 Chapter 18: "Beautiful Beast" Igula

    <h4>Chapter 18: Chapter 18: "Beautiful Beast" Ig</h4>


    ```


    "The new cult leader is going to a deathmatch with the ''Beautiful Beast''!"


    "The Beautiful Beast doesn''t even let a single contribution point slip by?"


    "Could it be that the cult leader has already fallen for it?"


    @@novelbin@@


    "Oh hoo, then it''s not just a single contribution point; the Beautiful Beast might earn 50 contribution points this time..."


    Listening to the chatter from the audience, Ash, who was wrapping his fists with bandages, forced a smile: "Seems like you are indeed a wolf in sheep''s clothing."


    "I actually think it''s you hiding your strength to lure me in," said the fair-skinned, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Ig with augh, "You dare to oppose the Blood Frenzy Hunters and are the Four Pirs God Sect''s hierarch. While I''m just a mundane swindler, no matter how you think about it, yourbat power should be higher, right?"


    Indeed, before the deathmatch with Ig, Ash had already asked Lanna about Ig''s criminal record.


    After all, almost every prisoner would first introduce themselves on the news channel upon arriving, so criminal records are nearly transparent to each other. Just like everyone knows that Ash is a small-time cult leader taken down by hunters.


    Ig Bokin, also known as the "Swindler," worked in the insurance industry and was imprisoned for defrauding many wealthy individuals ofrge sums of money. He was a Spirit Mage with a series of Technique Spirits like the "Contract" that could manipte the mind.


    Although theoretically, the use of Technique Spirits is banned in the prison, this ban was only a ''direct'' ban, not a plete'' one.


    Spirit Mages like Ig, who focus on spiritual cultivation, can still use rhetoric, suggestions, bodynguage, etc., to trigger their Technique Spirits. Just like when Ig invited Ash to team up in the hall, if Ash agreed, the Technique Spirit would silently imprint Ash''s spirit.


    It seems Ig indeedcked directbat ability, but¡ª¡ª


    Ding!


    The lights around the Death Battle Society dimmed again, leaving only the light screen above the arena, capturing everyone''s attention.


    "Ig Bokin bet 46 contribution points"


    "VS"


    "Ash Heath bet 1 contribution point"


    In a deathmatch, everyone only bets the minimum amount, meaning Ig had already participated in 45 deathmatches!


    Moreover, ording to Lanna, Ig had a perfect record in the past 45 deathmatches!


    So why did Ash agree to this deathmatch?


    Because he already agreed.


    When Ig jokingly asked Ash whether he would fight, Ash casually replied, "Sure, sure," also as a joke. At that moment, he had already fallen into the trap¡ªhe couldn''t backtrack on this jest anymore.


    It''s hard to describe this feeling; it wasn''t as though his body was being controlled, but his perception was altered. It''s as if some absurd belief like "water is highly toxic" had emerged, and Ash was sure he had to fight Ig.


    Ash didn''t know the consequences of refusing, as the thought of ''refusal'' never even crossed his mind; it was as if even contemting the freest of thoughts had been shackled.


    "So, always be cautious in responding to people''s invitations."


    The Sword Maiden leaned against the railing and saidzily, "You are the Final Observer; as far as I''m concerned, you should refuse anyone''s goodwill or malice, say ''no'' to everything, take over with your power, dictate everything with your will, and rule the world like a Demon King¡ª"


    "No!"


    "...You brat..."


    Just as the Sword Maiden was stumped, transparent barriers rose around the arena, announcing the official start of the deathmatch.


    As a ''ding'' sounded in his mind, Ash felt an internal shackle loosen, and the chip at the back of his neck no longer restrained them from attacking each other!


    Simultaneously, Ig darted forward, his agile body charging like a hunting leopard!


    Ash immediately raised his arms in defense and sidestepped, but Ig seemed to predict Ash''s reaction early on. He slid in with a tackle, causing Ash to lose his bnce and fall face-first into the ground!


    Even though Ash quickly recovered and stood up, he still couldn''t avoid Ig''s follow-up, receiving a heavy punch to the abdomen with a muffled groan as if he was about to vomit bile.


    "Bite down," Ig ''kindly'' reminded him, then mmed another punch to Ash''s temple!


    Ash was hit dazed, his back against the wall, using his arms to protect his vital parts. However, Ig seemed to foresee all his moves, each direct punch and hooknding in areas Ash failed to defend. Before long, Ash''s face was bruised and swollen, wretchedly trying to evade while getting pummeled.


    He roared in his mind, "Has the transmission of experience not started yet? I''m going to get beaten to death like this!"


    "Damn it! Sword Maiden, take control and beat up this blondie!"


    "Mom! Sword Maiden, save me¡ª"


    The Sword Maiden spoke perfunctorily, saying, "Soon, soon, the more you get hit, the faster the experience transfers. Also, don''t just take the hits, try to counterattack!"


    "Will counterattacking speed up the experience transmission?"


    "No, but it''ll make this deathmatch more interesting. Watching you get one-sidedly beaten is quite dull, to be honest."


    She said this, yet the Sword Maiden was a bit surprised inside.


    She had anticipated Ash being beaten like a punching bag; after all, this was Shattered Lake Prison. Ash participating in deathmatches here was like amb walking into a den of wolves¡ªgetting devoured would be expected.


    She initially thought Ash would show an unbearable side, kneeling to beg for mercy while crying, yet, although Ash was wretched, he managed to do his best: leaning against a wall to reduce the target area, covering his face''s triangle area with both hands, quickly standing after falling down instead of being pinned...


    What surprised the Sword Maiden most was that Ash hadn''t cried.


    As a wandering soul from another world who lived in a greenhouse and had never experienced bloodshed, Ash''s resilience was unexpectedly strong, even exhibiting a certain degree of psychological selffort.


    He continuously mumbled to the Sword Maiden in his mind, using conversation to mitigate the pain, without distraction. His defense became more efficient, and his movements to dodge attacks grew quicker, an embodiment...


    An embodiment like a sponge that kept absorbing knowledge.


    The Sword Maiden suddenly felt that even without her, without the Mage''s Handbook, Ash would quickly adapt to this seemingly beautiful and cruel world after enduring the initial shock of crossing worlds.


    At his core, he wasn''t a cowardly person; changing environments would unveil his true nature.


    Indeed... he was the Final Observer...


    Snap!


    Ash felt like his arm bone was burning as if it were on fire. The Sword Maiden urged him to fight back, and just then, Ash was also fueled by the heat from the beatings. Even a y figure would have three parts temper, not to mention that Ash wasn''t one to let himself be bullied easily.


    He had his own methods at work: apart from not talking back to superiors, he wouldn''t suffer losses among colleagues. Plus, being capable and knowing how to tterled him to often mor for recognition loudly, achieving a semnce of sess in the workce. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been appointed as the head of the new game''s operations team.


    Seizing an opportunity by recalling a punch from his military training, he threw a straight punch from a horse stance!


    "Soft as cotton, how cute."


    Ig dodged as if he were strolling, wearing a disdainful smile, avoiding Ash''s punch exquisitely, and striking Ash''s face with a counterpunch.


    "You!"


    "You¡ª!"


    "You¡ªyou¡ª"


    Ash couldn''t bring himself to curse, and he couldn''tnd even a single punch.


    Ig could deliver a painful blow every time to Ash, evading all of Ash''s attempts, simply needing a slight turn to dodge Ash''s direct punch.


    To the onlookers, it seemed less like a fight but more like a performance¡ªas if Ash voluntarily offered his face to meet Ig''s fists.


    "There it is again, the Beautiful Beast''s magic trick."


    "Looks like the cult leader''s remaining 49 contribution points will also end up in the Beautiful Beast''s pocket."


    "Hmph, it''s all shy tricks; if it were me¡ª"


    "What would happen if it were you?"


    "If it were me, he''d have to kneel down to check if I was still breathing!"


    "Though we couldn''t beat the Beautiful Beast, Master Tiger certainly could!"


    The white-haired old man, Tiger, hastily shook his head: "No, no, the young generation is surpassing us; an old man like me will sooner orter be a stepping stone for you..."


    Old man, could you let go of the rail before saying that? You''re about to twist it into a pretzel! Everyone cursed silently, and then someone turned to Lanna, nestled in a burly man''s arms: "Lanna, can you see through the Beautiful Beast''s tricks?"


    "I don''t know, and words won''t help; you''ll only know by fighting," Lanna said with a smile, "But I wouldn''t want to fight the Beautiful Beast. He''s not my type. Don''t worry, darling, as long as you''re breathing, I won''t set my eyes on anyone else."


    The brawny man Lanna was cozily leaning against broke into a cold sweat, forcing a smile in the dim light.


    In the deathmatch arena, Ig flicked the blood off his fist and casually asked, "Do you know why I''ve won all 45 deathmatches? Although my physique isn''t that great and my reflexes aren''t particrly fast, why is it that you can''t hit me, but I hit you every time?"


    Indeed, through the earlier fight, Ash noticed that Ig''s physical attributes were almost the same as his. Forget aboutparing with a monster like "Diamond" Tiger; even an average brawny man could suppress Ig. Despite being on the same level, Ash could hit nothing but Ig''s face.


    If Ig''s boxing skills were extraordinary, it would make sense, but Ash could tell Ig''sbat skills were merely average; otherwise, Ash wouldn''t havested this long.


    Both were weak, so why could only you peck at me?


    "I have defeated Beastmen, Trolls, Goblins; their physical attributes far surpassed mine, yet they all fell on this arena, transferring the contribution points that weren''t theirs to me," Ig said leisurely, "The reason you and they meet such a pathetic end is one and only¡ª"


    "You are, all livestock."


    "Your life never belonged to you."


    "From the moment you stepped onto the arena, your neck was already wrapped in the chain I prepared for you. Before squeezing out yourst contribution point, you are the livestock under my control!"


    "The fate of livestock is always one and only¡ª"


    "Bleeding, skinning, then..." Ig, tall and handsome, looked down at Ash, licking his lips with a cruel smile, "being ughtered and cut into delicious pieces by their master!"


    "Keep going, Ash Heath, and don''t think about surrendering. There''s no such rule in a deathmatch. Rest assured, I''m gentle with my livestock; it''ll end soon."


    Ash straightened up, twisted his neck, and spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva: "Yes."


    The Sword Maiden nodded from the stands,zilymenting, "It''s time to end."


    ```

 Chapter 20 - 20 The Raven Medical Practitioner

    <h4>Chapter 20: Chapter 20 The Raven Medical Practitioner</h4>


    ```


    "Ash Heath, if you''re awake, walk out by yourself; otherwise, you''ll miss dinner. They don''t serve patient meals here."


    Bathed in the heat from the ring white light, Ash swiftly sat up, touching his face and abdomen, feeling neither swelling nor pain, as if the beating from Ig had been just a dream.


    It wasn''t the first time he''d witnessed this world''s medical technology, but every time it left him amazed. The wound from the Blood Frenzy Hunter''s sword, which in his past life would have meant weeks in intensive care, had been healed here before the interrogation even began.


    It made Ash think they wanted to heal him first before administering a full set of interrogation "therapy."


    He nced around, noticing this treatment room was unlike what he imagined. There was no smell of disinfectant. The environment, though clean and free of any clutter or bloodstains, had a predominant grayscale palette of gray, ck, and brown, giving a ''dirty chaos'' impression visually.


    Not to mention the medical practitioner here, dressed in a full-body ck robe, wearing an intimidating crow mask, holding a gleaming short knife.


    It looked less like a doctor and more like a cultist about to sacrifice Ash.


    The one speaking to Ash was a slightly short medical practitioner, indistinguishable by voice, as if the mask distorted the sound, making it more eerie.


    Noticing Ash staring, she asked, "Is there a problem?"


    Ash replied casually, "I think there''s still something wrong with my face."


    "Hmm? I''ve already healed all your injuries." The medical practitioner seemed puzzled, "Could it be a broken blood vessel inside?"


    "I feel like I''m not as handsome as before. Did you not fix that? By the way, do you offer cosmetic services here?"


    Originally, Ash was just making small talk to build goodwill, hoping for a fruit treat next time during treatment, but unexpectedly, the crow medical practitioner got excited, moving closer and saying, "Of course we do! Eye corner expansion, nasal bone adjustment, bone shaving, chin fillers, any technique you want, even changing to another race is possible! I highly rmend the Kan-Dai technique, which effectively erges your eyes..."


    Ash, looking displeased, pushed the medical practitioner away, "Your crow mouth is poking me!"


    "Ah, sorry, if you''re considering mouth-rted cosmetic surgery, I also have thetest White Rabbit Candy technique, which can naturally sweeten your lips..."


    Seeing the medical practitioner''s insurance sales-like enthusiasm, Ash became a bit frightened, "I don''t have money!"


    "I don''t want your money, I just want you!"


    Ash''s body shivered, "That quick? We barely know each other! Wait, are you male or female? Wait, what''s your race..."


    Realizing her misspeaking, the medical practitioner waved her hands, "I mean, if you''re willing for me to perform surgery, that''s enough, no payment needed,pletely free!"


    "Hmm..." Ash asked, "What if I want you to pay me?"


    "Uh...how much?"


    @@novelbin@@


    Seeing the medical practitioner really taking out a wallet, Ash hurriedly stopped her, "Stop, stop, I was just asking casually, I didn''t really intend to go under the knife. Are all medical practitioners this kind-hearted, doing surgery for free without asking for anything in return? Seeing you dressed like this, I thought you''d be the type to suddenly upcharge in the middle of a surgery."


    Medical practitioner: "Ah, isn''t that kind of thing normal?"


    "Huh?"


    For a moment, Ash couldn''t tell if she meant ''free'' or ''mid-surgery upcharge.''


    "So you really don''t n to have cosmetic surgery?" The medical practitioner urged, "I''m a Silver-ranked practitioner with three Technique Spirits. Outside, you wouldn''t find another practitioner as capable and free as me. You''re lucky to meet one!"


    "What if you suddenly charge halfway during the surgery?"


    "Do you have money?"


    "No."


    "Then what are you worrying about!?"


    That made a lot of sense, as long as I''m broke, you can''t scam me out of money... Ash still shook his head, "In my line of work, they say ''the most expensive things are free.'' If I take this freebie, there must be a catch somewhere."


    Seeing Ash not take the bait, the medical practitioner admitted, "Well, if you''re willing to let me perform surgery, there might be a bit of risk."


    "A bit?"


    "Yes, a bit." The medical practitioner gestured with her fingers, "After all, I''m not particrly skilled in this technique, so I need more surgeries to improve, but I have three Technique Spirits, enough to ensure your life isn''t in danger..."


    From the medical practitioner''s exnation, Ash finally understood why they allowed patients free treatment: because the healing efficiency of Silver practitioners wasn''t guaranteed.


    Unlike the empirical medicine of his previous world, the medicine here evolved from Technique Spirits, with the mostmonly used being the Water Technique Faction''s ''Water Therapy.''


    As long as the patient had moisture in their body, this Technique Spirit could be activated to rapidly regenerate wounds.


    By bleeding and scraping flesh, then activating the Technique Spirit to quickly regenerate the body, was the mostmon treatment method.


    Needless to say, this method had many ws. Yet, all Technique Spirits had evolutionary traits, and this was most evident in the ''Water Therapy'' Technique Spirit: illnesses treated with ''Water Therapy'' would be remembered and optimized, allowing faster treatment of simr conditions next time.


    Moreover, if a medical practitioner treated enough cases, the ''Water Therapy'' Technique Spirit could even evolve into a Two-winged Technique Spirit!


    Therefore, Silver medical practitioners were eager for patients but couldn''t find them, while patients were willing to pay more for better Gold practitioners, avoiding Silver ones¡ªsince the weaker the practitioner, the less effective the ''Water Therapy,'' increasing the chance of patientplications.


    Shattered Lake Prison was a goldmine for medical practitioners¡ªinmates on the brink of death needed treatment daily, letting them gain experience rapidly, with a stable doctor-patient rtionship; even if a patient died, there''d be no repercussions!


    The practitioner speaking to Ash wouldn''t have had a chance to gain experience here if not for her connections!


    Ash thought cleverly; the Death Battle Society was not only about encouraging inmates to outdo each other but also turning them into regenerable resources for practitioners to exploit for experience. This prison was quite the enterprising setup,pletely favored by the prison''s management.


    However, treatment being free without consuming death row inmates'' contributions, showed the prison''s limited scope, falling shortpared to Ash''spany¡ªhispany not only sold him sudden death insurance but also deducted his malicious overtime electricity bill from his paycheck, utterly destroying Ash''s mining-for-cryptos get-rich n.


    ```

 Chapter 21 - 21 Ash’s Workplace Little Teaching

    <h4>Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Ash''s Workce Little Teaching</h4>


    ```


    "If you want more people toe to you for treatment, shouldn''t you put some effort into your appearance?"


    In the treatment room, Ash looked at the medical practitioner wearing a crow mask, feeling a bit puzzled, "Dressing like this, it''s a wonder people don''t suspect you of robbery or preaching, let alone seek treatment from you. Or is this just a meaningless tradition?"


    "It''s a tradition, and it has meaning," the medical practitioner said, "Think about it, what if... if by chance... I botch your treatment, and when you wake up, you find you''re missing some parts, would you dare attack me when you see me looking like this?"


    "Not really."


    "That''s the point."


    The two stared at each other, and Ash suddenly realized, "So the scary attire and the eerie treatment room environment are all tools to improve the doctor-patient rtionship... Wait, does this mean your treatment failure probability is high?"


    "It''s not very high, just a tiny possibility..." The medical practitioner spoke vaguely, not even daring to look at Ash, suggesting that this tiny possibility was about the size of the Milky Way.


    Ash said, "Your service attitude is inadequate. I''m sure no patients seek you out outside, right? They must even use you of poor treatment, so you''re forced to hide in prison to gain experience with us who can''tin, correct?"


    The medical practitioner shamefully hung her head, clearly showing Ash had hit the mark, as she softly defended herself, "I did cure them, but they stillined and caused trouble everywhere, and some issues had nothing to do with me, they were self-inflicted... I only provided the most basic guarantee of treatment, yet they had so many demands..."


    As if Ash had broken through her defenses, the medical practitioner poured her negative emotions on Ash like a trash can. Her story sounded like she deserved it: in an era where most medical practitioners would charge some fee for the diagnosis, she asked for nothing, even made house calls, and consequently got used of inadequate treatment, unable to survive in the city, resorting to gaining experience in prison.


    After listening, Ash thought for a moment and asked, "Do you know your w?"


    "I know, it''s myck of precision..."


    "It''s that you don''t speak confidently enough!"


    "Huh?" The medical practitioner raised her head, her eyes behind the crow mask filled with confusion.


    "You speak so meekly and without assertiveness; once a medical mishap urs, the patients will undoubtedly trouble you. Even if you don''t charge, you''ll still get bullied," Ash advised, "When you say you might not cure the illness, you need to speak loudly, stand straight, and say it with confidence and pride."


    "And that''s only the first step. The second step is to find the patient''s ws. If the patient looks good, say they live too extravagantly; if they''re ugly, say they have no sex life; if they''re thin, say they''re malnourished; if they''re fat, say they''re over-nourished. There''s always a critique that fits. Nobody''s perfect, and you''ll certainly find something to put the patient down."


    @@novelbin@@


    "As long as you follow these two steps, you can establish your authority, suppress the patient''s status, and create an atmosphere where ''you should be grateful I''m willing to treat you.'' Even if something goes wrong with the treatment, patients will not me you and might even exin on your behalf."


    The medical practitioner asked, "Does it really work?"


    "Absolutely!" Ash nodded emphatically, "This is based on my many years of personal experience!"


    Ash was well-versed in this kind of workce PUA. First, pick out the other''s ws to suppress them, then release your own goodwill, making them grateful as if they have Stockholm Syndrome. Newly graduated students are almost defenseless against this tactic.


    Using such a forbidden technique in the workce should certainly be condemned, but as the saying goes, "A weapon''s morality lies solely in the wielder''s heart." For a medical volunteer like her willing to provide free medical care, even if there''s a tiny bit of negative impact, Ash felt her career path should be smoother.


    "So do you know what to do now?"


    "What should I do?"


    "No matter what surgery you perform in the future, always tell the patient, ''I''ve done my best!''"


    "I''ve done my best."


    "Louder, I can''t hear you!"


    "I''ve done my best!" the medical practitioner clenched her fist and said.


    Ash nodded in satisfaction, "You can slowly understand the rest on your own. I should go eat..."


    The medical practitioner was lost in thought, and as Ash put on his shoes and was about to leave, she suddenly stopped him and asked, "Are you sure you don''t want cosmetic surgery? Looking at the face in the mirror, don''t you feel it''s disrespectful to others to go out in public like that?"


    Ash''s body shook, his eyes filled with the satisfaction of a promising student¡ªgoodness gracious, she was using the newly learned skill on her teacher already!?


    If she joined ourpany, she''d at least be a team leader level expert!


    "It''s really about theck of contrast causing no harm;pared to your crow face, I suddenly feel handsome. Maybe next time, when I feel ugly, I''lle to you for cosmetic surgery," Ash brushed off the suggestion.


    "I''m not ugly, you''re ugly!" the medical practitioner was so angry she wanted to take off her mask, but as soon as her hand touched the crow mask, footsteps sounded from upstairs.


    She suddenly remembered something, "Oh, Ash, take this."


    Ash was handed a namete with the number [222] written on it.


    "What''s this?"


    The medical practitioner said, "It''s my ID badge. Remember to carry it with you every minute of every day, even while sleeping, so everyone knows you''re mine."


    Ash blinked, "So, what are you actually, GG or MM? I''m a pretty casual person, but if your conditions exceed my bottom line, I''ll have to charge extra..."


    "You''re not getting cosmetic surgery, so when you venture out, you''ll scare others into fighting you seven or eight times. With my ID badge, when you''re pummeled to a pulp, I''ll have priority in treating you. If your face gets ruined, I can fix that cosmetically while I''m at it." The medical practitioner pushed him out, "Now go eat, the cafeteria is about to close..."


    Ash thought briefly, put the namete in his pocket, and suddenly asked, "By the way, if Ie back next time, could you cut an apple for me?"


    The medical practitioner was stunned, "Sure."


    Great, mission aplished.


    Don''t think Ash was being trivial; this was his secret to workce socializing¡ªgetting others to help him with a trivial matter strengthens the rtionship. The ''feeling of being needed'' is a high-level emotional need, and Ash used this tactic to win the most votes in the ''Top Ten Employees'' poll, earning an additional six months'' bonus.


    "Let''s have a meal together sometime, I''m off now," Ash said, "See you next time, [222]... Almost forgot to say, thank you."


    "If you really want to thank me, let me give you a makeover¡ª"


    "Next time, definitely next time!"


    After Ash left, the medical practitioner continued to tidy up the treatment room tools.


    Suddenly, another door opened, and a tall medical practitioner walked in and sternly said, "Why are you still here?"


    The medical practitioner nced at his badge, which was [176].


    Indeed, not only did the death row inmates not know the identities of the medical practitioners, but even the medical practitioners were unaware of each other''s identities. Except in their own dorms, they had to wear their crow masks in any public location, identifying each other by their badges.


    "A patient just woke up, which dyed me a bit. I gave him my ID badge to reserve his future treatments."


    "You didn''t chat with him, did you?"


    The tall medical practitioner''s tone became more serious.


    "You know, conversing with prisoners is against the rules. Our identities must be kept strictly confidential. If news of our rituals here spreads, the Human Rights Association will dismantle the council..."


    "I know." The medical practitioner stuck her tongue out behind her crow mask.


    "Then quickly return to your room, and submit your 11-inch blood magic thesis by this weekend. Don''t forget," the tall medical practitioner sternly said, "Don''t think a little talent allows you to ck off. Without the team leader''s permission, you''d have no qualification to be here..."


    In the past, the medical practitioner would have been fearfully self-reflective when criticized by a senior. But after chatting with Ash, a thought suddenly popped into her mind.


    "Is the senior deliberately criticizing my imperfections to establish his authority and suppress my status? My entry, facilitated by the team leader''s concern, was beyond my influence and unrted to my skills; he can always criticize me on this point."


    Listening to the tall medical practitioner''s empty remarks, the medical practitioner found herself missing Ash''s pleasant words more and more.


    Now that I think of it, Ash''s recovery seemed much stronger than that of a typical body technique master, and the tactile feedback during treatment was really nice...


    I genuinely hope Ash gets beaten almost to death soon, she thought.


    ```

 Chapter 22: Invitation to a Deadly Battle

    <h4>Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Invitation to a Deadly Battle</h4>


    Shattered Lake Prison, Cafeteria.


    "I won 45 contribution points and still have to participate in the Blood Moon Judgement in a few days!?"


    Ash, who was gobbling down food, lifted his head in disbelief, wearing a betrayed expression, "Didn''t they say that those with more contribution points would be judgedter in the sequence?"


    "That''s indeed the case."


    Lanna said while sipping her milk, "But there''s a condition¡ªall inmates must attend their first Blood Moon Judgement; only a select few escape this under special circumstances."


    "And those who experience a Blood Moon Judgement and survive will have their subsequent sequences arranged ording to their contribution points."


    "What if I die in my first Blood Moon Judgement?"


    "If you''re worried about that, why not throw the match with me and hand over your contribution points?"


    "In your dreams!" Ash muttered, then thought for a moment and said, "Didn''t you say before that only one person dies in the Blood Moon Judgement?"


    "Yes, there are eight participants, but only one will die," Lanna said. "That''s only a 12.5% chance of dying, which is actually quite low¡ªthat''s under normal circumstances."


    "Am I a normal person?"


    "Obviously not. As the cult leader of the Gods of Four Pirs, you''re not. Murder, kidnapping, imprisonment, ritualistic sacrifices... The people victimized by you number in the thousands, and your notoriety is well known. Without any surprises, you''re bound to be a major focus during the Blood Moon Judgement."


    Heath bravely takes flight while Ash bears the me... Ash harbored endless resentment toward Heath in his heart. Could Heath possibly drink six walnut drinks to get smarter!? What''s with all the cult activities?! It''s more infuriating than those relentless online loans!


    "How about it, if you''re going to give up anyway, why not give me your contribution points?" Lanna said, "I will remember your sacrifice and live happily with my boyfriend..."


    "Get lost!" Ash grumbled, "I might survive, you know? I won''t give up!"


    "Alright," Lanna didn''t seem to care about Ash''s 95 points of contribution. She said, "Someone wants to challenge you, do you ept?"


    "That''s the real reason you''re waiting for me in the cafeteria, isn''t it?"


    "Exactly." Lanna admitted, "As for why, you''ll understand when you see the amount of contribution points the other party bets¡ª37 contribution points."


    Ash squinted his eyes, "Someone who has already fought 36 death matches challenges me? I only bet 2 contribution points."


    Lanna shrugged.


    "That''s why I made a special trip to notify you."


    "Generally, neers challenge veterans in death matches because they can gamble small for a big return. It''s not unheard of for veterans to challenge neers, but usually, that''s after at least five matches, or else veterans aren''t even interested in gaining points."


    "So when a veteran challenges you, I''m quite curious and want to ask if you have a grudge with them."


    "Who is it?"


    "Valcas Uer."


    Ash shook his head, "Never heard of him."


    Of course, he hadn''t heard of him, because he didn''t have Heath''s memories. Even if Valcas had a grudge with Heath, Ash wouldn''t know.


    "Selin Dole."


    "Huh?" Ash blinked, "Who?"


    @@novelbin@@


    Lanna waved her hand, "Nothing, just reminded of someone familiar."


    "So do you want to ept Valcas'' challenge?"


    "What weapon does Valcas use?"


    "A sword."


    Ash felt a stirring inside and nced sideways with the corner of his eye. He saw the Sword Maiden sitting cross-legged on the table, arms folded, calmly watching him, her legs wrapped in eye-catching ck stockings.


    She gave Ash a sidelong nce, "Sneaking a peek at me is so interesting?"


    "Sorry." Ash turned his head to stare at the ck stockings, suddenly having a thought, "Say, if you can touch me, does that mean I can touch you too? Ahem, Sword Maiden, wash up forter..."


    ng! The Sword Maiden unsheathed her ornate decorative sword, and Ash instantlyposed himself, saying to Lanna, "Tell Valcas to wash his neck clean for me tomorrow!"


    "Then show up at the Death Battle Society tomorrow morning. I won''t interrupt your meal any further; my boyfriend is waiting for me. Goodbye." Lanna said and left in a gust of wind.


    Ash thought that Lanna''s boyfriend was waiting for him at the lovers'' room, but after a couple of nces, he realized Lanna wasn''t heading towards the lovers'' room. Conversely, she left in the direction of the Death Battle Society... Maybe there was ate-night death match, wanting to work the medical practitioners to death, Ash thought.


    "Back to the dorm," the Sword Maiden jumped down from the dining table, "You have a busy night ahead. I''m going to take you exploring a world you''ve never known."


    Ash''s face flushed red with anger¡ªwhat do you mean a world I''ve never known!? Do I really look that much like a virginal boy!?


    This woman was speaking too arrogantly. If she continued unchecked, I''d have no standing left at all!


    "Why aren''t youing?"


    "Coming~"


    ...


    ...


    At 8:45 p.m., in the Death Battle Society without any other spectators, an unknown death match was underway.


    "Ash agreed, but not because of the name you gave me, but because he looks forward to an opponent who uses a sword¡ªwhen I mentioned you wield a sword, he decided."


    "Thanks, this counts as me owing you a favor, Lanna."


    "Valcas, you can repay me right now if you tell me why you suddenly have your sights set on cutie Ash. Is it rted to that name¡ªSelin Dole?"


    In the dimly lit stands, a thin middle-aged man was watching the feast on stage.


    Yes, a feast¡ªthere probably was no better word to describe it. Although the food moved, tried to escape, screamed, and begged for mercy, it ultimately was just food for devouring.


    "I don''t mind telling you, as long as you don''t regret it."


    "Then never mind, I''m blissfully happy with my boyfriend and satisfied with life. I don''t want to get tangled up in the chess games of the powerful."


    Lanna tore off a piece of warm meat and chewed it carefully, "But is Ash really the cult leader of the Gods of Four Pirs? I think I have pretty good judgment of people. He seems more like a student just starting out. I thought he was innocent."


    The middle-aged man snorted coldly.


    "Everyone who steps into this cesspool is far from innocent. The only difference is whether only their skin is stained or whether they willingly open their mouths to swallow the stench."


    "I''m eating, Valcas, can you not talk about feces."


    "Then I won''t disturb you. Enjoy your meal."


    ...


    ...


    As the doors of the Death Battle Society rumbled shut, the subtle wailing vanished into the thick darkness.


    Valcas walked through the prison corridors, each prisoner and guard he met keeping a cold distance from him.


    asionally, a newly arrived inmate spotted Valcas'' ears and naturally showed a schadenfreude expression.


    Because Valcas'' ears were pointed.


    When Valcas returned to his dormitory, he saw a prison guard waiting at the door.


    He had expected this, opening the door as he whispered, "Ash Heath has agreed to duel with me."


    "Make sure topletely crush his brain, heart, and spine, to a degree that not even a Two-winged Mage can heal," the prison guard said.


    "I will do what you ask, and what about what you promised me?" Valcas opened the door but didn''t enter, turning to gaze intently at the guard.


    "As long as Ash Heath dies tomorrow, after the next Blood Moon Judgement, you will disappear from this prison," the guard said. "But you and that kid can''t remain in Kaimon City, that''s Mr. Selin''s requirement."


    "I have no interest in continuing to breathe the same air as Selin," Valcas grimaced with disgust.


    "Free time is almost over; stop standing around outside and enter your cell."


    Valcas'' mouth twitched as he stepped into his room, letting the automatic door close.


    The prison guard turned away, a slight smirk forming, sneering softly.


    "A mere elf death row convict, yet still holding onto that noble pride... ha!"

 Chapter 24 - 24 Void Realm

    <h4>Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Void Realm</h4>


    "Here we are, in the Void Realm..."


    Ash cupped a handful of seawater, sniffed it, licked it, and surprisingly, it tasted a bit sweet.


    Looking down, the surface of the sea was extremely blurred, making it impossible to see his own reflection.


    Examining his attire, he noticed he was wearing the same deep ck trench coat as in the illustrations, looking quite dashing.


    "Just like the Void Realm described in the textbooks."


    Now that no one else was around, Sonia spoke freely, "This must be the Sea of Knowledge, also known as the Silver Sea, the Sea of Origin... Whether they''re a genius or amon person, a legendary Six-winged Divine Lord or a One-winged Mage, their first stop in the Void Realm is always this ocean."


    "The only difference is this." Sonia tapped the small boat, looked around, and discovered a book symbol at the bow and a sword symbol at the stern.


    "The textbooks say that mages arrive here stark naked."


    "Stark naked?" Ash looked at Sonia''s ck camisole dress.


    Sonia''s face instantly turned dark, and she instinctively covered her chest, "Our images in the Void Realm are projections of our consciousness. ''Stark naked'' means we can''t rely on any external aids, like bringing items from reality here... I''ve heard people say that when they first enter the Void Realm, they swim directly in the seawater. There shouldn''t be a boat."


    "I get it!" Ash suddenly pped his hands.


    "You get what?"


    "This boat must be your true form; you are just a soul phantom!"


    "What?" Sonia was taken aback.


    "Your consciousness has split into two parts, one part, the heavy soul, became this small boat to facilitate your navigation, and the other part, the vibrant mind, took the form you have now," Ash said confidently, "The soul is the boat, the consciousness is the person, and the boat carries the person across to the other side, that''s definitely it!"


    It sounded somewhat reasonable, but...


    "How do you prove it?" Sonia asked.


    Ash thoughtlessly said, "If you don''t believe it, jump into the sea and see. If I''m not mistaken, you can''t leave this boat!"


    Sonia acted on his words and dove into the sea. Fortunately, due to a recent dream trial, Sonia, although never having learned to swim, at least understood some basic swimming skills and didn''t sink like a stone.


    Soon, Sonia climbed back onto the boat, snorting coldly, "You were wrong. I can leave the boat, and this boat is not a transformation of my soul..."


    Personally verifying the Observer''s incorrect statement felt like a victory to Sonia, and she was quite pleased with herself. But then, she turned to see the Observer looking at her.


    Although his features were still shrouded in darkness, Sonia could fully sense his gaze. She looked down to find her clothes soaked with seawater, clinging wetly to her body, outlining her graceful curves.


    "You¡ª" Sonia, flushed with anger, raised her wooden sword, disregarding the disparity in strength, and was about to unleash the Wave Sword Technique Spirit with a single sh. Ash hastily retreated and surrendered, "Wait, where did you get that wooden sword?"


    Huh?


    Sonia looked at the wooden sword in her hand. She remembered not having a weapon just a moment ago. But seeing how infuriating the Observer was, she instinctively wanted to smack him with the wooden sword...


    "You see, when you wanted a wooden sword, it appeared. Clearly, this boat also appeared because you didn''t want to swim," Ash spread his hands, "I just wanted to test it, and doesn''t this prove that the boat is indeed formed by your thoughts?"


    "So was your peeking part of the test too? No, the wooden sword is my familiar weapon, so I could easily manifest it, just like I can manifest clothes!"


    "Don''t nder me, I wasn''t peeking; I was looking openly!"


    After this little incident, the initial sense of strangeness and fear of the Void Realm dissipated.


    Moreover, having someone to apany them gave both of them a sense of security, as if there was always someone by their side to bear any misfortune.


    But just as Sonia didn''t know the difference between this ''Observer'' and that ''Observer,'' Ash didn''t know the difference between this ''Sword Maiden'' and that ''Sword Maiden.''


    ...


    ...


    One hour ago.


    After finishing their meal and returning to the prison dormitory, the Sword Maiden struck up an adult conversation with Ash.


    "I have two pieces of news for you. The good news is, you''ll have free state-provided housing for life."


    "What kind of good news is that?"


    "The bad news is, you might be taken out to be executed at any moment."


    Ash understood, "There''s no chance for me to escape, is there?"


    The Sword Maiden sat on the bed, propping up her legs and looking at Ash sideways, "You should know that mages are the most powerful group in this world, right? As a mortal, you stand no chance against them."


    "Even the Weak Mage who turned their body into diamond, once disconnected from the Void Realm, is just a diamond rat rolling in a dung pit."


    "Moreover, today''s experiences should have made you realize that as long as you''re wearing that chip in the back of your neck, no matter where you are, you''re bound by endless chains."


    At this point, Ash''s expression also changed slightly. He had initially thought the Miracle Chip was akin to an imntedputer, but he hadn''t realized it turned him into aputer¡ªand his admin privileges were remotely controlled by someone else.


    Whether he could hit someone, what content he could see, even what words he could say, were all under the admin''s control. Today, the admin could make him a polite and rule-abiding civilized youth; tomorrow, the admin could make him gobble up excrement.


    Before removing the chip, all his ns equated to a virus-infectedputer¡ªthe admin only needed to reinstall the system to eliminate everything. If the admin felt that Ash was no longer repairable, they could even perform a factory reset, letting Ash''s life start anew.


    "Is there a way to remove the chip?" Ash gritted his teeth and asked, "For example, by cutting out the back of my neck..."


    "If it were that simple, this prison wouldn''t be so lively."


    The Sword Maiden sneered, "Though it''s called a chip, it''s already integrated deep into your bone marrow as you grew. Every bone, nerve, and muscle of yours now carries the mark of the chip. To remove it, go jump into the molten steel of a steel mill, and you might achieve it."


    "So, ordinary means can''t remove the chip," Ash said. "What about the mages'' methods?"


    "There are many ways," the Sword Maiden said. "The swordsmanship miracle ''Cut Me'' is your best chance."


    "''Cut Me'' is a defense miracle for Sword Masters, specifically used to purify abnormal states. Although it''s a silver miracle a One-winged Mage can use, it can purify most continuous damage from Two-winged Technique Spirits."


    "The Miracle Chip targets mortals and One-winged Mages but can''t resist the Two-winged power ''Cut Me'' miracle. Once you use ''Cut Me,'' you can instantly remove all Miracle Chips from your body, thus making an escape possible."


    "How do I acquire the ''Cut Me'' miracle?"


    "To perform miracles, you first need a Technique Spirit. There are four ways to acquire one," the Sword Maiden raised four fingers:


    "First, resonate with the Void Realm by learning knowledge, making the knowledge of the Void Realm manifest as a Technique Spirit in reality."


    "Second, go into the Void Realm to find wild Technique Spirits."


    @@novelbin@@


    "Third, kill a mage to seize their Technique Spirit."


    "Fourth, Technique Spirit trading."


    "Firstly, the first path is impossible for you." The Sword Maiden nced at Ash, "The Miracle Chip has severed your link with the Void Realm long ago. No matter how much knowledge you absorb, you will never trigger Void Realm Resonance."


    Ash nced at his status on the Light Screen and indeed saw a ''Void Realm Resonance Forbidden.''


    "The third path, of mortals killing mages, has happened. Most often during moments when a male or female pet murders their master during intimacy..."


    The Sword Maiden looked at Ash''s face and shook her head, "You have no chance on this path either."


    "Can''t you leave just a little bit of possibility open? I could rely on my looks!" Ash said.


    "And as for the fourth path, you have no assets to make a trade."


    "In short," the Sword Maiden cut to the chase, "your only way to get a Technique Spirit is to find a wild one in the Void Realm."


    Ash asked, "How do I get to the Void Realm?"


    "The only way to reach the Void Realm is to activate the Gate of Truth inside a Technique Spirit and let your consciousness directly traverse into it," the Sword Maiden exined.


    Ash blinked his eyes.


    "So you''re telling me, to get into the Void Realm, I need to have a Technique Spirit?"


    "Exactly."


    "And my purpose in going to the Void Realm is to find a Technique Spirit?"


    "That is correct."


    "Wait, wait, wait..."


    Ash held his head, stepping back.


    "Isn''t this like the dilemma of college graduates who find all job positions require three years of work experience?! I can''t enter the Void Realm without a Technique Spirit, and to find a Technique Spirit I must enter the Void Realm; isn''t this a deadlock?"


    "Who said you needed to use your own Technique Spirit to enter the Void Realm?"


    "Huh?"


    The Sword Maiden pointed to herself, "Did you forget? I already have a Wave Sword Technique Spirit, so I have the qualifications to enter the Void Realm. Observer, since you and I have formed a soul bond through the ''Handbook,'' and experience can be shared, taking you into the Void Realm is no problem."


    There''s such a feature? Ash instinctively opened his Mage''s Handbook, intending to look at his talents again, but then noticed a new function module had appeared in the game at some point:


    "Void Realm Exploration": Organize an operator team to explore the Void Realm.


    However, when Ash clicked "Void Realm Exploration," selected ''Final Observer'' and ''Death Mad Sword Maiden,'' and clicked "Ready," nothing happened in reality¡ªbecause the ''Death Mad Sword Maiden'' was still in "Preparing."


    "I''ve confirmed the preparation; you hurry up and confirm too," Ash urged.


    "Then I''ll go get ready; you wait here," the Sword Maiden responded, disappearing with a mischievous smile.


    Ash was stunned, "What do you need to prepare for?"


    "A lot, lots of things, which a virgin wouldn''t understand."


    "What proof do you have to call me a virgin¡ª" Ash couldn''t finish as he watched the Sword Maiden vanish into the air with her teasing grin; he could only lie on the bed and wait. Perhaps the regen-treatment had consumed too much of his strength, or the night without a smartphone was too dull; Ash soon fell asleep, his eyes closing wearily.


    When he woke again, he saw the Sword Maiden sitting on the same boat with him, floating on a fog-shrouded ocean.


    ...


    ...


    On the small boat in the Sea of Knowledge, Ash suddenly remembered something and silently tried to call out the Light Screen.


    He both failed and seeded; he seeded in bringing up the Light Screen, but most functions were unavable. Indeed, the Void Realm didn''t support physical plug-ins; however, the Mage''s Handbook was still operational.


    He opened the Mage''s Handbook to "Void Realm Exploration," where a map suddenly popped up on the Light Screen along with a message:


    "You have entered Void Realm Exploration mode; please read the beginner''s guide..."


    On the other side, Sonia noticed Ash being silent, so she focused on the Void Realm, leaning over to stir the seawater with her hand, trying to move the small boat forward.


    "Wait, Sword Maiden, don''t be so anxious and mess around, let me do it."

 Chapter 25: Within 7 Steps, the Gun is Accurate and Fast

    <h4>Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Within 7 Steps, the Gun is urate and Fast</h4>


    ```


    "Are youing?"


    Sonia looked a bit puzzled and cast a doubtful nce at Ash.


    In the life of a mage, Void Realm Exploration was undoubtedly a crucial part, perhaps even the most important one.


    Most of the world''s adventures, breakthroughs, and promotions urred within the Void Realm, and many mages would spend their entire lives exploring it.


    Compared to the Void Realm, reality was merely a stage for mages to unt during their leisure time.


    Even though the Void Realm was so important, there were still no established strategies for exploring it.


    Perhaps there were some, but Sonia couldn''t ess them given her current status.


    During her ss that afternoon, Sonia specifically asked Professor Trozan for any helpful tips about the Void Realm, but Trozan could only spread his hands helplessly.


    "The reason mages have equal standing is because we''re all equally ignorant in the Void Realm."


    Sonia knew Professor Trozan valued her and could recognize that he was a typical swordsman, disdainful of lying to deceive the weak like her.


    Since even a Three-winged Holy Realm Mage had no effective strategy, Sonia did not ce any high hopes on the Observer.


    "There are indeed dangers in the Void Realm," Sonia cautioned, "If I die here, it''d take three days to recover my spirit."


    Mages could indeed die in the Void Realm.


    The mostmon death was, of course, drowning.


    When mages tried to explore the Deep Sea or remained static in the water, the Sea of Knowledge could overwhelm them.


    That''s why Sonia was so surprised by the small boat¡ªit meant they were spared the risk of drowning.


    The death of a mage in the Void Realm would cause significant trauma to the soul. The stronger the mage, the greater the trauma and the longer the recovery period.


    A novice Mage like Sonia only needed three days of rest, while a formal Silver Mage would need at least fifteen days, and a Golden Mage would take months. It was said that the recovery time for Holy Sanctuary Mages and Legendary Mages was measured in years.


    Not being able to explore the Void Realm meant that one''s growth speed would slow down by 90%, so mages had various views on Void Realm Exploration: some were conservative, trying to grow steadily, while others loved to take risks, with the bet beingvish models if they won, and bing the models themselves if they lost.


    Sonia used to lean towards adventure because she had nothing to lose. But now she leaned towards caution¡ªafter revealing her swordsmanship talent, Professor Trozan assessed her as ''reaching Gold in twenty years, and possibly the Holy Domain in forty.''


    In the Kingdom of Stars, a Two-winged Golden Mage could be considered a minor noble, achieving what Sonia considered her life goal.


    If she could ascend to a Three-winged Holy Domain, she might establish a family and be famous for a while.


    So Sonia''s petty mindset was quite normal. She wasn''t unaware of a better future, but the pressing reality forced her to hold onto what she had.


    The world was beautiful and worth fighting for. She could only agree with thetter half.


    But no matter how conservative she was, Sonia had to explore the Void Realm; staying put was not an option. Numerous school teachers, and even Professor Trozan specifically reminded her: never linger in the same ce.


    No one knew what would happen if someone stayed in one ce for too long, but those who stood still after entering the Void Realm soon stopped breathing in reality, unable to be saved even by a Healing Mage, because their souls weren''t in their bodies.


    Thus, there was a saying: if you stand still in the Void Realm, your body assumes you''re dead and dies on the spot.


    "I heard that when you first enter the Void Realm, it''s safest to head towards the shallowest fog," Sonia said.


    This was not a strategy, at most a tip summarized by the senior mages of Sword Flower University, with less than a 60% sess rate, while the other 40% encountered danger.


    But on thispletely unknown sea, a 60% chance was worth a gamble.


    "No, we need to go that way."


    Ash pointed toward the densest fog, through which nothing could be seen, instilling a hint of fear. Sonia wanted to say something, but the small boat automatically steered in that direction, diverting her attention, "You can control this boat? Is this boat yours?"


    "Yeah."


    "And yet you tricked me into jumping into the sea earlier!?"


    Seeing Sonia grasp the wooden sword again, Ash quickly exined, "I only just discovered I could control this boat. I sincerely meant it when I told you to jump into the sea!"


    "Sincerely hoping to make me look foolish?"


    "Sincerely wanted to see you wet... hey hey, calm down, calm down, we''ve entered an unknown area and might encounter danger at any moment!"


    The white fog rushed in, and the unknown could appear at any time, leaving Sonia no choice but to sit down in frustration.


    However, as they passed throughyers of white fog, Sonia felt something flowing into her body. Her consciousness became more clear, her skin began to glow silver, and a wealth of swordsmanship knowledge suddenly surfaced in her mind.


    This was why mages had to explore the Void Realm¡ªsimply moving within the Void Realm allowed mages to automatically gain its knowledge and condense their knowledge into Magic Power of Silver!


    When arge amount of Magic Power of Silver settled and formed, it would manifest as a Void Wings Mage''s emblem of strength: Silver Wings!


    Suddenly, Sonia understood why mages loved immersing themselves in the Void Realm.


    This feeling of gaining knowledge every second and bing stronger with each moment was akin to thefort of stretching wide in the morning.


    While Sonia enjoyed the pleasure brought by knowledge, Ash behaved like a cker student pulling small tricks during ss, constantly watching the map on the Light Screen.


    In the center of the map was a small boat, surrounded by eight squares. The small boat was entering the upper left square.


    Indeed, this was the game''s "Void Realm Exploration" mode. As Ash moved the small boat in the game, the small boat in the Void Realm moved correspondingly.


    @@novelbin@@


    Besides moving, Ash could also check the information in these eight squares:


    "A Waste of Effort," "Seeking Death," "A Waste of Effort," "A Waste of Effort," "A Waste of Effort," "Worth Going," "Troublesome," "Better Not Go."


    Among the eight hints, "A Waste of Effort" clearly meant the square had nothing, "Seeking Death" indicated danger, Ash couldn''t figure out "Better Not Go," while "Worth Going" was clearly a game hint.


    Soon, after passing throughyers of white fog, an ind shrouded in thick mist appeared before the two.


    Seeing this, Sonia suddenly recalled that the ce where the Observer once conducted her dream trial was exactly like the Void Realm!


    No wonder the Observer was so confident; being able to use the Void Realm for trials meant exploring the Void Realm was no big deal!


    The boat slowly came to a stop, and as the two stepped onto the ind, the thick mist suddenly dispersed, revealing a Hunter wearing a wide-brimmed hat and holding a long rifle.


    "Beyond seven steps, the rifle is faster."


    The Hunter raised the rifle and took aim at the two of them, "Within seven steps, the rifle is both precise and fast!"


    ```

 Chapter 26 - 26 Hunting Record

    <h4>Chapter 26: Chapter 26 Hunting Record</h4>


    A gunshot rang out, and the two of them leapt in opposite directions to dodge the gun bullets!


    Suddenly, an explosion sounded in the air as the bullets fired by the hunter burst into shrapnel, and both Ash and Sonia were inevitably grazed by them!


    Ash thought it would hurt, but as the bullets passed through his body, he only felt as if he had lost something, and it felt as exhausting as running a 400-meter race.


    He suddenly remembered that he was in a state of consciousness, not actually a true physical body. Being hit by bullets only resulted in a loss of soul energy.


    Compared to Ash''s sudden realization, Sonia, who had attended Void Realm advanced courses, had foreseen this.


    After dodging, she immediately charged toward the hunter, raising her wooden sword high and shing at the hunter from a distance. The de gathered a faint white light, which transformed into a crescent wave moving toward the hunter as she swung it!


    "Wave Motion Sword!"


    This was the Vosloda Family''s secret technique spirit, Wave Motion Sword! Among the sword technique faction, it was a rare long-range attack technique spirit, capable of branching out into powerful attack miracles such as "Crack Wave sh" and "Silver Wheel Burst!"


    "Three-thousand techniques, with a gun in hand, nothing can rival its speed, nothing can withstand!"


    The hunter sang as he dodged, and his long-barreled gun glimmered with light, astonishingly firing another bullet, even though it appeared to be an ancient flintlock!


    But Ash and Sonia, well-prepared, were naturally not flustered. Not to mention Ash dodging with azy donkey roll, Sonia directly sheathed her sword, performed an iaido step, and unleashed a rotating wave sh!


    ng!


    Not only were the bullets deflected, but even the hunter, several steps away, was severely cut by the rotating sh, with the long barrel of his gun cleaved off!


    Without needing words, Ash rushed forward to bear-hug and restrained the hunter. Sonia, recovering from her iaido stance, took two steps in three strides, lifted the wooden sword, and struck fiercely!


    Without any sound, under the violent hit of the wooden sword, the hunter transformed into a thick mist and dissipated, dropping a cowhide-bound notebook onto the rocky ground.


    "Hey, hey, hey, you almost blew my head off!"


    Ash looked at the wooden sword embedded in the rock and touched his head fearfully.


    "There was just a little distance left," Sonia said with a tone full of regret, bending down to pick up the cowhide notebook. She flipped through a couple of pages, shook her head, and handed it to Ash.


    Ash took it and looked, discovering it was a... well, a hunting record?


    The first page was the information of a rat, detailing its weight, size, fur color, cause of death, and even a photo showing the rat pinned to a wall by an arrow.


    The second page featured a spider, the third a rabbit, the fourth a roe deer... and by the tenth page, there was finally something different. Not only was the prey this time a ferocious carnivore, a wild wolf, but the notebook''s owner had also learned a new skill: He trapped and killed the wild wolf using a trap.


    By the twenty-third page, the one logged in the notebook was a Beastman soldier d in full iron armor, wielding a long-barreled gun.


    The next twenty pages were all Beastman soldiers shot to death, but what caught Ash''s attention more was that the notebook owner seemed to have abandoned his past archery skills, relying on the long gun brought by the Beastman soldiers and the use of traps in the jungle, single-handedly opposing an entire Beastman battalion.


    The notebook didn''t mention any details regarding the notebook''s owner, but Ash vaguely discerned a story: A young boy born in a hunter family, living in a jungle vige, inherited the hunting skills of his ancestors, but a sudden Beastman army destroyed everything. Their proud archery couldn''t prate the Beastmen''s armor, while the Beastmen''s muskets easily shattered their bodies.


    The boy abandoned archery and quickly mastered gun techniques, hunting Beastman soldiers like a Death God in the jungle he knew so well he could navigate with his eyes closed, avenging the vigers.


    The formidable presence of the boy was evident from the Beastman''s expressions before death: The first few killed appeared calm, likely shot while urinating or defecating. Theter ones showed increasing fear, clearly while fleeing. Thest one abandoned his weapons, hiding in the bushes, face filled with piety, as if begging the Death God to overlook him.


    After all the Beastman soldiers had died, the notebook''s owner seemed to have gone through a period of confusion. The hunting targets in the notebook included animals, people, Beastmen, Goblins, rich men, robbers, prostitutes, andmon folk.


    After one hundred pages, the hunting targets of the notebook''s owner suddenly stabilized on one: Beastmen.


    There were a full three hundred pages of information, all different Beastmen hunted by the notebook''s owner.


    Although nothing was directly mentioned, Ash spected from the death causes of the Beastmen:


    @@novelbin@@


    First, the Beastmen were all killed by the notebook owner with a ''Type V Standard Tribal Rifle.''


    Second, the Beastmen bore more than one bullet hole.


    Therefore, Ash inferred that the notebook owner probably joined the army and killed Beastmen during the war.


    He didn''t just kill soldiers but also children, women, old people, and even hisrades... Regardless of who the target was, he never changed weapons, always ending their lives with a single bullet.


    Later, the notebook owner seemed to settle down, either because his hunting targets were herbivores like rabbits and deer, or because those dying by his hand were no longer soldiers and robbers, but maids, servants, and ves.


    Notably, the servants'' death rate wasn''t slow.


    He likely owned an estate with many servants attending to him, but due to war aftereffects, he constantly kept a gun, and fired without hesitation at servants upon suspicion...


    Suddenly, an old woman appeared in the hunting notes.


    Ash guessed she might be the notebook owner''s wife because her eyes showed not horror, fear, or bewilderment, but pity.


    Pity towards the notebook owner.


    When Ash flipped to thest page, he confirmed that the deceased''s details were actually the notebook owner''s:


    "Carbin Story."


    "Human Race, male, 56 years."


    "Weight: 72 kilograms."


    "Height: 1.76 meters."


    "Features: Brown skin, abundant hair, body odor."


    "Cause of death: Killed by bow and arrow."


    The photo depicted a worn, yet dignified old man, already raising his hand cannon towards the enemy, but forever failing to pull the trigger, pierced through the eyes by an arrow.


    Ash didn''t know who killed him with a bow, possibly an old nemesis, the old woman''s son, or a burr; Ash also wasn''t sure why he, despite being battle-hardened, was slower than the bow this time, whether due to body sluggishness, or contempt for the bow?


    Anyway, Carbin Story''s hunting record ended there. Perhaps his name would appear in someone else''s hunting record.


    Turning to the end, Ash discovered an iron medal inside. The words on the medal were unreadable to Ash, but since it was made of iron, it likely held little value, perhaps being Carbin''s first medal.


    Perhaps, this medal symbolized the golden moments of Carbin''s life.


    Ash picked up the medal, feeling a warm current flow into his hand, followed by a message popping up on the light screen:


    "Rapid Fire."


    "One-winged Technique Spirit."


    "Restriction: Requires possessing a long-range shooting tool."


    "Basic Effect: After one shot, instantly perform a second shot."


    "Passive Effect: Increases uracy of long-range shooting."


    "''There are moments when a few seconds dy can never be caught up in a lifetime.''"


    At the same time, a message automatically popped up in the game:


    "Detected convertible currency, exchange for points?"

 Chapter 29 - 29 Smuggler Ash

    <h4>Chapter 29: Chapter 29 Smuggler Ash</h4>


    ```


    "So this is... a Technique Spirit."


    In the single dormitory of Shattered Lake Prison, Ash looked at the Technique Spirit lying in his palm, sleeping soundly in its blue striped pajamas, resembling a human infant. He felt a kinship deep in his heart.


    On this night''s final adventure in the Void Realm, Ash and hispanion ventured to a marked area enveloped in white mistbeled "Wee," where they discovered an ind of chance encounters.


    Unlike Inheritance Ind, this small ind presented no dangers and no trials. Wild Technique Spirits frolicked and yed on the ind.


    When they set foot on the ind, the Technique Spirits scattered; despite their keen eyes and swift hands, they only managed to catch two Technique Spirits. These captured spirits, resigned to their fate, agreed to acknowledge them as their masters.


    Each of the two received a Technique Spirit; the one that Ash ended up with was the human infant peacefully asleep in his palm¡ª''Substitute.''


    "Substitute"


    "One-winged Technique Spirit"


    "Restriction: Magician must be a primate intelligent creature."


    "Basic Effect: Creates a phantom identical to a target that shatters upon impact. If the target is an intelligent creature, it will follow the magician''smands."


    "Passive Effect: Slightly alleviates pain."


    "''If it hurts, just think of yourself as someone else, then it won''t anymore.''"


    The Sword Maiden acquired a Water Technique Faction Spirit, ''Rapid Stream.''


    "Rapid Stream"


    "One-winged Technique Spirit"


    "Restriction: Unimed liquid must be nearby."


    "Basic Effect: Shoots a stream of water with kic impact."


    "Passive Effect: Enhances control over liquids."


    "''Gentle flow is life; drastic flow is change. Nothing is immutable except the flow itself.''"


    ording to the Sword Maiden, the Rapid Stream Spirit could fetch a high price in her school''s markets, as it was one of the rare high-burst attack Technique Spirits in water magic factions, capable of generating many powerful miracles. However, it was challenging to summon, resulting in an exorbitantly high price, even exceeding some Two-winged Technique Spirits.


    Although Ash wanted toment that a paper figurine had no need for money, he reconsidered, realizing it might be a game mechanic for auto-upgrade. More importantly, he needed to cling to the Sword Maiden at this crucial project phase¡ªoffending the only tech resourceful person was unbelievable folly!


    So, they happilypleted their division of spoils; the Sword Maiden was satisfied, and Ash was even more so, because the Substitute Technique Spirit was an essential Technique Spirit for the Miracle of Severance!


    @@novelbin@@


    Ash''s immediate priority was to gather the required Technique Spirits for the Miracle of Severance to entirely shatter the control of the chip on his nape; otherwise, he couldn''t even attempt an escape!


    Ash intently gazed at the Substitute Technique Spirit in his palm, pushing the mysterious mental energy he felt in his mind.


    Since returning from the Void Realm, Ash discovered his spiritual consciousness had materialized. It felt as though imagination had be a tangible force, like an invisible phantom limb, allowing him to use spiritual power to interact with reality.


    Without needing affirmation, Ash knew this spiritual energy was the Magic Power the Sword Maiden frequently mentioned. It''s a mage''s universal energy and the basis for them tomand Technique Spirits. Without Magic Power, a mage was no different than an ordinary person.


    Conversely, if you possessed Magic Power, you were a mage, even if an unskilled one.


    But Ash remembered that before entering the Void Realm, he had no Magic Power at all.


    The sources of this Magic Power were clear to Ash. Together with the Sword Maiden, as they traversed the Void Realm, everyyer of white mist they pierced not only honed his Spirit but drew in free knowledge, generating universal energy¡ªMagic Power under dual influence.


    Thus, upon returning from the Void Realm, Ash not only gained a Technique Spirit but obtained Magic Power, too.


    In other words, he was now a thoroughly genuine and highly pure mage.


    However...


    Ash tried using a mental probe to explore the Substitute Technique Spirit''s form, but the feedback was as perplexing as listening sections of a level-six foreignnguage exam¡ªmeaningless even when scrutinized sentence by sentence.


    It perfectly aligned with the Sword Maiden''s exnation that ''unless summoning a Technique Spirit personally, you can''t even parse its construction.''


    Unable to analyze it, Ash couldn''t possibly find the Gate of Truth within the Substitute Technique Spirit.


    This indicated that Ash was a mage incapable of entering the Void Realm willingly!


    This contradicted the Sword Maiden''s portrayal of the mage system¡ªevery mage, whether innately gifted or hopelessly inept, regardless of noble or orphaned beginnings¡ªhad no exceptions. They all learned and trained to summon a Technique Spirit before entering the Void Realm.


    Never in history had there been an unlearned mage!


    The term mage originally meant ''master of the craft,'' suggestive of each mage beingpetent to instruct in a specialized skill!


    But now, an exception had surfaced!


    Ash Heath, an unlearned wanderer from the Otherworld, crossed the threshold of knowledge and became an official mage!


    He suddenly recalled the Sword Maiden''s earlier mention of the golden fish and smuggler legend.


    "A Silver Mage who finds a golden fish can smuggle into the Time Continent and be a Golden Mage. Yet I rode the Sword Maiden''s coattail, smuggling into the Sea of Knowledge to be a Silver Mage..."


    Other smuggling involved movement within the mage hierarchy, akin to poption movement between regions in one nation¡ªinternal conflicts, in essence, whereas Ash''s smuggling was akin to scaling from a primitive tribe to a developed country¡ªa biological invasion.


    This was a secret that must never be revealed, Ash determined.


    If other mages discovered he was a smuggler, they wouldn''t spare him in the interest of preserving biodiversity.


    Substitute!


    Ash silently invoked, but nothing urred; the Substitute Technique Spirit remained asleep in his palm.


    The next moment, a Light Screen abruptly appeared, shing a stream of information before his eyes.


    "Warning: You are attempting to output Magic Power! This action is prohibited!"


    Ash pped his forehead¡ªof course, the chip that restricted his ess to the Void Realm would certainly restrict his use of Magic Power too!


    Tomand a Technique Spirit to perform a miracle, he had to bypass the chip; to bypass the chip, he had tomand a Technique Spirit to perform a miracle and purify the chip... Damn, another deadlock!


    "Sword Maiden A Dream, save me¡ª"


    "Sword Maiden?"


    Ash called a few times, but the dorm room remained empty. The elusive Sword Maiden hadn''t appeared this time.


    Thinking it over, he figured the Sword Maiden must be weary after the night''s exertions with him in the Void Realm; even virtualpanions needed rest. He decided not to disturb her rest today.


    "If the pain was enough, use one hand to swiftly cleave, yesterday''s curse. Await night till daylight, leaving only scars..."


    Ash raised his head, realizing it was already 8 a.m. of the second day, and the prison''s wake-up song was, as always, timely.


    Time to go for breakfast; the Death Battle Society awaited his next duel.


    .....


    ..


    In the Meditation Building of Sword Flower University, Sonia slowly opened her eyes.


    She extended her hand, and a Technique Spirit, appearing as a girl in a white dress, manifested in her palm.


    If this Technique Spirit were known publicly, it would certainly attract much attention¡ªit was extraordinarily rare for someone to achieve sess their first day within the Void Realm, let alone for Sonia to secure such a precious spoil.


    She hadn''t lied to the Observer; the Rapid Stream Spirit was indeed highly prized on Sword Flower University''s Technique Spirit trading tform, and quite possibly in the entirety of Jiale City, considered a first-sequence One-winged Technique Spirit.


    But she hadn''t revealed the full truth: that the Substitute Technique Spirit held considerable value as well.


    Common Technique Spirits were generally priced higher than specialized ones; unless limited in application, a One-wingedmon Technique Spirit could sell for the price of a Two-winged specialized one.


    After all, only certain faction mages needed specialized Technique Spirits, while any mage could utilizemon Technique Spirits, creating a naturally high demand and price.


    So why did she keep this information hidden?


    She wanted the Observer to discern her ''little thought.''


    Back in the Void Realm, Sonia had realized that the Observer lost his ability to read her inner thoughts.


    Perhaps this was due to the Void Realm''s limitations, but ultimately insignificant¡ªsince upon returning to reality, the Observer could hear her thoughts again anyway.


    When they acquired the Substitute and Rapid Stream Spirits, even if Sonia couldn''t see the Observer''s expression, she saw through his bodynguage that he greatly desired the Substitute Spirit. Hence, Sonia adeptly handed the Substitute Spirit over to the Observer.


    Once back in reality, the Observer would know through her thoughts that Sonia was aware of the Substitute Spirit''s value, yet she only told half-truths, pretending to profit greatly from obtaining the Rapid Stream Spirit, all to allow the Observer to graciously ept the Substitute Spirit.


    Such a small scheme, entirely for his benefit, executed with such tant transparency, would certainly not deliver a critical hit to the Observer, but at least it would increase his affection for her.


    I thought you were on the first level, I on the second, only to find you on the third and recognized me¡ªbut the truth was I was on the fourth, awaiting your recognition.


    However, the premise for all this was Sonia''s ability to conceal her true presence on the fourth level. Not difficult for her¡ªtwo days of mental training enabled Sonia to preliminarily control her thoughts so as only to consider what she intended.


    Sonia retrieved the Rapid Stream Spirit and exited the Meditation Building.


    "Observer, I''m returning to shower. Please avert your gaze."


    "Observer?"


    Exiting the building, Sonia looked around to ensure the Observer was truly absent.


    For the past two days, every time Sonia called, the Observer would appear from a blind spot she couldn''t perceive, without exception. With several minutes having passed without his appearance, the conclusion was evident¡ª


    After the Void Realm Exploration, the Observer also needed rest, suspending his constant surveince of Sonia.


    Yet Sonia felt no joy at regaining freedom; rather, it was as stifling as bringing a cake home to eat and finding the bathroom had exploded!


    I finally seized the chance for a sugar-coated cannonball, and you stole the sugar coating and vanished!?


    ```

 Chapter 33 - 33 Miracle

    <h4>Chapter 33: Chapter 33 Miracle</h4>


    ```


    "Valcas Uer bets 37 contribution points"


    "VS"


    "Ash Heath bets 2 contribution points"


    Normally, it was already rare for a neer to the ''cesspit'' (affectionately named by death row inmates for the prison) to participate in death matches for two consecutive days, not to mention that his opponent was none other than ''noble'' Valcas, naturally attracting countless attention.


    Many who weren''t part of the Death Battle Society came to watch, and the audience stands were packed, with arge crowd standing at the entrance.


    "Both of them are using swords... is it a swordsmanship duel? It''s been a while since I''ve seen Sword Masters fight; every time there''s a swordsmanship duel, the whole stage reeks of fragrant blood..."


    "Human, hack that Elf to death!"


    "What''s with that sword grip, has he never learned swordsmanship? Could it be that he got scared seeing the noble pick up a sword and followed suit?"


    "If you can''t use a sword, don''t use a sword! Isn''t a spear easier to handle?"


    "Clearly, an axe would be better, with one swing, regardless of the weapon, everything turns to mush."


    "What... what nonsense are you spouting? Clearly, a spear is better for beginners!"


    "I... I''m not spouting nonsense! An axe is the best weapon for beginners!"


    Ash had one more reason to escape: he''d rather listen to people swearing than hear two old-timers with voices like ck Tornado arguing with elegant phrases like tsundere girls. It was as out of ce as tofu in tom yum soup.


    "They''re so noisy."


    "That''s how the cesspit is, full of buzzing flies everywhere."


    Valcas looked at the iron sword in his hand and flicked it lightly with his finger, producing a clear and crisp sound.


    "Maggots can''t turn into butterflies. Even if they''re real butterflies, in a cesspit, they''re just bigger flies."


    Ash chuckled, "Seems like you have a lot to say about prison life. Interested in writing a book?"


    Valcas''s fingers gently brushed the de, assuming a standard swordsmanship stance.


    "Ash Heath, I apologize."


    As the barriers around the arena rose, Valcas transformed into a swift shadow, the long sword in his hand seeming to extend over ten meters as it pierced through the air in an instant!


    Despite Ash''s careful vignce, he still couldn''t block it with his sword in time. He could only barely avoid the vital point by darting to the right, and a small piece of flesh was sliced off his shoulder by Valcas''s sword!


    The intense pain caused Ash to gasp, but he had no time to rest, as Valcas was already within reach!


    ng! ng! ng!


    Ash didn''t flee but instead went against the grain, charging right into Valcas''s grasp to bring the fight into the most dangerous distance!


    His rationality wasn''t drowned by the pain¡ªValcas was ten centimeters taller than him, with long limbs. At a medium-close distance, Ash had almost no room to retaliate. Only by closing the gap to extremely close quarters could he turn Valcas''s advantage into a disadvantage, rendering the sword unusable!


    "Haven''t you learned any swordsmanship?"


    Ash suddenly felt a chill over his entire body, catching a glimpse of Valcas twisting his wrist from wielding the sword forward to backward!


    ng!


    Valcas''s sword blocked Ash''s thrust, and the Elf pivoted with an elbow, delivering a blow that hammered Ash''s forehead, exploiting his height advantage!


    Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!


    The force of the elbow strike nearly knocked Ash out, and at that moment, the Technique Spirit, dormant in his mind, began to circte, emitting a cool aura that quickly restored Ash''s consciousness. His body maintained itsbat instincts and decisively retreated!


    When Ash''s vision cleared, what met him was a glinting de!


    Boom!


    Ash scrambled up, not daring to let his back touch the ground. He looked at the wall shattered by Valcas''s sword with terror, immediately followed by fear.


    Their swords weren''t sharpened!


    The prison wasn''t crazy enough to hand sharpened weapons to death row inmates to kill each other!


    Earlier, Valcas had used an unsharpened de to slice a piece of shoulder meat from Ash, which was already incredible. Ash merely assumed Valcas''s sword was fast enough that even the meat on his shoulder didn''t react.


    But that was a stone wall!


    Solid stone!


    Stop it. This isn''t swordsmanship!


    This went beyond the jurisdiction of swordsmanship!


    "Technique... Technique Spirit?"


    "You seem a bit surprised."


    Valcasughed.


    "Isn''t it normal for Mages to use Technique Spirits inbat?"


    "But the prison hasn''t lifted the magic power restrictions¡ª"


    "Some things can''t be locked. Even if you bind their hands and feet, they''ll still grow wings and fly. The Technique Spirits born from the knowledge I wholly mastered, even without a supply of magic power, are still my power and can turn every ordinary motion into a miraculous moment."


    Ash exhaled deeply; his clothes felt heavy, due to his shoulder wound soaking them with blood. He felt his strength ebbing away with the escaping blood.


    Unlike barehanded boxing matches, swordsmanship death matches using cold weapons had no shy turns, only the instant breath between life and death¡ªthe strong live, the weak die.


    But somehow, he felt refreshed, the magic power in his mind even bing active, and his shoulder didn''t hurt so much.


    "If a vital point is hit by such an attack, I probably wouldn''t be savable, right?"


    "I don''t know, I''ve never gone full force on anyone in a death match."


    "I''m the first?"


    "And thest."


    Boom!


    With a gentle flick from Valcas, the ground as hard as steel began to crack and explode, like a giant serpent rushing beneath the surface toward Ash!


    "Elf Swordsmanship Miracle, Shatter Mountain and Earth!?"


    "He actually used a Miracle!"


    "How can that be?"


    A murmur broke out in the audience, with the faces of death row inmates almost pressed against the invisible barriers, eager for more details on Valcas.


    Ig was no exception; he had seen Valcas in death matches before and anticipated Valcas''s ability to use Technique Spirits.


    But using a Technique Spirit and performing a Miracle were two vastly different concepts!


    Every Miracle required coordination of severalposite Technique Spirits to be cast, but that didn''t mean having multipleposite Technique Spirits granted the ability to perform Miracles; just like how ordinary people and handsome men or beautiful women both have one mouth, one nose, two eyes, yet the results are a direct hit for angels with faces born sky-first.


    The difficulty of performing Miracles was so high that ''performing a Miracle'' was in itself a part of the Miracle.


    @@novelbin@@


    Remember, those who could be Mages were already prodigious, or they wouldn''t be able to advance a skill to the ''technique'' realm and summon Technique Spirits.


    And yet, most of these exalted ones merely aspired to master one or two Miracles in a lifetime, and this was also the average level among Mages¡ªthe ones below average hadn''t even mastered a single Miracle.


    With Miracles as rare as they were, their rewards and difficulty were naturally positively corrted. Compared to the straightforward effects of Technique Spirits, Miracles were moreplex, grand, difficult to unravel, and even produced unpredictable effects that transcended factional chasms.


    For instance, a Sword Master''s Miracle might have a healing effect, a Water Mage''s Miracle could evaporate enemies, and a Gun Master''s Miracle might make enemies actively catch gun bullets...


    A prevalent saying among Mages is, "Technique Spirits are merely extensions of our skills; Miracles are the true wonders!"


    Ig also mastered Miracles, possessing all the Technique Spirits necessary for a Miracle, theoretically granting him the ability to perform one.


    But he hadn''t seeded in performing a Miracle even once in prison.


    Not even once!


    If invoking a Technique Spirit in prison was like picking one''s nose with a foot, albeit challenging but manageable with practice,


    then performing a Miracle in prison was akin to applying makeup with one''s foot¡ªand it had to be an exceptionally beautiful job, or it wouldn''t qualify as a Miracle!


    Ash was done for now.


    Ig watched the earth-shattering scene on the death match arena and felt pity for Ash.


    Valcas was clearly aiming to kill. Under the crushing weight of a Miracle, a whole body for Ash wasn''t even a thought; even finding all his body parts amid the rubble would be unlikely, and the medical practitioners in the prison''s infirmary couldn''t handle such severe injuries, leaving Ash''s body to the ogres for processing.


    This was the reality in the Kingdom of Blood Moon, where beneath the tablecloths of ''racial equality,'' ''rule ofw,'' and ''harmonious coexistence,'' carnivores still adhered to the cruelw of the jungle.


    Once interests were touched, even hiding in Shattered Lake Prison meant being crushed dead by the finger of an upper position''s holder.


    Too bad, he was quite an interesting man...


    As the earth-shattering sounds on the death match arena continued for a while, someone finally couldn''t endure it.


    "Why isn''t he dead yet?"


    "Even if the Miracle''s power was reduced to less than a tenth, it shouldn''t be possible not to kill someone who can''t even hold a sword steady, right?"


    Indeed, why wasn''t Ash dead yet?


    With all attention on the Miracle, the death row inmates now seriously observed Ash.


    There was no good ground left on the death match arena; confronting Valcas and his effortless Shatter Earth Miracle, Ash dodged like a frantic hamster, left and right, looking disheveled and almost getting crushed into paste several times.


    But he dodged every time! Every single time!


    Although his movements appeared clumsy, in the eyes of these death row inmates, they were bing more efficient with no wasted effort!


    Even Ash''s sword holding was bing steadier, even able to parry Valcas''s strikes!


    It was practically, practically like...


    "Just like yesterday''s death match with the Beautiful Beast."


    Someone murmured softly.


    As the first victim, Ig naturally felt this intensely. He''d watched Ash be stronger and more skilled duringbat, evolving from a sheltered flower who couldn''t roll to a beast filled withbat instincts in just minutes.


    And now, a second victim emerged.


    This wretch Ash somehow managed to learn swordsmanship during a fight!?


    This was prison, not some genius training center, damn it!


    Yet many connected Ash''s talents with his criminal charges, recalling his origins.


    "The Gods of Four Pirs..."


    In the dimly lit audience, Lanna clung to her boyfriend''s neck, her eyes fixated on the two in the death match arena, a strange light blinking in her pupils.


    ```

 Chapter 34: Substitute Technique Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Substitute Technique Spirit</h4>


    ```


    "Why don''t you just kill yourself?"


    When Valcas said this, it didn''t mean he was confident of winning. On the contrary, it was a sign of his surrender.


    Suicide was permitted in the diatorial arena.


    Once a participantmitted suicide, the death match would end, the chip restrictions would reactivate, and Valcas wouldn''t be able to desecrate the corpse.


    As long as Ash left himself a whole body, the Medical Practitioners couldmunicate with the Void Realm through the Technique Spirit and pull his soul back from the fog of the Void Realm into his body.


    When Ash dodged his first "Copse the Mountain and Split the Earth Miracle," Valcas already lost. The subsequent attacks were nothing but desperate struggles with false hopes. Even if he could win this death match, he couldn''t aplish the Task he''d shouldered:pletely eradicating Ash Heath.


    Compared to failing the Task, the scene before him made Valcas feel worse.


    Nothing was more painful than witnessing the rise of a genius. If there was, it was being the stepping stone for that genius.


    Even though Valcas was a middle-aged elf over a hundred years old, this situation made him feel aggrieved¡ªwasn''t it unfair? With so many unfortunate people in the world, why should it be him?


    To be honest, Valcas''s mentality was already a bit shattered. He voiced the fast-track answer straightforwardly, hoping Ash would quickly end this nightmare.


    "Whymit suicide? I haven''t lost yet."


    "You think you have a chance to defeat me?" Valcasughed in anger. "Oh really? Centuries from now, bards will recite your glorious deeds on the streets, ''Ash Heath, who never learned swordsmanship, faced an overconfident Elf Swordsman in a battle and miraculously defeated him. This marked the beginning of his undefeated and illustrious life.''"


    "Ah, merciful Mr. Ash, the humble Valcas pleads that you mention my name in your future autobiography, so I can be immortalized as a clown, alright? Hmm?"


    "So, Valcas, when are you publishing a book?"


    Ash raised his left hand with difficulty, wiping away the blood flowing down his forehead to prevent the blood stain from sticking to his eyshes and obstructing his vision, his face still bearing a smile.


    "I just have a reason I must win against you."


    "What reason?"


    "I want to ask you, did Selin Dol send you to kill me, and is there another conspiracy behind my imprisonment?"


    Valcas flicked the sword, brushing away the blood and filth on it.


    "What''s that got to do with you needing to beat me?"


    "If I don''t beat you, will you answer?"


    "Maybe I will, maybe I won''t. Besides, even if I answer, could you tell if I''m lying?"


    "I asked someone else the same question earlier," Ash exhaled deeply. "He came to me to solve a mystery. I said, if I lie, can you tell? He said he really could."


    "So can you?"


    "No, I can''t. But I figured that an answer obtained after beating you is probably closer to the truth than just asking you, right?"


    "It''s been a long time since I heard such a pure reason since I left the orphanage."


    Valcas grinned; for the first time, his expression became grim, abandoning the elegance he maintained from entering the arena to fighting. "But if you don''t kill yourself, you might really die."


    "Then let''s see if your sword is faster or mine is."


    "Kill you before youmit suicide? Interesting, I ept this challenge."


    "Ah, that''s not exactly what I meant..."


    Ash gripped the sword hilt, clenching his muscles.


    "After all, I have no intention of retiring here. If I can''t even step over you, this stepping stone, what right do I have to leave this prison?"


    "Such bold words!"


    The already shattered ground cracked again. The invisible Sword Qi sketched a menacing outline with dust, like a giant sword thrusting at Ash from the earth!


    Ash didn''t blink, desperately dodging the Sword Qi and the crumbling debris, prolonging the battle to allow his body to absorb as much swordsmanship experience as possible!


    The Sword Maiden''s swordsmanship experience was genuine. From initially not being able to see Valcas''s sword, Ash could now predict Valcas''s sword movements just by looking at his shoulders. Though he might not be proficient in using the sword, he was at least skilled in dodging it.


    He wasn''t merely seeking death; he genuinely had confidence in defeating Valcas.


    With the Sword Maiden''s swordsmanship experience, the "Copse the Mountain and Split the Earth" Miracle was no longer an insoluble mystery. On the contrary, under the constraint of Valcas being unable to exert full power, there was a faint exploitable w in this technique!


    Like the magical auxiliary line in thest question of the college entrance exam math test, Ash suddenly discovered a chance to conquer this difficult problem!


    If given a little more time, Ash felt he could even find a w in the strike surface of the "Copse the Mountain and Split the Earth" and counterattack Valcas through the gap!


    Just a little more time¡ª


    Boom!


    Ash let out a muffled grunt as the Magic Power within his mind circted again, emanating a cool sensation that forced his rationality to suppress the intense pain from his thigh, barely avoiding another "Copse the Mountain and Split the Earth"!


    He nced at his thigh with his peripheral vision, then dared not look down again.


    "Your growth rate is indeed admirable, but unfortunately, you''re tired."


    Valcas couldn''t conceal his regret in his tone. "You''ve been losing blood since the beginning, and after such intense fighting, you''ve lost so much blood that your brain is now oxygen-starved, making you physically depleted. You''re getting slower."


    "Even if you suppress the pain to keep fighting, your body can''t go on anymore. I''ve dug a chunk of flesh from your thigh. Along with the blood you''ve lost earlier, it''s quite surprising you''re not in shock."


    "Do you know why I''ve been talking to you this much? Because the longer this drags on, the more strength you''ll lose; your sword can no longer be faster than mine. Before youmit suicide, my sword will crush your remnants first."


    "Thank you, Ash. Sorry, Ash."


    With that, Valcas charged forward with his sword, and the fierce Sword Qi broke the ground again, "Copse the Mountain and Split the Earth!"


    Was my capacity truly limited to this...?


    Ash sighed in his heart.


    Even before Ig informed him about the information on Valcas, Ash anticipated the dangers of this death match. After all, without any grievances, why would someone challenge him, a neer who''d only fought one death match?


    A strange colleague suddenly causing you trouble is definitely due to a conflict of interest.


    So why did Ash ept the death match?


    It''s important to know that even before entering the arena, Ash could directly refuse. Others couldn''t even curse or look down on him; Ash had that freedom.


    But Ash didn''t want to back down.


    First, he needed an opponent to digest the swordsmanship experience shared by the Sword Maiden. There''s nowhere more suitable than the death match arena, which is both dangerous and safe, to take a beating.


    Besides, avoiding temporarily won''t help; trouble will find him sooner orter.


    Most importantly, as he said, he was nning a prison break. If he couldn''t even step over a stepping stone like Valcas, what was the point in escaping? He might as well retire!


    But life doesn''t have so many "Miracles." Even if there are, they''re someone else''s...


    Just as Ash was about to swing his sword to cut his throat in surrender, he suddenly heard a familiar voice from the stands.


    It was the Sword Maiden.


    "If it hurts, just think of yourself as someone else and it won''t hurt anymore."


    In that instant, Ash felt something cool melt in his mind. The Magic Power was surging, but it was bound by an invisible cage, unable to touch reality!


    Magic Power could be locked, but knowledge couldn''t. Even if tight with restraints, it would grow wings and fly.


    The dormant Substitute Technique Spirit suddenly started dancing in Ash''s Consciousness.


    Without any hesitation, he didn''t dodge or retreat but chose to swing his sword, rushing towards Valcas!


    "It''s over."


    Watching as "Ash" was engulfed by the "Copse the Mountain and Split the Earth" Sword Qi, Valcas felt a sense of mncholy. As a Sword Master, he had never seen a swordsmanship Apprentice with a Talent greater than Ash in over a hundred years.


    If in a different time, ce, and identity, Valcas felt he might even be willing to be the stepping stone...


    Nothing was more torturous than watching the rise of a genius, and nothing was more exhrating than witnessing it up close.


    @@novelbin@@


    p.


    Hearing a sound akin to a bubble popping, Valcas realized something was amiss. Staring intently, he discovered "Ash" dissipating under the Sword Qi impact, not even leaving any flesh¡ª


    It was a Substitute!


    "It''s over!"


    Valcas nced sideways and saw that an area in his blind spot was covered in dust and rubble, kicked up by the "Copse the Mountain and Split the Earth" sh, enough to mask a wounded person''s charge!


    As Valcas''s sword fell to the ground, Ash''s sword plunged into Valcas''s throat.


    The unsharpened de pierced through the throat!


    Ding, ding, ding!


    "The match is decided. The winner is Ash Heath!"


    ```

 Chapter 38 - 38 The Mastermind Behind the Scenes

    <h4>Chapter 38: Chapter 38 The Mastermind Behind the Scenes</h4>


    ```


    Since it was already nearing 8 p.m. when Ash arrived at the restaurant, he naturally couldn''t order the special L Fat delicacies. He randomly picked some meat dishes and sat down to eat.


    "Does victory make the food taste better?"


    Ash looked up and saw Valcas sitting across from him with a cup of water.


    "To be honest, these leftovers are already a bit cold, and the L Fat has all been taken by you guys..."


    "You can order something, after all, you won 37 contribution points from me. Spending a few points to treat yourself isn''t excessive, is it?"


    "Huh? Order food? Spend contribution points?"


    "You didn''t know? Makes sense, you''ve only been here a couple of days," Valcas pointed to a menu sign next to the restaurant, "You can order anytime, unrestricted by the restaurant''s daily offerings. If it''s outside of free activity time, the restaurant will even deliver to your room¡ªas long as you spend contribution points."


    It was only then that Ash realized the menu sign was an ordering menu. He had previously thought it was just for show¡ªleadership showing they offered lots of dishes, truly not skimping on prisoners'' meals!


    The menu suddenly seemed cheap, anybination of three gourmet dishes cost only 1 contribution point. For example, ''Seafood L Fat'' + ''Cream Chicken Noodles'' + ''Mist Spinach and Egg Tart'' were only 1 contribution point, enough for a hearty meal.


    However, each death row inmate only had an initial 50 contribution points, with 10 points automatically deducted each month. Additionally, it was mandatory to apply for deathmatch. The lower the contribution points, the earlier the sequence for judgement, making it more likely to be selected for the live show ''Blood Moon Judgement.''


    Thus, contribution points in prison not only represented currency but also the prisoner''s life quota. Spending contribution points was akin to slow suicide... or perhaps there was a difference: with slow suicide, at least you didn''t know when you''d die, while with spending contribution points, you could watch your life quota decrease.


    "Although the prison doesn''t have much to y with, if you want to spend contribution points, you can surely find ways to do so," Valcas remarked, "Haircare, customizing prison uniforms, buying specific toiletries... You can even spend contribution points to get a better room, a three-bedroom with two living rooms and windows, at 1 contribution point per day."


    "1 point per day? That''s insane, who would stay there?"


    "There is, ''Diamond'' Taiger has been living in that VIP suite for years, his contribution points are so abundant that he can''t spend them all. There''s always some fool neer giving him points. If you calcte 1 contribution point as equivalent to 1 gold coin, Taiger might be richer in prison than outside."


    Ash raised his eyebrows, "So... in the prison''s evaluation system, we prisoners are only worth 50 gold coins?"


    "Does that seem little to you?"


    "Is it a lot?"


    "Most ordinary people who haven''t received higher education won''t earn 50 gold coins in a lifetime, even Mages who fare poorly can''t. With an annual sry of 1 gold coin, you can live a decent life in Kaimon City."


    It was then that Ash finally understood the true value of the gold coin in his possession and realized how corrupt the prison was¡ªthree meat dishes could cost a year''s sry! Was the L Fat here a Ph.D. graduate?


    "Suddenly, the leftovers feel quite tasty."


    Valcas snorted, just quietly watching Ash.


    Ash ate for a while before he couldn''t hold back, "Mr. Elf, I''m the type who can''t pee when someone''s watching."


    "Oh, oh."


    "I was just speaking metaphorically, you don''t have to whistle to agree!"


    "I thought young people nowadays enjoyed eating and peeing at the same time," Valcas chuckled, then returned to his indifferent expression, "I''m going to speak to myself now, most of it just nonsense ramblings. If you overhear it, it''s best to pretend you didn''t hear it."


    Ash was slightly stunned.


    "Selin Dore, besides being the president of the Kaimon City Racial Rights Association, a Kaimon council member, and a university professor, has a hidden identity¡ªone of the supporters behind the Woodpecker gang. On the surface, he opposes Blood Saint n members and Moon Shadow n members to protect other races'' interests, but he has secretly conducted numerous under-the-table transactions with Blood Moon members. The Woodpecker gang is his ck glove, and Kaimon City''s mayor, Fernand, owes part of his ascension to him."


    "The cult of The Gods of Four Pirs hasn''t surfaced for many years, nearly disappearing without a trace, except for a baseless rumor¡ªin the Eastern Ruins archaeological excavation eight years ago, it was rumored that important ritual texts rted to the cult of The Gods of Four Pirs were unearthed. The same year, the Eastern Ruins were struck by a Void Realm storm, destroying most of the archaeological achievements."


    "Professor Selin Dore was the main advisory consultant in the excavation team for the Eastern Ruins that year."


    "Selin is a very patient elf; at least I''ve never seen a being more tolerant. If he wants someone dead, it means that person possesses critical information that could cause him immense damage if revealed."


    Valcas took a sip of water to moisten his throat, ncing at Ash.


    "Theoretically, most of the death row inmates in prison have had their memories searched, so if there was any intelligence, it would have certainly been found by the Crime Hunting Hall... unless someone''s memory hasn''t been searched."


    So that''s how it was.


    Although Ash still didn''t understand his rtionship with Professor Selin, he fully grasped why Selin would go to great lengths to murder him¡ªhe thought Ash possessed undisclosed secrets!


    Due to the cult of The Gods of Four Pirs, the Crime Hunting Hall didn''t dare to search his memories, thus making Ash Heath the only inmate in prison still holding secrets!


    This was Selin''s luck because Heath hadn''t divulged his information;


    It was also Selin''s misfortune because Heath could report him at any moment!


    To be honest, if Ash truly knew such secrets, he would definitely report them to the Crime Hunting Hall immediately.


    Not because he''s a detrimental bad guy, but out of curiosity about Selin, wanting to be close cellmates with him, and if given a chance, engaging in thrilling shes in the deathmatch ring.


    But the problem was¡ªAsh truly didn''t know Selin''s secrets!


    Heath''s original memory, he hadn''t absorbed a drop!


    Annoying, Ash also wanted to use Heath''s memory to help the Crime Hunting Hall bring viins to justice.


    After all, so many havemitted crimes, so why was only he caught!?


    Unfortunately, he knew nothing about it.


    Even more irritating, others feared his leaking secrets, so they would go to great lengths to eliminate him!


    Yet he knew nothing!


    It felt like being wrongfully used by a teacher of stealing a ssmate''s stationery when he hadn''t stolen anything as a child.


    "Hey, you''re still here? You didn''t hear my self-talk, did you?" Valcas stood up and said, "Let''s call it a day, I''ll find you for a brainstorm when I have time."


    "Really?"


    "Haha, kidding, I don''t have the time, and you don''t have the brains."


    "Wait, Valcas," Ash called after him, "Why are you helping me?"


    Although Ash thought Valcas might give him some information aspensation for losing, the way it was presented waspletely different from what Ash imagined¡ªhe expected Valcas to confront him with some strong words, something like, ''I''m the weakest of the Dark Four Fellows, defeating me isn''t helpful, our people will soon give you trouble.''


    Ash didn''t anticipate Valcas''s defection to be so straightforward, feeling as if while punching someone he also carried moral correction with him?


    "I''m not helping you."


    Valcas shook his head.


    "I just wanted to give that bastard Selin some trouble."


    Causing trouble without benefiting oneself was a very reasonable reason. Ash, taking advantage of the opportunity, asked, "Do you know if there''s any channel to trade Technique Spirits in prison? If I can get a few swordsmanship spirits, I could give Selin significant trouble¡ª"


    "Not my problem."


    Ash was at a loss for words, deciding to take a concern approach: "By the way, Valcas, since you failed to kill me and lost, will you be in any trouble¡ª"


    "Not your problem."


    "Then at least tell me how Selin ns to deal with me, right?"


    Valcas nced at him, leaving a parting remark before directly leaving.


    "The next time we meet, you''ll know Selin''s methods."


    Ash felt that Valcas''s downfall to imprisonment wasn''t unrted to his foul mouth and enigmatic character.


    But at least now, he could be certain of one thing: the mastermind behind all of this had to be Heath''s former university professor, the elf schr Selin Dore!


    ...


    ...


    After finishing his meal, Ash didn''t linger in the prison but hurried back to his room and immediately spoke out.


    "Sword Maiden? Are you there?"


    "Here, but not entirely."


    The Sword Maiden sat on the bed with her legs crossed, the deep ck stockings outlining a graceful curve, resting her chin on her palm, casting a sideways nce at Ash.


    "Anything you need?"


    "Were you the one who reminded me in the deathmatch earlier?"


    Ash extended his hand, and the ''Substitute'' Technique Spirit appeared, lying on its back snoring soundly.


    "The chip still restricts my output of Magic Power, but why was I able to activate the Substitute Technique Spirit?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? You understood the Substitute Technique Spirit''s knowledge, andbined with suitable conditions, you directly triggered a resonance with the spirit, which then automatically exerted influence on reality. Other death row inmates wishing to activate spirits in prison use this method too."


    Though Ash had heard this many times, he still couldn''t help but be amazed at the phenomenon: that mature Technique Spirits would actually cast spells themselves.


    @@novelbin@@


    "But how did Ie to understand the ''Substitute'' Technique Spirit?" Ash was still puzzled, "I''ve never learned any knowledge about Substitute Technique Spirits."


    "You did learn, and you understood."


    Ash was startled, suddenly recalling the Sword Maiden''s words of warning.


    "Was it due to this phrase? ''If it hurts, consider yourself as someone else, and it won''t hurt anymore''?"


    "Exactly," the Sword Maiden nodded, "When you understood those words, you naturally grasped this spirit. At its core, a Technique Spirit is just a collection of knowledge; once you have the spirit, even if you don''t actively study it, the knowledge of the spirit will actively pursue you."


    "Is it that simple?"


    "Not simple," the Sword Maiden shook her head, "Understanding knowledge andprehending knowledge are two different matters... If you weren''t in extreme danger earlier, with your body covered in wounds and your consciousness nearly fading, you wouldn''t have resonated with the Substitute Spirit. Simply learning isn''t enough; empathizing is crucial to understanding the spirit."


    Ash gazed at the Substitute Technique Spirit in his palm, attempting to delve his consciousness into its core.


    This time went slightly better than the previous; Ash couldprehend the information flow the spirit fed back, but he still couldn''t understand its structure. If the Technique Spirit was a dish,st time Ash couldn''t even taste it, entirely unable to discern its vor; this time Ash could taste it but didn''t know how to prepare it.


    "Understanding the spirit is already your limit; if a Technique Spirit wasn''t summoned by you personally, you would find the Gate of Truth it conceals."


    The Sword Maiden immediately saw his intentions: "Only a spirit born from the knowledge you possess will allow you to find its Gate of Truth. A spirit acquired through other means, no matter how deeply you understand it, is ultimately not yours."


    "Truth must be pure perfection, leaving no room for any w."


    Truth is indeed very stringent.


    Ash retracted the spirit, looking toward the Sword Maiden.


    "Howe you disappeared for most of the day?"


    ```

 Chapter 40 - 40 Observer Dad

    <h4>Chapter 40: Chapter 40 Observer Dad</h4>


    Ingrid went her separate way, while Sonia headed to the Meditation Building on her own, asking in her heart, "You mentioned earlier that I can use the Rapid Stream Technique Spirit myself?"


    "Yes," the Observer walked alongside her, "Didn''t you have some foundation in the Water Technique Faction? I recall that a core Technique Spirit of a Sword Miracle involves both the Wave Motion Sword and Rapid Stream."


    "You know the specific secret of that Miracle!?"


    Sonia became excited instantly. If she mastered a Sword Miracle, she would not only gain Professor Trozan''s appreciation but also qualify to participate in the Jiale City''s college tournament, opening the doors to high society purely through her strength¡ª


    "I don''t know."


    "..."


    "But since you have these two Technique Spirits, you can invent this Miracle yourself." The Observer''s tone was rxed. "Isn''t the wonder of being a mage in being able tobine any numerous Technique Spirits into an incredible, splendid Miracle?"


    "I also asked Professor Trozan, but even he would take months of effort to create a Water Sword Miracle based on the Wave Motion Sword and Rapid Stream..."


    "How can hepare to you? You''re the Sword Maiden I''ve found, after all."


    Sonia pursed her lips. She wasn''t a three-year-old child; she wouldn''t believe such cost-freepliments¡ªif you really thought so highly of me, just give me the Miracle Technique directly!


    I would remember your great kindness, and when I achieve sess, wouldn''t I repay you?


    Even if you died before I achieved sess, I would certainly prepare a grand funeral for you!


    She rolled her eyes, doing her best to control her mental fluctuations, continuing, "So, are you saying you took the Substitute Technique Spirit only to let me have the Rapid Stream Technique Spirit? You''re so kind to me~"


    The Observer shivered immediately, taking a step to the side, seeming somewhat uncertain, as his dim face watched Sonia.


    Sonia maintained her sweet smile, concentrating all her efforts to control her thought processes, doing her best not to let the Observer hear her true thoughts.


    "...Alright, stop probing. The Substitute Technique Spirit is something I need, which is why I took it."


    "At your level, you still need a One-winged Technique Spirit?"


    "Firstly, there''s no weak Technique Spirit, only weak mages¡ªa principle that should be taught in every mage textbook."


    The Observer said, "Secondly, I''m currently weak, weaker than you, and in danger, with my body imprisoned. Not only am I very weak, but I''ve also lost considerable memory during my waking process, so I need to learn the knowledge of mages through you."


    Currently weak... meaning he was stronger before?


    Lost memory... could he have suffered a Miracle that erases memory?


    No wonder he asked so many idiotic questions; turns out he really is an idiot.


    But even Sonia, who rarely read fantasy literature, instantly filled in the nks about ''the return of the strong,'' ''the fall of the Legendary Mage,'' ''the revival of a great being,'' and such plots, and couldn''t help feeling intrigued¡ª


    Isn''t this exactly the potential ally she had always been looking for!?


    Although the current situation was not ideal, given time to grow, he was sure to be a peerless strongman, a towering tree, king of a faction, and enjoy great wealth and honor!


    Ordinary potential stocks still had an element of chance, whereas the Observer was reiming his peak, so given enough time, sess was almost guaranteed!


    Sonia had always been uninterested in Felix, because she hoped to find a potential ally herself. After all, it''s not easy to benefit from nobles; even if Felix, this noble heir, was a fool, his parents weren''t fools. To rely on the power of great nobles, she''d surely have to sacrifice a lot¡ªliterally carving out a part of herself¡ªwithout giving birth to a child, don''t even think about escaping.


    If she could find a potential ally to marry, Sonia could not only enjoy wealth and honor but also maintain her independence, not entirely losing her voice in the family.


    Though the Observer was her superior, finding a marriage partner and finding a superior followed the same rationale.


    Rather than joining arge organization to be a cog in the machine, she would rather be a founding member together with her potential ally superior!


    "Do you have any danger, Observer? Do you need my help? Just say the word! Protecting your safety is my duty!"


    "...Next time during Void Realm Exploration, if we encounter the Technique Spirits needed for my Miracle ''Cut Self,'' just let me have them."


    "The ''Cut Self'' Miracle?"


    "Oh right, I haven''t told you yet, I''m currently imprisoned somewhere, and I need the ''Cut Self'' Miracle to escape."


    When the Observer exined the ''Cut Self'' Miracle in detail, Sonia was dumbfounded¡ªif she remembered correctly, this Miracle hadn''t been registered in the ''Dazzling Star Miracle Directory''!


    A Miracle that had never appeared in the Kingdom of Stars!


    And it was an incredibly useful Miracle, one a Silver Mage could use for self-healing sword techniques!


    Although Sonia couldn''t sell this Miracle¡ªshe couldn''t disclose the Miracle''s source at all, and shepletelycked the conditions to create a Miracle (she couldn''t even gather the Technique Spirits), selling it would only lead to the Mage Association recognizing it as the theft of someone else''s patent¡ªbut if she could authorize the sale of the secret of this Miracle, the money earned would be enough to make Sonia a small rich woman in Jiale City!


    This is why Sonia, a petite bourgeois, when discovered by the Observer for her swordsmanship talent, and taken on adventures in the Void Realm, only felt ''grateful.''


    However, when the Observer gave her a Miracle secret that she couldn''t currently use or sell, Sonia found it impossible to contain her joy, simply because thetter had more value in the Kingdom of Stars.


    This is called the future pie is no match for the present sry, spiritual satisfaction cannot rece material satisfaction.


    "Is this a sword Miracle you invented?"


    "No."


    The Observer nced at Sonia.


    "I stole this sword Miracle from an enemy."


    Sonia blinked, "Will using this Miracle get me into trouble?"


    "You can rest assured, that enemy of mine will definitely not appear in front of you."


    He paused, "Definitely not."


    So the original patent inventor was dead?


    Sonia felt a surge of excitement, thinking once she fully unfurled her Silver Wings and found all the Technique Spirits needed for the ''Cut Self'' Miracle, couldn''t she im this Miracle as her own and authorize its sale? Such small benefits and welfare, surely a big figure like the Observer wouldn''t care, right?


    "Okay, I will certainly work hard during the Void Realm Exploration to help you gather the Technique Spirits for the ''Cut Self'' Miracle. By the way, I actually have something I''d like to discuss with you..."


    "Let''s talk about it inside the Void Realm." The Observer stepped into the Meditation Building. "There''s plenty of time in the Void Realm, you can discuss anything you want. Oh, aren''t you annoyed by me listening to your thoughts? I''ve decided to amodate your wish."


    Sonia beamed, "You''re going to stop monitoring my mind?"


    "No, I''ve decided not to seek you out usually." The Observer shrugged. "From now on, you don''t have to think ''Observer'' before going to the bathroom or taking a shower¡ªI''m not a toilet paper or towel."


    "How did you know that I think of you before going to the bathroom or shower?"


    "That''s not important!"


    The Observer waved a hand. "From now on, if you have anything to discuss, save it for the Void Realm. I won''t disturb your normal life, and I won''t appear when you call me."


    "What if... if you don''t listen to my thoughts, I''m still happy to have you around. Even if you insist on listening to my thoughts, I reckon I''m getting used to it..."


    Sonia''s response was somewhat hesitant, clearly she was a bit unsure as well. She undoubtedly disliked the Observer invading her privacy, but precisely because of it, she could bare her true self before the Observer, not needing or able to don any mask.


    This was also why Sonia was so pleased when she suspected earlier that the Observer was just an extension of her split personality.


    A wise presence that knows everything about oneself yet cannot affect one''s social rtions, isn''t that the ideal confidant?


    "You talk as if your daily life is so fascinating that I''d shamelessly insist on watching." The Observer folded his arms. "I also have my own things to do; I don''t have time for the spring colors of a college student''s campus life."


    "In short, the hours in the Void Realm will be ourmunication time; at other times, I won''te to disturb you, nor will I respond when you call me."


    "What if there''s something very urgent I need you for?"


    "Then there''s no use calling me." The Observer spread his hands. "The ''me'' that''s present with you is just a phantom, I can''t even lift a single hair, I can offer you no real help. If you summon me, all I can do is mock you."


    "Mocking is okay." Sonia was insistent, "Will you still appear when I call for you?"


    "It''s really hard to refuse such a request. But I''m curious, do you need me so much because I fill theck of fatherly love from your childhood?"


    "So do you want me to call you Observer Dad?"


    "No thanks, just call me Observer," the Observer stepped back, "otherwise, I''ll have nightmares."


    As they talked, they arrived at a solitary meditation chamber. Sonia sat cross-legged, nced at the Observer beside her, took out the Wave Sword Technique Spirit, sought the Gate of Truth, and entered the Void Realm.


    As Sonia closed her eyes, her consciousness connected to the distant Void Realm, the Observer suddenly sighed.


    How terrifying...


    In merely two days'' time, she had managed to find a way to conceal her thoughts from me, even deceiving me in her mind...


    Truly worthy of being called the Witch bearing the name of ''Death Mad''...


    This talent, this brilliance, is it for better or worse to have her unearth her potential so early...


    But that''s no longer my concern.


    @@novelbin@@


    The Observer shrugged, and his form disappeared from the meditation chamber.

 Chapter 41 - 41 Recommendation Guide

    Chapter 41: Chapter 41 Rmendation Guide


    In the Void Realm, on a small ind within the Sea of Knowledge, the battle wasing to its final climax.


    ¡°The difference between swordsmanship and ughter lies in precision.¡±


    Professor Trozan¡¯s teachings seemed to echo in her ears. Sonia tried her best to maintain steady breathing to prevent distortion in her movements. She quietly held the wooden sword in her hand, channeling her magic power until it boiled over and thrust with all her might!


    The wooden sword pierced into Ash¡¯s back, running through his chest!


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Ash grunted, the intense pain nearly causing him to lose his grip. The Void Realm didn¡¯t block the mages¡¯ sensation of pain. In fact, due to direct contact with the naked soul, the sensation of pain was generally 10% to 20% higher than in reality. Therefore, it was possible for a mage to suffer from so much pain in the Void Realm that they could actually die from it in reality!


    From the wooden sword that impaled Ash¡¯s body, a faint purple glow emanated. Then¡ª


    ¡°Inner Wave de!¡±


    With Sonia¡¯s sharp cry, the Wave Motion Sword Energy erupted from the wooden sword!


    The green-skinned beastman, whose shoulders were grabbed by Ash and waist was stabbed by Sonia¡¯s sword tip, let out a hysterical roar. Its towering and robust body burst open like a punctured balloon, with the lower half flying offpletely.


    However, the fierce light in its eyes intensified. Its hands clutched tightly around Ash¡¯s throat, nearly wringing his neck like a wet towel¡ª


    Sonia decisively pulled out the wooden sword and made a swift sh, cutting open what had been the beastman¡¯s nearly imprable neck as if it were cake. As the beastman¡¯s head flew off, Ash also copsed to the ground, gasping for breath.


    ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Other than briefly reliving my life in my consciousness and hearing what sounded like the calls of loved ones, nothing much.¡±


    Ash coughed twice and looked down at the part that Sonia had stabbed. Naturally, even the windbreaker was undamaged and the wound healed in an instant.


    He had learned from his first battle that any injury suffered in the Void Realm was illusory and that mages could recover almost instantly unless they died on the spot.


    Of course, all miraclese at a cost. Ash saw that the opacity of his palm had decreased significantly, indicating a substantial consumption of his soul energy.


    If he were to suffer such a severe injury again, he might really give up his ¡®first blood¡¯ in the Void Realm.


    He looked toward the dissipating head of the beastman with some lingering fear.


    This green-skinned beastman was the strongest opponent they had encountered in the Void Realm. If Ash hadn¡¯t volunteered to sacrifice himself as a Taunting Companion, and Sonia hadn¡¯t seized the opportunity to attack, the oue of who would win or lose would have remained uncertain.


    Honestly, in terms ofbat power, this green-skinned beastman was not much different from the gunner they faced before, both being low-level mages with very superficialbat modes.


    That¡¯s why ¡°Void Realm Exploration¡± defined it as an adventure worth undertaking, giving Ash a false sense of security.


    Then the Void Realm immediately taught Ash a lesson: Everything in the Void Realm carried risks. The waters of the Sea of Knowledge ran deep. You can¡¯t grasp hold of it, kid.


    Even among low-level mages, the gap between them might be greater than between races.


    Ash and Sonia could easily defeat the gunner but were crushed by the green-skinned beastman because the beastman¡¯s specialized faction was precisely the Weak Faction, which countered their abilities the most! The greenish skin shone with the color of tree bark, tough as if equipped with natural armor!


    Not just Ash, even Sonia could hardly make a dent in it, unable to truly harm it.


    More importantly, the beastman¡¯sbat experience was abundant. It seemed to have also learned some sort of boxing art. Every time Sonia tried to inflict heavy damage with the Wave Motion Sword, the beastman was either entangled with Ash or charged straight at Sonia, causing her to hold back her attacks and fight cautiously.


    As the prolonged battle wore on, they were increasingly drained, but the beastman grew ever fiercer, naturally making them anxious. After a quick discussion, they decided that Ash would engage it, block its vision, and create an opportunity for Sonia to strike.


    Their tactic was a sess; the beastman died, Sonia¡¯s skills improved, and Ash experienced a rare life shing before his eyes. Everyone gained growth.


    Naturally, after the battle was the time to search for spoils, and the beastman left behind two fang ornaments, each containing a Technique Spirit:


    ¡°Oak Skin¡±


    ¡°One-winged Technique Spirit¡±


    ¡°Restriction: The mage must possess skin that wraps the muscles.¡±


    ¡°Basic Effect: Transforms the skin into a material like tree bark. When on the ground, it can transfer 10% of the kic impact sustained by the skin to the earth.¡±


    ¡°Passive Effect: The skin can be trained through daily exercise to transform into tree bark.¡±


    ¡°Note: Frost, sunburn, deep cold¡ªall the hardships bestowed by nature will make you even more indestructible.¡±


    Both Technique Spirits were ¡°Oak Skin.¡± Ash found it strange, ¡°Why does it have two identical Technique Spirits?¡±


    Sonia exined, ¡°Because the Weak Faction values the passive effects of Technique Spirits more than their active effects, and passive effects can be stacked. Therefore, to quickly train their bodies to the limit, Weak Mages often try to obtain multiple identical Technique Spirits to elerate their cultivation.¡±


    ¡°Do you need it?¡±


    ¡°No, Oak Skin is worthless and not suitable for me. Even if I wanted to enhance my physique with a Weak Technique Spirit, there are better options. Besides, Oak Skin is too ugly.¡±


    It¡¯s mainly about being too ugly¡­ Ash recalled the beastman¡¯s skin that looked like a piece of paper crumpled hundreds of times before being unfolded, and he felt a bit repulsed.


    He didn¡¯t care much about his own appearance, but that was truly too ugly¡ªit was a blight on city aesthetics.


    Therefore, those two Technique Spirits naturally entered Ash¡¯s bag as a reserve of rechargeable funds.


    Sonia picked up a scroll dropped by the Beastman, nced at it, and threw it to Ash with a disgusted look, muttering, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you can even absorb a Mage¡¯s Handbook like this?¡±


    Ash took it and immediately shuddered all over.


    The scroll left by that Beastman was indeed a¡­ how should I put it, if put elegantly it¡¯s called ¡°Anthology of Beauties,¡± if put formally it¡¯s ¡°Research Materials on Otherworldly Customs,¡± and if put vulgarly it¡¯s ¡°Erection Rmender Guide.¡±


    The front of the scroll showed about a dozen artistic portraits of Beastmen; though their aesthetic was rather rough, Ash, who hadn¡¯t seen any risqu¨¦ images in a couple of days, could appreciate the wild beauty in them.


    The middle part started to get exciting. There were humans, Elves, ogres, some with fluffy ears, some with scales, some with wings, some with horns, there were even Spiders¡ªno wonder this Beastman was a Weak Mage, who else but them would have the ability to conduct such detailed and diverse research!


    But there was one thing that Ash found dissatisfactory, and that was the Beastman¡¯s too singr taste, which only pursued ¡®size.¡¯ Big meant good, big meant beautiful, there wasn¡¯t a single female under two meters in the scroll, all were towering figures whom Ash could only look up to.


    ¡°If you like it, why not take it back and enjoy it at your leisure?¡± Sonia said with folded arms, her eyes not hiding her disdain, ¡°Ah, men¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be quick, I¡¯ll finish quickly, just wait a moment.¡±


    Although he said that, the scroll was incredibly long, listing at least a few hundred females, more than all the females Ash knew. Indeed, some died of drought, others of flood¡­


    When Ash reached the end of the scroll, he saw a photo of an ordinary Beastwoman who was very special¡ªher photo was the only one with clothed attire on the entire scroll.


    Based on the previous information, this probably meant that the Weak Beastman Mage hadn¡¯t engaged in reproductive activities with her.


    In the photo, she was holding two Beastman cubs, with a wooden house in the background. She was a bit short and plump but appeared very amiable. Even when she smiled, exposing ferocious fangs, she did not seem threatening at all. Dressed in a dirty apron, she looked like a Beastwoman farmer.


    Because there was no written introduction, Ash could only guess: Had this Weak Beastman Mage fallen for this Beastwoman farmer? But why hadn¡¯t he be her mate? Was it because the Beastman Mage was about to die, or because he contracted some illness from frequent health preservation activities?


    What a strange Beastman Mage¡­


    When the scroll turned into light smoke and dissipated, Ash acquired two new skills.


    ¡°Delight Secret Technique (Effective only on females over two meters)¡±


    ¡°Wild Intuition¡±


    Ash looked at the ¡°Delight Secret Technique (Effective only on females over two meters)¡± and was somewhat baffled.


    How to say, although he had no driving experience, he had obtained a heavyweight vehicle A1-ss driver¡¯s license. From today onward, he was a licensed driver of the clouds.


    But the second skill ¡°Wild Intuition¡± seemed quite useful. It wasn¡¯t a racial trait of the Beastmen but rather abat skill honed through long years of battle by the Beastman Mage, effectively allowing one to dodge sudden attacks from outside their field of vision in close quartersbat.


    After absorbing the Mage¡¯s Handbook, this Inheritance Ind was about to sink again. Sonia sat at the stern looking at him, raising her eyebrows: ¡°So, you really could absorb that Mage¡¯s Handbook¡­ Looks like your values are quite broad¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not really that, I just have more adaptable values.¡±


    In reality, Ash also felt something was off. The Sword Maiden couldn¡¯t absorb any Mage¡¯s Handbook, yet he absorbed every one he saw. Clearly, the problem wasn¡¯t with the conservative Sword Maiden but rather with Ash, who was too open, akin to a public bus.


    Ash suspected it was a hidden feature of ¡°Aurora¡¯s Mage Manual¡± the game, but without any relevant prompts popping up from the game, he could only fob off the Sword Maiden.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the next area. I hope we encounter an Inheritance Ind of a Sword Master¡­ or at least a lucky encounter on an ind with a Technique Spirit of swordsmanship¡­ anything but one belonging to the Weak Faction,¡± Soniainednguidly as she leaned against the boat¡¯s side.


    Ash nodded, finding it hard not to support the suggestion¡ªfacing enemies that popped like shotguns was truly a terrible experience, he¡¯d rather deal with a murky Fish Dragon that could instantly y them.


    He opened ¡°Void Realm Exploration,¡± checking for hints in the surrounding areas, when suddenly he saw an unfamiliar orange indicator underneath a right-hand area¡ª


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡±


    Sonia waited for several seconds and noticing the boat didn¡¯t move at all, couldn¡¯t help but feel curious, ¡°Why aren¡¯t we leaving?¡±


    ¡°We have to wait a bit before we can go.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°How long?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°¡­Alright, we¡¯ll wait then.¡± Sonia stretchedzily, ¡°Speaking of which, I also wanted to discuss something with you that I had forgotten about just now.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about my daily training.¡± Sonia folded her arms, ¡°Could you cancel my forced training schedule?¡±


    Paper people these days, how they refuse to generate surplus value!


    She really must be theziest paper person I¡¯ve ever seen.


    When have I ever encountered such a thing in mobile games before?


    Many thoughts raced through Ash¡¯s mind, but outwardly he intertwined his fingers, adopting a posture of open-minded listening: ¡°Of course, there¡¯s no problem, I respect your wishes, Sword Maiden¡ªbut I would like to hear your reasons.¡±

 Chapter 42 - 42 Experience Treasure Orb

    Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Experience Treasure Orb


    ¡°I hardly have any personal time during the day anymore.¡±


    Sonia vented her frustrations, ¡°sses begin at 8 AM, and because I¡¯ve switched to the Sword Skill Department, I no longer have to take sses in the Water Magic Department. However, I still need to attend an introductory course and a practical sword-fighting course. Not only that, Professor Trozan checks on my progress in swordsmanship almost daily and spars with me once, leaving me practically no time to rest during the day.¡±


    Interestingly, Sonia found it peculiar that Professor Trozan, famed as the Hidden Hand Sword Saint and a signature Mage at Sword Flower University, was not some retired professor who idly tends to flowers and nts.


    Though it was true that Trozan had taken Sonia and Felix as research apprentices, it was not necessary for him to check on them daily. Trozan was no stranger to geniuses, and the time of a Three-winged Holy Sanctuary Mage certainly wasn¡¯t so cheap.


    Yet, Professor Trozan not only visited them daily but also made time to spar specifically with Sonia¡ªan honor uniquely hers, while Felix could only watch enviously.


    Felix, who was her senior, was visibly favored less by Professor Trozan, which left Sonia feeling both embarrassed and secretly thrilled.


    She considered the possibility of maniption by the Observer but dismissed it¡ªafter all, this was the Hidden Hand Sword Saint!


    If the Observer could control her, it seemed unlikely they could exert the same influence over Professor Trozan.


    Moreover, if they could control Trozan, why would they have him simply spar with her?


    ¡°I know you want me to achieve something in swordsmanship.¡±


    Sonia tried to speak politely, ¡°But the amount of study during the day is already sufficient. I don¡¯t need to undergo two more hours of forced sword fighting training at night.¡±


    ¡°And those trainings are hardly meaningful. Now that I possess the Wave Motion Sword, I should focus on summoning other auxiliary Technique Spirits around it, rather than continuing basic training¡­¡±


    Sonia said this with some guilt.


    Although what she said was correct, after bing a Mage, she should have shifted from sword training to ¡®Technique Spirit training,¡¯ essentially to enhance her proficiency with Technique Spirits.


    Some might find it odd. Wasn¡¯t the Wave Sword Technique Spirit something Sonia had summoned and fully understood herself? Why was there still room for improvement?


    This was because Sonia had fully grasped the ¡®theory,¡¯ but had notpletely dissected the ¡®reality.¡¯ Utilizing Technique Spirits involved merging theory with reality in practice, and naturally, there was substantial potential yet to be uncovered.


    For instance, the ¡®Inner Wave de¡¯ Sonia used to kill the Beastman Mage was a result of her studies over the past few days.


    This move no longer treated the Wave Motion Sword as a long-range attack but concentrated it at the tip of the de, causing explosive damage when thrust into an enemy, delivering catastrophic injuries at the moment of impact.


    There were many variations of the Wave Motion Sword left to explore, and training in Technique Spirits was undoubtedly necessary.


    Furthermore, if Sonia mastered the techniques of the Wave Motion Sword to the extreme, she was also likely to summon corresponding auxiliary Technique Spirits.


    For example, if Sonia fully mastered the ¡®Inner Wave de,¡¯ there was a good chance she would summon the ¡®Inner Space¡¯ Technique Spirit. Inner Space Technique Spirit couldpress the power of the Wave Motion Sword Technique Spirit by one hundred percent, and even temporarily store it within an enemy or object, triggering a sudden explosion when the Mage willed it.


    By using two Technique Spirits, the ¡®Inner Wave de¡¯ had now be the stronger and more unpredictable ¡®Miracle¡¤Inner Wave de.¡¯


    Of course, this was a very rudimentary miracle, not even worthy of inclusion in the ¡®Mage Miracle Directory,¡¯ and carried nomercial value.


    But this reflected the normal growth process of a Mage: summoning a Technique Spirit, then based on this Spirit, summoning other auxiliary Technique Spirits, developing aplete Miracle System.


    Thus, Sonia¡¯s request was quite reasonable.


    However, the issue was, she was a Sword Maiden.


    There¡¯s a saying among Sword Maidens: if you just want to be an ordinary Sword Maiden, then follow the school¡¯s curriculum; but if you aspire to reach the realms of Two-winged Gold, Three-winged Holy Realm, or even higher, then mastering the three Technique Spirits of ¡®sh Sword,¡¯ ¡®Pierce Sword,¡¯ and ¡®Cutting Sword¡¯ is essential.


    All Sword Technique Spirits ultimately derive from those three¡ªsh, Pierce, Cut. While mastering these three Spirits doesn¡¯t necessarily mean you¡¯ll be powerful, not mastering them means you definitely have weaknesses.


    Therefore, it made sense to everyone that Sonia continued her basic sword training, even Felix didn¡¯t fall behind in training¡ªany ambitious Sword Apprentice would take this time to solidify their foundation.


    So why did Sonia propose to the Observer to cancel the training?


    Aside from truly being exhausted with no time for leisure, a minor issue, the main reason was that she wanted to test her own say in the matter.


    It wasn¡¯t about testing the Observer¡¯spliance, but Sonia was not content to always be controlled.


    Even if the Observer refused this time, Sonia could gradually probe and strategize, ensuring the Observer was reminded daily of her great contributions and efforts¡ªafter all, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.


    One day, Sonia would fully understand the Observer¡¯s psychological boundaries and thought patterns.


    At that time, who controlled whom would remain to be seen¡­


    ¡°You make a lot of sense.¡±


    Ash nodded, seemingly truly convinced by the Sword Maiden.


    Sonia was briefly startled, thinking to herself, is the Observer this easy to talk to?


    ¡°But I have a question for you¡ªif you had an extra two hours at night, what would you n to do with them?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps it involves reading books, watching ys, and attending balls to make more friends?¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s all about entertainment and having fun, right?¡±


    Ash tapped his fingers on the boat, recalling how his previous boss used to deceive people.


    ¡°Have you ever met someone from a better family background than yours?¡±


    ¡°I have.¡±


    ¡°Have you met someone with both a better family background and talent equal to yours?¡±


    ¡°I have.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what the most terrifying thing in this world is? It¡¯s when someone with a better background and equal talent works harder than you!¡± Ash spoke earnestly, ¡°When you can¡¯t resist taking a break, others take that chance to widen the gap between you.¡±


    Sonia felt a slight stir in her heart, remembering Felix driving away in his silver luxury car.


    ¡°Do not waste your life during the years you should be working hardest, do not cling to enjoyment during the times you should be striving. There are too many people whose starting points are where we end. Are you content to only look up to others in the future, content to be just an ordinary person, leaving no mark anywhere other than the Sea of Knowledge?¡±


    Sonia¡¯s lips moved, and ultimately, she shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m not content.¡±


    Ash continued sternly, ¡°So, Sword Maiden, this way of thinking is not good, don¡¯t me me for criticizing you. You feel tired? Feeling tired is correct;fort is reserved for the elderly. You want to enjoy life? Wanting is correct; enjoyment is reserved for the sessful.¡±


    ¡°You, in the prime of your life, must bravely step out of yourfort zone and fill your life with effort. Do not let others¡¯ lives blind you. Do you want to be just an ordinary person in the future like them? Do not let your inner desires override your reason, hedonism only slows your sword-drawing speed.¡±


    ¡°Strive hard for the things you love, then in the future, when you fail, you can me the world wholeheartedly instead of resenting yourself.¡±


    ¡°As Mages, we do not dwell on the past or hope for the next life, we only wish to live this life spectacrly, enjoying our triumphs and grievances!¡±


    Sonia was silent for a long time before nodding firmly, ¡°Observer, you are right!¡±


    Good, he had bluffed his way through¡­ Ash breathed a sigh of relief. He was still a bit ufortable with this kind of work; after all, it used to be his boss who did the psychological building, and now it was his turn to do it for others.


    And you know, this kind of job that stirs up other people¡¯s anxieties is pretty interesting; no wonder his boss often shared anxiety-inducing posts in his circle of friends.


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡°Then reducing the training time from two hours to one hour shouldn¡¯t make a big difference, right?¡±


    Ash blinked, suddenly noticing that the regional tip in the ¡®Void Realm Exploration¡¯ changed from ¡®Wait a moment¡¯ to ¡®Now is the time,¡¯ and quickly changed the subject: ¡°No more idle chat, brace yourself, we¡¯re entering a dangerous area!¡±


    The small boat passed throughyers of fog, and a small ind came into view.


    On the ind was a gigantic white fox, its fur reflecting a purple-white arc light, as beautiful as the moon fallen to earth, mesmerizing onlookers. It crouched under a tree, its body and tail curled into a fluffy ball, making one want to pet it.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Fox Dragon,¡± Sonia whispered, excitement barely contained in her voice, ¡°It¡¯s asleep!¡±


    They quietly approached the shore, tiptoeing up to the Fox Dragon¡¯s head, the two exchanged nces, ready to gather their strength.


    Sonia assumed the Iaido stance, while Ash summoned his Substitute Technique Spirit, both wielding unsharpened long swords, aiming at the Fox Dragon¡¯s head¡ªin the Void Realm, Ash¡¯s consciousness was free from the physical limitations of his neck chip, allowing him to use Technique Spirits.


    It was only after testing did Ash realize that although the Substitute would burst upon a single poke, it could still attack before being burst. Like in this situation, it could add to the damage.


    As for the unsharpened long sword, just as Sonia could wield a wooden sword, Ash could naturally summon the weapon he had used in life-or-death fights. Honestly, Ash would have preferred to summon a gun, but since he had never handled any guns in reality, he couldn¡¯t imagine it¡­


    Ready, they counted the beats silently, three, two, one, attack simultaneously!


    ¡°Iaido Wave Motion Sword!¡±


    ¡°Dual sh!¡±


    The sleeping Fox Dragon was instantly decapitated by three swords, emitting a sharp roar that nearly caused Ash and Sonia temporary deafness, and the Substitute was directly shattered by the scream.


    But the Fox Dragon seemed dazed by the attack; it couldn¡¯t even stand up, and could only thrash and bite wildly on the ground.


    The two, unconcerned with any martial morality, seized the opportunity to pummel its head with their weapons while it was down, with Ash even taking the chance to stroke its fur.


    After several seconds, the Fox Dragon let out a reluctant roar and dissolved into a puff of white smoke.


    It left behind three sleeping Technique Spirits, who looked around bewilderedly at the unfamiliar Mages. But Sonia didn¡¯t look at the Technique Spirits; instead, she picked up a bright bead from the ground.

 Chapter 43: Is This What You Call Bonds?

    Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Is This What You Call Bonds?


    Human effort is finite, truth is infinite.


    In this world where knowledge can summon Technique Spirits, and Technique Spirits can derive miracles, the pursuit of knowledge by Mages is almost an instinct etched deep in their souls. However, as Mages forge ahead in their pursuit of knowledge, a colossal barrier stands before them¡ªlearning efficiency.


    No matter what race or realm the Mage belongs to, their way of learning is unchanged: memorize, understand, master. Mages of different races have their respective advantages; the Aerial Race, with their naturally sharp eyesight, excels in memory, the Elf n, with their powerful souls, excels in understanding, and the Beastman n, with their keen intuition, excels in mastery. While it is not equitable, all races have the potential to be a Mage.


    However, once Mages step into the Void Realm, they will find that their racial advantages areughably insignificant in the face of the immeasurable amount of knowledge there.


    Even with their natural brilliance, the efficiency with which they acquire knowledge is like trying to drain the Sea of Knowledge with a straw¡ªthe only difference being the thickness of the straw.


    Mages have thought of many ways to address this, such as inventing miracles like ¡°photographic memory,¡± ¡°Thought eleration,¡± and ¡°Comprehension at First nce¡± to increase efficiency, or extending their lifespan topensate for the deficiency in learning efficiency.


    The ever-growing pursuit of knowledge and thegging learning efficiency are contradictions in survival that Mages can never resolve.


    But the Void Realm has already prepared a solution for the Mages.


    ¡°This is a Radiant Faction Experience Treasure Orb.¡±


    Sonia gently held the bright and translucent bead, her voice light as if afraid a louder tone might harm it, ¡°Just by absorbing it, even someonepletely ignorant of the Radiant Faction can immediately possess the silver-level knowledge of Radiance, bing a specialist Mage in Radiance.¡±


    ¡°After returning to reality, with just a bit of study and organization of the knowledge, one could even summon a Radiant Technique Spirit with one¡¯s strength. Because what it provides the Mage is not just ¡®illusionary¡¯ knowledge but also ¡®actual¡¯ experience¡ªthe experience possessed by the fox mirror dragon.¡±


    ¡°If Technique Spirits are invaluable, then Experience Treasure Orbs are truly priceless.¡±


    Endless fascination filled Sonia¡¯s eyes. ¡°Even the poorest Mage would not sell an Experience Treasure Orb, and even the most generous Mage would covet it. Although one could take Experience Treasure Orbs out from the Void Realm, almost no Mage would do so¡ªupon acquiring an Experience Treasure Orb, the Mage would have absorbed it already.¡±


    Almost every Legendary Mage has absorbed a vast number of Experience Treasure Orbs. It is because of the existence of these orbs that Mages have the possibility of being proficient in the knowledge of various factions simultaneously, thus refreshing the old knowledge of factions, creating new miracles, summoning new Technique Spirits, and even founding new factions.


    The contribution of Experience Treasure Orbs to the development of the Mage civilization to its current state is indispensable.


    Ash could understand the wonder of Experience Treasure Orbs, but he could notprehend Sonia¡¯s excitement.


    ¡°You talk about this orb as if it¡¯s very valuable, but didn¡¯t we obtain one quite easily?¡±


    Sonia took a deep breath and repeated ¡°The Observer is an utter fool¡± three times in her heart before exining calmly, ¡°True, Experience Treasure Orbs are theoretically not difficult toe by, as any Knowledge Creature defeated might drop one.¡±


    ¡°However, let¡¯s not mention that Knowledge Creatures often possess thebat power to defeat a Mage of the same level; assume you find a Knowledge Creature you can defeat, but what often happens is¡ªjust as you are about to defeat the Knowledge Creature, it escapes.¡±


    ¡°Escape?¡±


    ¡°Since it¡¯s a creature, it naturally has the instinct to pursue good and avoid harm; how could it not escape?¡± Sonia retorted. ¡°Would a Knowledge Creature capable of birthing Technique Spirits be an idiot thatcksmon sense?¡±


    Ash always felt like the Sword Maiden was insulting him, but he had no proof. ¡°Then isn¡¯t the Mage at a huge loss?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily. Knowledge Creatures also understand the principle of cutting off one¡¯s tail to survive, and as they try to flee, they would deliberately throw out a Technique Spirit to distract the Mage. As long as one defeats the Knowledge Creature, the Mage would at least acquire a Technique Spirit.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good then, at least you don¡¯t lose out if you win.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes winning feels even more painful¡ªif the Mage kills the Knowledge Creature, it¡¯s possible that they also destroy the Experience Treasure Orb.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    ¡°Experience Treasure Orbs aren¡¯t generated after Knowledge Creatures die; they exist inside Knowledge Creatures.¡± Sonia exined. ¡°Due to the fleeting nature of the Knowledge Creatures upon death, no one knows exactly where inside them the Experience Treasure Orbs form, not even where different Knowledge Creatures carry the Experience Treasure Orbs.¡±


    ¡°If the Mage isn¡¯t careful when attacking, they might very well destroy the Experience Treasure Orb.¡±


    ¡°Not finding a Treasure Bead after killing a Knowledge Creature is something all Mages experience. They also can¡¯t know if there was no Treasure Bead inside the Knowledge Creature or if they identally destroyed it.¡±


    ¡°Now you understand how lucky we were to get this orb?¡±


    Sonia looked towards where the fox mirror dragon had disappeared. ¡°If not for the fox mirror dragon falling asleep, if we hadn¡¯t concentrated our attacks on its head, if the Experience Treasure Orb just happened to be in the head of the fox mirror dragon, if the fox mirror dragon had the strength to keep fighting us¡­ If any one of these ¡®ifs¡¯ weren¡¯t in our favor, we most certainly wouldn¡¯t have this orb in our hands.¡±


    At this point, Sonia couldn¡¯t help but gaze at the Observer with amazement¡ªthe Observer¡¯s earlier pause was undoubtedly to wait for the fox mirror dragon to fall asleep, this unheard-of cunning strategy was truly¡­ fantastic!


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    Ash nodded, his gaze fixed on the Experience Treasure Orb.


    Sonia clenched the orb, her body trembling slightly. But quickly, she exhaled and handed the orb to Ash: ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re willing to give it to me?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you in a dangerous situation, in urgent need of an item to enhance your strength?¡±


    Sonia feigned indifference, ¡°I¡¯m not in a hurry, you can have this orb. Just don¡¯tpete with me for a swordsmanship orb next time.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Ash reached out to take the orb but couldn¡¯t move it.


    ¡°Let go!¡±


    ¡°I am letting go, I am letting go, but my fingers won¡¯t obey me!¡±


    Ash had no choice but to pry her fingers off one by one, under Sonia¡¯s reluctant gaze, and took the orb into his hands.


    As a warm current flowed into his palm, a message popped up on the Light Screen:


    ¡°Radiant Orb¡±


    ¡°Left by the fox irradiating dragon, containing the Truth Essence of hidden knowledge that ordinary mages cannot obtain through normal channels. After absorption, it grants a great deal of Radiant experience.¡±


    ¡°¡®The moonlight is a frolicking fox; the fox is the walking moonlight.''¡±


    Upon touching the orb, Ash also felt a throbbing in his heart, an indescribable hunger spreading throughout his body¡ªhe had never experienced such an intense desire for knowledge before, and it was even affecting his reason.


    It was an indescribable experience, more intense than the desire to know what happens next in a novel when it suddenly stops updating at a critical juncture, more frantic than the urgency of looking for answers during an exam and finding half missing, more exciting than the thrill of a risqu¨¦ image loading to an important point only to suddenly freeze¡ªit was as if every fold of his body, every pore, was urging Ash to absorb the orb.


    Prisons, dangers, survival¡ªall were cast a thousand miles away at this moment. Knowledge became Ash¡¯s sole desire.


    Just as Ash could not resist absorbing the orb, a sh of wisdom illuminated his sense¡ª


    Wait, I smell the scent of residual value.


    Ash took a close look at the introduction of the Radiant Orb. Without a doubt, it read ¡°After absorption, it grants a great deal of Radiant experience.¡± That meant¡­


    ¡°Sword Maiden, you absorb it.¡±


    Watching the orb being tossed over, the usually graceful Sonia became flustered for a moment, catching the Radiant Orb carefully, both angry and shocked as she looked at Ash.


    ¡°Could it be that your Radiant Faction Realm has reached Silver Level, or even higher?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t understand anything about the Radiant Faction.¡±


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡°I get it, the knowledge of the Radiant Faction conflicts with the faction knowledge you¡¯ve already mastered? Like the Dark Abyss Faction¡­¡±


    ¡°Not at all, I know nothing, as you well know.¡±


    ¡°Then why won¡¯t you absorb this orb?¡±


    ¡°Because there are Bonds between us,¡± Ash said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. ¡°You bing stronger means I be stronger.¡±


    Sonia had heard the Observer say ¡°there are Bonds between you and me¡± before, but she had always thought it was just a euphemism for a threat¡ªlike saying, ¡°I have a way to control you¡±¡ªuntil now, when she couldn¡¯t help but wonder: is this what Bonds are?


    As for the Observer¡¯s remark ¡°you bing stronger means I be stronger,¡± Sonia took it as mere courtesy, simr to the saying ¡°if you¡¯re well, it¡¯s a good day for everyone.¡±


    Sonia didn¡¯t dawdle; she crushed the Experience Treasure Orb immediately, her body trembled slightly, her cheeks flushed with a hint of rosiness, and she let out a melodious sigh.


    Although the scene was very tempting, Ash was in no mood to appreciate it at the moment; after all, he was in a simr state to Sonia.


    This feeling was less like ¡®absorbing knowledge¡¯ and more like ¡®surging memories¡¯.


    It was like suddenly recalling the content taught by a teacher when facing a difficult math problem¡ªAsh naturally mastered a lot of rted knowledge. He went from a neer who knew nothing about the Radiant Faction to an adept Mage specialized in it.


    It really worked!


    The Radiant experience absorbed by the Sword Maiden from the Experience Treasure Orb¡ª30% of it could be shared with Ash!


    This was why Ash had let the Sword Maiden absorb the orb: he would benefit 100% from absorbing it himself, but letting the Sword Maiden do it meant a 130% gain!


    Moreover, as long as the Sword Maiden continued to improve in the Radiant Faction in the future, Ash would have an endless stream of long-term benefits. Wouldn¡¯t the residual value created in this way be much stronger than if he had hoarded it all for himself?


    Thus, Ash was not blinded by the temptation of the Experience Treasure Orb: The orb was just a tool, like a hoe, no matter how cool, it had to be given to someone who could farm so that it could be put to its proper use. For someone with little Talent like Ash, waiting to reap the benefits was enough.


    Sonia slowly recovered from the aftertaste of being filled with knowledge and looked at Ash, her face full of gratitude. ¡°Thank you!¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t let me down. Make sure to thoroughly research the knowledge of the Radiant Faction and don¡¯t neglect your swordsmanship training either!¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡±

 Chapter 44 - 44 "The Death Mad Sword Maiden’s Silver Coins

    Chapter 44: Chapter 44 ¡°The Death Mad Sword Maiden¡¯s Silver Coins


    With the interlude of the Experience Treasure Orb, the distribution of the remaining three Technique Spirits naturally became rxed and enjoyable.


    Although Sonia strongly requested that all three Technique Spirits be given to Ash, after careful consideration, he chose to take the two less valuable ones, ¡®Fox Fire¡¯ and ¡®Light,¡¯ and gave the most useful ¡®Moon Thread¡¯ to Sonia.


    ¡®Fox Fire¡¯


    ¡®One-winged Technique Spirit¡¯


    ¡®Restriction: The Mage must possess a tail.¡¯


    ¡®Basic Effect: Wield your tail to cast varying amounts of blue mes, which can adhere to specific objects and burn for a period without causing pain to the target, even inducing pleasure.¡¯


    ¡®Passive Effect: Body hair bes more robust and mmable.¡¯


    ¡®¡±Pain and pleasure are but illusions; when you burn away the disguise that is your skin, the truth within reveals itself.¡±¡®


    ¡­


    ¡®Light¡¯


    ¡®One-winged Technique Spirit¡¯


    ¡®Restriction: The Mage must possess a luminous medium or be near a light source.¡¯


    ¡®Basic Effect: Emits a light that can be suspended in the air and move flexibly ording to your will.¡¯


    ¡®Passive Effect: You be more spirited in well-lit areas.¡¯


    ¡®¡±It is not light that dispels darkness, but darkness that chases after light.¡±¡®


    ¡­


    ¡®Moon Thread¡¯


    ¡®One-winged Technique Spirit¡¯


    ¡®Restriction: The Mage must possess a luminous medium or be near a light source.¡¯


    ¡®Basic Effect: Creates multiple temporary, taut strands of Moonlight Silk suspended in air.¡¯


    ¡®Passive Effect: You be more agile under moonlight.¡¯


    ¡®¡±Listen, the moonlight weaves the veil of the night.¡±¡®


    Clearly, ¡®Fox Fire¡¯ and ¡®Light¡¯ must have been the main attack methods of the fluorescent fox dragon, with Fox Fire attached to Light creating a continuous and flexible me attack.


    They were lucky to have beaten the sleeping fluorescent fox dragon; otherwise, just the ¡®Fox Fire Light¡¯ would have been enough to give them a hard time, not to mention the ¡®Moon Thread¡¯¡ªSonia gave it a try and found it could create steel-hard, suspended threads in the air. Anyone who bumped into them would instantly be sliced by the threads, making it a perfect trap for a staged ident.


    Originally, Ash wanted the ¡®Moon Thread,¡¯ but it was useless for him in prison since he couldn¡¯t use Technique Spirits, and having a great one wouldn¡¯t make any difference. Therefore, he chose ¡®Fox Fire¡¯ and ¡®Light¡¯ to immediately make an in-app purchase with¡ªneither of them had tails, and hence they did not meet the conditions to use the ¡®Fox Fire Light.¡¯


    The stronger ¡®Moon Thread¡¯ was handed over to the Sword Maiden for research; after all, her learning experience would also be shared with Ash, and he couldn¡¯t let her go without having a workbook in her hands.


    At this time, Ash suddenly realized a problem: ¡°Can we exchange Technique Spirits in the Void Realm?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Sonia knew what he was nning: ¡°You want me to help you find the Technique Spirit of the chopping miracle and exchange it in the Void Realm?¡±


    ¡°Yes, after all, you¡ª¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Never unlink your Technique Spirit in the Void Realm, it will lead to serious consequences.¡±


    Ash swallowed hard.


    ¡°What kind of consequences?¡±


    ¡°The Technique Spirit will run away instantly, in a heartbeat.¡±


    ¡°¡­Can¡¯t we catch it back?¡±


    Sonia shook her head, ¡°No Mage can catch them back¡ªyou may not realize, but to the Technique Spirits, we Mages are just foreign travelers. In this Void Realm, the Technique Spirits are the true masters.¡±


    ¡°Although Technique Spirits are not exactly living things¡ªthere¡¯s even a question mark over whether they can think¡ªthey undoubtedly have certain instincts¡ªsuch as a yearning for freedom.¡±


    Remembering how the Technique Spirits on the adventure ind had promptly fled, Ash nodded but still seemed puzzled.


    ¡°The escape speed of Technique Spirits seems slow, why can¡¯t they be caught?¡±


    ¡°Because those are Technique Spirits that haven¡¯t been caught before. Do you think a mouse that has been caught once is more or less vignt than one that hasn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Learning is also one of the instincts of Technique Spirits.¡±


    ¡°But even if Technique Spirits are highly vignt, they can¡¯t move quickly.¡±


    Sonia nodded and then shook her head, ¡°In the real world, you¡¯re right. When you unlink from a Technique Spirit in reality, although it will flee, it does not greatly affect reality and can easily be captured.¡±


    ¡°But the Void Realm is the home of the Technique Spirits, this is where miracles originate.¡±


    ¡°If the Technique Spirit wills it, the whole Void Realm will help it.¡±


    ¡°Although we don¡¯t know what the Technique Spirit will sacrifice, numerous records show that if you unlink from your Technique Spirit in the Void Realm, it will disappear instantly, and to date, no Mage has been able to retrieve one.¡±


    Another path was blocked, and Ash sighed, just about to move on, but Sonia stopped him, ¡°Don¡¯t rush off, there¡¯s more stuff to split here.¡±


    Sonia walked to the small tree the fluorescent fox dragon had been coiled around and plucked two unripe little fruits from it. Ash took one and could not make out its variety at all.


    ¡°Void Fruit, Soul Fruit, Mysterious Fruit¡ªthis thing has many names and shapes, but the effect is the same¡ªeating it replenishes the lost soul energy and extends the exploration time of this trip to the Void Realm.¡±


    ¡°By the way, it tastes awful.¡±


    Ash gagged as he looked at the Sword Maiden, taking several seconds to recover from the nausea; it was as bad as eating excrement, ¡°Next time, could you put the important points at the forefront?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t bad at all, I don¡¯t want to eat a second one,¡± Sonia¡¯s face contorted with disgust.


    ¡­


    Perhaps it was the Experience Treasure Orb that had exhausted their luck, for Ash didn¡¯t find any ¡°worthwhile¡± or ¡°weing¡± areas in the following time. It was either a ¡°seeking one¡¯s own doom¡± or a ¡°wasted effort¡± zone, and ¡°run quickly¡± prompts even appeared at times.


    After leaving the Void Realm and returning to the prison, Ash recharged both ¡®Fox Fire¡¯ and ¡®Light,¡¯ each valued at 10 points. Together with the previously sold ¡®Rapid Fire¡¯ Technique Spirit, Ash had umted 30 points.


    Exactly, and in the game, ¡®a set of Source Crystals¡¯ was also valued at 30 points.


    Although Ash could continue to save up for a bigger purchase, the pressure in his heart grew heavier after hearing Professor Selin¡¯s order to hunt him from Valcas. The prison wasn¡¯t his shield¡ªdanger was everywhere!


    If you don¡¯t spend when you should, you won¡¯t have the chance to spend itter!


    Spending all 30 points to purchase ¡®a set of Source Crystals,¡¯ Ash received 6 of them, and thanks to the first-time top-up reward doubling, he actually obtained 12 Source Crystals.


    Adding the 3 Source Crystals he got from signing in over the past few days, Ash had a total of 15 Source Crystals, allowing for 5 card draws!


    Returning to the card draw after three days, Ash washed his hands first, sped them together, and prayed to every Divine Being he could name; he didn¡¯t even spare the Origin of Miracles of this world, ¡°Void Realm, oh Void Realm, I¡¯m using your Technique Spirits for an in-app purchase to draw cards, which is to say I¡¯m actually drawing cards on your behalf. What¡¯s yours is mine, and mine will eventually be yours too, making me prosper is the same as making yourself prosper. I won¡¯t say much else; you understand¡­¡±


    Card draw!


    Not fulfilling the requirement for a ten-consecutive draw, Ash resorted to consecutive single draws, believing in the magic of his faith!


    White light¡ª¡¯Energy Potion¡¯!


    White light¡ª¡¯Basic Combat Card¡¯!


    Great, the Sword Maiden won¡¯t be having any rest next week either.


    Purple light¡ª¡¯Void Realm Telescope¡¯!


    Orange light¡ª¡¯Death Mad Sword Maiden¡¯s Silver Coin¡¯!


    Purple light¡ª¡¯Awakening Battle Record¡¯!


    @@novelbin@@


    Three new items in a row, is this the charm of single draws?


    ¡®Void Realm Telescope¡¯: While exploring the Void Realm, your observation distance is increased by +1.


    The shorter the description, the stronger the effect¡ªAsh understood immediately how valuable this item was. His current Void Realm observing distance was only 1, which meant he could only see the adjacent 8 grid spaces. With this telescope, his observation area would increase from 3¡Á3 to 5¡Á5, the number of observable grids jumping from 8 to 24!


    A significant reason Ash hadn¡¯t found a suitable exploration area was his ¡°short-sightedness¡± in the Void Realm, only able to take the safest routes before him. With this item, their Void Realm exploration efficiency would increase by at least 50%.


    ¡®Death Mad Sword Maiden¡¯s Silver Coin¡¯: One of the three silver coins long treasured by the Death Mad Sword Maiden, lost after many years. If someone were to meet the Death Mad Sword Maiden with this coin, they would receive a reward, or death. Once used, it expands the Bonds feature.


    Although the description was vague, Ash spotted the gimmick at a nce: wasn¡¯t this the full potential unlocking mechanism in mobile game card draws? When you draw the same character, you unlock more of the character¡¯s abilities, enticing yers to spend more.


    Using ¡®Death Mad Sword Maiden¡¯s Silver Coin,¡¯ the information of ¡®Death Mad Sword Maiden¡¯ changed:


    ¡®Death Mad Sword Maiden¡¯


    ¡®Human Race¡¤Female¡¤18 years old¡¯


    ¡®Bonds Level: 1 (35% experience sharing)¡¯


    ¡®Bonds Resonance¡¤Insatiable Greed: While acting together, there¡¯s a chance to acquire better spoils.¡¯


    ¡®Profession: One-winged Sword Master¡¯


    ¡®Professional characteristics: Reduces energy consumption by 10% when using swordsmanship Technique Spirits¡¯


    ¡®Held Items: Training Wooden Sword¡¯


    ¡®Controlled Spirits: Wave Motion Sword, Moonlight Silk, Rapid Stream¡¯


    ¡®Sword Technique Faction: Silver Level¡¯


    ¡®Radiant Faction: Silver Level¡¯


    ¡®Water Technique Faction: Uninitiated¡¯


    ¡®Void Realm Exploration: 0.002%¡¯


    Aside from the experience sharing ratio increasing from 30% to 35%, the biggest change was obviously the new ¡®Bonds Resonance¡¤Insatiable Greed¡¯.


    This was clearly a w of the Sword Maiden, not really Ash¡¯s concern, but the effect was good; he would leave the final blow in battles to the Sword Maiden from now on.


    Ash looked at thest item drawn, the ¡®Awakening Battle Record¡¯.


    Drawn in purple light, indicating it wasn¡¯t just anymon item but something as valuable as the ¡®Void Realm Telescope.¡¯


    ¡®Awakening Battle Record¡¯: Arrange a high-difficulty battle for the operators, thus entering an Awakening State. In the Awakening State, the operator gains 250% battle experience and is more likely to perform miracles, summon Technique Spirits, and break through realms (Danger Level: Medium).


    ¡°I hardly have any personal time these days¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so tired¡­¡±


    ¡°Can we reduce training to just an hour¡­¡±


    As if Sword Maiden¡¯sints echoed in his ears, Ash¡¯s face showed struggle. Just at that moment, the morning anthem of the prison yed punctually:


    ¡°If hurt enough, take both your hands, and dly sever, yesterday¡¯s curse. Through the night, till daylight, leaving scars¡­¡±


    The song seemed to steel Ash¡¯s resolve; he resolutely used the ¡®Awakening Battle Record¡¯!


    Selected target, Death Mad Sword Maiden!


    ¡°Sword Maiden, I¡¯m doing this for your own good!¡±

 Chapter 45 - 45 Don’t Blame Me

    Chapter 45: Chapter 45 Don¡¯t me Me


    Kingdom of Stars, Jiale City, Sword and Rose Mage University.


    ¡°¡­when facing a Turbid Heart Monster, unless a Sword Master can pierce its brainstem immediately¡ªdecapitation is useless, as long as the Turbid Heart Monster still has its brain it canunch an attack¡ªotherwise, they will be influenced by its Technique Spirit ¡®Frenzy¡¯. Upon noticing growing impatience, a Sword Master must pierce their own thigh to remain alert with pain, allowing the other ranged Mages in the squad to kill the Turbid Heart Monster¡­¡±


    The only sound in the terraced ssroom was the teacher¡¯s steady voice. Sonia, sitting by the window, looked out at the three shining stars in the sky; warm sunlight spread over the grass, the walkways, and the benches, making all things in the world glimmer.


    ¡°Sonia!¡± Ingrid whispered sharply, ¡°Don¡¯t space out during ss.¡±


    Sonia, who was resonating with the real-world light, smiled slightly, ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s an important ss, and my bracelet is taking notes anyway, even if I¡¯m distracted¡­¡±


    ¡°This is the most important ¡®Introduction to Swordsmanship¡¯!¡± Ingrid said seriously, ¡°Don¡¯t you n on entering the Abyss in the future? Aren¡¯t you afraid of danger? What good are notes from a bracelet? This ss teaches the most vital knowledge about facing enemies; you can¡¯t be too careful when ites to safety!¡±


    ¡°Cough cough!¡±


    The teacher on the podium coughed twice, and the two hurriedly sat up and listened attentively.


    ¡®Introduction to Swordsmanship¡¯ was not about teaching lofty theories, but about the responses a Sword Master should make against different enemies, in different environments. The reason for this course¡¯s existence is closely rted to the future career direction of a Sword Master.


    A Sword Master was undoubtedly a pure Combat Mage, not like a Water Mage who could be a Healing Mage, or a Mechanical Mage who could be a Creation Mage. If there were an era ofplete peace, the Sword Master would certainly decline and might even face the extinction of their lineage.


    The prosperity of swordsmanship in the Kingdom of Stars was because the world was not safe, constantly threatened by the Abyss.


    The Abyss was not a fixed location, but a randomly appearing nest of monsters. Though random, there were patterns to predict: it would only appear in populous cities, or rather, the more Mages in a ce, the more likely an Abyss would appear.


    As a core city of the Kingdom of Stars, Jiale City naturally suppressed thergest Abyss.


    To this day, no schr had been able to exin the origin of the Abyss, but the threat it posed had to be addressed. The Abyss could not be eradicated, and the deeper one went, the stronger the monsters became, with creatures of the Three-winged Holy Realm and Four-winged Legendary levels appearing in the depths, though surface monsters were far from easy to handle either.


    The terrain of the Abyss would drastically change after a period, preventing Mages from establishing camps, and it would periodically erupt, causing Legendary monsters to emerge on the surface; thus Mages had to withdraw from the Abyss during these times.


    Due to these restrictions, the ¡®regr sweeping of the Abyss¡¯ had be a very important social division ofbor. Apart from a few who could be ¡®riot advisors¡¯ for nobles orpanies, most Sword Masters would form squads with other Mages to venture into the Abyss and clear out monsters on a regr basis.


    This was not considered dirty work, but a very decent career path, because in addition to the ¡®extermination gold¡¯ awarded by the state, various spoils dropped by Abyss monsters were extremely valuable and sometimes scarce resource spots could be found in the Abyss.


    Many nobles had their origins in Abyss adventure teams, and countless Mages had found their fortune in the Abyss.


    But risk was proportionate to reward; nearly all Abyss monsters were inhabited by Technique Spirits and hadbat powers no less formidable than Mages. Every day countless Mages perished in the Abyss, and entire teams could be destroyed, bing nourishment for the Abyss.


    That was why Ingrid was so discontented with Sonia¡¯s attitude: listening for even one more second in ¡®Introduction to Swordsmanship¡¯ would add to her vignce when faced with danger in the Abyss!


    But Sonia had just absorbed an Experience Treasure Orb and felt like a child with a new toy, her heart brimming with excitement, focusing entirely on corroborating the knowledge of the Radiant Faction. Moreover, she didn¡¯t believe she would venture into the Abyss¡ªthere might have been a chance in the past, but now, with her talent, and given the backing of the Observer, she could achieve the Three-winged Holy Realm just by following the steps. Why should she struggle in the Abyss with others, fighting for her life?


    ¡®Introduction to Swordsmanship¡¯ ss ended, followed by ¡®Practical Swordsmanship¡¯, a sparring ss among Sword Skill students. On her way to the Practical Combat Hall, she noticed students observing her and whispering.


    Sonia wasn¡¯t surprised by this; since Professor Trozan had her skip all procedures and transfer into the Sword Skill department, she had be a focal point and a daily topic among students.


    But today was different¡ªaside from Sonia, students were also observing Felix.


    ¡°Look, she¡¯s the one who dumped Celia¡­¡±


    ¡°Probably Sonia will get dumped soon too¡­¡±


    ¡°I knew she was just that type of person from the beginning¡­¡±


    Though she only caught snippets of conversation, Sonia had a rough idea of what had happened¡ªnews of Felix breaking up with Celia had spread, and as the most recent woman seen with Felix, Sonia inevitably became the center of everyone¡¯s attention.


    Don¡¯t cause me trouble¡­ Sonia thought, wanting only to keep a low profile and umte her strengths, unwilling to be entangled in these trivial matters.


    But women have a strong capacity for Prophecy, especially when predicting misfortune¡ªas soon as Sonia entered the Practical Combat Hall, she found many unfamiliar faces, and the one person she did recognize@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 47 - 45 Don’t Blame Me_3

    Chapter 47: Chapter 45 Don¡¯t me Me_3


    ¡°Just because Lauren said something unpleasant, you¡¯re charging into battle alongside Felix?¡±


    Sonia was no longer a child; liking or disliking was not her only principle in taking action.


    All she wanted now was to grow unobtrusively; she had absolutely no interest in a friendship with Felix, and this was her best opportunity to make things clear¡ªif she really fought Lauren alongside Felix, it would be nothing short of confirming the suspicion of them being ¡°lovers.¡±


    No matter how she thought about it, withdrawing from this vortex was the wisest choice.


    Lauren no longer paid any attention to Sonia, scoffing, ¡°It seems Felix, your charm isn¡¯t that great after all.¡±


    ¡°You misunderstood,¡± Felix said indifferently, untying his sword bag and taking out a wooden sword, as the atmosphere tensed to a breaking point.


    Just when Sonia thought she could skive off the lesson, a hand suddenlynded on her shoulder.


    ¡°This is unreasonable¡ªa battle with such great disparity in strength, what¡¯s the difference from bullying? As a member of the Disciplinary Committee, I can¡¯t allow such unteral crushing to ur.¡±


    An impressive-looking orange-haired swordswoman, holding onto Sonia¡¯s shoulder, pushed her forward. Sonia turned her head, only to see the swordswoman¡¯s badge pinned to her chest: ¡°Sword Flower Disciplinary Committee: Reonie Victor.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s senior Reonie!¡±


    ¡°How could she appear at the school?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the Orange Dancer herself!¡±


    The orange-haired swordswoman pulled Sonia into the middle of the field, her grip tight as a vise; Sonia had no way to break free.


    ¡°Felix junior, Sonia junior, you two shouldmunicate more. If Professor Trozan knew that you two can¡¯t even manage mutual aid and affection, he would be very disappointed.¡±


    The orange-haired swordswoman looked at Sonia with a smile full of meaning.


    ¡°While it¡¯s true that Lauren may be suspected of bullying, you two are Professor Trozan¡¯s research apprentices; him bullying you is tantamount to insulting the Hidden Hand Sword Saint. How can you swallow this indignity? You know, Felix is now not only representing himself but also representing that he¡¯s one of only two apprentices of Professor Trozan. Sonia junior, you understand this logic, right?¡±


    Sonia reluctantly nodded, then shook her head, ¡°But this is their personal grievance¡­¡±


    ¡°The moment Lauren issued a challenge against both of you, even if it¡¯s for the sake of upholding the reputation of the Hidden Hand Sword Saint, you must ept the challenge. Besides, with two against one, the odds are so great, refusing would simply appear too cowardly.¡±


    ¡°As sword masters, you should have the courage to advance unflinchingly and the confidence to reason with swords! If you defeat your enemy, you are the one in the right!¡±


    ¡°Sonia junior, what do you think?¡±


    The moment the orange-haired swordswoman brought up Professor Trozan, Sonia knew this battle was inescapable.


    Regardless of whether Trozan actually cared or not, Sonia dared not risk it.


    Trozan was her biggest backer at the moment; anything that might jeopardize his impression of her was a risk she couldn¡¯t afford to take, let alone with hundreds of people watching. The news of her shrinking back, disregarding Professor Trozan¡¯s face, could spread throughout the Sword Flower within ten minutes.


    But she detested this feeling: being manipted, being forced, being schemed against, and having to take part in a fight she didn¡¯t want to join!


    A strong sense of frustration and shame fermented within her, causing Sonia¡¯s shoulders to tremble slightly.


    But she was the girl who hade to Jiale City alone from the countryside; she quickly regained herposure.


    However, just as she suppressed the dissatisfaction in her heart, a familiar voice sounded by her ear.


    ¡°Do you need my help? I promise I can get rid of your annoyance.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°This is a promise from your own mouth, I¡¯m going first, don¡¯t, me, me.¡±


    The Observer walked behind Sonia and after speaking, vanished into the air.


    The next second, Sonia looked at the orange-haired swordswoman.


    ¡°Sonia junior, your decision now is¡ª?¡±


    ¡°I refuse!¡± Sonia shook her head determinedly, ¡°I will not get involved in their private grievances, I will not fight alongside Felix, I will not battle senior Lauren!¡±


    The orange-haired swordswoman raised her eyebrows slightly, ¡°But in that case¡­¡±


    ¡°But!¡±


    Sonia looked at the orange-haired swordswoman and with forceful rity, said her piece.


    ¡°As an apprentice of Professor Trozan, I cannot tolerate you repeatedly provoking me with Professor Trozan¡¯s reputation in my presence, I cannot tolerate you trying to stir up student sentiments to question the quality of Professor Trozan¡¯s teaching, and I cannot tolerate you using our victory or defeat to tarnish the character of Professor Trozan!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°No need to exin, as you said, if you conquer your enemies, you are the one in the right. So¡ª¡±


    Sonia undid her sword bag, took out her wooden sword, and pointed it directly at the orange-haired swordswoman.


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡°Reonie Victor, I challenge you.¡±

 Chapter 56 - 54 Interactive Segment

    Chapter 56: Chapter 54 Interactive Segment


    The prisoners soon stopped hurling insults¡ªbecause they realized that whenever they swore, the Executioner behind them would swiftly swell and grow taller.


    That¡¯s the thing about dimwits ending up as death row inmates; they actually forgot that hundreds of thousands of people in Kaimon City were watching them spew obscenities.


    The audience watched and thought, Good! Swear, you filth, you lowlifes! Here¡¯s a ticket for you; may you die sooner and find peace sooner!


    When things quieted down, Nagu slowly said, ¡°You will feel pain, not because of something we¡¯ve arranged, but because of your own doing. I¡¯ve said before that if you truly repent, you won¡¯t be affected by the Purification me. The Purification me ignites sin and burns cmity.¡±


    ¡°And not everyone will feel the pain. Look at Mr. Ash Heath and Mr. Valcas Uer; they aren¡¯t affected by the Purification me at all. Please learn from them.¡±


    It was only then that the crowd, writhing in agony, noticed that Ash and Valcas were almost stuck to the Executioner, with the boiling Purification me passing through their bodies, yet they stood erect.


    ¡°If you feel pain, you should take this opportunity to embrace the cleansing of the Purification me, to repent, and to start anew,¡± Nagu stated, not in mockery but as if genuinely exhorting them to confess, ¡°The Extreme Master of Blood Moon and the citizens of Kaimon City will see your true sincerity.¡±


    ¡°I admit my faults, I admit¡­ahhhhh!¡±


    Harvey was in so much pain that tears and snot ran down his face, and his gaunt face twisted like wood grain. Most of his body was exposed beyond the tform, his hands clutching the steel wires, deeply cut to the bone.


    Yet even such danger, such torment, was nothingpared to a singeing touch from the Purification me!


    ¡°You must fully recognize the unforgivable nature of the mistakes you¡¯ve made in the past andpletely sever ties with your former sinful self in order to receive the Blood Moon¡¯s forgiveness.¡±


    Nagu¡¯s lips curled upward, ¡°Of course, there¡¯s a more convenient way: keep enduring the burning of the Purification me, and the sinful soul will turn to ash, leaving behind a virtuous soul.¡±


    Although it sounded absurd, Ash didn¡¯t think Nagu would lie, especially not on this live show watched by the entire popce.


    This meant that the Purification me had the effect of splitting personalities, by tearing out a kind persona from the condemned through immense and sustained pain and cruelly torturing the original persona to death!


    At these words, almost every condemned wished they could hang on the steel wires instead.


    Compared to death, they couldn¡¯t ept their souls being utterly destroyed!


    ¡°I understand¡­ I understand¡­¡±


    Ash looked towards Harvey, who was muttering to himself, thetter choking up, twitching his lips, ¡°We¡¯re all done for this time¡­¡±


    Curiosity made Ash ask, ¡°What are you afraid of? Wasn¡¯t it said that only one would die in the Blood Moon Judgement? Just tough it out now; it¡¯ll be over soon.¡±


    ¡°Not all Blood Moon Judgements result the same, and this time we¡¯re facing the rare exception,¡± Harvey wept with a smile, ¡°I remember old man Rein said, the Andrem faction is expecting significant deaths soon, many government officials and council members are going to be purged¡­¡±


    ¡°What does political reshuffling have to do with the Blood Moon Judgement?¡±


    ¡°What do you think is more interesting in a Blood Moon Judgement, a serial killer or a government official caught in corruption and fraud?¡±


    Ash understood.


    The entertainment value of a beheading corrted directly with the condemned¡¯s former social status.


    ¡°The political strife in the Kingdom of Blood Moon is most brutal. Which official or councilor who¡¯s climbed to power isn¡¯t soaked in blood? The winner gets it all, the loser faces judgement; they¡¯re milked for theirst drop of social value, which serves both as a statement to the public and a warning to other bureaucrats: be more secretive, leave no evidence¡­¡±


    ¡°You know quite a lot.¡±


    ¡°What do you think the corpses I used to handle belonged to?¡±


    ¡°But even if new inmates are to arrive, what does this have to do suddenly with the Blood Moon Judgement¡¯s indiscriminate approach?¡±


    The sulking Harvey replied, ¡°There aren¡¯t enough beds.¡±


    Ash was startled as countless herbs seemed to sprout in his heart.


    That made so much sense!


    Since there weren¡¯t enough dormitories, they had to kill some people to free up space for future down-and-out bureaucrats to move in. What a realistic reason that wasughably absurd.


    Because there were too many people in the prison, they had to die.


    How ridiculous, how cruel, how straightforward the logic was.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    At that moment, Harvey bit down on his teeth and hung his entire body on the steel wire, swaying forward toward therge tform.


    Each swing caused his palms to be abraded by the steel wire, and soon the flesh on his palms was worn away, exposing the bones in his hands that made one¡¯s teeth feel soft with trepidation. But Ash saw clearly that his bones were not the usual pale color, but were instead emitting a silvery light!


    After the flesh on his palms was worn away, Harvey¡¯s climbing speed suddenly increased. Even as the steel wire scraped against his hand bones with a grating noise like nails on a chalkboard, he seemed to feel no pain at all and looked very rxed!


    It was a Technique Spirit!


    A Technique Spirit that enhanced the defensive strength of bones?


    The other convicts on death row also hurriedly grabbed the steel wire to escape. Some had such strong skin defenses that the wire could only leave a red mark on their skin;


    Others excelled in agility and ran straight along the wire;


    The most outrageous was the ogre, who turned out to be a Mage of the Temperature faction, rapidly cooling the wire to form a thickyer of ice on it and then swinging his body to slide straight across.


    The prison was indeed full of talented individuals, who were articte and capable of various feats.


    Compared to these convicts hastily escaping, Ash, who was not affected by the Purification me, naturally had more time to think.


    He turned around and looked at Nagu standing on the viewing tform by the sea.


    Nagu, noticing his gaze, stood with his hands behind his back and smiled slightly. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. Instead of struggling with the steel wire under the rules of Blood Moon, why not break the rules and escape backward into the prison?¡±


    ¡­


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡­


    ¡°Right!¡±


    The customers in the Red Mist Cafe all came to their senses. ¡°If we jump back into the prison, can¡¯t we avoid these arrangements and break free from the Blood Moon Judgement?¡±


    ¡°Are there no other traps?¡±


    ¡°So the convicts just escape torture like that? What¡¯s going on with Shattered Lake Prison? How can such an entertaining judgment mode have such a major w?¡±


    ¡°A bunch of bastards born of whores, refund our money!¡±


    Lorenz sharply noticed that at this moment, the betting odds for Ash Heath had suddenly dropped from 1.65 to 1.45, indicating that the snake boss felt that Ash¡¯s chances of ¡®winning¡¯ had significantly increased, so he adjusted the odds in time to avoid losing money.


    The Fishman thought for a moment and understood why Shattered Lake Prison had set it up this way.


    The ¡®Blood Moon Judgement¡¯ event had been popr across the country for decades, not only because of its excellent watchability but also because of its strong interactivity.


    Such an obvious loophole was actually left intentionally by the prison for the audience to have an interactive moment of enjoyment¡ªto personally crush the hopes of the convicts!


    Was there any entertainment more thrilling than bestowing Despair?

 Chapter 57 - 55: I Haven’t Been Deprived of Political Rights for Life Yet

    Chapter 57: Chapter 55: I Haven¡¯t Been Deprived of Political Rights for Life Yet


    Upon hearing Nagu¡¯s words, the other death row inmates also came to their senses.


    Right, why move forward? They could just as well jump back to the viewing tform and still survive. It was only a ten-step distance, which was trivial for these death row inmates, even without the power of a mage, they could cross it.


    However, when they turned back and saw Ash¡¯s Executioner growing visiblyrger again, they quickly snapped out of it, cursed Nagu for his shamelessness, and while taking delight in Ash¡¯s plight, they continued to climb the steel cable with their heads down.


    Going back was a trap.


    Nagu¡¯s words were the trigger for the trap.


    The moment Ash turned around, he knew he had messed up, because as soon as Nagu spoke those words, he saw his votes increase exponentially.


    The audience was frantic, they were frantic!


    Because Nagu was right, if Ash jumped back, he could disrupt the meticulous setup of the Blood Moon Judgement, and all the steel cables and Purification me would have nothing to do with Ash.


    However, his favorable experience was seen as a provocation by the audience¡ªan act of defiance by a death row inmate not repenting in the Blood Moon Judgement but instead exacerbating attempts to break the rules?!


    This was like an unrepentant student, who not only failed to admit their mistake when scolded by the teacher with ¡°why do you evene to school,¡± but instead had an epiphany and ran out of school to y.


    Such immature offenders, as societal monitors, the audience would naturally give him a chance to reform¡ª¡±Remember not to do this again in your next life, okay.¡±


    In the voting rules of the Blood Moon Judgement, aside from the highest vote-receiver being sentenced to death, if a person gets 50% of the votes, the voting phase will end and fast forward directly to the execution.


    The death row inmates had all their restrictions removed, the price being that their lives were no longer under their control. On the other end of the Light Screen, hundreds of thousands of citizens of Kaimon City each held a weight over their lives.


    Once anyone dared to go against this tide, the audience¡¯s weights would fall, turning into a heavy divine punishment, crushing their spine of resistance.


    So if Ash jumped back, awaiting him were heartfelt thanks from the other death row inmates, as well as the terrifying Executioner formed by 50% of the votes.


    But speaking of which.


    If Ash¡¯s votes continued to skyrocket, leading the others, and the audience stubbornly believed that the chance for redemption belonged to none other than Ash, he would definitely jump back.


    If he was going to die anyway, he wouldn¡¯t y into their hands.


    The reason Ash was still willing to abide by the game rules was because the current voting scenario gave him a glimmer of hope.


    ¡°Ash Heath, 42354 votes.¡±


    ¡°Valcas Uer, 31002 votes.¡±


    Ash nced at Valcas¡¯s Executioner behind him, equally robust and fierce, only slightly smaller than his own.


    Noticing Ash¡¯s gaze, Valcas gave him a look and snorted coldly, before actually jumping on the tform and lightlynding on the steel cable, walking towards the distant tform with elegant strides.


    This cool and show-off scene instantly increased Valcas¡¯s votes by over two thousand.


    Unexpected, Valcas you bushy-browed, big-eyed guy, turned out you are also so hateful, almost catching up with me, indeed not a good elf¡­ Ash muttered under his breath, looking at Valcas inside the Light Screen when suddenly the screen popped up a message:


    ¡°Would you like to view the criminal history of Valcas Uer?¡±


    Ash chose to view it, and the screen popped up a small window that yed out the entire process from Valcas¡¯s first-person perspective, stealing technical documents at the university and then killing a fellow schr.


    Seeing the fellow schr copsed in the corridor, his face filled with fear, tears and snot running, retreating while pleading:


    ¡°Please, let me go, Valcas, don¡¯t¡­ ah!¡±


    With a scream, the colleague was stabbed in the chest by Valcas!


    It seemed that only the perpetrator¡¯s perspective wasn¡¯t thrilling enough, thetter half of the video shockingly switched to the first-person perspective of the victim schr!


    Facing Valcas¡¯s approach, the video vividly showed the fellow schr¡¯s despair, fear, and the agony of life slipping away!


    This was a memory fragment of Valcas and the person he murdered!


    The first time watching a memory fragment, Ash was deeply shocked by the technology, stunned by the powerful and elusive nature of the mage system, and appalled that the other death row inmates dared tomit crimes¡ªwasn¡¯t this as outrageous as relieving oneself in the streets? All crimes were clear as day!


    Any crime involving interaction with others meant exposure under the eyes of the Crime Hunting Hall, no matter if you tried to destroy the evidence, the Crime Hunting Hall would extract the dead person¡¯s memories!


    No wonder all death row inmates were highly skilled, after all, without real ability, how could theymit capital crimes before being caught by the Crime Hunting Hall?


    The slightly weaker criminals might get caught during their budding phase of theft and trickery and be sent by the Crime Hunting Hall for reeducation.


    After watching, the screen unexpectedly popped up a query:


    ¡°Would you cast a Redemption Ticket for Valcas Uer? Every Redemption Ticket you cast is a support for justice.¡±


    Ash was startled, a myriad of herbs sprouting in his heart.


    These death row inmates actually had the right to vote!?


    Hadn¡¯t their political rights been revoked for life?


    This was simply an insult to them, did the prison think that these death row inmates would vote for other candidates just to increase their slight chance of survival?


    Ash, while indignant at the prison¡¯s disregard for him, cast a vote for Valcas.


    However, although Valcas¡¯s murder memory was quite cruel, it couldn¡¯t have won him so many votes, right? What did Heathckpared to him?


    Ash looked at his own avatar; although a small video also popped up, it wasn¡¯t his memory, but the enforcement memory of the Blood Frenzy Hunters.


    A bizarre underground hall, runes filled with blood, remnants on the altar, twisted piles of bodies¡­ Ash only nced at it twice before fast forwarding, he couldn¡¯t stand watching it himself, even feeling a bit of pain in his conscience.


    Damn, it really hurt, his spirit reacting with the Purification me.


    Ash silently repeated ¡°I am Ash, not Heath,¡± three times before the painful sting of conscience slowly faded.


    This incident also made Ash feel the power of the Purification me: he had merely entered into Heath¡¯s body and momentarily identified with Heath, and was already almost scorched senseless by the me.


    Those death row inmates who trulymitted crimes must suffer a thousand, perhaps even ten thousand times more pain.


    Thinking about it that way was rather satisfying for Ash, whose simple view of good and evil made him apud such punishment.


    If he weren¡¯t in a live broadcast but instead watching this show in the cozyfort of a small home, it would be even better.


    Ash then nced through others¡¯ crimes, but due to time constraints, he only read the written descriptions.


    Sure enough, Harvey had the crime of desecrating a corpse¡­ Although Ash was curious whether the ¡°corpse¡± was warm or cold, male or female, this kind of visual shock was still premature for him, and he dared not open the video.


    Hmm, this one was a serial killer, that one was a cannibal, this was a hitman, that was the leader of a violent gang¡­


    Quickly scanning through, Ash found that Heath¡¯s crimes were indeed the most brutal of all. Even without the recent news reports featuring him daily, Ash guessed the audience would¡¯ve recognized him as a hero.


    Surprisingly, Valcas¡¯s crime was the lightest among the eight, yet he received the second highest number of votes after Ash.


    Although puzzled, Ash no longer had time to think about it.


    The others were almost reaching therge tform, and Ash had to act too.


    It couldn¡¯t possibly be that he alone would stay here and die.


    @@novelbin@@


    But how could he get across?


    He couldn¡¯t fall into the sea; it was filled with Finger Sharks, and falling in would mean not even his fingernails might survive.


    He couldn¡¯t take to the skies, for it was some kind of Technique Spirit storm party, and all flying objects would be struck by lightning.


    But, Ash originally didn¡¯t have swimming or flying Technique Spirits, so these limitations didn¡¯t mean much to him.


    Ash looked down at the steel wire.


    He squatted down and touched it¡ªextremely thin and tough. Just touching it slightly cut a bloody gash in his palm.


    If he tried to grab onto the wire, there was no doubt he¡¯d lose his fingers, appetizers for the Finger Sharks.


    Ordinary people couldn¡¯t walk across; they had to use a Technique Spirit.


    But Ash only had one Technique Spirit!


    However, desperate times called for desperate measures.


    Substitute Technique Spirit!


    A substitute identical to Ash appeared beside him, making the already crowded small tform even more cramped, and Ash was nearly pushed off by the substitute.


    Although he summoned his substitute, Ash didn¡¯t know what to do next. He looked at the substitute, looked at the steel wire, pursed his lips and gestured for the substitute to go ahead.


    The substitute, naturally having no objections, stepped directly onto the steel wire. The wire effortlessly sliced through his cloth shoes, and with a snap, the substitute dissipated into a wisp of smoke.


    Even the slightest injury would instantly cause the substitute to burst and vanish.


    But Ash¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Although the substitute was cut by the wire, it indeed managed to walk across, and without fear, steady-handed like a faultless robot!


    Ash looked at his own shoes; they were the prison-issued cloth shoes, warm in winter and cool in summer,fortable yet not cut out for walking on a steel wire.


    Ash looked around and then turned to face the supervisor, Nague.


    Nague raised his eyebrows, ¡°nning toe over?¡±


    Ignorant of the Executor growing rapidlyrger, Ash instead noticed Nague¡¯s steel-soled boots clinking as he walked.


    ¡°Supervisor, those boots are so cool. What brand are they?¡±


    At that, Nague brightened up: ¡°You have good taste. These are from the Dark Night King series limited edition by Infernal Lantern, which I had to pre-order three months in advance.¡±


    Ash¡¯s eyes filled with admiration: ¡°Indeed they are the Infernal Lantern¡¯s Dark Night King series limited edition! These are the only boots I¡¯ve ever wanted in my life!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Dark Night King. Dark Night Monarch is another series.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not important!¡± Ash waved his hand dismissively, ¡°What¡¯s important is that I hope to wear these boots before redemption, in this life, this is my only request, Supervisor sir, could¡­ could you let me wear these boots?¡±


    Nague¡¯s face stiffened.


    ¡°That¡¯s not really good, I¡¯ve already worn them¡­¡±


    ¡°Rest assured, Supervisor, I don¡¯t mind!¡± Ash pped his chest, ¡°Since you¡¯re giving these boots to me, how could I fuss over these minor details?¡±


    Nague¡¯s face twisted with anger because of his words.


    But I mind!


    And I never said I¡¯d give them to you!


    Giving you boots? I¡¯d rather give you a kick and send you down, damn scum!


    Daring to take advantage at my expense, Ash Heath, you¡¯re challenging the dignity of the supervisor, challenging the limits of Shattered Lake Prison!


    Nague snorted coldly and said loudly:


    ¡°Fine!¡±

 Chapter 58 - 56: It’s Time for You to Leave

    Chapter 58: Chapter 56: It¡¯s Time for You to Leave


    Nagu finally took off his boots, revealing a pair of adorable socks embroidered with tiny gold lion patterns.


    He couldn¡¯t possibly refuse this request.


    Hundreds of thousands of city residents were watching the live broadcast, each of them clutching a ballot in their hands. If Nagu wanted to leave the prison and further aspire to be a member of the City Council, he couldn¡¯t afford to do anything that would damage his public image.


    This Supervisor role was one he had specifically applied for at the prison. It was a strategy to increase his exposure, to familiarize the citizens with his face ¡ª all toy the groundwork for his futurepetition for a council seat.


    If he couldn¡¯t even satisfy this ¡°tiny wish,¡± let alone bing a councilman, even the prison would think poorly of his image and might remove him from his supervisor duties.


    Without this role ¡ª the easiest way to rack up points on his resume ¡ª he would be stuck as a Prison Guard in this jail until advancing to the rank of Two-winged Gold.


    Although the consideration of his interests was clear, when Nagu held his new boots that he had been looking forward to for a whole year and had barely worn for a month, he still couldn¡¯t suppress the sorrow that welled up from his heart, relentless and unending.


    ¡°Hurry up, hurry up, I¡¯m in a rush,¡± Ash urged.


    ¡°Can you catch?¡±


    ¡°I can catch!¡±


    ¡°When you¡¯re putting them on, your foot has to go in vertically, otherwise you¡¯ll wrinkle the surface pattern.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know.¡±


    ¡°I actually have another decent pair of boots. Maybe I should go get them for you now¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just throw them here!¡±


    A camera eye let out a hip-hopugh. This was because if most of the audience watching the live broadcast reacted simrly at the same time, it would feed back to the camera eye, letting the live host know what effect their performance had achieved.


    Clearly, the interaction between Ash and Nagu amused the audience. Having watched the Blood Moon Judgement hundreds of times, they had never seen such aically absurd executioner and supervisor.


    Nagu steeled his heart ¡ª he surely didn¡¯t want to be the butt of the joke in the citizens¡¯ eyes ¡ª and threw the boots at Ash.


    Ash caught the boots and upon close inspection, realized they were indeed of good quality, with a high-ss texture and upscale appearance ¡ª no wonder Nagu looked as grief-stricken as someone who had lost a cherished consort.


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t stuff them like that. Are those too big for you? Don¡¯t be so hurried, take it slowly, you¡¯ll leave marks if you apply too much force! Can¡¯t you be a little gentler?¡±


    Nagu watched, feeling pained, as he counted on getting his boots back afterward. Anyway, Ash wouldn¡¯t survive much longer.


    Ash ignored him and, having put on the boots, once again activated the Substitute Technique Spirit, and a Substitute identical to him appeared at his side.


    Even the shoes were switched to the steel-toed long boots that Ash was now wearing.


    ¡°Stand on the steel wire for a few seconds and see.¡±


    The Substitute stepped onto the steel wire and stood firm; this time, the wire could no longer cut through his boots.


    And, unharmed, the Substitute naturally did not disappear.


    ¡°Good!¡± Ash said excitedly. ¡°Come back.¡±


    The Substitute came back.


    ¡°Squat down!¡±


    The Substitute squatted down.


    Ash got on the Substitute¡¯s neck, ¡°Carry me on the wire to the big tform on the other side!¡±


    However, this time the Substitute did not respond. Ash looked down and saw the Substitute serenely lifting its head to look at him.


    ¡°Carry me on the wire to the big tform on the other side!¡± Thinking that the Substitute hadn¡¯t heard, he repeated themand.


    After three seconds of silence, the Substitute seemed to finally understand the meaning of the sentence, or rather, it understood its fate.


    Ying.


    Ying.


    With every step the Substitute took, the steel wire let out a ying-ying sound, causing Ash to tremble with trepidation. When he watched other condemned men walk, it had seemed so effortless, but when it was his turn, just the thought of looking down at the sea beneath filled him with the urge to urinate.


    But he seeded ¡ª the Substitute could indeed carry him across.


    Ash vaguely discovered another marvel within the Mage system.


    If ordinary people are ¡°limited to what is said to be possible,¡± then Mages are ¡°capable of anything not said to be impossible.¡±


    The former operates under disbelief, thetter under allowance.


    The effect of the Substitute Technique Spirit is to create a Substitute that is identical to him, disappears when harmed, and obeys hismandspletely.


    Therefore, within the bounds of the restrictions, Ash couldmand the Substitute to perform unthinkable actions, even those that he himself could not do.


    Just like now, Ash had neither the ability to walk the wire nor the strength to carry someone across on it.


    But the Substitute could do it.


    Because Ashmanded it,


    Because theoretically, it was a task the Substitute could aplish,


    So it could.


    Technique Spirits are not miracles; they cannot twist the rules of reality.


    They are but an Infinite Extension of knowledge, the theoretical correct answer, the best oue allowed by reality.


    They are the limit.


    If only he could take the Substitute Technique Spirit back to his original world¡­ Then I could let the Substitute take care of my parents at home¡­


    Ash reconsidered. Using it that way was a bit of a waste, wasn¡¯t it? Now that he had a Substitute, what was making his vision so shortsighted?


    Correct, it was capitalism.


    So I should have let the Substitute go to work while I stayed home to take care of my parents, but it¡¯s also likely that they would end up taking care of me¡­


    Lost in thought, the Substitute had alreadypleted most of the journey. By this time, nearly all the other death row inmates had made it to therge tform on the other side, leaving only Ash and Valcas still on the steel cable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move, both of you! Don¡¯te any closer!¡±


    A death row inmate with a scar on his face picked up a long gun and aimed it at Ash, ¡°If you dare to take one more step forward, don¡¯t me me for sending you down to feed the fish!¡±


    The other death row inmates were slightly stunned, but soon they realized something and all stood to the side without uttering a word.


    Ash blinked and asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Valcas chuckled from a distance, ¡°Cowards always take advantage of others¡¯ vulnerability, scum will always measure others by their own standards, and weaklings can only live by stealing chances.¡±


    Although Valcas was being cryptic as usual, Ash realized that the inmates weren¡¯t looking at him but at the Executioner behind him ¡ª they were afraid he would rush towards them to use them as a Shield against the Executioner!


    Oh, right!


    There was such a strategy!


    No wonder they were death row inmates, their minds were so much quicker than his own when it came to thinking of ways to hurt others without benefit to themselves!


    The redeemer for tonight was undoubtedly either Ash or Valcas. If both of them reached therge tform, it meant that the Executioner would alsoe after them.


    The Executioner¡¯s fierce and terrifying appearance made it clear that its method of attack wasn¡¯t a clean and residue-free mental assault but more likely a sweeping, wide-range AOE physical attack.


    In other words, if it was executing someone, the other onlookers were likely to get implicated!


    So the death row inmates who had arrived at therge tform first began to get lively thoughts.


    They couldn¡¯t let Ash and Valcas reach therge tform!


    Otherwise, the end result would definitely be the annihtion of the group of eight!


    That¡¯s why the scar-faced inmate was holding the gun and threatening Ash not to advance. In his eyes, the best oue was for Ash to be executed by the Executioner in the middle of the steel cable.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to drop down and feed the fish, then stay put!¡± the scar-faced inmate roared.


    ¡°I refuse!¡±


    Ash said righteously, ¡°What I enjoy most is saying ¡®no¡¯ when others threaten me! One step forward!¡±


    Ying ya~


    The Substitute took a heavy step forward, stomping on the steel cable and causing amotion!


    Bang!


    The scar-faced inmate fired a shot, his scarred face twisting with fear and anger into something resembling a centipede, ¡°I will shoot, stand still¡­ stand still!¡±


    ¡°I ¡ª don¡¯t ¡ª believe ¡ª you ¡ª will ¡ª shoot ¡ª me!¡±


    With each word Ash spoke, the Substitute took another step forward, arrogantly provoking like a sentient punching bag, hardening the onlookers¡¯ fists.


    Bang!


    ¡°Don¡¯t push me, I will really shoot, I killed neen people before I came in, you don¡¯t believe me, you can check my record!¡±


    However, Ash had long seen through his bluster and calmly stated, ¡°The fact that you thought of threatening me so quickly shows you¡¯re smart. But because you¡¯re smart, that¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t shoot.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because if I die here, then you will be the one executed by the Executioner!¡±


    Ashughed and said, ¡°If we both survive, you can be sure the person to be executed will definitely be one of us. But if we die here, then the audience will choose one of you six to vote off!¡±


    The corners of the scar-faced inmate¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°So, what if it¡¯s not me?¡±


    ¡°No, it will definitely be you.¡± Ash grinned, ¡°Think about it, the audience is looking forward to our execution, and here you are ruining their fun. Guess if they¡¯re going to take out their anger in their vote?¡±


    ¡°Secondly, haven¡¯t you noticed all the others have moved away from you?¡±


    The scar-faced inmate paused, looking around only to realize that he stood exposed in the center while everyone else had retreated to the edges, as far from the scar-faced inmate as possible!


    ¡°Why would they avoid you? Because if you could trap us on the steel cable, they¡¯d have an easy time; if you shot us, you would undoubtedly be the audience¡¯s target for voting. Either way, they won¡¯t lose.¡±


    Ash gave a refreshing smile, ¡°Or are you saying that you¡¯re a model inmate with noble morals who has turned over a new leaf? Wouldn¡¯t you sacrifice yourself to protect your fellow inmates?¡±


    The hands of the scar-faced inmate trembled slightly, but the gun muzzle gradually lowered.


    ¡°And even if it¡¯s not you who is the execution target, so what? It¡¯s still between the six of you, and the Executioner will still strike this tform. Or perhaps, you believe yourpanions will act politely and jump into the sea if they¡¯re chosen, not causing any trouble for the rest by dragging you all down with them?¡±


    During the conversation, the Substitute had already carried Ash across the steel cable.


    Ash secretly let out a sigh of relief; his back was soaked with sweat.


    He wasn¡¯t as confident as he appeared; who knew if the scar-faced inmate would suddenly lose it and decide to shoot him in the face? Despite his rational talking, Ash¡¯s heart was pounding out of his chest.


    To avoid agitating the scar-faced inmate, he even signaled the Substitute to walk as slowly as possible, creating the illusion for the scar-faced inmate that ¡®he hadn¡¯t crossed yet,¡¯ buying more time for the inmate to think.


    Thinking is the best chiller for rage.


    The more he thought, the more cautious he became;


    The more he contemted, the more fearful he became;


    The more he listened, the more he realized that Ash was making sense.


    When Ash¡¯s colleagues considered abandoning the project before, he often used this method of ¡®listening, feeling, thinking¡¯ to talk them into changing their minds¡ªat least they should wait until the project was over before fleeing.


    Ash jumped down from the Substitute and patted the scar-faced inmate on the shoulder, ¡°So, do you know where your path to survival is?¡±


    The scar-faced inmate grabbed at that lifeline, asking eagerly, ¡°Where is the path to survival?¡±


    ¡°Go back or hang on the steel cable.¡± Ash smiled, ¡°Now that I¡¯m here, the only way you won¡¯t die is to keep your distance from me.¡±


    ¡°This is my ce, and you should be the one to leave!¡±

 Chapter 61 - 59: The Opportunity to Trample the Elf

    Chapter 61: Chapter 59: The Opportunity to Trample the Elf


    It¡¯s over!


    Ash looked at the crimson chains covering his body and fell into a bewildered stupor.


    Let¡¯s not talk about how he could break free from these chains; even if he did, the wind des above his head weren¡¯t there to cool him off.


    The wind des were only targeting Valcas now because he was resisting fiercely. Once Ash stopped ying dead, it was hard to say whether the des would turn on him, an easy target.


    Moreover, Ash couldn¡¯t break free from the crimson chains at all!


    It was over; he was definitely going to die. Should he call out for the Sword Maiden? But all she could do was stand by and watch¡­


    Just when Ash was trying to empty his mind, preparing himself for his final moments, he suddenly felt himself move.


    No, it wasn¡¯t him moving; it was the ground.


    Ash looked down and saw that the ground beneath him seemed to have e to life,¡¯ carrying him backwards while the crimson chains didn¡¯t react at all. After all, the chains were attached to the ground; naturally, they¡¯d move along with it.


    Could it be that the Earth¡¯s intelligence recognized him as an eco-friendly person with a beautiful heart and soul, thus saving his worthless life?


    However, when Ash was carried to the edge of the tform and saw Harvey summoning a Technique Spirit to control the earth, he was deeply moved by this sincere prison friendship.


    ¡°Could you find me the next time you want to die? I¡¯m good at what I do and even offer after-sales service. You just need to give me your Technique Spirit as payment before you die,¡± Harvey hissed. ¡°If the Executioner identally kills a non-judgment target, there¡¯s a chance it could go berserk and attack indiscriminately. There were one or two such incidents before, and it usually ended with all the death row inmates wiped out!¡±


    ¡°¡­I was just about toe to terms with your¡­. preferences.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why do you have an Earth Magic Technique Spirit? Aren¡¯t you from the Necromancy Faction?¡±


    ¡°Nowadays, burial methods are generally in-earth, cremation, and water burial. As a Necromancer, mastering Earth Magic, Fire Technique, and Water Magic is essential, otherwise how can you be a Necromancer?¡±


    Well, Ash thought, he¡¯d assumed that scavenging off corpses was just a part-time job for a Necromancer, not that the main career path for Necromancers was actually working in a funeral home.


    ng!


    Valcas suddenly thrust his sword into the ground, and a deep yellow Sword Qi erupted from the earth like a barrier, enveloping Valcas¡¯s entire body and shielding him from the chaotic wind des outside.


    ¡°Miracle ¡¤ Sword Barrier,¡± Nagu appreciated. ¡°A very decent swordsmanship defense miracle, but it will only allow Mr. Uer a brief respite. Such futile struggle, such toil, such humility. But rest assured, everyone, the Titan Executioner will relieve him of his pain swiftly¡­ oh?¡±


    Facing the Titan Executioner,ing at him like andslip and tsunami, Valcas did not retreat or show fear. Instead, he adopted an Elven sword stance, called forth several Technique Spirits, glowed resplendently, his long sword rang out clearly, and amidst the howling wind, a mournful symphony of lethal music yed as if the Death God himself had descended!


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, Mr. Uer is now preparing a new swordsmanship miracle he developed as a research schr, the Heartless Final Chapter,¡± Nagu said, seemingly excited as well. ¡°Hisst research report was published nine years ago. At that time, the Heartless Final Chapter was tooplicated in its casting steps to enter practical testing, but nine years have passed, and Mr. Uer has nowpleted the Heartless Final Chapter, even thinking to use it to contend against the Judgement!¡±


    Elf swords dance, the dirge ys, the underdog resists, the criminal defies judgment!


    Watching the lonely figure in front of the Titan Executioner, Ash couldn¡¯t help but ask Harvey, ¡°Why him?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Why did he manage to get 50% of the votes? It should have been me who got the most Redemption Tickets, considering the crimes and exposure. No matter how I think about it, it wasn¡¯t supposed to be Valcas who topped the votes, let alone with an absolute majority of 50%¡­ What exactly did he do wrong to incite such wrath?¡±


    Harvey nced at Ash, ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s obvious? I¡¯ve seen his criminal record; it¡¯s very ordinary. It¡¯s nothingpared to yours.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the mistake that¡¯s recorded in the criminal record.¡±


    ¡°What is the mistake?¡±


    ¡°The mistake of his appearance, the mistake of his lineage, the mistake of his birth.¡±


    Ash blinked.


    ¡°He is an Elf, and that is his greatest mistake.¡±


    Harvey said, ¡°In appearance, martial prowess, wisdom, longevity, Elves are at an advantage over other races in almost every aspect. And with their numbers being few, for the sake of preserving their racial interests, the few Elves are more inclined to band together to help each other. The wise Elves are never stingy with the effort to assist their kin.¡±


    ¡°Elves are almost always adopted by the best caregivers and are regarded as ¡®society¡¯s housekeepers,¡¯ widely engaged in various managerial positions. With the longevity of the Elves,bined with their excellent looks and outstanding knowledge, other races can hardlypete with Elves in management positions. And though it is said that the status of a manager and an employee are equal, everyone knows that¡¯s just lip service.¡±


    ¡°Who among those who have worked hasn¡¯t experienced the brutality of an Ogre colleague, theziness of a Goblin coworker, the sloppiness of a Beastman teammate, and the harshness of an Elf supervisor?¡±


    ¡°In the history of the Blood Moon Judgement in Kaimon City, not a single Elf criminal has ever appeared. Apart from the fact that Elves are almost all upper-ss in society with no need tomit crimes, it is also because Elves protect each other, forming a united front with their blood ties, something other races cannot do.¡±


    ¡°Goblins are shortsighted, Beastmen are ignorant, Ogres are cunning, humans are selfish¡­ In the presence of Elves, all we can feel is¡­ inferiority.¡±


    ¡°Even I just cast a vote for Valcas a moment ago.¡±


    Harvey whispered, ¡°This might be the only chance for most people to trample on an Elf.¡±


    Ash looked again at the Titan Executioner, but this time, he saw not a fierce Monster but a murky Anger, a colossal pressure of hysteria condensed from countless ordinary people.


    Although Ash had not seen any ordinary people apart from the Sword Maidens¡ªaside from Prison Guards, there were only death row inmates in prison¡ªhe could understand the thoughts of ordinary people outside.


    It was the despair born under an orderly society, the Anger resulting from facing an unbridgeable chasm.


    In the socialized upbringing of the Kingdom of Blood Moon, most people are divided into hierarchies from infancy, those with high potential going to good caregivers and those with low potential to poor ones, starting off stratified and winding up worlds apart as they grow up.


    Those born well, like the Elves, engage in respectable Professions, and bing a Mage is no rarity; those born poor, as Ash saw from the criminal histories of Goblins, Beastmen, and Ogres, end up in manualbor or as thugs, with dead-end lives.


    And those at the bottom evenck the right toin.


    Because those who are of higher status than you are simply better than you. Everyonees from the same caregivers, with no capital beyond their abilities.


    It¡¯s just that your Talent is better than mine, that¡¯s why you went to a better caregiver, thus being able to umte wealth like a snowball, finally standing above me.


    A society divided by ability nearly obliterates the courage to transcend ss.


    Ash fully understood the meaning of the Blood Moon Judgement.


    Under such suffocating ss barriers, everyone¡¯s desire for a better life waspletely suppressed, twisted desires only breeds Resentment and Hatred.


    When order dictates you will nevere out on top your whole life, breaking the chains bes a matter of time, especially in the Kingdom of Blood Moon where the family system haspletely disappeared, leaving everyone isted with no concerns for the repercussions of their actions.


    Therefore, it is essential to tell people three things: first, breaking thew will lead to a miserable death; second, those of high status can also die miserably; third, the content among you, you are the most fortunate.


    Ash was a sacrifice, Harvey was a sacrifice, the convicts were all sacrifices, and Valcas was the most satisfying sacrifice of all.


    Just as the Titan Executioner was poised to strike at the critical moment, Valcas suddenly turned his head and nced at Ash.


    Ash was taken aback.


    @@novelbin@@


    Why are you looking at me?


    However, in the next second, the convicts around Ash scrambled away from him and Harvey went so far as to haulnd to get away, leaving Ash to understand immediately.


    Damn, Valcas isn¡¯t thinking of using me as a corpse cushion, is he?!

 Chapter 64 - 62 Damn, he got away with it

    Chapter 64: Chapter 62 Damn, he got away with it


    ¡°How did you get in? That¡¯s how you¡¯ll get out.¡±


    Ash instantly understood, ¡°You mean¡­ the ship that transports death row inmates?¡±


    The Medical Practitioner nodded. ¡°Shattered Lake Prison is located in the middle of Shattered Lake; apart from ships and flights, there are no other means of transportation. However, the nearby airspace is a military no-fly zone, where all flying objects are scanned and verified, and objects without flight permission are shot down by the ¡®Lex Rapid-Fire Cannons¡¯ installed by the prison; while the waters are teeming with Finger Sharks, making it almost impossible for anyone but the Fishman Race¡ªeven for Mages specializing in defense¡ªto swim away undetected.¡±


    ¡°The method of escape has always been the same: to leave on the ship that transports death row inmates. Even we and the Prison Guards have to use that ship to travel to and from Shattered Lake Prison, no exceptions. The prison supplies are also delivered during the transportation of the prisoners.¡±


    Although it was clear that the ship would be heavily guarded, making it impossible for death row inmates to hide and escape, at least it provided Ash with the right direction of thinking, preventing him from awkwardly disturbing the Finger Sharks during their feeding time while attempting to dig through the sewer system to escape.


    ¡°Is there really no exception?¡±


    Ash asked casually without much expectation, however, the Medical Practitioner, after pondering for a moment, nodded.


    ¡°There actually is one: ording to thew, if a mayor faces extremely serious allegations during their tenure but simr key evidence like memory evidence isn¡¯t found, the mayor must immediately resign from all posts and be temporarily detained in the nearest Blood Moon Prison¡ªKaimon City has only Shattered Lake Prison for such purpose¡ªto await istion until the Crime Hunting Hall¡¯s investigation ispleted; thereafter, they either resume their post or are imprisoned locally.¡±


    Ash was somewhat surprised, ¡°If no memory evidence can be found, doesn¡¯t that imply innocence?¡±


    The Medical Practitioner nodded and then shook his head, ¡°Generally, that¡¯s true, but among Mages, there exist Technique Spirits capable of reprogramming memories, such as ¡®overwrite¡¯, ¡®cut¡¯, and ¡®erase¡¯. Even though memory editing is a severe crime, punishable severely whether it involves the Mage or the subject, many unscrupulous politicians and council members reprogram memories; the Crime Hunting Hall can¡¯t immediately differentiate the real from the fake.¡±


    ¡°Thus, for investigations involving significant figures, we usually search the memories of all associated persons as their memories can also serve as evidence for conviction. If no evidence is found, it would mean it¡¯s a false usation.¡±


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡°Has there ever been an incident where a mayor was imprisoned?¡±


    ¡°In history, there are probably three or four instances? I only remember that each time ended with the mayor resuming their position, their reputation greatly enhanced, even winning reelection.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean the mayor was innocent?¡±


    ¡°People generally believe so,¡± the Medical Practitioner said indifferently, ¡°After all, there was no w found in the process.¡±


    ¡°But even the best systems are carried out by people.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you told the Hunters when you were caught?¡±


    That topic quickly passed, as the incident of mayoral prison istion was too rare to be considered in their n.


    Ash then proposed several far-fetched ideas, such as disguising as a Prison Guard, hanging on the underside of the ship, or hiding in a trash bucket; the Medical Practitioner rejected all his suggestions, expressing fear at hisst idea.


    During their conversation, a bell suddenly rang outside; the Medical Practitioner eximed, ¡°It¡¯s already 12 o¡¯clock, you should hurry back to your dormitory. If you encounter a Prison Guard, just say you were dyed by treatment. Don¡¯t take any detours on the way, wandering around at night will deduct your contribution points.¡±


    Ash nodded, pulled on his pair of ¡®Shadow King¡¯ series boots, feeling that the cool boots matched poorly with his prison garb. Wearing such fancy boots without a corresponding set of cool clothes seemed unjustifiable.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Ash suddenly realized something, ¡°What time is it now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly midnight. That was the bell reminding Mages to enter the Void Realm, as after midnight, the Blood Moon strengthens our connection with the Void Realm, helping Mages recover their soul energy faster during Exploration.¡± The Medical Practitioner shrugged. ¡°But that has nothing to do with you.¡±


    Ash blinked, a bead of cold sweat trickled down his forehead.


    He and the Sword Maiden had nned to enter the Void Realm around ten at night, but now¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Void Realm, Sea of Knowledge, Inheritance Ind.


    Zzzzz¡ª


    Thunder roared wildly, intertwining with a thunder whip that crushed everything. Free floating electric arcs filled the air, turning the sandy ground into ss crystals!


    ¡°With justice hidden and sharp, dreams awaken the mystic link.¡±


    The Thunder Holder chanted a strange and difficult poem in a raspy voice, his bare torso covered in ck tattoos resembling mathematical figures, his face hairless, eyes bloodshot, hands wielding the swirling thunder whips like dual thunder barriers protecting him on either side!


    Sonia gasped for air, supporting herself on the ground with a wooden sword, her hair still bearing traces of burnt ashes, her face filled with fatigue and fear, her form dim and blurred, as if about to be swallowed by the mist at any second.


    ¡®My first death in the Void Realm so soon, but Felix has yet to die even once, wouldn¡¯t that leave me a bit belittled in front of Professor Trozan? Although Reonie said she faced her first death on her second entry into the Void Realm¡­ I wonder if that¡¯s true¡­¡¯


    Sonia did not fear death; Mages were destined to die in the Void Realm eventually, even Legendary Mage ¡®Law Binder¡¯ Metas from the Kingdom of Stars boasted about his twenty-one deaths in the Void Realm, iming, ¡°Among the Four-winged, I am one of those who died the least.¡±

 Chapter 65 - 62 Damn, He Pretended to be Unaware_2

    Chapter 65: Chapter 62 Damn, He Pretended to be Unaware_2


    To a Mage, death in the Void Realm is much like taking a break from work, something you don¡¯t wish for, but there¡¯s nothing to be done once it happens. You can only graciously ept the bad news and ponder how to spend the unexpected vacation without clocking in at the Void Realm.


    Sonia also knew that her first death wouldn¡¯t affect Professor Trozan¡¯s evaluation of her. Dying early was just bad luck, and dyingte wasn¡¯t necessarily good either.


    Some defeats and lessons must be personally experienced for a Mage to gain the wisdom.


    But hey, everyone¡¯s been young and dreamy once¡ª


    ¡°I might be the first immortal Mage in the history of the Void Realm.¡±


    Seeing this achievement about to be dered a failure, Sonia wasn¡¯t disheartened at all. After all, she had managed to make it to her fourth foray into the Void Realm before conceding her first death, outperforming 99% of the Mages.


    Most Mages would face their first death upon their first venture into the Void Realm, with drowning being the mostmon¡ªdespite countless notes from Mages emphasizing not to dive into the Sea of Knowledge, it was hard for those floating in the water to resist a nce at whaty beneath.


    This time, entering the Void Realm at 11 o¡¯clock sharp, Sonia found that the Observer wasn¡¯t there, and naturally, there was no boat, so she was left soaking in the water.


    Sitting on the boat felt different, but now submerged, Sonia found it exceedingly difficult not to wonder about whaty beneath the surface¡ªWere there fish? A seafloor? Treasures?


    What Mages have in abundance is curiosity.


    So, after curbing her yearning for the ocean floor, Sonia turned her gaze to the fog that engulfed her.


    After several unreturned calls to the Observer while soaking, Sonia had to ept the fact that she was exploring the Void Realm alone this time¡ªthis was the norm, as solitary exploration of the Void Realm was a daily affair for every Mage. Her previous adventures with the Observer had been a miracle, almost as absurd as taking a teacher into an open-book exam for reference.


    But Sonia felt no anxiety, rather like a child who had slipped away from parental supervision, she bubbled with excitement to explore the Void Realm on her own.


    However, Sonia soon found herself at a loss. Without the guidance of the Observer and with the dense fog obscuring her vision, she had no idea where to go and swam in a random direction.


    Swimming was far more draining of soul energy than sitting in the boat. After more than an hour, Sonia felt more exhausted than when she used to help her mother harvest the wheat. She even considered exiting the Void Realm of her own volition.


    But it seemed the Void Realm didn¡¯t intend to let Sonia leave empty-handed. Her random floundering led her to stumble upon an Inheritance Ind.


    @@novelbin@@


    Naturally, Sonia hurried onto the ind to face the challenge. Now brimming with confidence and armed with the ¡°Water Moon¡± Counterattack Miracle capable of turning the tables on Reonie, she even believed there was nowhere left in the Sea of Knowledge that was out of her reach.


    Then she got thoroughly trounced.


    The Mage on the Inheritance Ind was a Thunder Mage wielding two nine-section steel whips. In terms of faction supremacy, both Thunder Technique and swordsmanship are renowned for their aggressive offenses and there¡¯s no restraint between them.


    But as soon as the battle started, Sonia gotshed around like a top by the Thunder Holder.


    The Thunder Holder¡¯s use of Technique Spirits was minimal, but hisbat system and experiencepletely overwhelmed Sonia. He charged his whips with thunder, using them for long thrusts like a spear and close-rangeshes like chains, with attacks as fierce as thunder and defenses as solid as ramparts.


    As he danced with his thunder-charged whips, Sonia dared not approach.


    Her Wave Motion Sword met a whip shield and was nullified, her silken strands easily torn by the Thunder Whip, even the Counterattack Miracle ¡°Water Moon¡± she had pinned her hopes on, was easily prated from afar¡ªa swift thrust through her defenses. Despite the Miracle¡¯s remarkable power and speed, its range was too short.


    No wonder they say the Void Realm is the best teacher. Sonia had to admit she¡¯d learned her lesson. She used to think swordsmanship was merely a medium for casting Technique Spirits, but witnessing the Thunder Holder¡¯s impable skills with the nine-section whip, she realized she still had a long way to go¡ªa truly powerful Sword Technique should be adaptable to any situation, not leave one helplessly iling as she was now.


    But Sonia wasn¡¯t one to simply await her fate.


    She nced out of the corner of her eye at the sea behind her; the edge of the ind wasn¡¯t far away.


    Should the right opportunity arise, she might yet have a chance to escape.


    The Thunder Holder would definitely pursue her, but he would never leave the ind. Sonia could only hope the sea would block his damage and buy her some precious time to escape. Once she reached a safe zone, she¡¯d have time to search for the Gate of Truth within the Technique Spirit and leave the Void Realm, returning her consciousness to reality.


    She silently vowed to herself to sign up for swimming lessons tomorrow. Dog paddling was just too slow.


    Zzzt zzzt zzzt¡ª¡ª


    The nine-section whip in the Thunder Holder¡¯s right hand suddenly transformed, taking the shape of a whip spear, thrusting through the air like lightning!


    Now was her moment!


    Sonia unleashed a Wave Motion Sword, retreating to make her leap into the sea.


    However, the Thunder Holder seemed to have anticipated her move, as he flung the nine-section whip in his left hand, which spun and danced in the air like a thunderous boomerang, shing toward Sonia¡¯s lower body!


    It was over.


    Sonia had to jump up; otherwise, the spinning nine-section whip would entangle her legs and trip her on the spot. And the thunder on it was no mere decorative effect¡ªits strong electric current would rob her of her mobility within seconds!


    But jumping would y right into the Thunder Holder¡¯s hands, as his Thunder Whip spear would continue to extend, piercing through Sonia¡¯s chest!


    She had no choice but to gamble that she could jump faster than his whip spear!


    Sonia clenched her teeth and leaped with all her might. Just as she was exiting the reach of the Thunder Whip spear, the Thunder Holder flicked his wrist, and a Spiral Thunderstorm burst from his wrist to the front end of the whip spear. The whip¡¯s lead section suddenly exploded, elerating like a hidden weapon flying knife aimed at Sonia!


    ¡°Damn¡ª¡ªit!¡±


    Sonia watched with eyes wide, unable to help but curse, silently praying for a miracle to ur.


    And a miracle did happen¡ªa sudden snap, and to her surprise, she found her back had hit something, bringing her to a halt midair!


    In this vast sea, how could anything appear on the surface?


    Could it be that she had a traffic collision with a Fish Dragon wanting to jump out for a breath of air at just the right moment?


    Zzzt zzzt zzzt¡ª¡ª


    Faced with the Thunder Whip just inches away, Sonia felt the fear of death envelop her. Her mind went nk, and she instinctively closed her eyes.


    Ding!


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    After two seconds, Sonia realized she hadn¡¯t left the Void Realm. More importantly, she felt solid ground under her feet, not water, and cautiously opened one eye to survey the situation.


    Before her, she saw a barrier of air that looked like a Sword Body. The Thunder Whip rippled against it but failed to break through.


    Looking down, she recognized the familiar boat.


    ¡°With me here, you¡¯re really lucky.¡±


    Turning her head, she saw the Observer emerging from the mist, and only one thought remained in Sonia¡¯s mind:


    Damn, he got to show off.

 Chapter 66 - 63: The Unmatched Secret Sword of the Five Spirits

    Chapter 66: Chapter 63: The Unmatched Secret Sword of the Five Spirits


    Crackling¡ª


    The Thunder Holder retracted his nine-section whip, which had been thrown out. By this time, the small boat had already reached the shore and remained within his attack range. He grabbed one end of the whip with both hands and spun it around. The Thunder Whipshed the sandy ground, leaving behind a trail of dark marks, before he suddenly took a step back.


    Seeing this, Sonia¡¯s face turned pale as she quickly ducked behind Ash, ¡°Be careful!¡±


    But it was already toote. The Thunder Holder aggressively stepped forward, crossing his arms andshing out. The two nine-section Thunder Whips intersected like a pair of shears, viciously snipping toward Ash!


    This was the cruel move that nearly gave Sonia a mental scar. Although it was no Miracle, the kic energy from the rotation of the whipbined with the properties of the Thunder Technique made it incredibly destructive and hard to evade. Being struck by it would make one so painfully tremble in their soul; it was almostparable to kicking a cab leg and simultaneously shattering a toenail with the small toe.


    ¡°Quiet. You¡¯re disturbing my contemtion of the world¡¯s ultimate mysteries.¡±


    Ash lifted his eyebrows and jabbed the sword hard into the boat. The Sword Barrier enveloping them suddenly radiated a faint gold light, directly withstanding the deathly thunder shears of the Thunder Holder!


    Crackling!


    The nine-section whip wrapped around the Sword Barrier but couldn¡¯t prate the transparent shield. Meanwhile, the longsword that Ash leaned on mysteriously developed several notches, but due to the properties of the Void Realm, the sword quickly restored to its original state.


    ¡°With glorious adornment we stand, dragons gleam and phoenixes shine.¡±


    The Thunder Holder¡¯s eyes deepened with blood, chanting poems that no one could understand. Thunder wrapped his entire body, veins bulging as if entering a berserk mode, continuously and wildlyshing at the Sword Barrier.


    @@novelbin@@


    Sonia calmed down and, upon closer inspection of the Sword Barrier, she discovered many details she hadn¡¯t noticed before¡ªthe transparent shield was actually made up of incredibly sharp Sword Qi. It not only served as a defense but also could inflict damage upon close melee attacks, even breaking the enemy¡¯s weapon!


    However, this was hard to demonstrate in the Void Realm because the weapons here were projections of the Mage¡¯s consciousness. As long as the Mage¡¯s consciousness could keep up, the weapons were essentially invincible in durability.


    Simrly, in the Void Realm, there were no differences between the superior or inferior quality of weapons. The battle in the Void Realm was a contest of Magic Power. Even if Sonia materialized a wooden sword, it could still split mountains and rocks; on the other hand, Gun Masters would be less dominant in reality. If theycked a deep understanding of firearms, the power of their materialized firearms would greatly diminish.


    Sword Barrier, a move thatbined defense and counterattack, was certainly not something that a single Technique Spirit could unleash. It was a Miracle formed by abination of Technique Spirits!


    Just as this realization hit her, Sonia couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit frustrated¡ªshe had wanted to show off her own strength with the Water Moon Miracle, make her presence known, and warn the Observer to stop manipting her. But now, not only had the Observer saved her, but he had also effortlessly used a defensive and counterattacking Miracle that was no less impressive than the Water Moon. Was he waiting for her to be in dire straits before making his move just to mess with her mindset?


    While Sonia pondered chaotically behind him, Ash looked at the familiar Sword Barrier in front of him, feeling an inexplicable frustration in his heart.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m in a very bad mood right now.¡±


    Ash raised a finger.


    ¡°So what I¡¯m about to do to you is purely venting.¡±


    Cling!


    As the sound of the sword overpowered the thunder, the Thunder Holder immediately fell back, spinning his nine-section whips into two Thunder Shields to fend off that glint of light descending from the sky!


    ¡°Heart Sword Technique Spirit!¡±


    Sonia recognized this signature Technique Spirit of the Sword Skill type in an instant, her eyes almost popping out, ¡°Where did you get a Heart Sword Technique Spirit? Do you know how to use the Heart Sword stance? Teach me, please¡ªI¡¯m begging you!¡±


    She was like a child who¡¯de across their favorite bubble ster, unable to hide her yearning for the Technique Spirit.


    There was a rumor within the Sword Skill type that possessing one of the ¡®Five Peerless Secret Sword Spirits¡¯ would allow you to develop a perfect swordsmanship system around that primary Technique Spirit.


    The Heart Sword Technique Spirit was one of the Five Peerless Secret Sword Spirits.


    Apart from this, there were also the ¡®Twenty-One Secret Sword Spirits¡¯ and the ¡®Fifty Ingenious Sword Spirits¡¯.


    Sonia¡¯s Wave Sword Technique Spirit was one of the ¡®Fifty Ingenious Sword Spirits¡¯.


    Even though it was the lowest tier of the ¡®Fifty Ingenious Sword Spirits¡¯, it was not to be underestimated. After all, it was the Wave Motion Sword Technique System that had established the original Duke Vosloda¡¯s prestige as a ¡®Sword Skill noble¡¯. There were numerous Sword Masters in Jiale City who had sold themselves to the Vosloda Family to obtain the Wave Sword Technique Spirit.


    Having experienced the power and potential of the Wave Sword as a Mage who possessed the Wave Sword Technique Spirit, Sonia couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much more powerful the ¡®Twenty-One Secret Sword Spirits¡¯ and the ¡®Five Peerless Secret Sword Spirits¡¯ were?


    Seeing that he had awed the usually haughty Sword Maiden, Ash felt quite pleased with himself, ¡°Don¡¯t rush. Let me take care of this juggler, and then we can chat at leisure.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Sonia watched expectantly as the Observer showed their might. She watched the Heart Sword attack, deflected by the Thunder Holder, the Heart Sword thrust, deflected again, the Heart Sword going for a backstabbing, deflected yet again¡­


    ¡°Your swordsmanship level has room for significant improvement.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve worn him down, exposed many of his weaknesses. Go on, don¡¯t waste this vengeful opportunity I¡¯ve prepared for you.¡±


    The more Sonia thought about it, the more she believed that the Observer must be an old monster reborn.


    Without centuries of weathering, how could one develop such a thick skin?


    She silently criticized in her heart and leaped forward to kill the Thunder Holder. Ash wasn¡¯t idle either; he conjured another sword-wielding Substitute. Together with his Heart Sword, they simultaneously encircled and attacked the Thunder Holder from three sides.


    Ultimately, the Thunder Holder had only two nine-section whips. He could defend the front but not the back, fend off the back but not the sides. His whips were no match for the three swords, and like a strong man facing a multitude, he ended with a strange moan of poetry before sumbing and dissipating into a light smoke, bursting into two Technique Spirits and a Mage¡¯s Handbook.


    ¡°Thunder Walk¡±


    ¡°One-winged Technique Spirit¡±


    ¡°Restriction: The medium used must have a certain level of conductivity.¡±


    ¡°Basic Effect: Release a bolt of lightning.¡±


    ¡°Passive effect: The conductivity of the body gradually increases.¡±


    ¡°¡®Fire is the enlightener of wisdom, thunder is the defender of reason. So when youe across fools who defy reason, you know what to do, don¡¯t you?¡¯¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Pattern¡±


    ¡°One-winged Technique Spirit¡±


    ¡°Restriction: Must carve the pattern in advance on an object with the Technique Spirit¡¯s excrement.¡±


    ¡°Basic Effect: Ensures that the effects of most Technique Spirits flow along the pattern.¡±


    ¡°Passive Effect: The pattern gradually solidifies until it is indelible.¡±


    ¡°¡®The path is underfoot, the path is on the body, the path is in the heart.¡¯¡±


    ¡®Thunder Walk¡¯ looked like a praying mantis, while ¡®Pattern¡¯ resembled a silkworm. Without a doubt, these two Technique Spirits formed a very straightforward Miraclebo: carve the pattern first, then let the lightning flow within it, turning a one-time consumption of thunder into a continuous boost in status¡ªsimple yet practical Miracle thinking.


    No wonder that Thunder Holder earlier was covered with all sorts of messy tattoos; he¡¯d been etching circuits onto his body.


    Butpared to this Miracle, Ash was more interested in a piece of information revealed in the Technique Spirit introduction.


    ¡°Technique Spirits actually poop?¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they? You¡¯ve seen Technique Spirits consume silver and gold coins, right? If the coins are consumed and the Technique Spirits don¡¯t poop, then our economic cycle would lose a link, and the world¡¯s silver and gold coins would only dwindle.¡±


    ¡°Exactly because Technique Spirits poop, that¡¯s why silver and gold coins can keep circting. The silver coins you¡¯re feeding your Technique Spirit now might be the poop from some Technique Spirit thousands of years ago,¡± Sonia said as a matter of fact.


    ¡°Good thing I¡¯m not a Technique Spirit,¡± Ash muttered. ¡°So when do Technique Spirits poop? I¡¯d like to let them out in advance.¡±


    ¡°How should I know? I don¡¯t have that kind of voyeuristic fascination.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to prepare in advance. Technique Spirits sneak out on their own to do their business. Their excrement is so light a breeze could blow it away; hardly anyone notices it. If you need to collect Technique Spirit poop, just summon it out to feed, cover it up, and wait.¡±


    ¡°Sneak out¡­ on their own? How can they leave without a Mage¡¯s permission?¡±


    ¡°Technique Spirits have their own thoughts and their own lives.¡±


    Sonia shrugged. ¡°Of course, they¡¯ll obey the Mage¡¯smands when needed, but when your focus is elsewhere, like sleeping, daydreaming, or reading, they get a bit of freedom. They¡¯ll take the chance to sneak out for a breath of fresh air. Some Mages, after long periods of intense involvement, find their Technique Spirits respond slowly when summoned; that¡¯s usually because they¡¯ve run too far and can¡¯t get back in time.¡±


    Ash got the picture; it was just like cking off.


    Although he¡¯d already tried to see Technique Spirits as intelligent beings, he hadn¡¯t realized they were smart enough to pick up on such human habits as cking off. However, since they used their cking-off time to poop rather than using pooping as an excuse to ck off, Ash didn¡¯t make a big deal out of it.


    After a brief discussion, thebo of ¡®Thunder Walk¡¯ and ¡®Pattern¡¯ looked like it could sell for a high price at Sonia¡¯s school, so they gave the Technique Spirits to her.


    As for keeping them, neither of them considered that¡ªthe Thunder Technique faction was known as the most bitter, taxing, painful, and violent system. The thought of cultivating Thunder Technique from scratch was daunting.


    As long as you sailed far enough in the Sea of Knowledge, there would be plenty more chances to stumble upon sets of Technique Spirits. If a Mage thought of using every set they found, they¡¯d never have enough energy for anything else.


    Learning to choose what to keep and what to let go was an essential lesson for a Mage.


    As for the Mage¡¯s Handbook, naturally, Ash used it again. Sonia just nced at the first page and promptly retreated, even running to the side to dry heave.


    In Ash¡¯s view, it was no big deal, just a ¡®cult ritual record,¡¯ albeit with some cruel practices.


    It was almost as bad as the sins Heath oncemitted.


    Looking at it, the Gods of Four Pirs cult was part of a particrly fierce bunch among the cults.


    After going through the Thunder Holder¡¯s sacrificial record, Ash naturally learned a new skill: ¡®Skin Stripping Mastery.¡¯


    Luckily it had no limitations on targets¡ªthis skill coulde in handy for skinning a rabbit after escaping into the wilds.


    Having dealt with the spoils, Ash sat at the front of the small boat,pletely at ease.


    Sonia sat at the stern, silent.


    After Inheritance Ind hadpletely sunk, silence still dominated the boat.


    After a long while, Sonia couldn¡¯t help but burst out a few words from the corner of her mouth, ¡°Where did you get those swords and Technique Spirits?¡±


    ¡°Well, since you earnestly asked, I¡¯m not against generously telling you¡ª¡±


    I knew it, Sonia cursed fiercely in her mind, giving him another chance to show off!


    Actually, Ash was eager to brag too. He coughed softly, reached out, and summoned three Technique Spirits. From left to right were a golden Single-winged Sword, a y-like Two-winged Swordsman, and a pale green Single-winged Bird.


    ¡°Heart Sword, Earth Sword, Wind Barrier, these are the Technique Spirits I¡¯ve just obtained. Both Heart Sword and Wind Barrier are One-winged, Earth Sword is Two-winged.¡±


    ¡°Just obtained? So was it for these three Technique Spirits that you werete?¡±


    ¡°You could say that.¡±


    Ash gazed into the depths of the mist, seemingly looking at a wandering Phantom.


    ¡°After all, their former master just killed me once.¡±

 Chapter 69 - 65 Vortex

    Chapter 69: Chapter 65 Vortex


    Vortex, also known as the Shortcut to Fate, the Stairs of Advancement, or the Last Stroke of Luck for the Cursed, is an extremely rare natural wonder in the Sea of Knowledge.


    Natural wonders are entirely different from other Void Realm existences. Knowledge creatures have their habitats, while Inheritance Inds and Adventure Inds remain unchanged for tens of thousands of years unless a mage steps foot on them. However, natural wonders appear at random times and locations and disappear after a certain period, almost like the most fabricated rumors in Void Realm folklore.


    If the unluckiest mages could eventually encounter knowledge creatures, Inheritance Inds, and Adventure Inds in their lifetime, then even the luckiest mages might nevere across a vortex in their entire life, which can be considered the ultimate fortune detector.


    Those who encounter a vortex are envied, and for good reason¡ªthe powerful ability of the vortex: Spatial Transfer!


    The mage who steps into the vortex will reappear at another vortex within the Sea of Knowledge.


    While it does sound quite wonderful, why would such a simple spatial transfer arouse the desire of mages?


    This is because the vortex is not just about transferring. It allows the mage to pass through the mysterious pathways within the vortex, crossing numerous regions of the Sea of Knowledge in just a few seconds; and at the same time, the foundational Law that ¡®the further mages travel in the Sea of Knowledge, the more Magic Power they absorb¡¯ still holds true!


    If two vortices are ten thousand miles apart, then by merely passing through the vortex channel, a mage would be equivalent to having traveled ten thousand miles in the Sea of Knowledge, directly absorbing enough Magic Power to condense aplete set of Silver Wings!


    How could that not drive mages crazy?


    An ordinary mage, in theory, would need only two to three years of journeying to condense Silver Wings, provided the mage doesn¡¯t die in the Sea of Knowledge¡ªbecause besides therger the Magic Power, the more severe the ¡®Death Cool-down¡¯ punishment, there¡¯s another Damocles¡¯ Sword hanging over the mages¡¯ heads: the more Magic Power they have, the greater the likelihood of encountering danger grows!


    Each time a mage opens the Gate of Truth and enters the Void Realm, the point of arrival is actually different. It¡¯s not the same location where the previous exploration concluded.


    The more robust a mage¡¯s Magic Power, the closer theirnding site in the Void Realm will be to the core regions of the Sea of Knowledge. The Inheritance Inds and knowledge creatures of the core regions not only yield more abundant spoils but also pose greater dangers!


    Many an Official Mage, on the eve of being able to condense the Silver Wings, would be attacked by knowledge creatures the moment they entered the Void Realm. Turning to flee, they¡¯d encounter even more formidable knowledge creatures, served consecutively by several beasts, enjoying themselves straight out of the Void Realm.


    Exploring for a few minutes, cooling down for a dozen days¡ªoften this is the true picture of these ¡®Half-step Perfection¡¯ mages.


    Therefore, the nickname for vortexes as ¡®the Last Stroke of Luck for the Cursed¡¯ wasn¡¯t unfounded: it¡¯s not only that mages who encountered vortices had to deplete a lifetime¡¯s worth of luck, but also because mages with a sudden increase in Magic Power would find it exceedingly difficult to explore the higher difficulty areas of the Sea of Knowledge¡ªin extreme cases, they might even suffer an equivalent of ranking down from ying out of their league.


    Although that¡¯s the case, there wasn¡¯t a mage who didn¡¯t yearn for a vortex. And in ces with a substantial number of mages, lucky individuals who encountered a vortex would sometimes appear¡ªlike Reonie, who had beaten up Sonia in the morning. She had condensed her Silver Wings at an rmingly quick rate, leading many students to conjecture that she might have encountered a short-distance vortex. They were all green with envy.


    After listening to Sonia¡¯s exnation, Ash couldn¡¯t help but get excited. He was the one who currently needed strength the most urgently; with every ounce he gained, his hope for escape grew!


    Moreover, having suddenly acquired three Technique Spirits, it was clear his Magic Power was insufficient.


    Heart Sword and Wind Barrier were manageable, but the Earth Sword Technique Spirit was a Two-winged Technique Spirit¡ªit guzzled Magic Power like a torrential faucet, yet the effect it produced was not even a fifth of its potential.


    The reason Ash could show off in front of the Sword Maiden earlier, creating a Sword Barrier that the Thunder Holder could not break, was that his Magic Power had now dwindled to less than one-fifth. He would have to think about how to trick the Sword Maiden into exerting more force in the uing fight.


    The boat pierced throughyers of white mist, and soon, the vortex appeared before them.


    Living up to its reputation as a natural wonder, the vortex was indeed very bizarre and mysterious¡ªa continuously rotating whirlpool, yet the surrounding waters remained as calm as if they were mere spectators, not disturbed by the vortex at all.


    Even when their boat was less than two meters away from the vortex, it felt no pull whatsoever. If a mage had poor eyesight, they might swim right past it without ever realizing a natural wonder was beside them.


    ¡°Quick, let¡¯s go! The vortex could disappear at any moment!¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    Ash noticed that when they entered the region of the vortex, the range of their map exploration suddenly extended with two very long routes. At the farthest end of each route, there were two notes: ¡°Wait a moment,¡± and ¡°No danger but you may not randomly get here.¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯d better wait a moment.¡±


    ¡°Is this the effect of your detection ability?¡±


    ¡°The Vortex seems to randomly lead to two other ones; one requires waiting, while the other is safe.¡±


    Last time, because they waited for a bit, they caught the opportunity when the fox was watching the dragon sleep¡ªSonia naturally trusted the Observer¡¯s judgment.


    However, after waiting for more than ten seconds, she saw the Vortex shrinking and couldn¡¯t help but be anxious, ¡°If I could enter the Vortex just once, it would be worth it even if I died! It just means a few days without entering the Void Realm!¡±


    Ash nced at her, ¡°If I can¡¯t enter the Void Realm for a few days, then the probability of me collecting all the Miracle Technique Spirits bes even slimmer.¡±


    Sonia was left speechless.


    Compared to life, the growth of magic power indeed seemed trivial, but¡­


    She looked at the shrinking Vortex, wanting to say something yet stopping herself, then trying to stop herself yet wanting to speak again.


    ¡°You want to go in first? And let me wait till it¡¯s safe before entering?¡± Ash saw her thoughts at a nce, ¡°It sounds feasible, but it actually won¡¯t work¡ªhave you forgotten? I can¡¯t open the Gate of Truth in prison, and if you die, I still can¡¯t enter the Void Realm. We¡¯re bound together, for better or for worse.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯m also not sure if my judgment is correct. After all, there¡¯s a fifty percent chance of reaching the safe Vortex; even if we¡¯re unlucky and enter a dangerous one, it doesn¡¯t necessarily mean death. And if we miss this Vortex, we truly miss it. If you want to go, I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Really don¡¯t mind?¡±


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t hold a grudge and take revenge on me?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t bring this up suddenly one day to me me?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really.¡±


    ¡°Observer, you really are dishonest, even deceiving a female college student like me.¡± Sonia sighed despondently, staring at the Vortex, ¡°If we really miss this Vortex, I¡¯ll definitely bring up this old score and scold you every time you make a mistake in the future.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. If it were me, I would hold a grudge for a lifetime, remembering on my deathbed that I missed a chance at a Vortex.¡±


    Ash was knocked t, ¡°That¡¯s you, not me; I¡¯m not as¡­ petty as you are.¡±


    ¡°I only trust myself, so I believe you¡¯re the same type of person.¡±


    Sonia pouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m not so selfish as to think everyone else is selfless. Anyway, I waited with you this time; you better remember my sacrifice is huge. You should write down my good deeds in a little book, and remember to share some spoils with me if you get anything good in the future.¡±


    Ash was slightly taken aback, suddenly feeling as though he had another reason to escape prison.


    Is there really no stranger in this world worth his concern? It doesn¡¯t seem so.


    ¡°Of course, if I ever have a piece of meat to eat, I¡¯ll definitely call you over to catch a whiff of the aroma.¡±


    ¡°You really are a loudspeaker¡­¡±

 Chapter 70 - 66: The Aftermath of Death

    Chapter 70: Chapter 66: The Aftermath of Death


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡±


    In the meditation quiet room, Felix groaned, clutching his belly and holding his nose as a steady flow of blood trickled from his nostrils, his forehead slick with cold sweat.


    His abdomen was filled with a sensation of death.


    It was not pain, but emptiness.


    It felt as though a gap had suddenly appeared between his upper and lower body; even as he clutched his belly, it felt as though he was holding a piece of pork, devoid of any sense that he was touching his own body.


    This was the aftermath of a death in the Void Realm¡ªa severe soul injury, even to the point of losing one¡¯s sense of reality.


    As a barely audiblement sounded, the ruby on Felix¡¯s ne shattered with a crash, and a single-winged Spiritual Body made of light dissipated into the air.


    This was the Artifact Spirit, ¡°Fish-Slicing Dragon¡¯s Belly Scale.¡± Its effect was to transfer all death damage sustained in the Void Realm to the abdomen, and this was the secret behind the enduring strength of the Vosloda Family.


    When a Mage dies in the Void Realm, the mortal wound is reflected upon the soul, leading to a loss of soul energy.


    A soul that is not whole cannot traverse the Gate of Truth, so until the soul energy is restored, naturally, a Mage cannot enter the Void Realm.


    And since the soul is closely rted to the body, regardless of which part of the soul energy is missing, it will cause a temporary ¡°soul disability¡± in the Mage.


    In simple terms, if the chest¡¯s soul is injured, then the heart will maintain a low-frequency beat for a long time, preventing the Mage from partaking in any physical activity;


    If the limbs¡¯ soul is injured, the Mage may not be able to control their hands and feet;


    @@novelbin@@


    If the head¡¯s soul is injured, the Mage will fall into aa.


    Only when the soul energy is restored will the Mage¡¯s bodily functions return to normal.


    Hence, the goal of sailing thousands of miles through the Sea of Knowledge, which might seem not too challenging, is in fact an unreachable horizon for many Mages¡ªthey cannot all cease their normal activities to focus on cultivation. Life is more than just distantnds; one must also attend to trivial day-to-day needs, and each death in the Void Realm can cause substantial losses for a Mage.


    Although death is inevitable and soul injury is certain, Mages have still thought of numerous ways to minimize these losses.


    For example, by localizing each death¡¯s damage to a less critical area.


    ¡°Fish-Slicing Dragon¡¯s Belly Scale¡± is a secret Miracle of the Vosloda Family; the family Mages extract the effect of the Miracle and, throughplex rituals, embed it into a gemstone to form a temporary ¡®Artifact Spirit.¡¯ When a family Mage dies in the Void Realm, the Artifact Spirit inside the gem activates, transferring all the death damage to the abdomen.


    Apart from a significant decrease in the digestive capabilities of the stomach and the need to eat liquid food for a few days, Mages had nearly no cost to pay.


    Furthermore, the Vosloda Family had another miraculous ¡°Dragon¡¯s Banquet,¡± which allowed them to quickly restore the soul energy of the abdomen through eating, thereby reducing the cooldown period before re-entering the Void Realm.


    With these two Miracles, the Mages of the Vosloda Family could reduce the losses from Void Realm death to a minimum, greatly improving the efficiency of Void Realm Exploration, significantly increasing the chances of a Gold Two-winged Mage or a Holy Domain Three-winged Mage emerging. This was the foundation of the Vosloda¡¯s hundreds of years of prosperity.


    Other noble families had simr methods, and a solid system for nurturing excellent Mages was practically a standard for century-old nobility; otherwise, a single break in producing talent could exterminate an once illustrious Dazzling Star noble family.


    Before the Void Realm, Mages stand equal, but some Mages can fight for more equality.


    However, minimizing the cost of death was already at its limit; what must be lost, would still be lost.


    Felix introspected his Technique Spirit and immediately felt his vision darken, almost fainting.


    His ¡°ughter Sword¡± Technique Spirit was gone!


    It was a high probability for a Mage¡¯s Technique Spirit to be lost upon death in the Void Realm. This is because Technique Spirits are hidden within the soul; when a part of the soul energy is lost due to death, that part may include a Technique Spirit, which could also be cast away.


    The more Technique Spirits one has, the greater the chance of loss, and the greater the number of losses!


    Even with Felix mentally prepared to lose some Technique Spirits, he never expected to lose his most important ¡°ughter Sword¡± on his first death!


    It was a relic left by his mother, one of the legendary ¡°Secret Swords Twenty-One Spirits¡±!


    A Technique Spirit of this level was almost impossible to purchase, and even if it were for sale, Felix, the less favored noble young master, could never afford it!


    Moreover, he had not fully mastered the knowledge of the ¡°ughter Sword,¡± meaning he could not summon it on his own!


    What offered Felix some small constion was that his Silver Wings had already formed halfway, reducing more than a year of his cultivation time.


    He didn¡¯t expect to encounter the natural Wonder, ¡°Vortex,¡± just a few days after entering the Void Realm.


    No Mage would pass up such an opportunity, let alone an Avenger like Felix thirsty for power. However, after stepping into the Vortex and traversing thousands of miles, what appeared before him was a mature Fish Dragon!


    In the Knowledge Creature As, Fish Dragons were considered to be among the stronger Combat Powers, let alone a mature one!


    Knowledge creatures are ssified into stages such as juvenile, mature, fully mature, andplete. At the periphery of the Sea of Knowledge, only juveniles are typically encountered; mature stages appear in the inner areas, and fully mature might be seen in the core regions. As for theplete stage, they do not appear in the Sea of Knowledge.


    Knowing he would die, Felix fought with all his might, attempting to kill the Fish Dragon first. But ultimately, with too few Technique Spirits and insufficient means, Felix perished at the sharp tail of the Fish Dragon after inflicting a severe wound.


    ¡°Losing the ¡®ughter Sword,¡¯ forming half of the Silver Wings¡­¡±


    Felix sighed, unable to decide whether it was a loss or gain.


    Magic Power was naturally of utmost importance to a Mage, but the ughter Sword was a crucial lifeline for his current predicament¡ªif not for the assistance of the ughter Sword, he would have been unable to evade multiple assassination attempts.


    ¡°However, this also means I can inherit more of my mother¡¯s legacy.¡±


    Felix¡¯s face darkened as he clenched his fist, ¡°Just you wait, Bessel, one day, I will make you kneel and apologize to mother¡­¡±


    Due to his physical weakness and not having moved the whole night, his chest felt ufortable and his breathing was unsteady. Since he was alone in the meditation quiet room, he undid his chest wrap, and tworge ¡®white rabbits¡¯ burst out to breathe the free air. He also rxedpletely and rested against the wall for quite a while.


    Half an hourter, Felix dressed and left the Meditation Building, stepping into the sunlight scattered with dazzling stars.


    Still, having just experienced death for the first time, Felix felt a sudden loss of control over his lower half as he walked. He stumbled and was about to fall when he quickly propped himself up with his sword case.


    ¡°Heh, why is young master Vosloda in such a bad mood so early in the morning, taking it out on the ground?¡±


    A hand reached from behind and pressed on Felix¡¯s shoulder, helping to steady his form.


    Felix turned around and said calmly, ¡°You seem to be in a good mood, had a good harvest?¡±


    Sonia passed by him with a refreshing look, raised her eyebrows and said, ¡°You could say that. This afternoon in Professor Trozan¡¯s office, you¡¯ll know.¡±


    Petty triumph.


    Although Sonia¡¯s talent for swordsmanship was indeed one in a million, Felix had also discerned her character ws: vain, gued with an inferiorityplex coupled with arrogance, and possessive of cunning without great wisdom¡­ Without her talent for swordsmanship, Sonia would be no different from those vulgar Female Mages he had encountered.


    Now she was, at best, a vulgar Vige Girl with a talent for swordsmanship.


    Truly¡­ enviable.


    Others might think that Felix was also a prodigy in swordsmanship, but he knew well that without the ¡®affectionate¡¯ Technique Spirit left by his mother, he would never have been able to cultivate the Wave Motion Stance to the degree necessary to summon a Technique Spirit so quickly.


    And he had paid a significant price for it¡ªwithout Magic Power, to activate the ¡®affectionate¡¯ Magic Power, he had to constantly change girlfriends to trigger the Resonance with the Technique Spirit, leading to his notorious reputation and almost bing the shame of the Vosloda Family.


    But now things were different.


    After traversing the Vortex, Sonia had been left far behind by him, no longer qualified to be hispetitor.


    His goal should be Reonie, the orange dancer, and those Monsters at Truth University¡ª


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Felix suddenly felt a familiar flow.


    He looked up and saw many students covertly watching Sonia.


    News of Reonie being ¡®defeated¡¯ by Sonia had spread throughout all Mage Universities in Jiale City by the previous day. Sonia undoubtedly became the most prominent student at the moment, and she seemed to thoroughly enjoy this attention, adopting a supposedly modest and unassuming demeanor as she casually walked away.


    However, Felix felt that Sonia seemed to be drawing a very familiar type of energy from all this attention!


    ¡®Blindsight¡¯ Technique Spirit, activate!


    Felix closed his eyes, and in an instant, the world vanished from his sight. In the pitch darkness, he saw wisps of blood-red mist flowing towards Sonia¡¯s location!


    That was Killing Intent!


    And the passive effect of the ¡®ughter Sword¡¯ was precisely the ability to absorb the Killing Intent others directed at oneself!


    Though there were numerous Technique Spirits capable of absorbing Killing Intent, for some reason, Felix was absolutely certain Sonia had just acquired a new ¡®ughter Sword¡¯ Technique Spirit!


    Was the ¡®ughter Sword¡¯ she received the same one that the Fish-Slicing Dragon snatched from me?


    Felix immediately dismissed the thought as soon as it emerged¡ªwhat were the odds?


    Moreover, the ce where Felix fought the Fish-Slicing Dragon was near the Vortex. If it was such a coincidence, wouldn¡¯t it mean that Sonia also happened to cross through the Vortex? But before Felix died, he clearly saw the Vortex shrinking to an almost imperceptible size.


    Sonia must have just been lucky, acquiring a wild ¡®ughter Sword¡¯ Technique Spirit.


    Felix was so consumed by jealousy that he became hungry¡ªan aftereffect of his soul damage. Any emotional fluctuation tranted directly to his gastrointestinal organs; a good mood meant a feeling of fullness and a bad mood led to unbearable hunger. Furthermore, he couldn¡¯t indulge in avish meal, or else he¡¯d suffer constipation.


    Once he calmed down, Felix pondered whether there was any chance of obtaining the ¡®ughter Sword¡¯ from Sonia.


    He quickly shook his head.


    To take it by force would mean dealing with Professor Trozan, who stood behind Sonia;


    To buy it, there were plenty others who wanted it, and hecked the capital topete.


    It was just that the ughter Sword was too crucial to him. If there was no hope, he would have let it go, but now there was a chance to recover his loss¡­


    Felix gritted his teeth, opened his eyes, and shouted at Sonia, who hadn¡¯t yet walked far:


    ¡°Sonia!¡±

 Chapter 71 - 67 Do not respond! Do not respond!

    Chapter 71: Chapter 67 Do not respond! Do not respond!


    Kingdom of Blood Moon, Shattered Lake Prison.


    ¡°If hurt enough, use a pair of hands to swiftly slice away yesterday¡¯s curse. Wait for daylight in the night, leaving scars¡­¡±


    Ig woke up from the velvet king-size bed, yawning as he went to the bathroom to take off his pajamas and nightcap. He first tested the water with his toes before lying down in the bathtub filled with warm water on a timer, enjoying a morning bath.


    To be able to take a bath at any time, Ig paid the price of 1 contribution point every 3 days to stay in this upscale dormitory. As a result, his contribution points were quite tight¡ªin five months of stay, he would consume 50 contribution points, equivalent to the initial total contribution of a death row inmate.


    However, he thought it was worth more than the cost, as taking baths was not only Ig¡¯s hobby but seemingly also the hobby of the ¡°Contract¡± Technique Spirit.


    Once, while bathing, Ig fell asleep from exhaustion. Amid his groggy daze, he vaguely saw the ¡°Contract¡± Technique Spirit riding a yellow duck, ying in the water in the tub.


    Though the ¡°Contract¡± Technique Spirit disappeared as soon as Ig opened his eyes, as if it had never been there, Ig trusted his judgment¡ªthe ¡°Contract¡± Technique Spirit really liked bathing.


    If discussed outside, this would merely be an interesting topic of casual conversation with no practical significance.


    While Technique Spirits undeniably possess wisdom and emotional preferences, most Mages hardly ever pay attention to them. After all, as long as there is an output of Magic Power, the Technique Spirit must obey the Mage¡¯smand, even if reluctantly.


    However, in Shattered Lake Prison, this information became Ig¡¯s life-saving trump card¡ªin an environment where no one could output Magic Power, the death row inmates who wished to cast spells would have to rely on triggering a Resonance with the Technique Spirit. Thus, whether the Technique Spirit would cooperate became an extremely crucial factor!


    Though Ig was still unsure if his almost guaranteed activation of the ¡°Contract¡± Technique Spirit in prison had anything to do with his frequent pleasing baths, he adhered to the adage, ¡°The more you do, the more mistakes; if you do nothing, you make no mistakes.¡± The prison was not a ce for conducting research, so as long as Ig had surplus contribution points, he would not change his slightly ¡°luxurious¡± lifestyle.


    After taking a nap in the bathtub, Ig didn¡¯t bother dressing and directly went to wash up after toweling off. He emptied his mind, thinking of nothing, letting himself be nk and absentminded, mechanically brushing his teeth in front of the mirror, with grand motions that flicked toothpaste foam onto the mirror.


    Soon, the sttered toothpaste foam flowed along the mirror, curiously forming words.


    This meant that Ig had sessfully activated another one of his Technique Spirits, ¡°Revtion.¡±


    ¡°Revtion¡± Technique Spirit was a spoil Ig found previously in the Void Realm, universally applicable¡ªyou could activate ¡°Revtion¡± before doing anything and the surrounding environment would change, giving useful hints.


    After entering prison, Ig had tried many methods before finding the right way to trigger the ¡°Revtion¡± Technique Spirit: while brushing his teeth, he had to empty his mind but not fully; he needed to maintain a slight ¡°I want some advice¡± thought to hook the Technique Spirit into a Resonance.


    This bnce was hard to achieve, and Ig wasn¡¯t sessful every day, but today he was lucky.


    @@novelbin@@


    Yet, Ig merely treated this process as a minor adjustment in his prison life, as most advice from ¡°Revtion¡± was trivial like ¡°Don¡¯t eat heavy for lunch,¡± ¡°Remember to bring tissues,¡± ¡°Don¡¯t wear underwear.¡±


    These pieces of advice were indeed useful, but only slightly.


    Even if Ig didn¡¯t follow them, it wouldn¡¯t pose any harm.


    But that was expected, as Ig hadn¡¯t studied the Prophetic Faction, and being able to utilize ¡°Revtion¡± to such an extent was alreadymendable.


    If sometime ¡°Revtion¡± gave a very stern warning, then Ig should be afraid¡ªbecause that would mean that Ig had reached a critical juncture of Fate, a poignant Veil of unknown entwining fates was imminent, so much so that ¡°Revtion¡± would react!


    For example, now!


    In Ig¡¯s increasingly horrified eyes, the toothpaste foam left a chilling warning on the mirror:


    ¡°Do not respond! Do not respond!¡±


    It was the first time Ig saw punctuation marks in the tips, and they were even exmation marks!


    He quickly calmed down, contemting whether he should follow the guidance of Revtion.


    Because the guidance from Revtion was not always correct.


    Or rather, ¡°right or wrong, benefit or detriment¡± were cultural concepts unique to human society, profoundly personal. The same issue could be viewed differently in various ces, races, or even by different individuals like ¡°sleeping in.¡± Some people see it as bad, while others enjoy it.


    It¡¯s one thing when ites to minor issues like ¡°sleeping in,¡± but even with major matters like ¡°life and death,¡± many have their own opinions¡ªsome think to die young is to free the soul early, some believe it¡¯s better to live poorly than die well, some fluctuate between wanting to live and die.


    If humans themselves can¡¯t discern right from wrong, how could a Technique Spirit?


    Therefore, the hints given by ¡°Revtion¡± were often very shortsighted. The Spirit gauges by the current state of the Mage, and any incident that could potentially change this state it would deem harmful.

 Chapter 73 - 68 Wish

    Chapter 73: Chapter 68 Wish


    This new Technique Spirit was naturally the spoils fromst night¡¯s Void Realm Exploration.


    It proved that Ash and the Sword Maiden¡¯s wait had been worth it.


    On the eve of the vortex¡¯s disappearance, Ash finally saw the map prompt change from ¡°wait a moment¡± to ¡°rush in,¡± and he quickly pulled the Sword Maiden and jumped into the vortex.


    After traversing thousands of miles of sea, a severely injured Fish-Slicing Dragon appeared before Ash and hispanion.


    To deal with such a knowledge creature, Ash and the Sword Maiden naturally wouldn¡¯t speak of any chivalry, taking advantage of its weakness to im its life, they looted a total of five Technique Spirits. Unfortunately, there were no Experience Treasure Orbs, but these five Technique Spirits each had their unique uses, making it quite a bountiful harvest.


    Ash had gone to great lengths to establish a ¡°trade¡± rtionship with Ig because the newly acquired ¡°Bnce¡± Technique Spirit had given him ample confidence.


    ¡°Bnce¡±


    ¡°One-winged Technique Spirit¡±


    ¡°Restriction: The Mage must have basic mathematical knowledge such as trigonometry, sequences, and probability theory.¡±


    ¡°Basic Effect: Reflects any effect to the Caster in a certain ratio.¡±


    @@novelbin@@


    ¡°Passive Effect: Greatly enhances the Mage¡¯s sense of bnce and the ability to adjust their center of gravity.¡±


    ¡°¡®Equilibrium exists within all things.¡¯¡±


    Originally, Ash had nned to use the Bnce Technique Spirit as a counter-damage armor without much thought, but after he left the Void Realm and returned to reality, he suddenly discovered that he could easily trigger the Resonance of the Bnce Technique Spirit.


    Perhaps it was because he mastered all the basic mathematical knowledge required by the Bnce Technique Spirit, after all, they were examination points for math tests. Although his ability had regressed after four years of college and he could no longer solve problems, he could still understand the basic concepts.


    Ash had never seen a Technique Spirit that required knowledge before. ording to the Sword Maiden, it seemed that only those rted to ¡°Fate,¡± ¡°Prophecy,¡± and ¡°Truth¡± would have knowledge requirements. These Technique Spirits were rarely used inbat or production, but often yed unexpected roles, and Mages of the Prophetic Faction held high social status.


    Being able to trigger the Resonance of the Bnce Technique Spirit at any time meant that besides the Void Realm, Ash could also use the Bnce Technique Spirit to profit in the ¡°civilized society¡± of Shattered Lake Prison.


    However, the Bnce Technique Spirit belonged to that kind of ¡®Holy Mother¡¯ police who wouldn¡¯t act unless the enemy did, and it could only respond when others were casting spells with their Technique Spirits. In a prison where nobody could use Technique Spirits, the Bnce Technique Spirit actually didn¡¯t have many targets.


    Except for this ¡°good friend¡± Ash had just met.


    ¡°Not bad, Ash,¡± Ig said as lightly as he could, ¡°Since you have my wish and I have yours, we have reached an equilibrium of wishes. From now on, you live your life and I live mine, we coexist peacefully and don¡¯t infringe upon each other, creating a harmonious prison environment. How about that?¡±


    ¡°Not so great,¡± Ash replied with a slight smile, ¡°I¡¯m going to use my wish right now.¡±


    ¡°Think it through!¡± Ig¡¯s tone turned sinister, ¡°Once you use your wish, you¡¯ll have no means to threaten me! Then I can make you do anything I want, not just making you stand on your head to poop and roll around on the ground, but even losing a Death Battle Society fight on purpose!¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve thought it through.¡± Ash took a step forward, approaching Ig.


    Ig had an uneasy premonition, and as he backed away, he tried to persuade, ¡°Ash, really, there¡¯s no need to go this far. Or don¡¯t use the wish, just negotiate with me, I¡¯m your good friend, if I can help you, I definitely will¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want ¡®if,¡¯ I need you to ¡®wholeheartedly¡¯ fulfill my wish.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just an ordinary Swindler with limited abilities, Ash, you¡¯re giving me too much credit. How about this, I¡¯ll find a way to establish a Contract with another death row inmate, whatever you ask for, I¡¯ll have them satisfy you, okay? Anything at all, and with no limits on the number of times!¡±


    ¡°No good, anyone else won¡¯t do, it has to be you.¡±


    Ig¡¯s back was against the wall, with no room to retreat. Ash leaned against the wall with one hand, looking at him and said, ¡°Ig, my wish is¡ª¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t hear you, I¡¯m not listening!¡±


    Ig covered his ears with his hands and ran away, but he couldn¡¯t use any Technique Spirits, and with simr physical capabilities, Ash caught up and grabbed his arm, shouting:


    ¡°Ig, I want your help to escape from prison!¡±


    A passing Prison Guard nced at the two of them, shook his head, and left whistling.


    To the guards, derations like ¡°I¡¯m the man who will be the king of prison breaks¡± had been heard hundreds of times; naturally, they didn¡¯t take it seriously.


    Even in their hearts, the guards felt a bit of sympathy for the condemned men; after all, dreaming up such fantasies right after breakfast seemed quite pitiable.


    But the persons involved didn¡¯t think this was just babbling nonsense.


    Gasping for air, Ig looked at Ash, his expression as unsightly as if he had been punched, his back unknowingly drenched in cold sweat.


    He just knew it! He just knew it!


    What other wish could a man who had just survived the Blood Moon Judgement have, apart from the messy affairs of life and death, if not for breaking out of prison?


    The moment Ash had his wish in hand, Ig knew he was done for. It was always those good at swimming who drowned, those enamored with flowers who perished in bed; and he, a Swindler who had reaped the intelligence tax of countless victims, now found himself trapped.


    As for using his own wish to counteract Ash¡¯s wish, that was impossible¡ªbecause that would vite the restriction of ¡°helping Ash,¡± something Ig simply couldn¡¯t do!


    Ash¡¯s wish made it impossible for Ig to do anything to ¡°prevent Ash from escaping¡± from Shattered Lake Prison!


    He sighed and said, ¡°Come with me.¡±


    Ig took Ash to his room. Shattered Lake Prison did not forbid inmates from visiting each other¡¯s cells; they could even sleep together and chat without issue¡ªafter all, aside from sleeping, there wasn¡¯t much else they could do, with ¡°physical intimacy¡± among the prohibited activities ording to their imnted chips.


    Only in a couple¡¯s room could the ¡°physical intimacy¡± restriction be temporarily lifted, only Death Battle Society could temporarily lift the bat¡± restriction, and only in the toilets could the ¡°excretion¡± restriction be lifted¡ªyes, even the freedom to defecate in public was denied to the death row inmates.


    Or you could say that death row inmates actually had the same freedom as normal people, but before doing certain things, you had to report to and apply with the prison, and only if the prison allowed it could you do it.


    The difference between death row inmates and free people might be the difference between ¡°nothing is permitted withoutw¡± and ¡°everything not forbidden byw is permitted.¡±


    ¡°Your room¡¯s quite spacious.¡±


    Ash sat on the velvet bed with a flop, leaned back and sank in. Ig, who was just moving out a chair, couldn¡¯t help but twitch the corners of his mouth at this scene.


    Ash nced at him and waved his hand, ¡°Don¡¯t be so formal, rx and sit down. I¡¯m not much for etiquette; you don¡¯t need to pour me water.¡±


    What a pity, I was just thinking of scooping some water out of the toilet to quench your thirst, and if I hadn¡¯t just urinated, I might have even added some extra ingredients¡­ With resentment brewing inside, Ig sat on the chair with his fingers inteced, staring at Ash.


    ¡°Do you really want to escape?¡±


    ¡°What kind of question is that? Who living here doesn¡¯t want to escape?¡±


    ¡°A lot,¡± Ig said indifferently. ¡°Like ¡®Diamond¡¯ Teague, for instance, he doesn¡¯t want to escape. He has offended too many people outside, where it¡¯s even more dangerous for him, and aside from being a hired thug or bodyguard, Weak Faction mages don¡¯t have other means of survival. As long as he isn¡¯t selected for the Blood Moon Judgment, Teague actually lives a morefortable life here than outside.¡±


    ¡°People like Teague are not rare, or rather, anyone who has lived here for a few years has basically found a new way to survive and doesn¡¯t hold any yearnings for the outside world. To them, the outside is just arger prison, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Ig looked at Ash, secretly activated his Resonance Technique Spirit, and spoke with a tempting tone, ¡°Since you survived your first Blood Moon Judgment, unless something unexpected happens, you¡¯ll be like us, participating in the Blood Moon Judgments ording to your contribution Sequence. As long as you have enough contribution, you won¡¯t be selected.¡±


    ¡°Your strength is good, and your chances of victory in a death battle are high, which means you also have the ability to livefortably here.¡± He spread his hands, ¡°If you want, you can have a big room like this too, eat whatever you like from the restaurant, read books, watch films, drink, dance, or even pop Moon candy if you desire. Any requests you have can be discussed with the prison administration; that new ice rink was built because an inmate liked ice skating.¡±


    ¡°To people on the outside, this ce might seem like a utopia¡ªno crime, no vulgarity, nopetition, and even no work, living a calm life each day with a regr schedule and plenty of energy.¡±


    ¡°Life here isn¡¯t worse than outside.¡±


    Seeing Ash seemingly moved, Ig was secretly thrilled and couldn¡¯t help praising his own cunning.


    Ash¡¯s wish wasn¡¯t without loopholes; the premise of ¡°helping Ash escape¡± required Ash to want to escape. So as long as he convinced Ash to abandon the idea, Ig naturally wouldn¡¯t have to fulfill this wish.


    But these were also Ig¡¯s sincere feelings.


    Escape was a dead-end road with no finish line; fleeing wasn¡¯t a momentary victory, but a lifetime of torture. Not to mention whether they could escape, even if they managed to, what awaited them was a harsher challenge¡ªlike rats crossing the street, hiding their names, living in fear, and struggling to breathe the free yet filthy air in the sewers.


    And a pitiful survival, to them, was happiness easily within reach.


    A death row inmate who survived the Blood Moon Judgment knew which option to choose.


    ¡°What you say makes sense.¡±


    Ash sat up and nodded in Ig¡¯s hopeful gaze, ¡°Indeed, escaping is a perilous and uncertain path filled with thorns, and living here has its risks, but overall, it¡¯s much morefortable. If I stay here long enough, I¡¯d probably be just like you all, learning how to enjoy prison life.¡±


    Ig was delighted, ¡°Uh-huh, good that you understand, Ash, so¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I must escape, and quickly, the sooner the better!¡±


    Ash looked at Ig and slowly shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be like you all, blunted, cowardly, and broken.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to live like a¡­ dog!¡±


    Ig¡¯s expression froze.


    After a moment of silence, Ig slowly stood up.


    Snap!


    He kicked the chair over with one foot, turned around and threw a punch at the wall, but just before his fist connected, his body suddenly stiffened, the chip within blocking his kic output.


    ¡°Fascinating, so calling oneself a dog doesn¡¯t count as a curse? Must be a loophole in the chip, huh? Hahaha¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine! Escape, yes, all forms of escape!¡±


    Ig shook his hand disdainfully and said coldly, ¡°But the prerequisite for escape is that we first need to figure out a way to kill¡­ get rid of the chip in our necks! As long as that neck chip is there, never mind escaping; you can¡¯t even decide where to shit without the prison¡¯s approval! Haha, I can¡¯t do anything about that, can you, my dear cult leader, Ash Heath?¡±


    ¡°I have a way to deal with the chip.¡±


    ¡°I knew you had no¡­ what?¡±

 Chapter 75 - 70: Treasure

    Chapter 75: Chapter 70: Treasure


    Felix¡¯s treasure?


    Remembering to include your roommate when something good happens?


    Oh my gosh, we have a Saint in our dorm!


    Ingridughed and said, ¡°You¡¯re afraid that Felix has ulterior motives towards you, so you brought us along to dilute the risk, and even reminded us to inform our parents of our whereabouts, so Felix would hesitate to act, right?¡±


    Sonia shrugged, not denying it, ¡°There is a bit of that consideration. But the treasure is real¡­¡±


    Felix, watching Sonia talk eloquently, heaved a sigh inwardly, suddenly doubting whether his decision this time was an overreach.


    In the morning when leaving the Meditation Building, Felix stopped Sonia, saying he had a fantastic opportunity to share with her.


    But who was Sonia, really? She was a cunning woman who had struggled alone in the glitzy city of Jiale City, having seen the darkest sides of humanity, and she wouldn¡¯t fall for such empty promises.


    Scammers know to give small gifts before deceiving their targets; at least try to bribe me with gifts to lower my guard!


    Sugar-coated bullets, sugar-coated bullets, your bullets don¡¯t even have a sugar coating¡ªwho do you think you¡¯re fooling?


    After much persuasion, Felix finally convinced Sonia, but faced with Sonia¡¯s constant threats of ¡®forget it, I¡¯m not participating¡¯, he had no choice but to reveal his true intentions and cede the leadership to her.


    The so-called treasure was actually an inheritance left by Felix¡¯s mother. However, she had divided this inheritance into several parts, each with specific conditions that must be met, or else it would be impossible to im the inheritance forever.


    One part of the inheritance required possession of the ¡°ughter Sword¡± Technique Spirit and at least Half-winged magic power.


    Although Felix had Half-winged magic power, he had lost the ¡°ughter Sword,¡± which was both a stroke of good, yet bad luck, making an otherwise attainable treasure suddenly as difficult as reaching the heavens.


    At this moment, Sonia¡¯s ¡°ughter Sword¡± came into his view.


    @@novelbin@@


    But Felix knew that Sonia would not relinquish her precious ¡®Secret Sword Spirit Twenty-One¡¯, so he proposed a partnership to her.


    At first, he put forth a proposal he thought was very reasonable: a sham marriage. It wasn¡¯t that he wanted to take advantage of Sonia, but he had researched her background and believed this was exactly the opportunity Sonia was looking for.


    ording to the Noble Emblem Law, any rtionship recognized by the Noble House is legally valid. Felix knew that what Sonia most desired was a noble status that would allow her to live a dignified life in Jiale City, but the path to ennoblement was rugged and tough. Inparison, marrying into nobility seemed like a shortcut.


    By marrying Felix, Sonia would immediately obtain the Vosloda Family Emblem. She could not only receive monthly maintenance funds from the family fund but also enjoy the family Mage training system. The ¡°Dragon¡¯s Belly Scales,¡± ¡°Dragon¡¯s Banquet,¡± and other Miracles would also be open to her.


    Most importantly, she could use the Vosloda Family Emblem to bypass the residence restrictions of Jiale City, enjoy noble privileges, purchase property without restrictions, and choose her Profession without restrictions.


    She could even change her mother¡¯s residency from agricultural town resident to a resident of Jiale City.


    Felix, putting himself in her shoes, knew Sonia certainly valued her mother, who had single-handedly raised her after bing a widow early in life. If possible, she definitely wanted her mother to enjoy a good life sooner rather thanter.


    However, even if Sonia was exceptionally gifted, she would need at least a year and a half to deploy the Silver Wings and at least four years to deploy the Golden Wings. If she aimed to reach the Three-winged Holy Realm within ten years, she needed both luck and opportunity.


    But more likely, it would take her twenty years to reach the Three-winged Holy Realm.


    In recent years, the number of ennoblements had been decreasing, almost exclusively to those within the Holy Realm; no ennoblement, no emblem. Without a noble emblem, even if Sonia was exceptional, she could only enjoy her sess alone in Jiale City. Without the power to move her mother¡¯s residency, her mother was still subject to a thirty-day limit per year stay in Jiale City.


    Civilians must stick to their civilian duties, while nobles have the privilege to soar.


    Felix thought Sonia would happily ept, as it was akin to sparing herself twenty years of struggle.


    After all, one could always divorce after getting married. Even though it would mean losing the Vosloda Emblem, by then Sonia would have undoubtedly umted great wealth and moved her mother¡¯s residency to Jiale City. The divorce would affect none of her benefits or even her reputation¡ªnoble divorces aremon affairs, and everyone generally epts them without much thought.


    But even after Felix outlined the advantages and disadvantages, Sonia still declined the proposal.


    He could not understand why the clever and worldly Sonia would reject such a mutually beneficial proposal.


    Interest, status, fame¡ªweren¡¯t these what she wanted?


    Why did she refuse?


    Could it be that she was so confident that she could achieve everything through her own abilities in just a few years?


    Or did she look down on me, Felix, and wasn¡¯t interested in taking the so-called shortcut?


    But since n one failed, Felix could only suggest n two: splitting the treasure.


    Although the treasure was an inheritance left to him by his mother and, in theory, should not be shared with anyone else, regaining the ¡°ughter Sword¡± wasn¡¯t entirely impossible. Felix could have left the treasure for the future.


    But Felix knew that everything in the world has an expiration date.


    Power also expires.


    The restrictions ced on his mother¡¯s inheritance were specifically to help Felix.


    Whatever treasures he could open would provide massive assistance at his current stage, ensuring that Felix wouldn¡¯t obtain power he couldn¡¯t control.

 Chapter 77 - 71 Technique Spirit Relationship · Battle of Pure Love

    Chapter 77: Chapter 71 Technique Spirit Rtionship ¡¤ Battle of Pure Love


    In Jiale City, in the basement of a luxurious vi.


    As the five ovepping contracts turned to light smoke and dissipated, all five people felt as if their souls had gained a bit of weight.


    ¡°The contract has been signed, but where¡¯s the treasure?¡± Adelle looked curiously around. ¡°I get it, is it hidden inside these tables and chairs, and we need to carve away the outer wood?¡±


    It was no wonder Adelle had this thought; after all, the basement was essentially full of tables and chairs, with everything in in sight and no apparent ce to hide anything.


    ¡°The treasure isn¡¯t here,¡± Felix said.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not here, then what are we doing here?¡±


    Adelle was baffled, but the others looked as if they had expected this. Lois, frustrated with Adelle¡¯s slow uptake, pinched her cheek: ¡°Would you please pay a bit more attention in ss! We are Mages, not ordinary people. When we hide something, how could we possibly do it like normal people and hide things in the real world?¡±


    ¡°If not in the real world then where¡­ oh, the Void Realm!¡± Adelle had an epiphany. ¡°No wonder a Technique Spirit is needed to ess the treasure!¡±


    Compared to the real world filled with surprises, vicissitudes, natural disasters, and human cmities, the Void Realm was the ideal storage space: eternal and unchanging, devoid of disasters, deste and uninhabited.


    The Void Realm had never just been a ce of cultivation for Mages; it was the cornerstone of the Mage system. To this day, no one could im to havepletely researched the Void Realm. Almost every year, every month, Mages were using the Void Realm to invent new technologies.


    Mages were like children picking up seashells by the sea, with the vast unknown ocean still stretching out before them.


    The technique of storing items in the Void Realm was not new; it still hadn¡¯t beenmercialized to this day and remained a miracle exclusive to high-ranking Mages.


    The principle couldn¡¯t be simpler: find a way to fix the spatial coordinates of the Gate of Truth¡¯s Void Realm, ensuring you could reach the same Void Realm coordinates every time, making that coordinate naturally be the Mage¡¯s personal warehouse.


    Simple to say, but the Gate of Truth would randomly appear within the Technique Spirit¡¯s body, so how could its coordinates be fixed?


    This involved another little-known discipline: Rtionship of Soul Spirits.


    Since Technique Spirits possessed wisdom, they also had emotions, but Mages couldn¡¯t observe them¡ªat least Mages below the Holy Domain couldn¡¯t discern the joys and sorrows of Technique Spirits.


    However, when multiple Technique Spirits were brought close to each other, their moods were bound to change. If one could discern the pattern of these changes and stabilize the mood of one Technique Spirit in a particr state, then the Gate of Truth within it too would remain motionless, bing an eternal Void Realm coordinate!


    Felix summoned his own Wave Sword Technique Spirit and said, ¡°The moment the Wave Motion Sword shows any change in expression, you must immediately bring the ughter Sword close to it. Are you ready?¡±


    Sonia nodded and summoned her ¡®ughter Sword¡¯ Technique Spirit.


    Felix exhaled and then summoned his ¡®Emotionally Invested¡¯ Technique Spirit, a pure and lovely One-winged girl Technique Spirit.


    Externally, the Wave Sword Technique Spirit resembled a cold Swordsman. When the Emotionally Invested Spirit danced around it, its expression remained unchanged; when the Emotionally Invested Spirit grabbed its hand and shook it, there was still no change; but suddenly, when the Emotionally Invested Spirit leaned in and gave the Wave Sword Technique Spirit a peck, the eternally icy face of the Wave Sword Technique Spirit finally melted, showing a blush almost too faint to see.


    Now was the moment!


    Sonia immediately let the ughter Sword approach. The ughter Sword bore the appearance of a Swordsman in red with dual swords, wrapped in a red halo. As it neared, the Emotionally Invested Spirit hid behind the Wave Sword Technique Spirit, which fearlessly faced the ughter Sword, radiating ck waves from its entire body!


    Rtionship of Technique Spirits: Battle of Pure Love, aplished!


    Felix¡¯s gaze sharpened, his consciousness delving into the body of the Wave Sword Technique Spirit, capturing the Gate of Truth!


    Expand!


    A grey dot flew out from the body of the Technique Spirit, then swiftly expanded and ballooned, quickly bing a grey, translucent bubble.


    The grey bubble slowly grewrger in the air, even containing illusions of thunderstorms. Everyone kept their distance, daring not to approach.


    The Gate of Truth could expand, but this was almost meaningless to Mages in reality¡ªbecause only souls could enter the Void Realm.


    No matter howrge the Gate of Truth expanded, it couldn¡¯t allow Mages to bring anything with them.


    Materials could not enter the Void Realm.


    But the reverse was different.


    Objects from the Void Realm coulde through the Gate of Truth into reality. Some knowledge-based beings would even seize the opportunity to rush into reality to obtain physical bodies and wreak havoc.


    This was also the foundation upon which Technique Spirits were born. Mages evoke resonance in the Void Realm through knowledge, allowing the truths of the Void Realm to flow into the Mage¡¯s knowledge. When knowledge blended with truth, a Technique Spirit was born.


    So, Sonia and the others were so afraid they retreated to the stairwell, ready to make a run for it at the first sign of trouble.


    Because the coordinates of a Void Realm that Mages use as a storeroom are generally not very friendly ces. If a Mage were to store something on a tranquil little ind, not to mention the possibility of it being found by other Mages, more importantly, knowledge-seeking beings also need to feed.


    Felix had chosen to expand the Gate of Truth instead of entering it himself, which also meant he was aware that the corresponding location in the Void Realm was extremely dangerous and that anything could happen. There was a widely spread joke in the school that said a Mage had just opened the Gate of Truth when a shock wave knocked him out cold, likely because the corresponding location was in the midst of battle.


    Being killed by one¡¯s own Gate of Truth was considered one of the most foolish ways for a Mage to die.


    The grey foam grewrger andrger, and the thunderous visions inside it became more intense, scaring everyone so much they wanted to flee the basement. Felix, whose magic power was being consumed vigorously, turned pale and let out a grunt, disying the not yet fully formed Silver Wings on his back!


    Sonia fixed her eyes on the nearly half-congealed Silver Wings, narrowing her eyes slightly.


    The grey foam continued to expand, and suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck a nearby chair, instantly turning it into charcoal!


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    ¡°What do we do?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should wait for better weather toe back?¡±


    The crowd exchanged knowing nces at Adelle¡ªthere¡¯s no such thing as weather in the Void Realm¡­


    Just when Felix was about to reach his limit, a box suddenly fell out of the foam. He instantly cut off his magic power, and the grey foam disappeared with a pop, scattering a breeze that brushed past everyone.


    ¡°Is this the treasure?¡±


    Adelle ran up to the box that had fallen from the Void Realm, her face full of curiosity as she examined it, ¡°It looks like¡­ hey, why did it disappear¡­ hey, it¡¯s back again? Am I seeing things?¡±


    The box appeared to be made of obsidian and didn¡¯t seem special, but the moment Adelle blinked, it vanished, then reappeared when she focused again.


    ¡°Unrememberable Wood.¡± Lois¡¯s voice was soft, as if she was afraid that speaking any louder would scare the treasure chest away: ¡°If you don¡¯t pay attention for a moment, you won¡¯t see it, you¡¯ll even ignore it, and eventually you¡¯ll forget it¡­ This is a precious material that can only be obtained in the Void Realm.¡±


    ¡°Its most important use is that it can be hidden within the soul, carried out of the Void Realm by a Mage, and of course, also brought into the Void Realm by a Mage.¡±


    ¡°If the Unrememberable Wood is made into a sealed container, then nothing inside it would give off any scent, and you can even put real items inside, to be brought into the Void Realm¡­¡±


    Everyone eximed in surprise at the marvel of the Unrememberable Wood without much thought.


    Only Lois took a furtive nce at Felix, feeling a mix of shock and doubt.


    Because of her family background, she knew about such extremely rare and expensive goods.


    She distinctly remembered that the Unrememberable Wood was a rare material from the thirdyer of the Void Realm, the ¡®Distant Realm,¡¯ unattainable unless one was of the Three-winged Holy Realm.


    @@novelbin@@


    Frankly, this chest was probably worth much more than whatever was hidden inside it¡ªsuch rare items that could travel between reality and the Void Realm weren¡¯t just priceless, they were a source of chaos that could lead to murderous battles among Mages!


    Initially, Lois didn¡¯t hold high expectations for Felix¡¯s ¡®maternal inheritance¡¯; she thought it was just some items that could help a Silver Mage.


    But the moment the Unrememberable Wood box appeared, Lois couldn¡¯t help but reconsider¡ªfor his son¡¯s sake, to use a box belonging to a Three-winged Mage for the artifacts of a One-winged Mage, Felix¡¯s mother was much more extravagant than he was.


    Or perhaps, in his mother¡¯s perspective, the Unrememberable Wood box was no different from silver-level artifacts.


    Just as Lois wouldn¡¯t buy cheaper clothes because of the price difference, not because of extravagance, but because such a price gap was barely felt by her, why should shepromise?


    Felix¡¯s mother surely had other ways to preserve items, but she chose to use the Unrememberable Wood box¡ªthis only shows that a mere Unrememberable Wood box would not stir any emotions in her heart at all.


    So, what level of Mage was Felix¡¯s mother?


    Three-winged Holy Realm, Four-winged Legendary, or could it be¡­?


    Lois swallowed hard, feeling as if Sonia had led her into a trap; this was a conflict within the Vosloda Family! This was not something a mere merchant¡¯s daughter should get involved in!


    But it was toote for regrets; she had already signed a confidentiality agreement!


    ¡°Let¡¯s open it.¡±


    Felix opened the Unrememberable Wood box, and a stream of golden light surged out.

 Chapter 78 - 72 Win-Win

    Chapter 78: Chapter 72 Win-Win


    When all the items from the treasure chest wereid out on the table, everyone could not take their eyes off them, Felix included¡ªeach time his mother¡¯s inheritance revealed itself, he deeply felt her profound motherly love.


    ¡°ording to the rules, I choose first.¡±


    ¡°Please go ahead.¡±


    The contract had already stipted how distribution would work¡ª if there was only one piece of treasure, then Felix had topensate Sonia with arge sum of money;


    If there were two treasures, then they would split them equally;


    If there were multiple treasures, then Felix would choose the first one, Sonia would choose the second and third, Felix would choose the fourth and fifth, and so on.


    But Felix always had to end up with at least as many treasures as Sonia, and he would keep the wooden chest.


    Truth be told, Sonia really wanted to dispute the ownership of the wooden chest with Felix. With this chest that could transport materials back and forth between reality and the Void Realm, she could exchange resources with the Observer, which would be almost revolutionary for both her and the Observer.


    However, the contract explicitly stated that the ¡°container remains in Felix¡¯s possession,¡± and he adamantly refused, leaving Sonia no choice¡ªwho would have guessed that the chest itself would be more valuable than the treasure it held!


    Sonia had to give it up temporarily, after all, this treasure was essentially a windfall, and it made sense for Felix to take a bit more.


    If it had not been for Sonia¡¯s unexpected acquisition of the ¡°ughter Sword,¡± Felix would never have included her in the first ce.


    And Sonia had a sneaking suspicion¡ª


    Her ¡°ughter Sword¡± might just belong to Felix.


    Although Felix hadn¡¯t mentioned it, the fact that he could detect the flow of Killing Intent and recognize that Sonia possessed the ughter Sword suggested he had previously owned a Technique Spirit rted to Killing Intent¡ªlikely the ughter Sword itself.


    Otherwise, he would be like a fool with only a winess and red wine, but no corkscrew. As long as no one came with a corkscrew, he couldn¡¯t open the wine¡­ Even if Felix was such a fool, his mother, who could set up inheritances in the Void Realm, was definitely not that foolish.


    More importantly, the seriously wounded Fish-Slicing Dragon that she and the Observer fought yesterday bore wounds that very much resembled those inflicted by a Wave Motion Sword. She hadn¡¯t paid it much mind at the time, as the wounds alone proved nothing.


    @@novelbin@@


    But with each piece of evidenceid before her, even if Sonia didn¡¯t want to believe in such a coincidence, she had to trust her own logical deduction of the truth:


    Felix¡¯s only partially formed Silver Wings;


    The Void Realm treasure that required the ughter Sword to unlock;


    And the Fish-Slicing Dragon wounded by the Wave Motion Sword.


    Clearly, Felix must have also encountered the Vortexst night, gone through it, and then been attacked by the Fish-Slicing Dragon. Despite his best efforts to gravely wound the Fish-Slicing Dragon, he ultimately died and lost the ughter Sword.


    What followed was Sonia and the Observer picking up the spoils from the Vortex.


    This meant that Sonia didn¡¯t just pick up someone else¡¯s ughter Sword but also ended up splitting their treasure.


    Thinking about this made Sonia¡¯s face flush with embarrassment and her heart pound, anxious, she bowed her head, unable to meet anyone¡¯s eyes.


    Otherwise, someone would notice she was barely holding back a grin.


    What a thrill!


    Was this what they call a win-win situation?


    Picking up the ughter Sword was one win, and using it to share Felix¡¯s treasure was another win!


    Ah, praise the Observer!


    May this little herald enjoy good health!


    ¡°Sonia, it¡¯s your turn.¡±


    Sonia took a deep breath to stifle her smile and looked towards the treasures in the wooden chest.


    Sure enough, Felix had chosen the only real-world item in the chest: the Pendant Box.


    Although it wasn¡¯t apparent why, this must have been an important token left by his mother, perhaps even rted to the next inheritance; naturally, Sonia had no intention ofpeting for something she shouldn¡¯t take. She nced at the treasures in the chest and decisively picked the ¡®Crack-Sword¡¯ Technique Spirit and ¡®Sword Master Treasure Bead¡¯!


    The ¡®Crack-Sword¡¯ wasn¡¯t the best, but it was the most suitable Technique Spirit for Sonia because it could be used with the Wave Motion Sword to form the high-powered Miracle ¡®Crack Wave sh¡¯!


    If she had to rely on her own cultivation to summon it, Sonia reckoned it would take her about six months to possibly summon the ¡®Crack-Sword.¡¯ Acquiring it ahead of time not only meant saving time but also meant that Sonia could elerate her exploration of the Void Realm!


    Inst night¡¯s battle, Sonia realized her current weaknesses. Although Water Moon Miracle was indeed powerful, it had disadvantages like passive counterattacks, short attack range, and excessive consumption of Magic Power, she urgently needed an active output Miracle to coordinate with the Observer, and ¡®Miracle ¡¤ Crack Wave sh¡¯ was the most cost-effective option.


    Felix also had a Wave Motion Sword, and Sonia feared he might snatch the Crack-Sword, so naturally, she had to grab it first. As for the ¡®Sword Master Treasure Bead,¡¯ there was nothing much to say¡ªany sane Sword Master wouldn¡¯t miss such a treasure.


    But Felix¡¯s choice surprised everyone: he picked the ¡®Poison Skill Treasure Bead¡¯ and ¡®Wind Skill Treasure Bead.¡¯


    Wind Skill was fine, at least it belonged to a formal Magic Faction, but Poison Skill was a very niche faction, not only with no universities offering rted courses but evencking study books in the market, probably only certain special departments had relevant information.


    Moreover, as the younger master of Vosloda, his status did not allow him to use poison¡ª the Noble House would not permit such behavior that could tarnish the reputation of nobles!


    It was Sonia¡¯s turn again to choose, under the enthusiastic gaze of her housemates, Sonia thought over and then took away the most valuable ¡®Rushing Stream¡¯ Technique Spirit and ¡®Water Therapy¡¯ Technique Spirit.

 Chapter 82 - 75: The Region with the Best Public Security in the Country (Second Update)

    Chapter 82: Chapter 75: The Region with the Best Public Security in the Country (Second Update)


    Shattered Lake Prison.


    ¡°If I¡¯ve been hurt enough, I¡¯ll just use my own hands to joyfully sever yesterday¡¯s curse.¡±


    Ash stared at the recharge screen on the light screen, lost in thought.


    Yesterday¡¯s Void Realm Exploration had yielded little, and Ash had finally found a ¡°worthwhile¡± area, only to discover a Fish-Slicing Dragon inside.


    He and the Sword Maiden fought desperately, but in the end, they failed to kill the Fish-Slicing Dragon. Cleverly, it behaved as if it intended to die together with them, then dived into the water. Before escaping, it managed to let out two farts, and those farts were wet with both soup and technique spirits.


    Therefore, Ash and the Sword Maiden could only humiliatingly catch the Fish-Slicing Dragon¡¯s farts and watch helplessly as it disappeared into the mist.


    The offense wasn¡¯t severe, but the insult was incredibly strong.


    Once again, the Void Realm taught Ash a harsh lesson. He realized just how harsh a mage¡¯s living conditions were; no wonder the death row inmates weren¡¯t bothered about not being able to enter or leave the Void Realm¡ªit truly was a ce where effort might not lead to sess, but giving up would definitely bring ease.


    The difference between reality and the Void Realm was that reality was dominated by pay-to-y yers in a trashy game while the Void Realm was dominated by lucky yers in a trashy game. A normal mage¡¯s experience was first getting beaten up by reality and then ravished by the Void Realm, fully experiencing the unevenness of the world.


    The two technique spirits popped out by the Fish-Slicing Dragon weren¡¯t great either, so naturally, Ash decided to use them for in-app purchases¡ªas a yer who had a hellish start in reality, he could only rely on in-app purchases to change his fate.


    The problem arose when Ash suddenly realized, while recharging ¡°Aurora¡¯s Mage Manual¡±, that a one-winged technique spirit was only worth 8 points!


    Just two days ago, it could still fetch 10 points!


    What happened? Did the game system fix some Apple recharge issue and still charge me an Apple tax?


    Five technique spirits only recharged 40 points, a full 20% less!


    However, Ash could neitherin nor inquire, not because the game system hadn¡¯t fixed theint module, but because their game simply had noint module¡­


    But Ash also had some guesses¡ªit probably rted to his strength.


    After passing through the Vortex, his Silver Wings were also more than half solidified. With the increase in his Magic Power, the power of his technique spirits naturally rose as well. For him and the Sword Maiden, the difficulty of exploring the Void Realm dropped significantly. The most obvious manifestation was the increase in ¡®worthwhile¡¯ and ¡®a bit troublesome¡¯ areas on the Void Realm Map, and ¡®suicidal¡¯ areas only appeared asionally.


    Once the Silver Wings unfolded fully, Ash feared he might achieve technique spirit freedom and harvest seven or eight technique spirits every night, potentially overwhelming the game system, with the first thing every morning being to pull a ten-pull to test his luck.


    But that was clearly impossible.


    Even if Ash¡¯s brain, after years of being a social drone, had lost its imagination and he used all his thinking power on choosing what to have for lunch, he knew something was definitely off with the game system; it wouldn¡¯t leave such an obvious loophole.


    Obviously, to prevent number crashes, the game system¡¯s method was to reduce earnings.


    Or in other words, a taxation mechanism.


    Ash estimated that after he advanced to a Two-winged Mage, the price of a one-winged technique spirit would lower to 5 points or even less. When he unfolded Three Wings, the price of a one-winged technique spirit might drop so low that he wouldn¡¯t bother picking it up if it fell to the ground.


    Ash strongly suspected that the game¡¯s selling point might be ¡®not a penny needed, all technique spirits recycled¡¯; every technique spirit harvested could be directly recharged, giving yers a feeling of ¡®this game is so considerate¡¯.


    But as a yer¡¯s strength increased, the price of the low-level technique spirits he harvested would decrease. To improve the efficiency of making money, one would need to obtain higher-level technique spirits¡­ Eventually, every yer¡¯s daily earnings would be roughly the same. As everyone knows, distributing money to everyone is like distributing to no one, so this tax mechanism essentially acts as an additional supplement to the sign-in system, effectively increasing yers¡¯ online duration.


    ¡°So, the greater the ability, the more taxes one has to pay¡­¡± Ash sighed and went out for breakfast.


    As for the newly acquired 40 points, naturally, he wouldn¡¯t touch it yet. He had already bought a Source Crystal Pack worth 30 points and lost the double reward for the first recharge. Therefore, Ash¡¯s next small goal was the ¡®pile of Source Crystal Packs¡¯ worth 98 points.


    Arriving at the Central Hall, Ash was surprised to find many people gathered here. There was even someone arguing with a prison guard at the front, which made Ash thrilled¡ªcould a prison riot really be happening?


    He squeezed to the front and discovered that the hall¡¯s light screen was broadcasting news:


    ¡°Heartfelt congrattions to Kaimon City for being rated the safest area nationally. Mayor Fernand attended the press conference and thanked everyone for their indelible contribution¡­¡±


    Damn, this news is so sarcastic! What death row inmate would watch this news!


    Upon closer inspection, Ash noticed a notice next to the light screen:


    ¡°Special Task Volunteer Recruitment¡±


    ¡°Requirement: Two-winged Combat Mages or above¡±


    ¡°Reward: Afterpleting the special task, the prisoner¡¯s sentence will be changed from ¡®redemption¡¯ to ¡®deferred for five years,¡¯ and they will receive a public position in the Government Affairs Hall, a house in the district of Kaimon City, and a one-time subsidy of 800 Gold Coins.¡±


    ¡°Number of participants: No limit¡±


    ¡°I, I am a Two-winged Composite Mage, with the Golden Wings fully unfolded,pletely mastering the Fire Technique Faction and Wind Technique Faction, and I also know the Miracle ¡®Dragon Annihtion Verse¡¯! Why won¡¯t you choose me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m also here, and I¡¯m a Two-winged Gun Master, a former member of the Blood Moon Hunter, with a distinguished record and solid roots. I just made a misstep that led me to Shattered Lake. It only makes sense to choose someone like me, a former hunter!¡± she eximed.


    ¡°But you can¡¯t just refuse without a reason! There¡¯s no limit on the number of people; why can¡¯t you allow me to volunteer?¡±


    ¡°I actually don¡¯t care about getting out of prison; I just want to do something to contribute to society. Why stop me from serving the country?¡±


    The prison guard sitting at the registration desk upfront turned a cold shoulder,pletely ignoring the job seekers¡¯ wails and said coldly, ¡°Next.¡±


    @@novelbin@@


    Ash also wanted to register, but unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t even a Two-winged Mage, so he didn¡¯t even qualify to submit a resume. However, he was unwilling to leave and just stood aside watching helplessly, unsure of what he was waiting for.


    ¡°What a great opportunity, but you can¡¯t seize it. Now, you look like a vulgar man who knows he isn¡¯t qualified to court a woman, but hopes that a beautifuldy will suddenly turn blind and agree to spend a pleasant night with you.¡±


    Ash nced at Ig. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to sign up?¡±


    ¡°I did sign up, but unfortunately, I wasn¡¯t chosen,¡± Ig said, looking at the crowded registration point and shaking his head. ¡°Luckily, they didn¡¯t choose me; I have no confidence in surviving this special mission.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what the special mission is?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡ªI¡¯m guessing. I¡¯ve observed that the chosen death row inmates mainly specialize in Water Magic, Earth Magic, Wind Skill, and Light Magic factions.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s special about these magic factions?¡±


    ¡°Let me put it clearly¡ªThe chosen death row inmates¡¯ charges generally include these: repeated resistance to arrest, long-term evasion, a history of crime, and offenses in multiple cities.¡±


    Resistance to arrest, long-term evasion?


    Ash recalled the formidable strength of the Crime Hunting Hall¡¯s Blood Frenzy Hunters and suddenly realized something: ¡°Are they very adept at escaping?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Ig nodded. ¡°This special mission probably doesn¡¯t require fighting or socializing, but rather needs volunteers with extensive experience in evasion and survival. No matter how you look at it, it¡¯s an extremely dangerous reconnaissance mission. It¡¯s no surprise that the only people in Kaimon City who meet these criteria are all in Shattered Lake Prison.¡±


    ¡°Yet it turns out that there are missions that can pardon death row inmates,¡± Ash said. ¡°Does this happen often? Have there been death row inmates who legitimately left through these missions before?¡±


    ¡°How could that be possible? I¡¯ve lived here for over a year and it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen it. I just asked some of the other long-term prisoners, and they too have never seen a mission that could pardon a death row inmate. Previous special missions at most rewarded death row inmates with some contribution.¡±


    Ig narrowed his eyes slightly: ¡°Speaking of proposals that pardon death row inmates, the Order Organization would definitely not approve of it, and the council would debate it for a long time¡­ What immense interests must be involved for the Order Organization to pass such a dangerous proposal?¡±


    ¡°Order Organization?¡± Ash heard a new term.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know? It¡¯s a faction in the council and is antagonistic to the Human Rights Association. The Human Rights Association advocates for humans as ends, all regtions should aim to protect people and not treat them as expendable items; while the Order Organization advocates for absolute order, regtions must be strictly upheld, and human emotional appeals need not be considered.¡±


    ¡°Most legitive proposals need to strike a bnce between these two organizations to get passed. Like the Blood Moon Judgement, which is the result of many years of debate between the Order Organization and the Human Rights Association. The Order Organization wants the death row inmates to die as quickly as possible, while the Human Rights Association believes there is a chance for death row inmates to reform. Blood Moon Judgement allows some death row inmates to live and contribute societal value while handing the judgment power to the public, thereby gaining unanimous approval from the council members.¡±


    Ig nced at Ash: ¡°Like your ¡®enhanced¡¯ Blood Moon Judgement the day before yesterday, the Order Organization definitely exerted a lot of effort¡­ I forgot to mention, Councilor Professor Selin is a member of the Order Organization.¡±


    Hearing this news, Ash¡¯s desire to escape from prison grew even stronger¡ªWith such a viin fanning the mes outside, thew could no longer shield Ash.


    ¡°So, what exactly is the special mission?¡±


    ¡°A benefit sufficient to keep the Order Organization quiet, recruiting volunteers skilled in evasion and survival, coupled with the nearing spring-summer transition¡­ Thinking it over, there seems to be only one possibility.¡±


    Ig continued, ¡°There appeared a stable Void Turbulence in Kaimon City, which might contain a passage to other realms.¡±


    ¡°If a stable Void Realm passage is found, that would indeed be a feat that could please the Blood Moon.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Jiale City, Sword Flower University.


    Besides Ingrid who went for an early morning run, the other three were in the dormitory.


    Looking at Adelle, who was sleeping with a plush toy, Lois got out of bed, picked up the ice spring water spray and sprayed her face with it, reviving herselfpletely¡ªit was indeed a harsh wake-up skincare routine.


    By then, Sonia was already showering in the bathroom, so Lois had to wash her face and then apply a thick jelly mask, squeezing in some book reading time¡ªshe couldn¡¯t use a sheet mask as the essence would drip down her chin.


    To quickly be a Water Mage and retrieve the ¡°Rushing Stream¡± Technique Spirit from Sonia, Lois had no choice but to reduce her skincare and makeup time to spare for cultivation.


    During such moments, Lois always felt a mix of defiance and admiration for Sonia¡ªhow could there be such a scheming person in this world who had time to beautify themselves and still learn at a fast pace?


    Suddenly, the Miracle Bracelet vibrated slightly. Lois pressed to check and saw it was a message from the meteorological station.


    ¡°Meteorological Mage announces that this week is the Week of Void Turbulence; the probability of encountering Void Realm passages in areas surrounding Jiale City has increased. Please report any discoveries of Void Realm passages or unidentified individuals immediately to the police department.¡±