Scheme
Default
Solarized Light
Solarized Dark
Light
Dark
Sepia
High Contrast
Font Type
Default
Times New Roman
Georgia
Palatino Linotype
Open Sans
Font Size
Very Small
Small
Medium
Large
Very Large
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The port on the west coast was narrow and dilapidated, appearing even more desolate under the leaden gray sky.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Litt swept her sharp gaze over the handful of docked boats, and without much effort, she locked onto her target.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
That was it:
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
It was an inconspicuous little fishing boat, its weather-beaten hull peeling with paint, exuding a strong fishy smell and the salty tang of seawater.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
To prevent it from being swept away by the tide or the coming storm, a thick hemp rope, soaked through with seawater, was tightly lashed to the rusted iron ring at the prow, its other end deeply embedded in a heavy wooden post on the dock.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Looking at this little fishing boat before her, Litt couldn’t understand why, during the Festival, someone would be on this boat, and that person was very likely Tessaia herself.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Though she couldn’t make sense of it, Litt was still prepared to board the boat and check it out.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Wait … something’s off…”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Just as her feet stepped onto the deck, an extremely faint yet unmistakably vivid “scent” slipped into her senses.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
On the fishing boat…there was the scent of magic.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
That could only mean there might be a magic circle present here.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
At that moment, Litt thought of the Forbidden Ritual Bafister had mentioned.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Could the magic circle for that ritual be on this fishing boat?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
With that thought, she began to carefully examine every part of the boat.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
This fishing boat was tiny, with very few places on the hull where secrets could be hidden.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Litt combed through it three times, but still found no suspicious traces.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“If it’s not on the boat…could it be underneath?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
She immediately lay down by the side of the boat, leaning her body out to look down.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The seawater was murky, and no matter how she craned her neck, it was futile.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Though it was close to shore, judging by the filthy, oil-slick water, the depth here was no joke—more than enough to drown her petite frame of one meter forty-five.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But if she wanted to be sure, she’d have to go underwater to check.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Unfortunately…she couldn’t swim.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
No matter in her previous life or this one, she was a landlubber through and through, harboring an inexplicable fear of water.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Especially after entering the water—once it reached above her mouth, she’d become extremely tense due to breathing difficulties.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
That meant there was simply no way for her to investigate the underside of the boat.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Just as Litt was contemplating whether to haul the boat ashore and examine it more thoroughly, a voice called out to her.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Li—tt—!”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
She turned toward the shore.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
There, a lively-looking White Sister was waving at Litt.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
This was the first person Litt had gotten to know after joining the White Church.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Her name was Molly, a very outgoing girl.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Molly had been the one to help Litt get used to the environment and her duties when she first entered the White Church.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Cupping her hands around her mouth like a megaphone, Molly called out again with her vibrant voice, “What are you doing daydreaming on that broken boat?!”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
As she shouted, she bounced in place twice, worried Litt might not hear her.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Hurry and come over! We’ve been looking for you! The Festival decorations aren’t done, and we’re short on hands. Come help!”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Okay.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
At Molly’s words, Litt responded, then climbed off the boat, ready to help Molly with the Festival decorations.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Though she still had many doubts in her heart, since she had work to do, she had no choice but to set the matter aside for now.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
***
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
In the cold, damp, and decay-filled sixth level of the underground city.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Red moved forward along the passage.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
A few palm-sized Bloodhunting Spiders, their bodies a dark crimson and compound eyes gleaming like ghost lights, scouted ahead and leapt through the shadows by his wings like the most loyal sentries.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Their slender feet skimmed the stone walls, leaving barely visible trails of magic, feeding every detail of the complex sixth-level tunnels back into Red’s consciousness.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Nothing…
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The horned scouts searched every corner, but the only result returned was disappointment.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Many danger zones were found, but not a single trace of Tessaia, as if she’d never set foot in this shadowy place.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But besides disappointment, he also ran into a pair of people he really didn’t want to meet.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Dawn’s Edge.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Watching Liz slaying monsters in the distance, Red couldn’t help but sigh, then turned to leave.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Letia’s analysis was probably right—Dawn’s Edge was indeed a bit strapped for cash, so much so that core members had to venture into these mid-lower levels themselves to hunt lesser monsters for materials.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
A faint, indescribable complicated feeling flitted across his heart…for some reason, it even felt a bit satisfying?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
No, no, no—Red hurriedly crushed that dangerous thought.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
What they did had nothing to do with him.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Red only wanted to leave as quickly as possible and avoid this inevitably awkward encounter.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But just as he was about to step into the deeper shadows behind him, a voice called out.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Red.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Still that cold, still that ruthless—yet…this time, there seemed to be a trace of unwillingness beneath it.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“What are you doing here?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Her voice wasn’t loud, but every word was crystal clear, carrying undisguised scrutiny and doubt, as if Red’s very presence was an offense.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
That icy gaze almost froze Red in place.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
And indeed, Red didn’t move, nor did he leave immediately.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The footsteps behind grew nearer, just like before, each one carrying an unforgettable, unhurried yet oppressive rhythm.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Finally, she stopped less than five meters behind Red.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Here to laugh at us?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Some people always prefer to assume the worst of others; perhaps Liz felt the same at that moment.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Perhaps, having been caught by Red hunting materials in the lower levels, Liz felt a strange sense of humiliation and indescribable irritation.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But Red, from beginning to end, was just passing through.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“No, I’m just looking for someone.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
He didn’t want to explain any further.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Originally, Liz thought she’d receive a cold sneer from Red, or perhaps some biting sarcasm.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But none of that happened.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Red merely replied with a polite smile, as if talking to a stranger, to answer Litz’s questioning.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
That smile…to Liz, was even more glaring.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Jessica, beside her, noticed Liz’s tightly clenched fist and her eternally cold and stubborn gaze.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Jessica couldn’t help but sigh in her heart.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
She knew full well that Liz was bound to lose, lose completely, and never be able to recover.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The harder she tried to prove something, the more she pushed the other person away, trapping herself within her own cold pride, unable to turn back.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Letia’s already using Red’s recording for her own purposes, yet you’re still standing here glaring?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
No chance of winning, and no gains either.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Liz, was there something you wanted to say to me?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“I just wanted to say…”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Liz finally spoke, “Even without you, we can still make money on our own and conquer the underground city ourselves. You…are not a necessary existence for us.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Red smiled, neither denying nor objecting.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
He simply said calmly,
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Mm, that’s good enough.”
Please consider rating the translation quality of this Chapter so we can perform Quality Control
★
★
★
★
★
Premium Chapter LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Login to buy access to this Chapter.
Post navigation
Thanks for translating
Read again!!<3