Looks like times up.

Lying in the midst of a field of flowers, Artasia spoke with a hint of sorrow and reluctance in her voice. Roel didnt respond to her remark, choosing instead to patiently wait for her to continue.

It was quite long for a first meeting though, and we even went out on a date together. I enjoyed it greatly.

Why did you ask me out on a date?

Hm?

I doubt that you asked me to accompany you just because I have the ability to bring you out of here. Witches arent known for reciprocating favors.

Roels golden eyes gleamed with composure and rationality, unfazed by the sentimentality of the situation.

The fragrance of the flowers wafted throughout the flower field. Under the warm sunlight, Artasias skin seemed to emanate a faint glow. She looked deeply into Roels eyes for a long while before her madder red eyes narrowed slightly.

Of course not. How could there be such a person amongst witches?

The adorable, mischievous look that Artasia had been maintaining all this while faded, and for the first time, she revealed a wide, enigmatic smile that looked fitting for someone dubbed as the Witch Queen.

My reason for asking you out on a date is simple. Youre the only one qualified to stand by my side.

The unexpected answer left Roel frowning doubtfully. Artasia laughed heartily at his response.

Ah, theres one more thing that Ive been wanting to do for some time now.

Oh?

Hehe, do you want to guess what it is? asked Artasia mischievously.

She snapped her fingers without waiting for a response. By the time Roel understood what was going on, he was already sitting on the throne at the center of the flower field.

!

What do you think? Its quite a good view, isnt it?

Roel widened his eyes in astonishment, unable to comprehend the significance of this move. He suddenly heard a voice beside him and turned his head sideward, only to see Artasia standing by the throne.

Ive always been the one sitting up there, gazing down upon others from a lofty position. One day, I found myself wondering how others would feel about looking at the world from the same height as me. Its just that this is not a sight I can easily share with others, but itd be a different story with you. How is it? Do you like it?

Faced with the expectant eyes of the smiling white-haired witch, Roel suddenly found himself at a loss for words. Once again, before he could answer, Artasia suddenly raised her finger and exclaimed in realization.

Oh my, how could I have forgotten? There shouldnt be anyone allowed to stand beside the throne.

Artasia covered her face in embarrassment before vanishing in the next instant. When she reappeared once more, she was already standing at the foot of the pedestal.

My position should be somewhere here Yeap!

She looked around excitedly before taking her position. Then, she turned to look at Roel and curtsied gracefully.

The moment the Witch Queen lowered her head, an inexplicable feeling started sprouting in Roels heart. Being in a position of power and superiority filled him with great euphoria, and a voice in his head told him that he could feel even better by putting even more under his control.

His usual rational self would have thought world domination to be a futile pursuit, but in this moment, he felt like there was nothing he couldnt achieve.

He felt omnipotent.

It feels better when someone is standing below you, right? What do you think? Dont people look much smaller when looking upon them from above?

Indeed they do.

Roels golden eyes gleamed faintly. He hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. Artasias smile grew even brighter at his response.

My hero, do you wish to become a king?

What?

Ive already had my fun there, but my hero, this is the first time youre sitting in that position.

No, I have no such intentions to

Roel immediately snapped out of his trance and rejected her offer, but Artasias voice sounded in his ears the next moment.

But you look so happy.

!

Roels heart skipped a beat. He jerked his head sideward and saw that Artasia was suddenly standing beside him once again. She had a gentle and understanding look on her face.

My hero, its alright for you to pursue your happiness. You should be allowed to do what you want to. As long as you will it, it can all come true.

What do you mean?

I can fulfill all your wishes in the real world, even your deepest desires. Its just that I need your help too.

What help do you need from me? asked Roel.

Artasia nodded with a brilliant smile.

The woman who came here with you, I need her to become my host for a while.

!

Oh my, you dont have to glare at me with such a frightening expression.

For the first time in this dream, Roel glared at her with utmost fury, causing her to protest indignantly.

Id at least need a body in order to help you in the real world. I can promise not to hurt her soul.

Thats out of the question!

Artasia fell silent at Roels firm rejection. She started pouting a little before eventually sighing deeply.

Haa, was I too anxious? It doesnt matter. This will do for now.

Right after she said those words, Roel suddenly felt his head growing incredibly heavy. His consciousness started to fade. The last thing he saw was the white-hared witchs playful but enigmatic smile.

Youll change your mind soon enough.

!

By the time Roel opened his eyes once more, he was already back in his room in the Worcester Castle. He lay in a daze for a moment before he suddenly thought about the white-haired witch he met in his dream and shot upward.

Artasia

Roel murmured the name of the Witch Queen as he subconsciously clenched his fists tightly. It was clear to him that this meeting with her wasnt necessarily a good thing.

Artasia had shown that she was different from Grandar and Peytra. She would only offer her help if she received compensation, and her demand was not something he was willing to fulfill.

How could Roel possibly allow her to take over Lilians body?

He felt that he had a good grasp of Artasias goal by nowshe wanted to be revived in the real world.

One thing that confused him though was how he ended up meeting with the Witch Queen.

According to what he had heard from Grandar, those who entered the Witness State without an ancient gods relic would be automatically paired up with an ancient god of a similar nature.

Basically, it worked in the same way as a certain war over a magical cup in his previous world.

It was just that having similar natures wasnt a guarantee of strength. It was possible for him to pick out SSRs like Grandar and Peytra, but it was also totally possible for him to pick out Ns.

He was certain that Witch Queen Artasia was an SSR card, but he wasnt in possession of any of her relics unless it was the Blackrose Ring. But based on what he knew, the history of the Blackrose Ring didnt trace that far back.

Unable to figure anything out, he massaged his temples and tried to calm himself down first.

On a positive note, he was the one who wielded more bargaining power in his hands at the moment, so it was possible for him to renegotiate terms with her at a later date.

Having cleared up his thoughts, he heaved a sigh of relief.

Footsteps suddenly sounded outside his room, and a light knocking sound echoed on his door.

Tok tok.

Who is it?

Lord Holy Envoy, Im Bradley.

After receiving Roels permission, Bradley walked into the room respectfully with an envelope on hand.

Lord Holy Envoy, I wasnt planning to interrupt your rest, but the Salvation Brotherhood suddenly sent a letter over, requesting for a negotiation.

Negotiation?

Roel frowned upon hearing those words. He took the envelope and read its contents carefully. It was from Sartoni, the bishop of the Salvation Brotherhood, and he was proposing a meeting at the northern city area to discuss a ceasefire.

But even though they were seeking reconciliation here, the choice of words in the letter was extremely forceful. Sartonis reluctance was practically seeping through the letter. This hinted that it was a directive coming from a higher-up, and Sartoni was being forced to obey.

Roel closed his eyes and massaged his forehead after reading the letter.

The change in attitude from the Salvation Brotherhood was likely the result of Holy Envoy Roels interference.

His arrival meant that the Saints Convocation Leinster Branch was now able to use their holy artifact, which opened up the option of forcing mutually assured destruction with the Salvation Brotherhood. Given that, the Salvation Brotherhood had no choice but to reconsider their options.

For that reason, they decided to give in for the time being and propose a ceasefire.

This wasnt a bad thing for Roel since he needed some time to look for Lilian. The meeting with Artasia had confirmed his suspicions that Lilian was inside the same Witness State as well, so he had to make sure to hold onto his position well until they finally reunited.

In order to ensure that the ceasefire went through, he would have to act like a lunatic who was ready to blow up on the enemies the moment things went south.

Bradley, wheres the item?

Its here with me. Please be assured that Im taking good care of it.

Bradley reached into his robe and carefully pulled out a small box that was around the size of a palm. Roel was surprised to learn that the so-called holy artifact was actually this small.

Is something this small really sufficient to intimidate our enemies?

With doubts floating in his mind, Roel took the box from Bradleys hand. But before he could open it, a familiar ringing sound echoed in his head, and a series of System notifications appeared before his eyes.

Ding!

The System has detected a mutated Crowns Stone.

Initializing Reconstruction of Bloodline