Chapter 336 - 336 Armored Shadows Origins

336 Armored Shadows Origins

Lumian s.h.i.+fted his focus away from thoughts of Roche Louise Sanson, the Soul Summoning Spell, and April Fools. He began recounting the tale from the very beginning, all at the behest of Franca.

In the wake of the Cordu disaster, I found myself tainted by the corruption of the evil G.o.d, Inevitability. Fortunately, the protection granted to me by Mr. Fool allowed me to retain my sanity, preventing me from transforming into a monster.

This corruption, a curse and yet a blessing, is now being extracted in stages, as per the instructions of Madam Magician. The aim is to channel this corruption into my own power, finding equilibrium with the corresponding Sequence Beyonder characteristic.

Franca was enlightened.

So, what you were referring to as a special contract is essentially the power of a Contractee? No wonder you mentioned its impossible for me to learn it.

Since Lumian didnt know the powers of a Sequence 6 of the Inevitability pathway, she deduced his current state as a dual Sequence 7 Pyromaniac and Contractee.

Lumian nodded.

Thats why Guillaume Bnet doesnt dare to meddle with my fate recklessly. The degree of corruption within me is rather substantial.

A sudden revelation crossed Francas mind. To require Mr. Fools safeguard, it means there must be G.o.dhood involved. Could there be a chance for me to receive similar boons?

Do you want to give everything a shot? Lumian clicked his tongue and asked, Are you prepared to seek out the Great Mother, engaging in daily cycles of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding? Alternatively, do you wish to put faith in the Mother Tree of Desire and drag stray dogs to bed?

Hiss Franca gasped and said, I was merely musing. Engaging in the risky business of following an evil G.o.d is out of the question for me. The immediacy of gaining Mr. Fools protection by merely brus.h.i.+ng against the power of an evil G.o.d, much like you, is a rarity indeed.

This isnt a mere brush against power. To dispel Francas unrealistic thoughts, Lumian divulged a little more. The power of Inevitability is sealed within me. In essence, I beseech Mr. Fool and the corruption within me, for a boon instead of the ent.i.ty known as Inevitability. This approach is pivotal for ensuring my very survival. Otherwise, I risk becoming unrecognizable or just dying abruptly.

Franca instinctively exhaled and said, Just tell me about the Spell of Harrumph.

Lumian restructured his narrative, stating, To prevent any indirect influences from Inevitability, I gave up the strange creatures that accompanied the knowledge bestowed by the boon. Instead, I obtained a wealth of information about creatures from the spirit world through Madam Magician. You know the rest.

The Spell of Harrumph originates from a creature of the spirit world that I summoned. Initially, I aimed to summon the Shadow of Shriek. However, whether due to my invocation being witnessed by Mr. Fool or my summoning incantation lacking precision, I cant say for certain, but the ent.i.ty I summoned greatly diverged from the description of the Shadow of Shriek

Lumian delineated the relevant summoning incantation, the concept driving its formulation, the Armored Shadows visual attributes, and its array of capabilities, all in meticulous detail. He even used his barely-pa.s.sable drawing skills to ill.u.s.trate a rudimentary schematic.

Fish Scale Armor Spell of Harrumph Night Parade of Ten Thousand Demons Soul Devouring Scream Franca softly uttered these names to herself while gazing at the sketch on the coffee table, her gaze seemingly distant.

Lumian probed, Is there an issue?

Were Aurore present, would she also react in a similar fas.h.i.+on?

Franca snapped back to the present, her expression a blend of solemnity and exhilaration.

That Armored Shadow might very well be from our world!

The world that you guys come from? Lumian hadnt expected such an answer.

Yet, it made sense. The armors design and the ability names bore a distinctive uniqueness, setting them apart from the present world.

Franca confirmed tersely.

There are many countries in our world, and the culture and language of each country are different. The Armored Shadow is very similar to some ent.i.ty in the myths and legends of the country your sister and I hail from.

Are you from the same country as Aurore? Lumian was most concerned about this.

He paused a beat before continuing, Did Mr. Fools might, combined with my imprecise incantation, summon the Armored Shadow from your world? Or did he transmigrate long ago, much like you, eventually transforming into a spirit world shadow after his demise?

Franca said excitedly, If its the former, it could signify a bridge between our two worlds. This implies the potential for our return! If its the latter, the question arises: how did he use the capabilities of our original world? Did he bring these skills along, or did he acquire them at a later time?

Resolving these mysteries would inch her closer to the truth of transmigration, potentially paving the path back home!

Franca rose from her seat, her eyes gleaming with intrigue as she faced Lumian.

Can you summon the Armored Shadow? Im keen to witness it firsthand.

I have a pact with him. The need to invoke Mr. Fools intervention is eliminated for precise summoning, Lumian observed Francas evident enthusiasm, as though she was readying to a.s.sist in setting up the altar. Steering the conversation, he added, Nonetheless, I perceive him to be immensely dangerous. While under Mr. Fools aegis, the danger is mitigated. However, if that protection wanes, we could well find ourselves killed by the shadow. Yet, should we remain sheltered by Mr. Fool, direct communication remains an impossibility, precluding spirit channeling. We can solely execute the summoning rite.

Franca frowned in disappointment.

Whats our course of action then?

Lumian pondered for a moment and said, Wait till I gather 100,000 verl dor worth of gold and fulfill the contract.

By doing so, the pacts power shall act as our s.h.i.+eld, enabling us to figure out why the Armored Shadow demands such a substantial sum.

After a thoughtful pause that spanned nearly a minute, Franca finally exhaled.

Thats all we can do for now.

Initially, her intention had been to promptly corroborate the situation concerning the Armored Shadow and extract pertinent insights from it. Subsequently, she planned to inform the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, pooling their collective effort to unearth viable solutions. However, for the time being, she had no choice but to defer these actions.

After a period of immersion in the summoning incantation, it became evident that Francas success rate in summoning was rather low, presumably due to an imprecise methodology. While it was possible that a Shadow of Shriek could be summoned, Lumian surmised that by omitting a particular descriptive line and using Lumian Lees contracted creature, the target could be pinpointed more precisely.

After a while, Jenna returned with a spread of coffee, treats, and meatloaf. The ravenous appet.i.tes that had ensued from their prior battle now found their solace in afternoon tea.

As evening approached, Anthony Reid, masquerading as a clerk, made his return to Apartment 601 at 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches.

How did it go? Lumians concern was evident, unabashedly displayed.

With his weathered top hat set aside, Anthony nodded slightly.

I trailed the lady, her butler, valet, maid, and carriage driver to 20 Rue de la Terra.s.se, within the library district.

It appears to be an alternate residence of sorts, akin to a safe house.

Franca turned her gaze towards Lumian, inquiring, Should we maintain surveillance?

Lumian ruminated for a beat and then grinned.

No need. Periodic checks to ensure they havent left will suffice.

Why? Jenna had expected Ciel to rush to deal with them to gather more information.

Lumians smile was radiant.

Behind them stands an organization known as the Sinners. Their point of contact is likely aware of Guillaume Bnets demise, prompting them to disengage and erase any traces, making investigation th.o.r.n.y.

Yet, if the Sinners find that they had managed to evade our pursuit and that theres no surveillance, what might come to pa.s.s?

Perhaps a connection will be reestablished!

Only authentic non-surveillance can convince the Sinners that the issue has faded. They could then become active anew, crawling out from their rats nest!

Dammit Jenna cursed silently.

Ciel is so sinister!

Anthony, having garnered significant intel, claimed two-thirds of the final 15,000 verl dor, leaving Jenna with a share of 5,000.

As banknotes were deftly stowed away within a.s.sorted pockets, Anthony Reid turned his attention to Lumian.

Im eager to delve into the secrets surrounding Hugues Artois and the truth behind his treachery. I hope to begin the investigation soon.

This was the primary reason for his involvement in the operation.

Very well. Lumian had already discussed this matter with Jenna and Franca.

Jenna was set to glean relevant details from the Purifiers.

As Franca was highly excited about the Armored Shadow matter, she took the initiative to suggest,

I have acquaintances from Loen. Ill see if I can obtain a battle record from the Loen military. It might shed new light on the situation.

Thats a good idea. Anthony Reids eyes lit up.

The notion of soliciting the truth directly from the attacker had not previously crossed his mind.

On Rue Anarchies forever-bustling nights, Lumian, relinquis.h.i.+ng the task of divining the incantations to Franca, walked towards Auberge du Coq Dor. There, his intent was to summon the messenger of Madam Magician, intending to relay matters regarding Guillaume Bnet, the Sinners organization, and the Armored Shadow. Concurrently, he hoped she could relay to Madam Justice and Madam Susie his readiness for their final therapy session.

Under the cool embrace of the night breeze, Lumians thoughts unfurled languidly.

After learning from Franca about the shared trait among members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, Lumians impression of Aurore crystallized.

Of course, the vagueness was something he didnt understand at first, but he deemed it of little consequence. Investigations were unwarranted.

Its no wonder that Aurore severed her familial ties to reside in Cordu, a frontier village. Its no wonder that she harbors a disinclination towards Trier. Its no wonder she always says strange words and likes to explain to me what they mean. Its no wonder her novels were different from the contemporary ones. Its no wonder she likes to say a certain philosopher from home once said only to subst.i.tute it with Emperor Roselle once said Lumian ruminated in a wordless, contemplative cadence, a sensation of calm was.h.i.+ng over him, as if he wasnt strolling on Rue Anarchie but Cordu.

It was a place he could never return to.

Simultaneously, Lumian gained an understanding of the symbolic elements in the dream.

Aurores acquisition of the land previously occupied by a deceased Warlockcould this embody her possession of Roche Louise Sansons body?

Consequently, might the legendary Warlock, Roche Louise Sanson, symbolize the original adherents of Inevitability?

Mr. Poet failed to interpret the dual symbolic meanings because he lacked crucial information previously. He had solely indicated to Lumian that they likely bore their own significance.

As his thoughts raced, Lumian returned to Room 207 and saw a simple folded letter on the table.

Letter? This doesnt seem like Madam Magicians Lumian walked over, alarmed and suspicious. He picked up the letter and unfolded it.

Two lines of elegant Intisian script graced the parchment:

I have arrived in Trier.

Hela.