"Strengthen the city defenses?"
At the moment, Enbillick was staying in the Temple's VIP guest room, reading the latest intelligence.
His children were napping on the bed, while his wife, with her back to him, was busy arranging flowers in a vase—snip, snip. The sharp scissors cut through the flower stems, producing a fine and crisp sound.
Outside, a joint squad of Players and knights was tirelessly protecting the "Golden Sword family" day and night.
Star Stealer Sol casually crumpled up the letter, a flame completely consuming it, leaving not even ashes behind.
Just as he predicted, those two had entered the city under the name of "Hero Drake". Indeed, he hadn't felt the presence of Nol and Teest, presumably, [God's Forsaken] was still effective.
The Lost Tower had disappeared without a trace before, and Teest had come into contact with the remnants of Perradat's avatar. He thought he had reason to believe that those two people had teamed up with that useless Floating Cocoon—even if that guy's powers were incomplete, the "concealment" ability was still troublesome.
That was why he had specifically set up this scenario, letting them walk into the trap themselves.
Whether in business or in divine battles, Enbillick always liked kind opponents—evildoers could be evil in a thousand bizarre ways, but the moral codes of good people were largely similar.
Just like now, Nol knew Bissus City was a huge trap but still had to fight on his own terms.
"Strengthening city defenses—that's your first move." Star Stealer Sol tapped his fingertips on the edge of the table. "Too boring."
Since the other party chose to appear as "Drake", they would inevitably be restricted by the identity of "Drake" as the spokesperson, unable to do anything too outrageous.
Try to seal off Bissus City, cutting off the attacks from external monsters, then make the Lost Tower appear outside the city, drawing the Players' attention.
Those two would take advantage of the Players' relaxed period to quickly move out and assassinate Enbillick Alva.
…Too naive.
Even the former "Mad Monk" had been collared by Nol, tamed to a laughable extent. Once the plan failed, even if he did nothing, those two would face the furious onslaught of Players.
But then again, how could he possibly do nothing?
"Darling, things outside seem to be getting worse." Enbillick approached Avra from behind and spoke in a gentle tone. "It's my fault. I thought it would be safe here… I shouldn't have brought you and the children here."
Avra adjusted the bouquet of roses—the rose petals were radiant, sparkling with a silky champagne gold. Her hair, neither long nor short, was tied back, making her appear gentle yet capable.
"Of course, it's not your fault." Avra's tone was playful, slow, and clear. "The children were clamoring for a change of place, and I agreed. Given the choice, I would also choose Bissus."
"Let's go to the Great Temple Square for prayers every evening starting today." Enbillick suggested in a way that sounded less like a question. "This is the land of the Temple of Life, and in these dire times, we should still show a cooperative attitude."
Avra stopped arranging the flowers. "The square is crowded, and it's hard to guard. The children won't be safe."
"That's the Great Temple Square, the holiest of holy lands," Enbillick continued cheerfully, his hands resting on Avra's shoulders. "Every morning and evening, the clergy lead the people in praising God. I promise, at that moment, the Great Temple Square is the safest place in the world."
"Alright, I trust you," After a moment of silence, Avra responded gently.
The children slept quietly. The freshly trimmed bouquet still glistened with dew, as if it would never wilt.
Enbillick nodded contentedly. This was good. Compared to staying in the Temple's guest room full of innocent people, a spacious place was more conducive to assassination.
He hoped those two would make good use of this opportunity.
The Golden Sword family's reasons were too devout and righteous, and the Players and knights responsible for their protection had no complaints. The sun slowly set, and it was soon time for the first evening prayer.
The children, having woken up, clung to their mother's skirt and walked step by step towards the Great Temple Square. They curiously observed this unfamiliar place—not many important figures lived in the Temple's guest rooms. Most people here wore the long robes of the Temple of Life or the armor of the Evergreen Knights. Players from the Saints Guild naturally dressed to match the Temple's style, gathering like a flock of white sheep.
By contrast, the Golden Sword family stood out like a sore thumb.
The Great Temple Square faced east and backed west, strictly designed according to the sun's trajectory.
Morning prayers on the square faced the sunlight directly, dazzling and vibrant like dew on leaf tips. Evening prayers on the square, just as the sun sets, would pass through the statue of the Goddess of Life right in front of the Temple. The Goddess of Life held a basket entwined with vines and flowers. From the square's perspective, the setting sun would turn into a ripe fruit falling into the basket.
The scene couldn't be more sacred.
Enbillick glanced over the square, spotting a high-ranking archbishop coordinating the evening prayer, along with the Fifth Brigade. Eugene Malloy, fully armed, was conversing with the elderly archbishop.
Following the archbishop was "Hot Ash" from the Homeward Saints Guild. This knight had devoted himself to training recently, gaining another level of strength. Encased in sealed new armor, his facial expression was hidden.
With Hot Ash leading, a dozen or so top fighters from the Saints Guild also stood on the square. Judging by this setup, they were guarding the two important NPCs: "The Archbishop of the Temple of Life" and "Captain Eugene Malloy of the Fifth Brigade".
A decent arrangement. Enbillick withdrew his gaze.
With Nol and Teest's caution, they wouldn't make their move on the first day. Today, his appearance here was just to signal them… Huh?
Somehow, beneath the giant statue of the Goddess, a figure in a tattered cloak appeared. The man stood under the Goddess's feet, facing the slowly setting sun, raising his arms high. Before the crowd could react, a beam of golden flame shot straight into the sky.
At this moment, the sky was burning with orange-red twilight, and this beam was particularly eye-catching.
It exploded above the sky, creating ripples. The vast city seemed to be covered by an invisible, transparent dome, making Eugene frown involuntarily—this strong magical aura reminded him of the altars hidden by the Eternal Church.
Concealment and protection imbued with dragon essence.
The man's intentions were probably good, but such actions must be approved by the Temple. Anyway, he had to be brought down first.
Eugene drew his sword and charged towards the man beneath the statue. The man didn't dodge or hide. He simply removed his hood.
The moment Eugene saw the man's attire, he abruptly stopped. It was Hero Drake—his clothes was exactly the same as when he was in Eternal Day City. Although there were slight changes in facial features and eye color, Eugene remembered the man's power fluctuations. Quiet and resilient, with a subtle hint of death's chill.
A snow-white cat circled his feet, clawing at his bootlaces. Drake nodded to Eugene, still with a stern face.
Without a doubt, that was the envoy of the Goddess of Life.
"You didn't contact the Temple." Eugene maintained a certain distance from Drake, performing a knight's salute. His words carried no emotion, more stating a fact than an accusation. "With high alert everywhere, and your previous associations with Paradise, it's better to consult the Temple first."
"I only act on the will of God." Drake was terse, and his voice was somewhat hoarse.
His gaze passed over Eugene's shoulder, looking towards Enbillick Alva on the square.
Enbillick: "…Hah."
He hadn't expected the other party to be so rash. Was it to catch him off guard?
Those two didn't just "strengthen the defenses". A massive magical barrier covered the entire city, also secretly incorporating Perradat's "concealment", weakening the connection between his avatar and true body.
Nol's approach was stronger than he had anticipated, evidently planning for a quick resolution.
What a pity, that won't work.
Perradat's strength was still insufficient. This protective barrier could only weaken the connection between the avatar and the true body, not completely sever it—this approach was akin to numbing his senses, but his body could still move.
Once the battle really starts, just breaking the dome with his true body would suffice.
Perradat might protect the Lost Tower but couldn't make the vast Bissus sprout legs and run. Such a large target, Star Stealer Sol could find Bissus with his eyes closed.
However, now "Drake" was in excellent condition, and Enbillick had no confidence in achieving a one-strike kill. It was better to wait and see, wearing down the opponent's strength.
Thus, Enbillick pretended to know nothing, continuing to "seriously" pray. He gathered strength, silently preparing to rewind time.
Make your move.
Beside him, Avra prayed with focus. The children, not fully understanding, followed her, crossing their fingers in a wheat-sheaf gesture.
Make your move.
Drake drew his sword. The cat at his feet stared dead at Enbillick, continuing to circle Drake's heels like an eel.
Make your move.
Time passed, and the sky gradually darkened. The sunset fell into the Goddess's basket. The evening prayer was about to end, and the crowd called the name of the Goddess of Life Tilia, but Drake remained motionless.
He was still conversing with Eugene. Enbillick could make out their lip movements. Eugene was discussing the Temple's difficulties, trying to reach an agreement with the envoy. Drake responded half-heartedly, occasionally scanning the square.
…Was the other side really just scouting? This was too reckless, and not Nol's style. At this point, Enbillick was starting to become confused.
He tensed up, ready to rewind time at the slightest sign of trouble.
The evening prayer reached its final stage. As important figures from afar, Enbillick's family, along with other distinguished guests, stepped forward to receive a special blessing from the archbishop.
As the blessing ended, those who had come for the evening prayer were about to leave. Was the opposition planning to wait until most of the populace had left to make their move during their return journey?
Or did that person accurately predict Eugene's approach, intending only to steal the god-slaying sword this time?
Enbillick feigned devoutness, bowing his head as the archbishop babbled blessings. With the corner of his eye, he glanced towards Drake—Drake still stood obediently in his spot, his sword never sheathed.
As night fell, perhaps due to the deepening shadows, a vague smile appeared on Drake's face.
The next second, the magical lamps decorating the surroundings of the square lit up together.
"…The Supreme Lady Tilia will protect your family and your lineage. The glory of the Goddess is with the four of you."
The moment the lights flashed, the archbishop skillfully concluded the blessing—such an effect was perfect, ensuring the congregation wouldn't miss this moment.
At that moment, Enbillick suddenly felt emptiness in his body. Before he could think, a flash of silver light streaked by.
"Thank you for your blessing."
Next to him, Avra said it with a smile. Her right hand hung down, with blood dripping down the blade of the small knife.
Her cheek splattered with blood, just like the moment not long ago when Painter slashed open his throat. Only this time, someone else had their throat slit—
Enbillick touched his own neck. He felt the hot blood and saw astonishment in the archbishop's eyes.
Damn it.
That knife… the so-called self-defense blade, was unremarkable. It had been concealed by Perradat at some point. It couldn't hurt him. Even if his head was severed by that knife, it would have no effect—only because his avatar's physical strength was ordinary, to avoid suspicion, he could "get hurt" like a normal person.
His attention had been on Drake, then drawn by the emptiness in his body. He had no defenses against that lifeless woman… Such a lifeless person, making such a move, Avra didn't even emit any killing intent.
Just like cutting off a flower branch, her smile unchanged.
The moment he touched the wound on his neck, Enbillick quickly made a judgment.
Something was very wrong—very wrong. Drake definitely had a plan, taking advantage of the avatar not receiving substantial damage, he must rewind…
Enbillick Alva was only injured, not witnessed dead. This surely wasn't a major event. Everything could still be changed…
…Could it still be changed?
…Why did he feel resistance from fate?
For the first time, Enbillick shifted his gaze from Drake, looking towards the people beside him.
"'Avra' isn't my name. I inherited it from someone else. 'Alva' is not my surname. I inherited it from you. Our story spread across the world. That is, the story of the great merchant Enbillick Alva and a fortunate slave."
Beside Avra, the figures of the two children disappeared. Avra lifted her blood-stained skirt and curtseyed shyly to him amidst distant and near screams.
She still held the blood-dripping blade.
"The spirits say that from this moment on, everyone will 'see' me, remember 'me'."
"Darling, our story will spread across the world. That is the story of the mad murderer Avra Alva and a pitiful victim."
She showed him the bloodied blade, as if presenting a crimson flower.
Fate acknowledged it.
This woman was right. The timing, location, and characters were too special. Their romantic tale was widely circulated, turning this attack into a legend… Fate acknowledged this crime worthy of history.
Wait… Damn. With this…
Enbillick abruptly turned his head, suddenly understanding the real intention of the opposition. At this moment, his avatar indeed hadn't suffered substantial damage, but he could no longer use Avra as an "exit strategy".
From this moment on, this woman was no longer a speck of dust, but a criminal with a mad legend.
When had his plan been discovered? When did the opposition act? Why did Avra cooperate?
He had been careful to confirm every day. There were no traces of control magic on Avra, no powerful artifacts, and no special powers…
He had been so careful…
"Right." The moment her arm was raised by the Investigation Knight, Avra still maintained her everyday tone. "Darling, the spirits asked me to tell you something."
"They say, this is just the beginning."
The archbishop was just a few steps away, and in the glow of the archbishop-level healing magic, Enbillick's neck wound rapidly healed. Drake leaned against the statue, while Eugene looked up towards the sky.
As the flesh completely sealed, Enbillick instinctively looked up. The beautiful night sky cracked open before him. The four moons were no longer present, replaced by four massive, wildly tumbling eyeballs, and the vague organs exposed beyond the "rift".
They were blocked by some force, allowing everyone to barely look directly at them. The surrounding screams grew louder, and the faithful rushed towards the Temple in disregard. Darkness spread, and cries and prayers of madness filled the air. Enbillick stood in place, the murderous intent around him growing stronger.
Fate acknowledged it.
On this night, the people of the Holy Land of Bissus looked directly at the "moon".