Chapter 44: The Next Move Against the Lord of Nightmares
The largest inn in Lavoisier City stood in the heart of the bustling commercial district. It was a five-story building, its massive potion-powered neon sign illuminating the street, its name visible from afar: “The Tawny Owl Inn.” Well-dressed merchants, their wealth evident in their attire, occasionally entered and exited the building. The glowing windows suggested a thriving business, unaffected by the recent gang war.
Although it couldn’t compare to the luxurious inns of Golden Griffin City, the inn’s modern architecture and the captivating neon lights of Lavoisier City’s nightscape gave it a unique charm.
Rebecca, despite having lived in Lavoisier City, had never visited this inn. She was excited to finally experience such luxurious accommodations. Leona, no longer intoxicated, was curled up in Abyss’s arms, quiet and docile, like a kitten. Flora was concerned about potential gang activity, especially since Eugene, the Goat Eyes Gang’s leader, had been captured by Titus and was likely experiencing his “tender care.” The Goat Eyes gang members, leaderless, might not be as disciplined.
Upon inquiring at the reception desk, they learned that the inn was now owned by Emperor Camper. After Lannis had driven the city’s previous gangs to ruin, the inn had been abandoned. Ten years ago, Emperor Camper had purchased the building, using his personal funds. It was now Lavoisier City’s designated accommodation for distinguished guests. Of course, anyone with enough money and a sense of decorum, aware that they were on the Emperor’s turf, was welcome to stay. The city’s public security issues limited tourism, but the merchants, enriched by the potion trade, often stayed here, contributing a significant portion of the Emperor’s personal income.
“We need two rooms. The three of us girls will share one, and he’ll have a separate room,” Rebecca said to the receptionist. “Luxury suites, please. Money is no object.”
The receptionist, sensing their affluence, quickly processed their request. Two adjacent luxury suites were assigned to them, costing almost three hundred imperial coins per night, a significant sum for ordinary people, but a mere trifle for their now-wealthy group.
“I thought you would request to share a room with Abyss. He would have agreed,” Flora whispered to Rebecca as they walked towards their rooms, her voice filled with amusement. “Although nothing would happen, wouldn’t that be the perfect opportunity to get closer to him?”
“Honestly, I did consider it, but I decided against it. There’s plenty of time,” Rebecca said, shaking her head slightly. “You noticed too, right? Someone else needs this night more than I do.”
They exchanged knowing glances, both looking at Leona, who was clinging to Abyss, then smiled.
…
The luxury suite was incredibly comfortable. Abyss, guided by a bellhop, entered his room, removed his clothes, and enjoyed a long, hot bath in the ensuite bathroom. Eastern Empire customs differed from those of the Western Empire. Easterners preferred soaking in warm water, unlike the hardy Westerners, who enjoyed alternating between scalding hot and icy cold baths.
He even summoned two skeletons to scrub his back, relaxing his muscles. He then dried himself and lay down on the bed.
The past few days had been eventful. Even Abyss, with his boundless energy, felt a wave of fatigue. He stretched out on the massive, soft bed, his limbs spread wide, and began contemplating his next move against the Lord of Nightmares.
That enigmatic entity seemed to hold a grudge against him. In the eyes of that world-traveling gourmet, Abyss’s fear was a delicacy, a temptation he couldn’t resist. Although he had retreated temporarily after witnessing Abyss’s unexpected abilities, he hadn’t specified a timeline for his return. His intelligence far surpassed that of the simple-minded Lord of Submergence. Abyss’s previous tactics, suitable for deceiving a child, wouldn’t work on this cunning Outer God.
What to do… Abyss considered several plans, but none seemed foolproof. He needed more information. His goal wasn’t simply to survive the Lord of Nightmares’ attacks, but to capture him, to turn him into an ally.
He had two priorities: to continue acquiring divine power, both from the Creator God and the Lord of Submergence, and to accompany Givia back to the Ossi Kingdom, to observe Prince Kevin and understand what made him so valuable that a proud Outer God would assist him.
Abyss yawned. He was still human. He had considered turning himself into an undead, but there was no precedent for a necromancer resurrecting themselves. The necromantic link couldn’t connect to oneself. And asking someone else to resurrect him? That was absurd. He would never allow anyone to control him, not even a god, let alone a mortal.
He rolled over on the bed, used a simple spell to extinguish the potion lamp, and prepared to sleep.
But as he closed his eyes, he heard soft footsteps approaching his door. He opened his eyes.
A gentle knock, irregular but soft, as if from a small hand, startled him.
He instantly knew who it was. He got out of bed, slipped on the provided slippers, and opened the door.
A small figure, her long silver hair cascading down her shoulders, still slightly damp, stood in the hallway, clutching a pillow. It was Leona, her cheeks flushed.
“A…BC, this princess needs to sleep. Help me fall asleep!” she said, her voice slurred but soft, like a kitten’s meow.
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