Category: Dear, it’s time for your medicine!

Chapter 302: Airi, You Wouldn’t Want Me to Crush Jie Luo’s Soul Fragment, Would You?

A deadly sneak attack.

Throat and heart.

The twins’ attack was swift and merciless, leaving no time to react.

Airi smiled, anticipating the sight of Athena’s blood splattering across the snow. But a yellowish light suddenly enveloped Athena.

Screech…

The sharp daggers met resistance, a sound like scraping metal, sparks flying.

Rock Armor!

An earth-based defensive spell had materialized at the last moment, blocking the daggers.

Beautiful. As expected of Athena.

Qin Chu, hidden in the trees, praised her silently.

Her timing had been perfect. A fraction of a second later, and the daggers would have pierced her throat.

Rogues were a mage’s natural enemy.

Mages possessed immense destructive power, especially in large-scale battles, acting as mobile artillery, raining down spells upon their enemies.

But their offensive power was offset by their physical frailty.

A rogue’s sneak attack or an archer’s arrow could easily prove fatal, especially a coordinated attack by two rogues of equal strength.

However, despite blocking the attack, Athena’s situation was still precarious.

And Qin Chu had no intention of intervening.

The force of the impact sent the twins stumbling back. They quickly regained their footing, flanking Athena, their faces grim.

They hadn’t expected her to react so quickly… it could only mean one thing: she had been anticipating their attack.

What a treacherous bitch.

Not even trusting her own comrades.

Airi cursed inwardly, oblivious to her own hypocrisy.

After all, in her self-centered mind, her actions were always justified, while any action that inconvenienced her was wrong.

Athena frowned, glancing at the two small figures.

Airi clapped her hands lightly: “Impressive, Athena. You actually dodged that.”

“You knew we were going to attack?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

She was annoyed. She had thought she had hidden her intentions well.

“I contacted Sylph earlier…” Athena said calmly. “She said you two were planning to use Lomond to eliminate her… I didn’t believe you would betray a comrade… but it seems a little caution was warranted.”

Tsk!

Airi clicked her tongue. That damned Sylph.

Such a blabbermouth. I’ll cut her tongue out when I get back.

Athena asked: “Why?”

“Why what?” Airi tilted her head, feigning confusion, circling Athena slowly, as if taking a stroll. Suddenly, she clapped her hands cutely: “Oh, you mean attacking you? Why wouldn’t we? Don’t you think there are too many girls around Jie Luo?”

“I don’t want him to be surrounded by so many girls when he’s resurrected… just me… and maybe sister, is enough.”

“Shameless, big-breasted woman like you, using your body to seduce him… you don’t deserve to be near him!”

Airi glared at Athena’s figure. Tch, what’s so great about big breasts? It’s just more fat.

“Athena, you don’t think you can fight both of us, do you?”

“If you hand over Jie Luo’s soul fragment, I might let you die quickly.”

Athena’s lips twitched: “Do you think that’s possible?”

The twins didn’t notice the faint green mist slowly spreading across the ground.

The power of Plague!

While Athena wasn’t eager to use this sinister power, she had to admit it was effective.

Especially in this situation. The plague spread silently, undetectable even to skilled rogues.

She was stalling, waiting for the plague to spread, to weaken the twins.

Eileen sighed: “It seems negotiations have failed.”

As her voice faded, she vanished.

Airi smiled, continuing to circle Athena, seemingly relaxed, but her movements kept Athena’s attention divided, preventing her from sensing Eileen’s hidden presence.

Eileen, lurking in the shadows, could strike at any moment.

The uncertainty made Athena’s skin crawl… one in the open, one hidden, she was forced to divide her attention, constantly on guard.

The twins’ coordination was perfect. They used their advantage effectively, applying psychological pressure even without attacking.

Athena’s hand, gripping her staff, was slick with sweat.

The pressure intensified with each passing second. The tense atmosphere was more terrifying than actual combat.

Normally, she wouldn’t fear the twins. While she might not be able to defeat them, she could escape. But her mental strength was depleted from probing the soul fragment, a sharp pain occasionally piercing her head. She hadn’t had time to recover.

She couldn’t hold out much longer.

Qin Chu, hidden in the trees, watched with curiosity, wondering how Athena would escape this predicament.

She wasn’t one to accept defeat easily.

“Aren’t you going to help? She might actually die. You’ll lose a useful tool…” Shaye asked, perched on his shoulder.

Qin Chu shrugged: “Don’t worry, she won’t die…”

He glanced at Ireta: “With the Acting Death God here, even if she dies, opening a backdoor shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

Ireta rolled her eyes. Was her authority over death meant for opening backdoors?

Suddenly, Athena took a deep breath, her left hand opening to reveal the soul fragment.

Huh? Is she surrendering?

Qin Chu frowned. This wasn’t like her.

The twins’ gazes were drawn to the fragment, even Eileen emerging from the shadows.

Their eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Athena, you’re smarter than I thought. Should have done this earlier.”

Airi’s voice was slightly breathless: “Give me Jie Luo’s soul fragment. I’ll give you a quick death. You won’t feel a thing…”

Liar…

She would torture any woman with a better figure than her own. Killing them quickly would be a waste.

But to their surprise, Athena smiled coldly, the soul fragment rolling between her fingers: “Give it to you? In your dreams.”

Huh?

Airi didn’t understand.

If she wasn’t giving it to them, why show it?

Athena took a deep breath:

“Airi… you wouldn’t want me to crush Jie Luo’s soul fragment, would you?”

Qin Chu almost choked, suppressing a laugh. Fortunately, the three women were too focused to notice.

He had anticipated several possible escape routes for Athena, but he hadn’t expected this.

You’ve fallen.

Athena, you’ve fallen.

You weren’t like this before. Who taught you this?

He lamented her descent into depravity.

The twins were stunned, their movements freezing, their eyes wide with disbelief.

“Athena, what are you talking about? If you crush the soul fragment, then Jie Luo…”

“I’m about to die. What do I care?” Athena interrupted coldly. She didn’t add that one fragment had already been destroyed, making Jie Luo’s resurrection impossible regardless.

Airi’s lips trembled, her innocent smile faltering: “Haha, no, Athena, you wouldn’t do that…”

“Want to bet?” Athena raised an eyebrow.

She tightened her grip on the fragment.

The twins frowned, their eyes filled with anger and resentment. After a long moment, they retreated, vanishing into the forest.

The soul fragment’s integrity was crucial for Jie Luo’s resurrection. They couldn’t risk it.

Even after they were gone, Athena remained tense, her grip on the soul fragment tight.

After a long while, she finally started walking, her senses alert, ready to react if the twins reappeared.

But after only a few steps, a sharp pain shot through her ankle. She looked down to see a deep gash, her tights and the skin beneath sliced open.

A thin metal wire was embedded in the ground.

Just as Athena had subtly released the plague, Airi, while seemingly strolling around her, had been setting traps.

Her ankle nearly severed, Athena’s face paled.

Then, another wire sprang from the ground, snatching the soul fragment from her hand.

Athena, you’re still too inexperienced.

Qin Chu smirked inwardly. If it were him, he wouldn’t have given them a chance…

Chapter 301: Athena’s Peril

The moment Airi’s killing intent surfaced, Athena, lost in her confusion, grief, and inner turmoil, sensed it.

The confusion vanished from her eyes, replaced by a sharp, almost predatory glint. She gripped her staff, mana surging around her.

“Who’s there? Show yourself!”

Her voice was cold and sharp, her gaze fixed on the forest.

She sensed two distinct presences.

A moment of silence, then the rustling of leaves as two small figures emerged.

“Airi?”

“Eileen?”

Athena was slightly surprised. Qin Chu had been right. Loseweisse had sent them.

Loseweisse was too greedy. If she had focused their efforts on a single objective, either Lomond or the Snow Chain Mountains, they might have succeeded.

Instead, they had gained nothing from Lomond, and the incident had caused a rift between Sylph and the Twin Thieves, fracturing the former Hero Squad.

And here, Muse was dead.

Even this soul fragment had been given to her by Qin Chu…

Despite being in the Snow Chain Mountains and disliking Loseweisse, Athena still maintained contact through Information Magic, so she was aware of the events unfolding elsewhere.

She lowered her staff: “It’s you. What are you doing here?”

Airi smiled sweetly: “Sister Loseweisse sent us to help you and Muse.”

That damned woman’s senses are too sharp! she cursed inwardly.

She had sensed Airi’s killing intent almost immediately. Airi felt a surge of frustration.

Of course, she kept her emotions hidden, her cute face feigning innocence as she looked around, as if searching for something. After a moment, she asked: “Athena, where’s Muse?”

“Where’s he? Aren’t you here to help him?”

Athena frowned, a hint of sadness touching her face.

Despite their strained relationship and her dislike for his brutality, he had been her comrade for years. And she had killed him. A pang of guilt stabbed at her as she looked away: “He… died.”

Her simple answer stunned the twins.

Muse was dead?

Their first reaction wasn’t grief or shock, but a shared look of cold indifference.

Airi had suspected Muse might be killed by Athena.

Her prediction had come true.

Poor Muse, killed by that woman.

That shameless bitch, pretending to be sad after killing him.

They didn’t ask how or why he died. They seemed to have already concluded that Athena was responsible. Asking would be pointless. She would have prepared an excuse.

They were more concerned about something else: “What about the soul fragment? Did you get Jie Luo’s soul fragment?”

Athena nodded: “I have one of Jie Luo’s soul fragments.”

The twins’ eyes lit up, their breathing quickening.

Airi couldn’t contain her excitement, stepping forward: “Let me see it!”

It was Jie Luo’s soul fragment.

Even if this woman had killed Muse, obtaining the soul fragment was all that mattered. Everything else could be forgiven.

Although Athena knew the former Hero Squad members were devoted to Jie Luo, Airi’s near-fanatical eagerness still unnerved her. She opened her hand, revealing a shimmering crystal.

Hiss…

They instantly sensed Jie Luo’s aura emanating from the fragment.

There was no doubt. This was it.

The first step towards his resurrection.

The former Hero Squad had already sacrificed so much for this: Benson, Muse, Karsus, Ronald… four out of ten members were dead.

But it didn’t matter. As long as Jie Luo could be resurrected, even if the other nine members, including her own sister, died, Airi wouldn’t care.

And I’m sure they’ll be grateful for their sacrifice… A twisted smile touched her lips as she approached Athena, her hand reaching out.

As her fingers were about to touch the soul fragment, Athena closed her hand, pulling it away.

Airi’s face contorted with frustration and anger: “Athena, what are you doing?”

“Give me Jie Luo’s soul fragment!”

Her voice was sharp, her beautiful face twisted in a snarl.

She arched her back like an angry cat, ready to pounce.

“Why should I give it to you? It’s safe with me.”

“Besides, I found it. It’s rightfully mine,” Athena said calmly.

Airi paused, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face. She stepped back, scratching her head: “Uh, sorry, I got a little excited. You won’t hold it against me, will you, Athena?”

Athena smiled and shook her head: “Of course not… I reacted similarly when I first saw it.”

She paused, then continued: “We should head back.”

She stood up, brushing the dirt from her clothes.

The twins exchanged a look, their eyes narrowed. This bitch was clearly trying to keep the soul fragment for herself. She wasn’t on their side.

She had killed Muse and was now keeping the soul fragment.

Their suspicions were confirmed. She was Qin Chu’s spy.

This woman had to be eliminated.

A single glance was enough for them to understand each other’s intentions.

They moved to flank Athena, one on each side.

The Twin Thieves weren’t stupid, but they were self-centered and impulsive. Once they decided on a course of action, they acted without hesitation, regardless of the consequences.

The night was silent and oppressive.

Their long shadows stretched across the snow-covered ground under the silver moonlight.

The sound of their footsteps crunching on dead branches echoed through the stillness.

They chatted idly, their laughter breaking the silence.

“By the way, Athena, you haven’t told us how Muse died. What happened in the Snow Chain Mountains?” Airi asked casually.

Athena froze… she didn’t know how to answer.

Normally, she would have prepared an excuse, but her mind was too preoccupied with her own doubts and confusion.

As she hesitated, the twins’ daggers flashed, appearing in their hands.

The blades gleamed in the moonlight.

Like shadows in the night, they lunged, their daggers aimed at Athena’s neck and heart.

Their attack was swift and precise, no wasted movements. They were assassins, and few could survive their combined assault.

The Twin Thieves might not be strong in prolonged combat, but their burst damage was formidable. They were certain Athena was doomed.

Fast!

Too fast to react.

Too fast to even hear the whistling of the blades or see the glint of metal.

In a split second, their daggers were about to tear Athena’s throat and pierce her heart.

Chapter 300: Eliminate Athena?

Airi and Eileen.

They were sisters, inseparable since childhood, sharing everything. They were so close that they could anticipate each other’s thoughts and movements in battle without a single word.

Eileen believed they would remain together forever, even into old age. Despite the countless lives they had taken, they were completely open and honest with each other and with Jie Luo.

But Airi felt differently.

She was willing to share everything with her sister, except Jie Luo. She wanted him all to herself, his affection solely hers.

She wouldn’t share him with anyone, not Sylph, Athena, Ekaterina, Loseweisse, or even her own sister.

She hadn’t realized the intensity of her possessiveness until now.

She even hoped that when Jie Luo was resurrected, she would be the only one he saw, the two of them together forever. That would be true bliss.

The thought made her tremble.

Her clear eyes focused on her sister’s back, her teeth biting her lip… Should she eliminate her sister too…?

The thought startled her.

Gods, how could she think such a thing?

That was her sister. She could kill anyone, but not her sister.

No, never.

She reaffirmed her resolve.

Seemingly sensing her sister’s gaze, Eileen turned around: “Airi, what’s wrong?”

Airi shook her head, her voice clear and innocent: “Nothing, sister…”

She paused, then asked: “Sister, what do you think of Athena?”

“Athena?” Eileen tapped her cheek thoughtfully, her small figure making the gesture endearing. The image of Athena’s voluptuous figure flashed through her mind, and her face fell: “I hate her.”

In fact, she hated all women with better figures than her own.

Athena, Ekaterina, Sylph, Loseweisse… they were all targets of her resentment.

Whenever she saw a woman with a more impressive figure, she would curse them inwardly.

Once, a noble lady had looked at her flat chest with pity. That night, Eileen had snuck into her home and… ruined her figure. She had heard the woman went mad afterwards. Serves her right.

The only woman she had ever liked was a noble lady named Louisa, whose figure was even flatter than her own.

It was the first time Eileen had felt confident about her body.

She shook her head, dismissing the thought, and looked at her sister questioningly: “Why are you asking about Athena?”

“I don’t think she’s a good person,” Airi said, frowning. “I heard that shameless woman has given herself to Qin Chu, the Second Hero.”

Eileen gasped: “Really?”

Athena, so devoted to Jie Luo, had given herself to Qin Chu?

Airi nodded vigorously: “Yes, it’s true. Apparently, it was to help Qin Chu win the duel against the First Prince, to increase his mana.”

“That mana was Jie Luo’s! That shameless woman gave it to Qin Chu! How disgusting!”

“Do you think someone like that would truly be dedicated to resurrecting Jie Luo? Do you think she’s truly on our side?”

“And she’s been spending a lot of time with Qin Chu lately. They seem very close.”

“I suspect she’s Qin Chu’s spy within the former Hero Squad…” Airi said, emphasizing her words to incite her sister.

She was telling the truth, but she conveniently omitted certain details.

It worked. Eileen began to suspect Athena as well.

Airi continued: “I’m worried Muse might have been killed by her. Even if she obtained Jie Luo’s soul fragment, she wouldn’t give it to us.”

“Sister, should we… eliminate her?” A sinister glint appeared in Airi’s eyes.

…

Meanwhile, Athena, unaware of the Twin Thieves’ plot against her, remembered Qin Chu’s warning.

She had parted ways with him, feeling a pang of reluctance… but also a sense of relief.

There were things she didn’t want to do in front of him.

He was intelligent and perceptive… Like when she had gone to assist Muse, a voice had warned her to stay away, but she had ignored it.

Why had she fallen for Jie Luo?

And why had she fallen for Qin Chu?

These questions plagued her.

A voice in her head whispered, Why bother? Isn’t this good enough?, but she couldn’t ignore the questions.

And was the information from Jie Luo’s soul fragment, revealed by the mysterious woman, true, or fabricated?

She knew it was wrong to doubt her master… but… her stubbornness wouldn’t let her rest until she knew the truth.

Now, alone and away from Qin Chu, she could investigate.

She had seen Ireta probing the soul fragment. Although she had never tried it before, she felt she could do it too.

She glanced around, making sure she was alone, then stopped, placing the larger soul fragment in her hand.

She took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the fragment.

She remained in this position for a long time.

She wasn’t Ireta. She couldn’t manipulate souls as easily, neither her own nor others’. This was a significant challenge.

One minute, ten minutes, an hour…

Night fell.

Athena stood motionless, her body trembling slightly. Suddenly, a thin, black thread emerged from her forehead.

Her eyes widened slightly. It was a strand of her own soul. She carefully guided it, moving it slowly through the air, wrapping it around the soul fragment.

Then, she slowly probed its depths.

“Tsk, she actually did it,” Qin Chu muttered, watching from a distance.

Despite having parted ways, he had been following her secretly, curious to see what she would do.

As expected of the smartest member of the Hero Squad. Even with her altered memories, she had sensed something was amiss and was seeking the truth.

He didn’t intervene. This was perfect.

He wanted to see her reaction when she saw the information within the soul fragment.

“This woman’s talent is remarkable,” Ireta commented, also observing from a distance.

While Athena’s methods were crude compared to hers, they were still impressive.

This was a long and arduous process for Athena. Ireta could extract information instantly with her numerous soul threads.

But Athena only had this single, fragile strand.

Like a tentacle, it explored the soul fragment, like trying to decipher raised text with closed eyes, relying only on touch.

Despite her intelligence and willpower, it was a difficult task.

Athena meticulously analyzed the information, her face growing paler with each passing hour.

Finally, as dawn broke, she opened her eyes.

Her face was drained of color. She stumbled back, collapsing to the ground, gasping for breath.

Maintaining such intense focus for so long had taken a toll on her mental strength. A sharp pain pierced her head.

And what pained her even more was the realization that Qin Chu had been telling the truth.

The soul fragment contained a clear record of the First Hero, Jie Luo, being summoned, intercepted, his soul destroyed, and his body taken over by an entity created by an Evil God…

The Jie Luo she admired… a creation of an Evil God? His purpose to eliminate the other summoned heroes?

A hollow ache filled her chest… but it wasn’t enough to break her. Perhaps because another figure now occupied her heart?

She didn’t suspect that Qin Chu had planted the information within the fragment. It aligned too perfectly with Jie Luo’s actions.

On one hand, there was Jie Luo, the man who had saved her, the man she had loved for years.

On the other hand, there was the truth of his identity.

The conflict tore at her, a tormenting dissonance… Ireta had sealed a portion of her feelings for Jie Luo, but not all of them.

She still loved him.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Who were they trying to resurrect? Jie Luo, or a creation of an Evil God?

No… even if he was a creation of an Evil God, he had killed countless Demon Beasts.

And he had saved her. That couldn’t be denied.

But why had he saved her? Considering his other recruits – Benson, Muse, Karsus, Ronald, Airi, and Eileen – she didn’t fit his usual criteria.

Had he simply been attracted to her powerful magical potential?

She hugged herself tightly.

The desire to uncover the truth intensified.

Just then…

Two figures emerged from the forest.

Airi and Eileen. They had finally caught up.

Seeing Athena sitting on the ground, seemingly distraught, a murderous glint appeared in Airi’s eyes.

This… was the perfect opportunity to kill her.

Chapter 299: Heal Athena Like Sylph?

Even Athena was shocked by this power.

She had acted purely on instinct.

She usually used elemental magic, specializing in water and earth.

Plague?

Accelerated Decay?

What were these strange powers?

She had never heard of them, yet she had instinctively used them.

What was happening to her?

The strangeness of it all made her uneasy.

Muse’s legs buckled beneath him, as if his bones had turned to dust. He collapsed to the ground.

He couldn’t even feel the pain in his legs, his other injuries far more agonizing.

His body began to rot rapidly, the scene so gruesome that Qin Chu wondered if he had been caught in a nuclear blast.

The sight was horrifying.

The power of this magic made even Qin Chu’s skin crawl.

“Athena, what kind of magic is this?” he asked, frowning.

Athena’s eyes darted around, her hand trembling as she gripped her staff: “I… I don’t know.”

Qin Chu studied her. She didn’t seem to be lying, her eyes filled with genuine shock.

If she had wanted to hide it, she could have simply used a different spell. There was no need to use it and then claim ignorance.

Seeing her fear, he patted her head gently: “It’s alright, Athena. I’m not accusing you. But this magic is very dangerous. Use it with caution.”

Athena nodded vigorously.

That being said, it was quite effective against Muse.

He had looked so disgusting with all those blisters that Qin Chu, despite wanting to torture him, hadn’t been able to bring himself to touch him.

Now, Muse was suffering immensely, his body ravaged by fever, decay, violent coughing fits, tumors on his neck and in his abdomen…

This strange magic seemed to induce and accelerate diseases.

Muse had already been unwell, and Athena’s magic had amplified his illness exponentially. Qin Chu suspected it wouldn’t have been as effective against a healthy individual.

Disease-inducing magic… how bizarre.

In all his years in the first loop, he had never encountered anything like it.

“Shaye, do you know this magic?” he asked mentally.

Shaye was knowledgeable, having lived in this world far longer than him. Perhaps she knew something.

Sensing no threat from Ireta, Shaye emerged from behind Qin Chu.

Ireta glanced at her, nodding slightly.

Even Athena looked at her curiously…

Heloise and Anastasia didn’t seem to notice her.

“Is this a disease?”

“I’ve heard of a mysterious cult that specialized in such things.”

“They worshipped a god of plagues and disasters, dedicating themselves to researching and spreading all manner of terrifying diseases.”

“They hoped to one day create a plague that would infect all living things, pleasing their god.”

“At the height of their power, they unleashed a plague that killed tens of millions in the Heavenly Continent. These twisted followers would celebrate, watching the suffering of those afflicted.”

“Because of their depravity, they were eventually eradicated by the combined forces of the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess, the Holy See, the Empire, and various kingdoms and duchies.”

A god of plagues and disasters?

As expected of Shaye. She knew a lot.

“What did their god look like?” Qin Chu asked curiously.

“Who knows? But I’ve heard that when the cult was destroyed, they confiscated numerous statues, all resembling squatting toads… I can’t imagine anyone sane worshipping such a deity,” Shaye said, her voice filled with disdain.

“And the followers, constantly exposed to diseases, became twisted, grotesque, and bloated, like Muse.”

“Those statues were burned, every last one of them.”

“Their books, containing records of plagues and diseases, were also burned, along with their churches.”

“It was said that fire was the only way to stop the spread of their plagues.”

Hearing this, Athena’s face paled.

Qin Chu noticed her reaction: “Athena, what is it?”

“It’s just…” Athena’s voice was dry.

Despite her strength, she couldn’t help but feel afraid.

“Before you arrived, Master, when I retrieved Jie Luo’s soul fragment from the chamber, I saw… a statue resembling a toad.”

The statue had even smiled at her.

She had thought it was a hallucination. But what if it wasn’t?

Had she been targeted by an Evil God? Was the power she had just unleashed a gift from that deity?

And what terrified her most… would she eventually become like Muse?

No, absolutely not.

For a beautiful woman, that fate was worse than death.

Listening to her account of the chamber, Qin Chu frowned. He glanced at Muse, who lay groaning on the ground, his body rotting, but still alive. He extended his hand towards Athena.

Athena walked over, and he placed his hand on her forehead.

Warm, holy energy flowed into her.

His Holy Light was deadly to the aura of Evil Gods. If Athena had been marked by one, there would be a reaction.

But nothing happened.

Only a slight blush colored her cheeks, as if she found the warmth of his Holy Light comforting.

This puzzled Qin Chu. Could the mark of the god of plagues and disasters be on her soul, like Sylph’s?

Otherwise, how could she suddenly wield such sinister power?

Should he heal her, like he had healed Sylph?

He assured himself that he had no ulterior motives. This was purely for healing purposes.

“Master, my condition…”

“I haven’t detected anything unusual with your body, but these Evil Gods often target the soul… I’ll heal you after we leave,” he said after a moment of thought. “You can talk to Sylph. She has… experience with such treatments.”

While they talked, Muse continued to suffer.

The agony lasted for hours.

Finally, when not a single piece of his flesh remained intact, he died.

Silver flames engulfed his remains, purifying the ground and even his soul.

Qin Chu formulated his next plan.

He was intrigued by the heart mentioned in the soul fragment. He would investigate… but he needed to prepare first.

He took another soul fragment from his storage ring and handed it to Athena.

Athena looked at him questioningly, tilting her head, her fingers holding the fragment delicately. She looked surprisingly cute.

“Should I crush it?”

She thought he was testing her loyalty.

Qin Chu facepalmed: “No, take it back as proof of your success. Otherwise, returning empty-handed after Muse’s death would make Loseweisse suspicious, wouldn’t it?”

“You want me to stay with Loseweisse?” Athena asked, her lips pursing slightly.

She disliked that woman.

“Yes, she wants me dead. I need to know what she’s planning.”

With one soul fragment destroyed, Jie Luo’s resurrection was impossible, and the information within this fragment had already been extracted. Qin Chu didn’t care about it.

More importantly, Loseweisse was a strange woman. He sensed a dangerous secret surrounding her.

This fragment would ensure Athena’s continued trust.

Athena took a deep breath and nodded: “If that is your command, Master, I will obey.”

“Also, we’ll return to the Imperial City separately. Be careful…”

“Loseweisse sent Airi and Eileen here as well, supposedly to assist you and Muse… but those two women are strange.”

“Especially Airi. She might try to kill you.”

He warned her. He preferred Ekaterina and Athena as tools, compared to the Twin Thieves.

In fact, he hoped Airi would attack Athena.

Then, he could get rid of both of them.

…

As Qin Chu had predicted, Airi and Eileen were on their way to the Snow Chain Mountains.

The Twin Thieves were unhappy about their assignment. If not for Jie Luo, they wouldn’t bother with this.

They walked side-by-side, their identical faces indistinguishable if not for their different hairstyles and hair colors.

Eileen walked slightly ahead, Airi trailing behind her.

Airi smiled, but a dark shadow flickered in her eyes as she looked at her sister’s back.

To her, Eileen was also a rival.

Jie Luo only needs me, right? He doesn’t need so many girls.

Chapter 298: Crushing Jie Luo’s Soul Fragment

Holy shit!

Qin Chu couldn’t help but curse.

His lips trembled.

The heart of the Eighth Evil God, the being the gods had sacrificed so much to defeat… it was still beating?

Could that terrifying entity be resurrected?

A shiver ran down his spine. The thought was terrifying.

If he returned, the Heavenly Continent, now lacking its powerful gods, would be annihilated.

“The moment the heart beat, a powerful earthquake erupted.”

“The pressure reached its peak.”

“Fortunately, he was smart enough to flee.”

“Back in the Imperial City, he found Ekaterina waiting for him at home. The Second Jie Luo wanted to release his fear, but alas, he could only look, not touch… hahaha, serves him right… but that ability is truly terrible… if he hadn’t taken my place, I would have been the unlucky one.”

Ireta’s voice ceased.

She opened her eyes, returning the soul fragment to Qin Chu. There was nothing more.

As expected, each soul fragment revealed valuable information.

Qin Chu was intrigued by the heart.

Fortunately, the First Jie Luo had recorded its location.

He glanced at Athena and Muse. Their expressions were strange. They didn’t know as much as he did, but they had gleaned some information from Ireta’s words.

Athena’s face was pale: “Master, what was that…?”

“That was a message from the real Jie Luo, hidden deep within the soul fragment,” Qin Chu replied calmly.

The real Jie Luo?

Athena’s heart pounded. Muse swayed.

“Don’t you understand?”

“The First Hero, Jie Luo, the one you all admire, the one summoned by the Heavenly Continent… he was replaced before he even arrived.”

“The one you knew was a demon who stole his body, his true purpose to eliminate the other summoned heroes.”

Qin Chu wanted to see their reactions… Athena’s face paled, her eyes flickering as she tried to determine the truth of his words.

Muse, though swaying, merely smiled coldly.

“A demon? So what?”

He grinned: “To me, he was Jie Luo. That’s enough.”

Muse didn’t care. Perhaps a demon was even better? A demon could understand him.

This guy’s devotion is truly impressive.

Qin Chu was almost touched.

In that case, he would grant Muse the most profound, the most terrifying despair.

After all, true cruelty was breaking someone’s spirit.

He walked towards Muse, a strange smile on his face, tossing the ring containing the soul fragment in his hand, drawing Muse’s gaze.

Muse’s eyes followed the fragment, his throat working, his gaze filled with longing.

“This is the soul fragment of your beloved Jie Luo.”

“Do you want it?”

Muse’s hand twitched involuntarily.

Seeing Qin Chu’s fingers closing around the fragment, Muse’s eyes widened. Even he, in his current state, understood what Qin Chu intended.

Terror made him tremble.

All color drained from his face, his grotesque head shaking violently, his voice a near-wail: “No… no, no, no…”

“Please, don’t do this. Don’t…”

Qin Chu’s smile widened.

This fool still didn’t understand. Time to enlighten him.

“No… please, I beg you…” Muse, abandoning his usual arrogance, pleaded pathetically.

But Qin Chu’s gaze only grew colder.

He tightened his grip on the soul fragment.

Crack.

The fragment shattered.

It crumbled to dust, falling through his fingers.

The dust mixed with the snow, vanishing without a trace.

“No…”

Muse’s scream was a primal wail of despair.

His weakened legs buckled, and he collapsed to his knees.

Tears, blood, and snot streamed down his face, making his already grotesque features even more repulsive.

Only with all the soul fragments could Jie Luo be resurrected. Now, with one destroyed, his soul could never be whole.

Even when Athena had given the fragment to Qin Chu, a sliver of hope had remained.

But now, even that sliver was gone.

He felt as if his heart had been ripped out. An unbearable agony.

Despair.

Grief.

Athena’s face also paled, a sharp pain in her chest, though not as intense as Muse’s.

Muse’s trembling hands scooped up the snow mixed with the fragment’s dust, trying to gather it.

But it was completely destroyed. Putting it back together was impossible.

The odds were lower than the seven Evil Gods suddenly dropping dead.

He began stuffing the snow into his mouth, as if trying to consume the fragment’s dust.

He didn’t know why.

Perhaps it was a desperate, instinctive act.

His fingers clawed at the ground, even scraping at the ice beneath the snow.

Qin Chu watched him coldly. The more Muse suffered, the greater his pleasure.

Suffer.

Savor the pain.

If you don’t suffer, then what’s the point of my revenge?

After a long while, Muse finally collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably, a grown man crying like a child.

His relationship with Jie Luo was different from Benson, Karsus, Sylph, Athena, Loseweisse, or Ronald’s.

His was a pure friendship, born of shared interests. And that made his grief even more profound.

Tears and blood streamed down his face.

His features twisted further, his grief and despair transforming into pure hatred. He looked up at Qin Chu, his bloodshot eyes blazing, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

“You…”

“You…”

“You…”

“It’s all your fault! Aaaaaah…”

With a chilling scream, his weakened body suddenly surged with strength.

Like a final burst of energy before death.

He grabbed his axe and leaped to his feet, swinging it at Qin Chu’s head.

“You demon! I’ll kill you! Aaaah…”

“Athena!”

Qin Chu didn’t even move, merely issuing a soft command.

Athena, who had been standing dazed and unresponsive, snapped out of her trance, instinctively raising her staff.

“Plague!”

“Accelerated Decay!”

She uttered the words, unfamiliar even to her own ears.

A sickly green mist erupted from her staff, engulfing Muse.

“Athena, you…”

Muse’s eyes widened.

He knew she was being controlled.

And that made his despair even deeper.

He knew he was doomed. Even with this final burst of strength, he was no match for the Second Hero.

But dying at Qin Chu’s hands was far preferable to dying at the hands of a former comrade.

Especially one whose soul had been twisted.

He swayed, his newfound strength fading rapidly.

His steps grew heavy and slow, his breath hot, his fever rising, his mind clouding.

The blisters on his skin swelled, bursting one after another.

His eyes turned grey.

A large lump appeared on his neck.

A piercing pain shot through his head, as if something was pressing against his nerves, his vision darkening.

Something swelled within his abdomen.

A gurgling sound filled his throat.

He coughed up dark blood.

Countless diseases seemed to erupt within him, rapidly consuming him, his already broken body deteriorating further.

Qin Chu looked at Athena in surprise.

What was this power?

He had fought alongside her for years in the first loop and had never seen her use such sinister magic.

He sensed a dark, corrupting energy within it.

Chapter 297: The Eighth Evil God’s Heart… Beats?

Muse’s face was ashen.

He had, for once, been perceptive, recognizing that Athena’s mind had been manipulated, her memories and consciousness altered.

He had tried to snap her out of it, willing to sacrifice himself if it meant she could escape with the soul fragment, preserving the hope of Jie Luo’s resurrection.

But now, the fragment was in Qin Chu’s hands. All hope was lost.

Qin Chu knew their plan, knew they wanted him dead.

Knowing the Second Hero’s ruthlessness, the fate of the soul fragment was sealed.

Muse thrashed on the ground, his body wracked with pain.

A gaping wound in his chest, his body ravaged by disease, any normal person would be unable to stand. But Muse, through sheer willpower, managed to rise.

He swayed, as if about to collapse at any moment.

Blood dripped from his lips as he dragged his axe towards Qin Chu.

He wanted to retrieve the soul fragment.

He refused to lose this last shred of hope, even though he knew he was no match for Qin Chu.

He wouldn’t give up.

His devotion to Jie Luo was truly profound.

Qin Chu wondered if he was as obsessed as Ronald.

Jie Luo was truly popular, especially with men…

Qin Chu smiled, looking at the soul fragment in his hand, his other hand patting Athena’s head: “Good girl. Well done.”

His praise pleased Athena.

She leaned against him, enjoying his warmth and the steady beat of his heart.

But a nagging unease lingered in the back of her mind.

Something felt wrong, but she couldn’t pinpoint it.

She wondered why she had fallen in love with Jie Luo. Was it simply because he had saved her? But why hadn’t she been repulsed by his actions in the years that followed?

Why had she remained devoted to him even after his death?

Was her love truly that deep?

If so, why had she compared him to Qin Chu and found him lacking? Why were her feelings for Jie Luo fading?

And why had she fallen for Qin Chu?

In her memories, she had merely made a deal with him, trading her body for his blood.

He had used her, and she had initially been disgusted. When had that disgust faded, replaced by acceptance, even enjoyment?

When had she begun to feel lonely and yearning when he didn’t seek her out?

Had she… fallen for him simply because they had been intimate so many times?

A blush crept up her cheeks. If that was the case, she was truly shameless.

She sensed a gap in her memories, an unsettling feeling.

But strangely, the desire to uncover those missing memories wasn’t strong. A voice in her head whispered…

Why bother? Isn’t this good enough?

Qin Chu observed her changing expressions. He guessed she was confused.

A twisted thought crossed his mind. Would it be amusing to have Athena kill Muse, Airi, and Eileen… the remaining members of the former Hero Squad?

He glanced at Muse.

He was slowly dragging himself towards them. His injuries were severe. Even this short distance would take him a long time to cover.

Qin Chu handed the soul fragment to Ireta.

He wanted to know what secrets it held.

Each fragment brought him closer to understanding the past.

He didn’t even bother to hide it from Muse and Athena.

Ireta nodded, her slender fingers closing around the fragment, her eyes narrowing as her powerful soul magic probed its depths.

Athena watched silently.

She seemed to see faint, shimmering lines.

Ireta’s soul threads.

They were searching every corner of the soul fragment.

Athena frowned: “Master, this soul fragment is empty…”

Qin Chu smiled: “Some things are simply invisible to you.”

After a long moment, Ireta spoke, her voice cold and emotionless. The fragment’s contents were difficult to place in time.

It was a record of the Second Jie Luo’s actions, recorded by the First Jie Luo.

“How many Earthlings has that damned goddess sent to this world? What is she planning?”

“Are they all heroes? Is she trying to find the most talented one to save this world?”

“Please, that’s impossible. The Second Jie Luo finds and kills every Earthling who arrives.”

Ireta’s words stopped Muse in his tracks.

And filled Athena with surprise.

This was the content of Jie Luo’s soul fragment?

But who was the Second Jie Luo?

Her already confused mind reeled. Things were far more complicated than she had imagined.

Ireta, ignoring their confusion, continued, her voice flat:

“Damn it, another poor soul found by the Second Jie Luo. He’s doomed. The Second Jie Luo has Karsus and Benson, those two murderers, with him… The only consolation is that Muse, that psychopath, isn’t here.”

“The poor fool seems to have been wandering in the forest for a while. He saw someone and, thinking he had found a kindred spirit, rushed over to greet him.”

“That damned thief, who stole my memories, had the audacity to talk about a new game called… football.”

“Karsus and Benson stuffed the poor Earthling into a sack and used him as a football.”

“To prolong his suffering, they didn’t use battle qi, even putting metal armor on him.”

“But even so, they’re War God level.”

“They kicked him around for hours. When they finally stopped and opened the sack, all that remained was a pulpy mess of flesh and bone.”

“The poor soul finally died. Hopefully, he won’t be so unlucky in his next life, being reincarnated into another world.”

Athena couldn’t be certain if this was truly the content of the soul fragment, but it sounded like something Jie Luo, Karsus, and Benson would do.

Qin Chu didn’t clarify, letting her stew in her confusion.

“The Second Jie Luo found a mysterious place. He went there alone, avoiding the other Hero Squad members.”

“Oh my god.”

“What am I seeing?”

“It’s a giant heart, as large as a mountain.”

Qin Chu frowned. A heart?

Whose heart?

As large as a mountain!

He remembered the message from the fallen Fire God in the Flame Sanctuary.

There were eight Evil Gods in the Void… besides the seven he knew of, there was an eighth, the most powerful of them all.

He was responsible for the fall of the gods a thousand years ago.

According to the Fire God, his body was as large as a star, the gods of the Heavenly Continent insignificant before his might.

They had only managed to defeat him through sheer numbers.

His body had been divided into seven parts: his head, limbs, torso… even his heart had been removed, scattered across the Heavenly Continent.

Qin Chu had found it ironic that his own fate was similar.

The only difference was that his heart hadn’t been removed.

Now, hearing about a heart the size of a mountain, his first thought was: Could this be the heart of the Eighth Evil God, the strongest of them all?

No way… after a thousand years, the heart hasn’t decayed?

But then again, it was an Evil God. Anything was possible.

“My god, a heart the size of a mountain. How large must the owner have been?”

“And the heart, removed and yet not decayed, still pulsating, the blood still flowing within.”

“A single heart, emanating an aura as powerful as a storm, a tsunami, an earthquake. While I don’t want to admit it, that bastard who stole my body is quite strong. But even he couldn’t get too close, only observing from a distance.”

“Damn, that’s creepy.”

The First Jie Luo had commented.

“And what bothers me even more is that the aura emanating from the heart is similar to those… things in the Void.”

Qin Chu’s suspicion grew.

“The Second Jie Luo sensed the immense power within the heart. Greedy bastard, he wanted to claim it for himself.”

“Enduring the immense pressure, he approached the heart.”

“He finally reached it, his face contorted with effort. He extended his hand, touching the giant heart, and then…”

“…the heart beat!”

Holy shit!

Chapter 296: Athena’s Self-Twisted Soul

Athena’s eyes were dull, tears freezing on her cheeks before they could fall.

Seeing Muse impaled, writhing on the ground, his blood staining the snow crimson, shocked even Qin Chu.

Then, a smile touched his lips as he turned to Ireta: “Ireta, you’re amazing. I didn’t expect… huh?”

He had intended to praise her, but her expression was even more shocked than his own.

He frowned: “Ireta, you didn’t do this?”

Ireta looked bewildered, muttering: “I did, but… not entirely.”

She looked at Athena, a strange mixture of amusement and admiration in her eyes.

“Her will and soul are far more resilient than I anticipated.”

“I intended to twist her soul, but I found I could destroy it, but not twist it,” Ireta explained. “In the past thousand years, I’ve purified billions of souls, many far stronger than hers, but none as… resilient.”

“It wasn’t me who twisted her soul, but… herself.”

She paused, then continued: “I merely sealed a portion of her feelings for Jie Luo, making her see you as her master, and I noticed her soul becoming… unstable.”

“Her soul seemed to activate a self-preservation mechanism, suppressing and even altering anything that could cause her to break down.”

Ireta frowned. This woman’s soul was truly bizarre. She had never encountered such resilience.

“In short, her thoughts and memories might have been rewritten. I don’t know the extent of the changes.”

“If you’re concerned, it’s best to kill her now,” she concluded.

Qin Chu was also surprised by Athena’s resilience, but it made things more interesting. Watching the former Hero Squad members turn on each other brought him immense pleasure.

He looked at Athena.

Her beautiful face was still tear-streaked and contorted, as if she herself was shocked by her actions.

She clutched her chest, a strange expression on her face. She hadn’t wanted to do it, but seeing Muse attacking Qin Chu, she had instinctively acted.

Muse was her former comrade, but Qin Chu… was her master, and the man she loved.

The dullness in her eyes faded, her twisted expression returning to normal.

“Athena…” Muse gasped, blood bubbling from his lips, his eyes blazing with fury.

“You… you betrayed us.”

“Betrayed?”

Athena looked bewildered.

“We agreed to work together to resurrect Jie Luo! You loved him so deeply! But now you’re with this bastard, Qin Chu! Shameless woman! Jie Luo was blind to choose you for the Hero Squad!” Muse roared, his anger escalating.

“It was the biggest mistake of his life to fall for you!”

To Muse, Athena’s betrayal was even more unforgivable than Qin Chu’s actions.

Their Hero Squad had revolved around Jie Luo. While not all members were close, Muse had believed their loyalty to Jie Luo was absolute.

Even after the deaths of some members, he had believed their team was perfect, united by a common goal.

But now, Athena’s betrayal had shattered that illusion, creating an irreparable rift.

He struggled to rise, wanting to tear her apart.

Covered in blood, he looked terrifying.

“Shameless woman?” Athena trembled, repeating his words. “Yes, I am a shameless woman.”

“I loved Jie Luo, but I compared him to Qin Chu in my heart, concluding that he was inferior. My feelings wavered.”

“Now, I don’t even know who I truly love.”

Qin Chu’s expression was strange.

This must be a fabricated memory, a result of Athena’s twisted soul.

It couldn’t be real.

A Hero Squad member comparing him to Jie Luo and finding him superior? Impossible.

In his eyes, they were all obsessed with Jie Luo, especially Ronald… who had harbored… unconventional desires.

This was the first time Athena had openly expressed her true feelings, especially in front of so many people.

But now, she spoke with newfound courage: “Jie Luo saved me.”

“I was grateful to him, and it was natural for me to fall in love with him.”

“But that doesn’t mean I agreed with everything he did.”

“What?”

Muse’s eyes widened. This shameless bitch was questioning Jie Luo’s actions?

Unforgivable!

“Muse, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. You and Jie Luo once discussed how to inflict the most pain…”

“You tied a man, dressed differently from us, seemingly from another world, to a tree.”

“At Jie Luo’s suggestion, you used him to practice your axe skills, slicing off bits of his flesh with your battle qi infused axe…”

“That poor man from another world, you tortured him for an entire day, using magic to heal him, keeping him conscious, forcing him to watch himself die slowly.”

“I told Jie Luo to stop, but he said the man was evil, very evil…”

“Now that I think about it, what was I thinking? He was just a man from another world. He hadn’t even done anything.”

Qin Chu frowned. This must also be a fabricated memory, a product of Athena’s twisted soul.

Muse would surely refute it…

He thought so, but Muse’s face only darkened further. He didn’t deny it, merely spitting on the ground: “Tch, a dog from another world. Good riddance.”

“This world doesn’t need so many heroes. Jie Luo is enough.”

Qin Chu’s expression turned grim. He had thought it was a false memory, but it was real.

Jie Luo and Muse were truly ruthless, torturing a man from another world, a potential hero, keeping him conscious while slowly dismembering him.

Qin Chu wasn’t kind, but perhaps because they were both heroes from other worlds, he felt a pang of empathy, and Muse’s callous attitude fueled his killing intent.

Muse, you won’t die easily. I promise you that.

Athena sighed: “Compared to Jie Luo, Qin Chu is so much better…”

Before she could finish, Muse’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he screamed: “Qin Chu is better? Athena, are you insane? Have you forgotten what he just said?”

He sensed something was terribly wrong.

As if reality itself was being twisted.

Athena frowned: “What did he say?”

She couldn’t remember.

She only remembered Muse, the madman, trying to attack her master.

She had traded her body, soul, and eternal loyalty for Qin Chu’s promise to provide some of his blood for Jie Luo’s resurrection.

It had been a transaction, but she had developed feelings for him, falling in love with her master, a shameful infidelity.

But the former Hero Squad members, especially Muse, were still obsessed with killing him.

She wouldn’t tolerate that.

Seeing her reaction, Muse, despite his usual dullness, had a moment of clarity.

He realized Athena’s mind had been altered, manipulated by the woman in black stockings.

This was an unexpected development.

Interesting.

Qin Chu, who had been silently observing their exchange, finally spoke: “Athena, do you still love Jie Luo?”

Athena trembled, her face paling: “Love… I think so. Maybe.”

She couldn’t be certain of her own feelings.

Her mind was in turmoil.

She glanced at Qin Chu, worried he might be angry.

But he wasn’t.

He smiled, extending his hand towards her: “Then, my sweet Athena, will you give me Jie Luo’s soul fragment?”

Athena shivered.

A flicker of resistance appeared in her eyes, but her body seemed to move on its own, walking towards him.

Muse screamed: “Athena, wake up! You’re being controlled! Snap out of it…”

“Don’t give that bastard the soul fragment! Don’t!”

His screams tore at his throat.

But he couldn’t stop her. He could only watch as she placed the soul fragment in Qin Chu’s hand.

Muse’s face turned ashen.

He knew it was over.

Chapter 295: Athena’s Complete Breakdown

Those dull, lifeless eyes… she was dead inside.

It was a chilling sight.

This was undoubtedly the most devastating blow Athena had ever suffered.

She had sacrificed everything for Jie Luo’s resurrection, even her own body, only to discover it was all for nothing, that she had merely been used by the very person she wanted to kill.

He had enjoyed her, while mocking her behind that charming smile.

Remembering her past actions, only shame and regret remained.

And now, hearing that Jie Luo could never be resurrected, all hope was extinguished, leaving only despair.

It was enough to break anyone.

Qin Chu patted her shoulder and stepped back: “What a pity, Athena. You’re too smart. I had intended to let you live a little longer…”

“But now, I’ll have to use other methods.”

That was why Ireta, the Daughter of Death, was here.

If Ireta failed, he would have no choice but to kill Athena.

Sensing his gaze, Ireta floated towards Athena.

As the Daughter of Death, wielding the authority of death itself, her power far surpassed Athena’s. If not for Qin Chu having purified some of her death aura, their proximity alone would have killed both Athena and Muse.

She extended her hand towards Athena’s forehead.

Athena instinctively tried to resist, but she was no match for Ireta.

Moreover, in her despair and broken state, she couldn’t even summon her mana. Ireta easily grasped her head.

Ireta began twisting Athena’s soul.

She couldn’t guarantee the outcome.

While she had power over souls, this was her first time attempting such a drastic manipulation.

Black threads emerged from her fingertips, enveloping Athena. The threads seeped into her skin.

Athena screamed, a chilling sound of pure agony.

Her body convulsed, her face covered in sweat.

Then, she froze, motionless like a doll.

Two tears rolled down her cheeks.

She knew Qin Chu’s methods were far more cruel than mere death. Despair wasn’t enough to satisfy his anger.

He had something far more sinister in mind.

Muse, watching the scene unfold, was completely confused. What were they talking about?

Athena seemed to be mistaking Qin Chu for Jie Luo? How was that possible? They looked nothing alike.

And it sounded like she had… been intimate with Qin Chu?

That shameless bitch.

And it seemed the mysterious woman in black stockings was attacking Athena?

He wanted to intervene, but he correctly deduced that Qin Chu was the leader. Taking him down would solve everything.

And Qin Chu’s words had enraged him.

That damned bastard! What did he mean, Jie Luo couldn’t be resurrected?

How could that be?

If Jie Luo couldn’t be resurrected, then what was the point of the Second Hero even existing? And this bastard was responsible for Ronald, Benson, and Karsus’s deaths?

His already grotesque face twisted further, his eyes glowing crimson.

He roared, his axe raised, charging towards Qin Chu.

“Bastard, die!”

Despite his illness and weakened state, his berserker rage remained. He was like a wild beast, his heavy footsteps sending snow flying.

He swung his axe at Qin Chu’s head.

Swoosh…

The falling snowflakes were cleaved in two by the sharp blade.

The rusted, bloodstained axe emanated a foul stench.

Qin Chu smiled faintly, sidestepping the attack.

He had no desire to engage in close combat with this… thing. He didn’t want to be splattered with the contents of those blisters.

Muse’s attack continued relentlessly.

He swung his axe horizontally, a flash of light slicing through the air.

Then, he leaped into the air, his battle qi surging, suppressing his discomfort, purple lightning crackling around his axe, the blade glowing.

He brought the axe down with all his might.

This was Muse’s fighting style.

Once engaged, he forgot everything else, his attacks relentless, like an unending tide, giving his opponent no respite.

The giant axe stirred up a blizzard of snow.

His roars echoed through the mountains.

Qin Chu stood his ground, extending his hand, silver battle qi flowing along his arm, forming a sharp sword.

He raised the sword to block the falling axe.

Clang!

Sparks flew as the weapons collided.

Qin Chu felt an immense force pushing him down, shattering the ice beneath his feet.

Muse the Mad was truly powerful.

That brute strength was formidable.

The impact sent snow flying, revealing the shattered ice beneath. The entire mountain seemed to tremble.

Qin Chu wondered if this would trigger an avalanche.

Muse’s expression changed. He hadn’t expected the Second Hero to block his attack.

He had heard of Qin Chu’s talent and rapid growth, but this was ridiculous. He was almost a match for him?

Was his talent that monstrous?

He had expected to shatter the flimsy battle qi sword easily, but it had held firm. Moreover, his own axe had been chipped.

His eyes glowed with madness as he prepared his next attack.

But Qin Chu smiled, his other hand casually flicking the tip of his sword, bending the blade.

Then, he released it, and the blade snapped back, sending Muse stumbling backwards.

A sharp pain shot through his foot.

He groaned.

An ice shard had pierced his sole, blood staining the snow.

Heloise’s handiwork. Iyeta had taught her how to create ice shards beneath the surface, a surprisingly effective tactic.

Heloise raised her hand, and the falling snowflakes seemed to freeze in mid-air.

She flicked her fingers, and the snowflakes shot towards Muse like tiny, razor-sharp darts.

This blizzard was her domain.

Here, her power was at its peak.

Muse’s face darkened, his axe whirling like a storm.

Thud, thud, thud… He shattered the snowflakes, but each impact jolted him, forcing him to retreat.

The snowflakes were too numerous to block completely.

One slipped through his defenses, grazing his cheek. The seemingly fragile snowflake cut him deeply, bone visible beneath the wound.

He stumbled back, finally catching his breath as the snowfall subsided.

He panted, his body burning with fever.

He glared at Heloise. Damn it, he had underestimated them.

He hadn’t expected this seemingly fragile woman to be so powerful.

He saw the woman in black stockings retreating. Athena stood motionless. Had she defeated her?

It was possible. Athena was strong.

While that woman seemed strange, defeating Athena so quickly was unlikely.

Muse, never the brightest, his mind now clouded by illness and the pressure of battle, didn’t have time to think.

“Athena, let’s team up! Take down these bastards!”

“You handle the mages. I’ll kill Qin Chu.”

Without waiting for her answer, he roared and charged again.

But as he took his first step…

A sharp pain pierced his chest. An ice shard had impaled him from behind.

Blood sprayed everywhere.

He froze, slowly turning his head, his eyes wide with disbelief, looking at the woman behind him.

His former comrade, Athena.

Her hand still gripped her staff, the mana around it still shimmering.

A twisted, broken smile spread across her face:

“Muse… you want to harm my master?”

Athena had completely broken down.

Ireta’s face showed a flicker of surprise. She hadn’t expected this.

Chapter 294: Athena’s Despair

The whispers vanished the moment the four figures appeared, as if they had never existed.

The feeling of being entangled by invisible threads also disappeared.

The entity seemed unwilling to confront them.

But Athena felt no relief, only a deeper despair. The man’s presence here shattered her last vestiges of hope.

Too smart isn’t always a good thing?

His words made her tremble.

What did he mean?

Athena, with her intelligence, understood the implication, but she refused to believe it.

Because believing it meant extinguishing the last flicker of hope within her, leaving only darkness and despair.

Their reactions puzzled Muse.

He looked back and forth between the man and Athena, frustrated by his ignorance.

“Damn it, who are you? What do you want?”

“Show yourself and state your name!” he roared, his knuckles white as he gripped his axe. He didn’t notice the swelling on his body.

The man smiled and nodded: “You must be Muse the Mad.”

“A member of the former Hero Squad, the most ferocious and reckless warrior in the war against the Demon Beasts.”

“Even the Demon Beasts feared you.”

“It’s an honor to meet you.”

But why did he look like this? In the first loop, Muse had been mad and brutal, but even when frequently ill, he hadn’t been this… grotesque.

It was said that Muse’s axe, stained with the blood of countless beings, was covered in deadly pathogens, like a komodo dragon’s teeth. A single wound, even a non-fatal one, could weaken the victim, leading to a slow, agonizing death.

Muse’s current appearance was far more disturbing than in the first loop. He looked like a monster.

Even more repulsive than Karsus, though he hadn’t completely lost his mind.

The man quickly averted his gaze. Muse’s appearance was too disturbing, even for someone without trypophobia.

He bowed slightly, a perfect gentleman’s gesture: “I haven’t introduced myself. My apologies.”

“I am Qin Chu, the Second Hero.”

Qin Chu.

Muse’s face contorted.

The Second Hero appearing here, right after he and Athena had obtained the soul fragment? Had their plan been discovered?

A murderous rage filled him.

If their plan was exposed, Qin Chu couldn’t be allowed to leave this place alive.

Nor could the women behind him.

Killing them wouldn’t be a problem. He loved killing. Unfortunately, his mind was clouded, unable to grasp the disparity in their strength.

Ireta, the Daughter of Death, was a witch even Shaye was wary of, one of the strongest among them.

Ireta had offered her assistance to Qin Chu whenever he needed it. This was the first time he had called upon her, and she had appeared remarkably quickly.

He needed Ireta to decipher Jie Luo’s soul fragment.

And if possible, he wanted to use her power over souls to conduct an experiment on Athena.

Heloise, though powerful, was still weaker than Muse, but this icy landscape was her domain.

As for Princess Anastasia, she was the weakest.

But the Snow Chain Mountains were practically her backyard. Without her guidance, finding this place wouldn’t have been easy.

Like Athena, Qin Chu only knew the name of the mountain range, not its precise location.

With Qin Chu, the Hero, on their side, the outcome of the battle was practically predetermined.

Muse wanted to attack, but seeing Athena standing there, dazed and unresponsive, he hesitated.

The tense silence stretched. Finally, Athena spoke, her voice hollow: “Qin Chu…”

“You knew all along.”

“Yes,” Qin Chu replied readily.

That single word pierced Athena’s heart like a knife.

It hurt.

The last flicker of hope died within her.

She gasped for breath, as if suffocating: “Then… Jie Luo’s residual soul…”

Qin Chu looked at her, a mocking smile on his lips: “Athena, there never was a residual soul.”

“It was me all along.”

Buzz…

Her mind went blank.

She couldn’t think.

It hurt. So much that she couldn’t even scream.

Her body convulsed, a sharp pain in her abdomen, her eyes turning dull and lifeless.

Not fear, not sadness, but the empty despair of lost hope.

Those weren’t the eyes of a living person.

Her reaction filled Qin Chu with a perverse satisfaction. This was what he wanted. The more she suffered, the more pleasure he felt.

More sadness, more despair…

It wasn’t enough.

He wanted more.

“You lied to me…”

She whispered, her voice barely audible.

Qin Chu smiled, walking towards her, his gaze fixed on her beautiful face, the face that had writhed beneath him in pleasure countless times.

He felt no pity.

In this moment, he wasn’t a hero, but a demon.

He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him.

Athena, seemingly drained of all strength, offered no resistance, her empty eyes staring into his.

She saw his demonic smile, heard his cruel words:

“Yes, I lied.”

“Did you really think your plan was foolproof? I know more than you think.”

“Ronald and Benson’s deaths… you orchestrated them,” Athena whispered, her lips trembling.

Qin Chu sighed: “That’s why I said you’re smart. That idiot behind you hasn’t figured it out yet.”

“Karsus’s death… you planned that too…”

“While he ultimately brought it upon himself… I won’t deny my involvement.”

So many members of the former Hero Squad, all manipulated by Qin Chu.

Realizing this, a sad smile touched Athena’s lips. They were like clowns, putting on a pathetic performance.

Haha… hahahahaha…

She laughed hysterically, like a madwoman.

The crushing weight of despair, the shattering of all hope, was enough to break anyone.

Tears streamed down her face as she looked up at Qin Chu: “And me…”

“I had planned different deaths for each of you… but Athena, you’re too beautiful to simply kill…”

He shrugged: “You thought offering me your body would hasten Jie Luo’s resurrection…”

“You thought you were sacrificing yourself for him, wallowing in self-pity.”

“Feeling defiled, unworthy of him even if he were resurrected, yet hoping he would appreciate your sacrifice, your devotion.”

“But everything you did only served to please me.”

“You know, watching you moan Jie Luo’s name while beneath me…”

He laughed, a cruel, mocking sound: “It was exhilarating!”

Was this man truly a demon?

Even Anastasia and Heloise exchanged uneasy glances, though they knew the former Hero Squad had been plotting against Qin Chu. They had brought this upon themselves.

But Qin Chu’s torment wasn’t over. He leaned in, whispering in Athena’s ear:

“Athena, you know…”

“You taste delicious.”

His warm breath sent shivers down her spine.

Was this fear?

Was this despair?

Where was hope?

She couldn’t see it.

She hugged herself, her body trembling uncontrollably.

She wished she were dead, wished he had simply killed her, sparing her this torment.

She wanted to cry, but she couldn’t.

Why was he so cruel?

“Oh, right,” Qin Chu said, as if remembering something. He tapped his head lightly: “Jie Luo… you all want to resurrect him, don’t you?”

“You’ll be disappointed. Even if you kill me and take all my blood and soul, he can’t be resurrected.”

“He’s dead. His soul is gone. He’s no more.”

“Even if you gather all the soul fragments and use the resurrection technique, I’m curious to see what would actually be resurrected.”

Buzz…

The last flicker of light in Athena’s eyes vanished.

Chapter 293: Athena, Being Too Smart Isn’t Always a Good Thing

His thoughts exposed, Muse felt a pang of embarrassment.

This was Jie Luo’s soul fragment. He felt safest keeping it with him, not trusting even his fellow Hero Squad member, Athena.

But she had a point. While he was certain it was Jie Luo’s, having sensed his aura, what if he was wrong?

And the fragment had been made into a ring and worn on a skeleton’s finger. Who knew if it had been damaged in the process?

Having Athena examine it wasn’t a bad idea.

Despite his dislike for her, he knew she wouldn’t betray Jie Luo. After a moment of consideration, he handed her the ring.

Athena accepted it, sighing inwardly.

She wasn’t ruthless enough.

Jie Luo’s residual soul had awakened within Qin Chu. And there was a traitor within the former Hero Squad, with Muse being a suspect.

She needed to give this soul fragment to Qin Chu, to help Jie Luo’s soul recover.

While killing Muse would be the best way to conceal the truth, she decided to find another solution… She pondered how to deceive him.

She extended her consciousness into the soul fragment…

Partly to check for damage, and partly because she wanted to see the real Jie Luo.

The desire had intensified after obtaining the fragment.

While his soul had awakened within Qin Chu, it was still within Qin Chu’s body. Initially, it hadn’t bothered her, but now she felt a growing resistance, a sense of discomfort.

A smile touched her lips. If she could draw out the residual soul from the fragment, that would be ideal. It would be the pure, unadulterated Jie Luo.

She believed that seeing him again would solidify her feelings, dispelling her confusion.

But her expression gradually changed.

Her fingers trembled, her face paling, almost as white as the surrounding snow.

Her body shook, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

Her beautiful eyes were filled with shock and terror.

Seeing her reaction, Muse’s heart lurched. What was wrong? Why was she reacting like this?

Was there something wrong with the soul fragment?

Panic filled him. He stepped forward, reaching for her hand.

But even in her state of shock, Athena instinctively reacted, retreating several meters.

“Athena, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice strained, his anxiety growing.

He wasn’t a mage. He couldn’t sense anything wrong with the fragment. And that ignorance was terrifying.

Athena’s lips trembled, her eyes wide and unfocused: “This soul fragment… it’s empty. There’s nothing inside.”

Muse didn’t understand: “Empty?”

“Soul fragments usually contain a residual soul,” Athena explained, her voice filled with shock and fear, fighting to control her trembling. “But this one… it’s just an empty shell. There’s nothing inside…”

“Why? But Qin Chu…”

Buzz…

As she uttered Qin Chu’s name, she swayed, almost falling.

Qin Chu… Qin Chu… Qin Chu…

Why?

The soul fragment Qin Chu possessed contained a residual soul, a soul that had awakened and entered his body?

While hers was empty?

It was no different from an ordinary stone.

A torrent of thoughts flooded her mind, twisting and tangling, threatening to shatter her sanity.

No… this can’t be.

All soul fragments should be the same. It was impossible for some to contain residual souls while others didn’t.

And it was even more impossible for Qin Chu to have the only one with a soul.

If the fragment Qin Chu possessed was also empty…

Her eyes widened, a terrifying thought taking root… had Qin Chu been deceiving her all along?

Was it all a lie?

Was there no Jie Luo?

Had it always been just Qin Chu?

Then her submission to him, her degrading acts, her fawning behavior, like a shameless whore… what had it all been for?

Despite the warmth of her magical shield, she felt a bone-chilling cold.

She felt as if she were freezing, her body trembling as she sank to the ground, a despairing cry escaping her lips…

Nothing could be more painful, more devastating.

She had sacrificed everything for Jie Luo’s resurrection, only to discover it might have all been a sham?

Aaaaaaah…

Her cry echoed through the snowy landscape.

She coughed up a mouthful of blood, staining the snow crimson, like blossoming plum flowers.

She felt as if her heart had been pierced.

No… not necessarily.

In her confused and distraught state, she desperately searched for another explanation.

Perhaps she was overthinking this.

She wasn’t an expert on souls. Perhaps it was normal for a soul fragment to be empty after so long, the residual soul having dissipated.

This fragment was small. Perhaps the soul within had simply faded away.

The fragment Qin Chu possessed was much larger, containing a stronger residual soul, which was why it had survived.

It had to be that. It was just a coincidence.

She desperately clung to this explanation, trying to quell her fear.

But the doubt lingered, growing stronger, more terrifying.

Muse’s face darkened. Athena’s reaction wasn’t faked. He sensed that something was terribly wrong, despite having obtained the soul fragment.

The uncertainty gnawed at him. He needed answers.

“Damn it, Athena, what happened? Tell me everything!” he roared, about to grab her and force the truth out of her.

But Athena suddenly looked up, her gaze darting around.

A strange sound echoed in her ears.

Like the rustling of insects.

“Who’s there?” she demanded.

No answer.

Muse stopped, looking at her strangely.

Had she finally snapped?

There was no one else here.

Rustle… rustle…

The strange sound persisted.

It made Athena’s ears itch.

Finally, she distinguished a few words:

“Poor soul…”

“Do you desire the power of eternal life, the power to corrupt all things?”

The words fueled her anxiety. She gripped her staff, waving it wildly, mana surging around her, a powerful spell threatening to erupt.

“Who’s there? Show yourself!” she screamed, fighting against the voice’s influence.

Her frantic demeanor frightened even Muse, who instinctively stepped back.

A faint rustling sound came from behind a nearby snow-covered cedar tree.

Four figures emerged.

One man, three women.

The man was tall and handsome, a faint smile on his lips.

One of the women wore a black dress and black stockings, her long, black hair reaching her hips, her face pale as snow, her delicate feet encased in silk. She seemed to float above the snow.

She looked stunning in stockings, her black eyes filled with a mixture of pity and indifference.

Another woman wore an ice-blue dress, blending seamlessly with the snowy landscape, her face as delicate as a carving of ice.

The third woman, similar in demeanor to the second, was cold and elegant, her ice-blue hair flowing in the wind, her long legs carrying her graceful figure, her white boots leaving footprints in the snow.

These three women were Ireta, the Daughter of Death, Heloise, the Snow Woman, and Anastasia, the princess of the Ice Duchy.

Muse gripped his axe, his bloodshot, corrupted eyes fixing on the four figures, then settling on Qin Chu.

He sensed a powerful threat emanating from the smiling man.

This man had come to kill him… and perhaps Athena as well.

He was smiling, but his killing intent was undeniable.

Athena froze as the four figures… no, as the man appeared.

She stood motionless, like a beautiful doll.

Suppressing a coughing fit, Muse glared at the man: “Who are you? What are you sneaking around here for?”

The man didn’t answer, merely smiling faintly, his gaze sweeping over Muse with a hint of surprise, as if he hadn’t expected him to be in this state.

Then, his gaze shifted to Athena, his smile widening.

After a long moment, he sighed:

“You actually found me?”

“Athena, you’re very smart. But sometimes, being too smart isn’t a good thing…”