Category: The Grotesque Miss’s End Story

Chapter Thirty-Two: You’re Totally Projecting!

There was a consensus in the Awakened world: the Realm of Nothingness was incredibly dangerous. Anyone, even high-order Grotesqueries, who entered it were likely to perish instantly.

Unless they used special methods, like Luo Ling’s web domain, to temporarily negate the Realm of Nothingness’s influence, allowing brief travel within this deadly void.

However, currently, no known method, including the Company’s, could last more than three days.

In fact, even lasting a single day was rare.

The Company’s protocol for entering the Realm of Nothingness limited operations to three hours.

If they couldn’t achieve their objective within three hours, they had to immediately abort the mission and return to the present world to avoid unnecessary casualties… and losses.

Even if the mission was to rescue a high-order Awakened One.

After all, the Sacred Tools that allowed Awakened Ones to enter the Realm of Nothingness were far more valuable than a single high-order Awakened One.

Although Luo Ling had once spent an entire day in the Realm of Nothingness during the Jiangcheng County incident, shocking everyone, being lost there for a month and a half… was too long.

Furthermore, a high-ranking authority (the Auspicious Timing premonition of the Speakers) had declared that “poor Miss Luo Ling had perished alone in the desolate void.”

Despite this, both Luo Ling’s team members and Fiona still clung to a sliver of hope, believing she would return safely.

Only after half a month did they gradually accept the “fact,” holding a funeral for the unfortunate girl.

Cen Xiangyun and the others were understandably devastated, but Fiona also blamed herself, her face pale and drawn.

Although such commissions inherently carried risks, both the client and the operative had to be prepared for the possibility of sacrifice. But… facing the reality of it was still difficult.

And now, Fiona, having attended the funeral in the morning, was facing Miss Luo Ling in the evening.

Although she looked like a ghost, she was alive.

After hearing Fiona’s explanation, Luo Ling’s expression turned strange.

In that case… it was understandable.

“But, I’m really not dead…”

Luo Ling scratched her cheek, feeling strangely apologetic.

She hadn’t expected the time dilation caused by “rewrite reality” to be so significant, less than a day turning into a month and a half, causing so much worry.

However, there was another matter.

“What did Elsa say?” Luo Ling asked curiously.

Elsa was her Apostle… or Godchosen. She should have sensed her presence and known she wasn’t dead.

“That short, red-haired girl?” Fiona asked, surprised. “I remember clearly. She was the most inconsolable, insisting that ‘Miss Luo Ling isn’t dead,’ ‘Miss Luo Ling is still alive’… We thought she was delusional, but now it seems she was right.

“However, because of that, she was diagnosed with hallucinations due to grief and has been resting at the apartment.”

“…”

Luo Ling rubbed her temples. It seemed she had caused quite a commotion.

But it wasn’t her fault.

It was Naraku’s fault. All Naraku’s fault.

“By the way, tomorrow is your burial. Since we couldn’t find your body, they’re planning a symbolic burial.” Fiona continued. “They’ve even bought the wreaths. Miss Cen said it’s a custom in your Eastern culture, guests have to bring one… I prepared one too.”

She pointed to a wreath in the corner. Luo Ling’s black and white portrait was in the center, flanked by two long white banners with inscriptions.

“In loving memory of Miss Luo Ling.” “May Miss Luo Ling rest in peace.”

“I…”

Looking at her own wreath, Luo Ling wanted to curse.

Anyone witnessing this scene would feel the same.

She turned to see Fiona smiling at her.

“Regardless, welcome back, Miss Luo Ling.”

Fiona said softly, opening her arms and hugging Luo Ling gently.

Westerners seemed fond of hugs as a greeting. Fiona’s daughter, Linna, was the same.

Fiona hadn’t asked about the mission or Linna.

Perhaps, seeing Miss Luo Ling safe and sound was enough.

However, Luo Ling still had to fulfill her duty. As her first solo commission, she had to provide a satisfactory result.

She took the Sacred Tool from her back and handed it to Fiona.

“I found this in the Realm of Nothingness. I think you’ll recognize it.”

“This is…”

Fiona’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Her hands trembled as she took the firearm. She had personally commissioned this Sacred Tool, tailored to her daughter Linna’s abilities. How could she forget it?

The long-barreled firearm was covered in cracks, testament to the fierce battles it had witnessed in its owner’s hands.

Fiona gently traced each scar, her eyes filled with love and sadness, a mix of emotions evident on her face.

So much time had passed, and it was at the epicenter of the Boundary collapse. She knew that Linna’s chances of survival were slim.

But…

As a mother, she didn’t even know what her daughter had gone through.

Both the Company and other Awakened organizations had remained silent, including the Speakers.

Fiona had painstakingly acquired a favor from the Speakers, hoping to learn about Linna’s fate.

But the Speakers had told her that this matter was a “Taboo,” forbidden knowledge, even her favor, which could supposedly be exchanged for anything, couldn’t be used.

Only now had she finally received something related to Linna, her most treasured weapon.

“Thank you, Miss Luo Ling.”

“It was just a transaction, Ms. Fiona. Don’t mention it.”

“But I’m still grateful.” Fiona looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude. “You allowed me to see Linna again.”

Fiona and Linna truly were mother and daughter. Their appearances were strikingly similar, even their expressions of gratitude. Fiona was simply more mature, while Linna still retained a youthful innocence.

“Perhaps… there’s a chance that Linna hasn’t perished.”

After a moment of hesitation, Luo Ling couldn’t help but say it.

She couldn’t bear to see a mother grieve. It reminded her of her sister.

She had intended to keep Linna’s secret, as Linna seemingly didn’t want to face her mother as a Grotesquery, but…

She was sure Linna wouldn’t mind her decision.

However, Luo Ling chose not to reveal the truth about the Purgatory Incubation Barrier.

Firstly, she wasn’t entirely sure about the effects of “rewrite reality.” Secondly, Fiona’s status was sensitive. She was one of the three high-ranking members of the Fate Society, possessing and wielding a Sacred Tool that sealed an Authority.

Even in the entire human world, she was among the most powerful.

Fiona’s actions carried significant weight.

“What…”

Fiona was shocked by the unbelievable news, but her expression quickly softened.

“I understand.”

She didn’t believe it.

“It’s just a kind lie, Miss Luo Ling, trying to comfort me.” Fiona thought.

How sweet of you, Miss Luo Ling, but I’m not a child anymore. An old woman like me won’t be comforted by such a clumsy lie.

She had already accepted the cruel reality.

However, since it was Miss Luo Ling’s kindness, she wouldn’t expose it.

“I’ll always wait for her return.”

Fiona looked at Linna’s belongings, the only things that still carried her daughter’s presence.

As if Linna had just been here.

Seeing Fiona’s slightly improved mood, Luo Ling was relieved.

She had brought some comfort to Linna’s mother, slightly mitigating the series of unfortunate events caused by her… or rather, by Naraku.

Fiona had issued the commission, and she must have been under immense pressure these past few days.

“By the way, Miss Luo Ling, should I inform the Company, so Miss Cen and the others don’t worry about you?” Fiona asked.

Luo Ling was about to nod, but a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes, a rare sight.

“Not yet, heh heh.”

“Hmm?”

Fiona noticed Luo Ling’s mischievous smile and instantly understood her intentions.

A strange expression appeared on her face. She hadn’t expected Miss Luo Ling to have such a devious side.

It gave her a new perspective on this young woman.

“How many chances does one get to attend their own funeral?” Luo Ling winked, a playful smile on her lips. “Such a rare opportunity, how could I miss it?”

“You’re right. Even I haven’t had such an opportunity.”

Looking at Luo Ling’s smile, even Fiona began to anticipate the scene at the funeral tomorrow.

It would be… interesting, wouldn’t it?

Hopefully, not too interesting…

However, Luo Ling’s demeanor reminded her of her daughter, Linna.

“If Linna were still alive, Miss Luo Ling, you two would definitely get along.” Fiona sighed.

“Yeah, we’d get along.” Luo Ling nodded.

Just get along, not particularly well.

Miss Linna was also quite devious.

However, Fiona didn’t dwell on Luo Ling’s words, her attention focused on Linna’s belongings.

After carefully storing the long-barreled firearm in the safest place in her office, Fiona turned and asked,

“So, Miss Luo Ling, tonight you’ll…”

“I’ll stay at the Victoria Opera House for now. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the funeral with you.” Luo Ling paused. “You… have a spare room, right?”

“Of course,” Fiona nodded. “Linna’s room. I’ve been cleaning it regularly. You can stay there.”

“Alright… but Ms. Fiona, I’m not your daughter. You don’t have to treat me like her.”

Luo Ling felt that Fiona was, intentionally or not, treating her like her daughter, Linna.

It hadn’t bothered her before she knew Linna, but now… it evoked a strange feeling.

“Of course, I know that.” Fiona smiled. “But calling me ‘Ms. Fiona’ is too formal. If you don’t mind, call me ‘Aunt’… or ‘Sister’ if you prefer, though this old woman isn’t that shameless.”

“…Okay.”

“By the way, here are Linna’s pajamas and clothes. Take them.”

Fiona handed Luo Ling a set of fluffy pajamas and casual clothes.

“And after all this time, you should take a nice bath. Linna’s room has her favorite bathtub. You can use it.”

“…”

Looking at Fiona’s expectant gaze, Luo Ling fell silent.

You’re totally projecting!

……

The steam from the hot bath filled the room, blurring Luo Ling’s vision. She was submerged in the bathtub, her dark golden vertical pupils faintly visible through the mist.

Her exposed skin was covered in fading blue-black scales, reaching up to her collarbone.

“I didn’t expect the Grotesquery transformation to be this severe…”

Luo Ling traced the scales with her fingers, the touch both hard and sensitive.

This meant that these grotesque scales were a part of her body, not an external infection.

However, considering these scales, her eyes, and her sharp fangs, Luo Ling was reminded of a mythical creature.

—A “dragon.”

But even among the Grotesquery Sequences, such a creature had never appeared, only mentioned in vague myths and legends.

“Could I actually be a dragon girl in the Grotesquery Sequence?”

The thought crossed Luo Ling’s mind, initially unbelievable, but upon further reflection, somewhat plausible.

“Perhaps my sister knew, but I don’t have those memories.”

Luo Ling submerged her head, blowing bubbles in frustration.

Her sister really was irresponsible, leaving all these troublesome matters to her, while she herself…

She had to bring her back and give her a piece of her mind.

However, there had been some progress. At least now she knew her true Path.

It was just terrifying.

Even capable of devouring Boundaries…

No, she couldn’t think about it anymore.

Luo Ling composed herself, pushing those thoughts aside.

But…

This large bathtub was indeed comfortable. Linna really knew how to enjoy life.

Luo Ling glanced around the room, her lips twitching slightly.

Tsk, rich people were truly detestable.

As a knight, Linna’s life wasn’t simple at all.

Her “room” was ten times larger than the small hut she and her sister had shared in Jiangcheng County.

Not to mention the private bathtub, rows of bookshelves, and a separate armory, which, although lacking Sacred Tools, contained high-quality equipment.

Including equipment crafted from Sacred Relic materials.

Not all equipment made from Sacred Relic materials could be considered Sacred Tools. They had to contain the abilities of their respective Grotesqueries.

Another jab at Scientist. Her Sacred Relic couldn’t be used to create a Sacred Tool because it didn’t contain Naraku’s abilities.

It was ironic. Scientist had never truly possessed Naraku’s power.

There were originally maids attending to her, but Luo Ling wasn’t accustomed to being served.

Besides, her current appearance was monstrous. It wouldn’t do for anyone to see her. So, she had dismissed them all.

After cleaning herself, Luo Ling put on Linna’s pajamas.

Since Linna was taller and had a larger frame, the pajamas were loose on Luo Ling, her shoulder slipping out.

Unfortunately, her shoulder was covered in fading scales, marring the otherwise aesthetically pleasing sight, adding a touch of the grotesque.

Sitting at Linna’s desk, Luo Ling’s gaze was drawn to a photo of Linna and Fiona.

Fiona stood behind Linna with a gentle smile. Linna looked even younger than when Luo Ling had met her, her expression slightly reserved and distant.

“No wonder Fiona said I resembled Linna…”

Luo Ling gently touched the girl in the photo, murmuring softly.

She looked out the window. The nights in Victoria were always dark and gloomy, like a predator waiting for its prey.

So similar to that fateful night.

“Forget it, Linna it is. It’s fine to be her for a while.”

Chapter Thirty-One: The Death of Miss Luo Ling

The dark sky gradually turned a deep crimson, the air thick with the stench of decay and blood. Purgatory, now in its complete form, swept across the land, attempting to claim a part of Victoria as its own.

Only… it avoided the grotesque figure sitting at the center, not daring to approach within three meters.

“The Inspiration consumption for maintaining ‘rewrite reality’ is decreasing…”

Luo Ling, in her Naraku form, used “Weave” to carefully sense the changes around her.

An indescribable presence churned violently. This was a sensation she hadn’t experienced before, similar to traversing the Realm of Nothingness. This must be the so-called “Boundary.”

But it wasn’t enough. This alone couldn’t trigger a Boundary collapse. It was merely a localized disaster.

Was something missing…?

As Luo Ling pondered, her web domain was disrupted, a small portion vanishing.

Or rather, she could no longer sense that part of her domain, completely losing control.

This had never happened before. Luo Ling looked up, her expression grave, towards the disrupted area, and saw a figure suddenly appear.

“Who?”

Who could silently enter her web domain and even negate its influence?

No, wait…

This figure wasn’t real, merely a specter.

But…

Luo Ling’s face darkened as she stared at the figure.

“…Why is it her?”

A beautiful, alluring face partially veiled in lavender, her every smile and gesture captivating, her languid posture accentuating her curvaceous figure beneath the sheer fabric.

Luo Ling was familiar with this woman, yet they weren’t exactly acquaintances, having only interacted briefly.

“The Gypsy Woman.”

The Harbinger of Disaster, one of the Speakers’ four premonitions.

Why was she here?

Wait, Harbinger of Disaster…

Suddenly, Luo Ling understood.

“Thus,” the beautiful woman’s soft, melodious voice echoed, laced with a seductive lilt, “disaster has come to pass.”

With her words, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place, triggering the Boundary collapse.

The horrific, hellish landscape suddenly dimmed, turning grey and gradually blurring, like a fading memory… similar to the lost Kingdom.

—This was the moment of a Boundary collapse.

The rubble-strewn streets and scattered corpses vanished, replaced by a quiet, peaceful night, with houses intact and undisturbed.

But the next moment, the hellish scene reappeared, the two scenes overlapping.

Everyday life and disaster intertwined, the Boundary in a state of extreme instability.

Luo Ling immediately deactivated her Naraku form, reverting to her original appearance.

The instability carried the aura of the Realm of Nothingness. Only in this state could she better sense the changes caused by the Boundary collapse.

She felt everything around her submerged in the Realm of Nothingness, the endless void observing all existence.

And all existence was reborn from the void, bit by bit, recreating… the past.

The instability didn’t last long. Luo Ling felt like several days had passed, but looking at the time, it had only been less than three seconds.

Soon, the new Boundary stabilized.

The hellish scene vanished completely, replaced by the ordinary cityscape, deserted but otherwise identical to the Victoria she knew.

“Is it over?”

Luo Ling savored the lingering sensation, seemingly understanding the essence of the Realm of Nothingness.

However, she felt like she had overlooked something.

As she pondered, the Boundary destabilized again, but this time, it wasn’t the hellish scene that reappeared.

It was the Realm of Nothingness.

Half the district was being pulled into the void, the Boundary collapse worsening into Boundary annihilation.

Only now did Luo Ling realize what she had overlooked.

In the original timeline, this district hadn’t reverted to the past, but had been completely consumed by the Realm of Nothingness.

“What’s going on?”

Luo Ling muttered, staring at the flickering, overlapping scenes.

Her voice sounded hoarse and grotesque, like a demon from the underworld.

Could it be…

Luo Ling slowly looked down at her hands.

Her slender fingers were covered in blue scales and sharp claws, the same as when she transformed into her Grotesquery form.

But now, the changes were more severe.

The blue scales weren’t limited to her hands, but spread across her arms, turning black.

The same black as the Realm of Nothingness.

Luo Ling was certain she hadn’t used her Grotesquery form just now.

And earlier, when using it to protect Linna from the Distorted Beast, the transformation hadn’t been this severe.

She had always been cautious with her Grotesquery form, unsure of its price, using it minimally, only when absolutely necessary.

But now…

Her transformation seemed to have triggered something far worse.

Turning a Boundary collapse into Boundary annihilation was the worst possible outcome, as an annihilated Boundary couldn’t be reversed, forever lost from this world.

Even more terrifying, Luo Ling realized that her Grotesquery transformation was continuing uncontrollably, worsening.

The surrounding void was consuming this once-stable area, pulling it into the eternal Realm of Nothingness.

“No, I have to stop it.”

Luo Ling focused, trying to halt the annihilation by changing forms.

But… she failed.

Even after changing forms, the annihilation continued.

At the same time, Luo Ling received news that was both good and bad.

As the annihilation progressed, she was… growing stronger.

Her Inspiration, depleted from maintaining “rewrite reality,” had completely recovered. Not only that, but she felt an unprecedented surge of power.

She quickly realized the source of this power.

She looked at herself through her spores’ vision, seeing her current state, and understanding why she couldn’t stop the annihilation.

Two forms overlapped, the petite silver-haired girl and the terrifying black demon coexisting.

She also saw…

The smile on her face.

Two sharp fangs, dark golden vertical pupils burning brightly, her face covered in grotesque scales, ugly yet strangely beautiful.

She was grinning, devouring.

Indeed, the moment the Boundary collapse was triggered, Luo Ling, in her Grotesquery form, had devoured the Boundary.

And because of this “devouring,” she was rapidly transforming, the price being the complete annihilation of this area.

At the same time, the information that had been hidden from her finally surfaced, her true Path, corresponding to her first Authority.

[Doomsday – ???]

The Grotesque side of the Seventh Path, Doomsday.

“The Seventh Path originates from a new God, yet to be born, about to be born, but absolutely must not be born, a true God.”

The leader’s explanation of the Seventh Path echoed in Luo Ling’s mind.

“So, that’s what she meant…”

Luo Ling murmured, slightly dazed.

Anyone who knew the truth of this world, the existence of Boundaries, would realize… this world faced a grave crisis.

A crisis that could destroy everything.

This was the soon-to-be-born master of the Doomsday path, a true God.

However, at least for now, Doomsday hadn’t fully arrived, so it was still unborn.

For this world, Doomsday must never be born.

Luo Ling watched the Victoria district being consumed by the Realm of Nothingness, until she was surrounded by complete darkness, then lowered her gaze and sighed.

“So… is it ‘Devour’ that brings about ‘Doomsday’?”

Her power originated from a God who sought to destroy this world.

Of course, according to the Godchosen, other Paths also originated from Gods, but those Gods had already been born. Only the Seventh Path hadn’t fully manifested, at least not yet.

After devouring this Boundary, Luo Ling’s Naraku form had grown stronger, nearing its second ability.

“If I could devour more Boundaries, perhaps I would already be…”

The thought crossed Luo Ling’s mind, but she quickly shook her head, slightly unnerved.

How could she have such a thought? This was Boundary annihilation, the most terrifying disaster.

The reason there were no casualties this time was because everyone here was already dead. Otherwise, her actions would have killed at least ten thousand people.

Furthermore, not all Boundaries could be devoured. Only those in a state of collapse, extremely unstable, could be consumed by “Devour.”

Luo Ling’s devouring had only affected the area within Purgatory’s Incubation Barrier, as that was the most unstable region.

Perhaps after her Grotesquery transformation progressed further, she could even devour stable Boundaries, but she clearly couldn’t do that now.

Even so, it was shocking enough.

However…

“So, even the Speakers are involved in this artificial Boundary collapse?”

Luo Ling recalled the appearance of the Gypsy Woman, her expression grave.

It seemed that the Gypsy Woman wasn’t just involved, but played a crucial role. Without her, the Grotesquery disaster would have been just an ordinary disaster. It was her presence that escalated it into a collapse-inducing catastrophe.

The Speakers weren’t exactly an Order-side organization. They only recruited Other Shore path Awakened Ones, regardless of their alignment. Ninety percent of Other Shore Awakened Ones were Speakers, with exceptions like Ji Shinian from Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital.

In most cases, the Speakers treated all Awakened Ones equally, even the Harbingers and Grotesquery Apostles were their clients.

It seemed that the Speakers’ role in this Company-led secret plan wasn’t trivial.

If that was the case… an idea formed in Luo Ling’s mind.

“There are no records of the seventy-fourth Boundary collapse in any public archives, including the Company’s internal files. This must be intentional. But now, knowing that the Speakers are involved, things are much easier.”

As everyone knew, the Speakers would trade with anyone, for the right price.

This was Luo Ling’s only chance to uncover the truth.

“The effect of ‘rewrite reality’ has ended.”

Luo Ling felt her Inspiration stop draining, even more abundant than before, roughly doubled.

Previously, it had been equivalent to two ninth-order human Awakened Ones. Now, it was at least four.

Of course, the amount of Inspiration didn’t directly translate to strength. Her power hadn’t doubled, but if she encountered a similar situation again, she wouldn’t be as limited by her Inspiration.

…Hopefully, she wouldn’t encounter such a situation again.

Both times she used “rewrite reality,” the outcome had exceeded her control, making her realize that this ability wasn’t as convenient as its description suggested.

As expected of the infamous Naraku, even its Godchosen were troublesome, its main body must be even worse.

“I should leave this place.”

Luo Ling composed herself. The Realm of Nothingness was even more comfortable than the present world. The void, which represented despair to others, was an extension of her senses.

Simply put, Luo Ling felt at home in the Realm of Nothingness.

Soon, she left the Realm of Nothingness.

“I should report back to Fiona.”

Luo Ling touched the long-barreled firearm on her back, a faint smile appearing on her lips.

It had been quite an experience.

…If it hadn’t ended with her devouring a collapsing Boundary.

……

“Miss Luo Ling, you’re… not dead?”

Fiona stared at Luo Ling in disbelief, a white flower in her hair, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

“…Ms. Fiona, that’s quite rude.”

Luo Ling’s face darkened. Who greeted someone by saying they weren’t dead?

Having been to the Victoria Opera House before, and not wanting to trouble anyone, Luo Ling hadn’t notified anyone, using her token to reach Fiona’s office unimpeded.

After knocking, she wasn’t met with the expected joy, but shock and disbelief.

And a rather rude remark.

“You, you…”

Fiona approached, her hands trembling as she removed Luo Ling’s cloak.

Luo Ling turned away uncomfortably. The grotesque scales from her earlier transformation hadn’t completely faded, so she had used the cloak to conceal her appearance.

“You’re really alive…”

Fiona’s voice was laced with sadness.

“Ms. Fiona, if you—”

Before Luo Ling could finish, Fiona hugged her tightly.

Although Miss Luo Ling’s appearance had changed, the records indicated that she was a Grotesque-side Awakened One. Such transformations after using her abilities weren’t unusual.

And now, one thing was certain: Miss Luo Ling was indeed alive.

“Um…”

Luo Ling noticed the funeral decorations in the office, gulped, and asked,

“How long have I been gone?”

“A month and a half, Miss Luo Ling.” Fiona quickly composed herself, releasing Luo Ling. “Everyone thought you were dead. The Company and the Fate Society are currently holding your funeral.”

“Huh?”

Luo Ling was stunned.

She hadn’t expected to be gone for so long.

She had only spent about half a day within the recreated timeline.

Besides… only a month and a half, wasn’t it too soon to declare her dead?

Seeing Luo Ling’s confused expression, Fiona continued,

“For some reason, the Company refused to send an investigation team to that area of the Realm of Nothingness. After waiting for a month, I made a deal with the Speakers, hoping to see your current state.”

“And?”

Luo Ling asked.

But she already knew the answer.

Someone had tried to see her fate before.

The outcome…

“Two Speakers were severely injured, unable to see anything. Then the Auspicious Timing premonition himself intervened, refusing the transaction and telling me… that you had likely perished in the Realm of Nothingness.” Fiona said apologetically.

What happened next was easy to understand.

“…So, I’m dead?”

Luo Ling’s lips twitched.

“Yes, Miss Luo Ling.”

Chapter Thirty: Traitor

“Please use ‘Complete Domination’ on me, Miss Bai.”

Linna looked at Luo Ling calmly, her voice soft.

“My body… should be quite useful.”

She turned her gaze to the now empty ground where her teammates had once lain, now a part of Purgatory, a part of the Company’s Boundary collapse plan.

In this conspiracy disguised as “saving humanity,” the “Hunt” team were the chosen sacrifices.

Now… words seemed meaningless.

But there was one thing.

Even knowing that Frick was merely following orders, that the Company’s actions likely had a reason, perhaps even for the sake of humanity…

Linna couldn’t accept being chosen as a sacrifice, nor could she accept her teammates becoming cold statistics in a report, dying without knowing the truth.

She wanted to kill Frick.

“Use my body as you see fit, Miss Bai. I know you can.” Linna lowered her gaze, her voice barely a whisper. “This isn’t revenge, just… a struggle.”

A struggle against this conspiracy.

Even if she couldn’t change the outcome, even if she couldn’t resist this conspiracy, at least… she could take down the one who executed it.

“No, Linna, I won’t dominate your body.”

An unexpected refusal. The silver-haired figure, shrouded in her cloak, trembled slightly, her small hand gripping Linna’s increasingly cold one.

Linna was stunned, her weary expression softening.

“Really? There’s no need to consider my feelings, Miss Bai. It’s just a body. When a person dies, their light goes out. I don’t care.”

“No, Linna.” The childish voice seemed to change slightly. As the cloaked figure looked up, Linna saw a pair of beautiful, clear amethyst eyes. “This isn’t my place. This is your fight.

“Avenge yourself. Your struggle, your resistance… should be your own.”

Linna seemed to see enormous, grotesque spider legs extending from the cloaked figure, blotting out the sky.

Her eyes widened.

She realized something. This wasn’t a power a human could possess.

“And I, I want you to live.”

The gentle voice echoed, yet carried undeniable authority.

The fact of her impending death was twisted, rewritten, in an act of extreme defiance.

This was… Naraku of Chaos, eighth in the Grotesquery Sequence, a Taboo, an ability impossible for a human to wield.

[First Ability: “Ensnare” – Within the web domain, rewrite a single aspect of reality]

[This is the decree of “Omniscience,” it is reality, and cannot be defied.]

“Rewrite reality.”

Rewrite the reality of Linna’s impending death.

“Cough…”

The amethyst-eyed beauty coughed weakly, her exhaustion evident, yet she maintained this terrifying rewrite.

Meanwhile, the parts of Linna’s body that had been healed began to change, the change rapidly spreading throughout her entire being.

Countless elegant yet grotesque fungal growths bloomed, completely consuming Linna’s body, even invading her consciousness, becoming a part of it.

—The Puppet Ballad couldn’t influence the mind, but Naraku could.

But… in a different way.

Only now did Luo Ling finally understand the true meaning of “rewriting reality.”

This seemingly omnipotent ability could indeed fulfill any wish.

However, every wish had a price, not just the immense consumption of Inspiration, even requiring Luo Ling to overdraw her power.

More importantly, the way these wishes were fulfilled wasn’t always pleasant.

It was fulfilled in the most malicious way, “rewriting reality” with malice.

Under the influence of “Ensnare,” Linna would indeed survive.

But she was no longer human, but a Grotesquery.

Or rather, the current Linna could be considered a part of the White Witch, like a limb, her consciousness now a part of the White Witch’s.

Even more completely than an Agent.

Linna’s consciousness, connected to Luo Ling’s, quickly understood everything, her current state, and Luo Ling’s true identity.

…A human-like Grotesquery, practically a taboo according to all Grotesquery encounter protocols.

In her final moments, facing death due to a human conspiracy, it was a Grotesquery that offered her a lifeline.

How ironic.

“Actually, I’m quite selfish, just like my sister.”

The amethyst-eyed beauty reverted to the ghostly silver-haired girl, taking Linna’s hand and saying earnestly,

“My sister selfishly gave me everything without asking if I wanted it, and I selfishly saved you without asking if you wanted it. Because… I just want you to live, that’s all.”

Living like this, half-human, half-Grotesquery, her life in the hands of a Grotesquery, was a fate worse than death for most Awakened Ones.

Linna felt that if this were yesterday, she would have agreed.

But now…

“What’s the difference between humans and Grotesqueries?”

For some unknown purpose, the Company had deliberately caused a Boundary collapse that would kill over a hundred thousand people, and Awakened organizations used this opportunity to eliminate their rivals.

…Most Grotesqueries couldn’t even cause this much damage.

So, Linna could no longer distinguish between them.

“This… isn’t so bad.”

Linna smiled, a hint of sadness in her expression.

Her face was covered in white marks from the fungal growths, grotesque yet strangely beautiful.

“Knight Linna, at your service, my new master… the White Witch.” The armored knight knelt on one knee, gently kissing the silver-haired girl’s hand. “Or rather, my dear Miss Luo Ling.”

“…”

“Linna, I can’t believe you’d do this…”

Frick stared at the Grotesquery-tainted Linna in disbelief. She had clearly become a Grotesquery.

If her body wasn’t being dominated, it could only mean…

Linna had willingly degraded herself, siding with a Grotesquery, becoming humanity’s enemy, a “Grotesquery Apostle.”

Frick hadn’t anticipated this.

The Linna he knew, the captain of the “Hunt” team, would never do such a thing, even if it meant death.

As for how Linna, who had been on the verge of death, was still alive, perhaps it was due to some unknown Grotesquery’s power.

But what was the price?

Clearly, the price was Linna herself.

She had offered her entire being to the Grotesquery. This was the defining characteristic of a Grotesquery Apostle.

And the Grotesquery Linna had devoted herself to…

“…The White Witch.”

Frick slowly turned to Luo Ling, his gaze fixed on her.

Now he was certain. This little girl hadn’t lied. She was indeed a Grotesquery.

And possessing an Authority, capable of saving someone from certain death… she must be a High-Risk Grotesquery within the top fifty Sequences.

“You’ve betrayed humanity, Linna. You’ll be hunted by all of mankind, your name forever etched in infamy.” Frick said gravely. He could no longer move. The Puppet Ballad had completely dominated his body.

However, due to his armor and Luo Ling’s depleted Inspiration, her domination could only immobilize him.

Even now, Frick maintained his dignity as a knight.

“Is that so? But Frick, you already know, don’t you?” Linna smiled faintly. “The Linna you knew is dead, killed by your own hand.

“Along with Wilson, Helen, Lucia, and… Old Victor.”

Now Linna knew that Old Victor was also dead. Frick’s earlier words had been a lie to lure her back to the core area.

“Regardless, their deaths were for the sake of humanity!” Frick’s voice rose, his neck stiffly turning as he glared at Linna. “And Linna, you should have died for humanity too! Even if you struggled, even if you killed me to avenge your teammates, you should have died as a human!”

“But… what’s the point now?” Linna whispered. “We both know… it’s meaningless.”

Only after experiencing this firsthand could one truly understand despair.

When Miss Luo Ling granted her a second life, Linna had understood.

What was the difference between humans and Grotesqueries?

Humans wanted to kill her, while a Grotesquery saved her.

Knowing this was enough.

“Linna! You traitor!”

Frick bit his tongue, a surge of strength coursing through him, shattering the fungal threads dominating his body.

Luo Ling immediately understood.

Frick’s ability enhanced his muscles, and her fungal threads, weakened by her depleted Inspiration, hadn’t fully consumed his flesh, only restricting his movements.

This gave him an opportunity to break free.

But Frick didn’t attack Luo Ling. Knowing that the silver-haired girl was likely a High-Risk Grotesquery, he knew he couldn’t kill her, and he was right.

So, his sword was aimed at Linna, who was holding her firearm.

Everything Frick had done was for this moment. Even if he died at the hands of the Grotesquery girl, he would first kill Linna, the traitor to humanity.

Linna looked at him sadly.

Frick’s plan was indeed perfect. His sword was fast, accurate, and capable of severing even the soul.

At this distance, even if Linna reacted, she couldn’t dodge Frick’s all-out attack.

But she didn’t dodge, not even attempting to.

The sword flashed.

The surrounding rubble shattered, the unstable ground collapsing slightly under the force of the blow. Linna’s body was torn apart, a gruesome sight.

But… what was severed wasn’t flesh and blood, but the interwoven white fungal growths.

“Have you forgotten, Frick?” Linna’s expression remained calm, even with half her body missing. “I’m no longer human. I’ve become a Grotesquery.

“When dealing with a Grotesquery, you shouldn’t use human methods and thinking.”

Linna’s shattered body slowly regenerated, instantly restored.

The Puppet Ballad was a Silent Demise Grotesquery ability. Such injuries couldn’t kill her.

This was the single flaw in Frick’s perfect plan.

“Wh-what…”

Frick muttered in disbelief.

The fungal threads he had shattered with his muscles had regenerated, dominating his body again.

Now, Frick was powerless, unable to break free.

A long-barreled firearm was aimed at his forehead, a pair of clear green eyes looking at him with sadness.

“Go apologize to them.” Linna whispered.

A gunshot echoed. Frick’s body exploded, blood and flesh splattering everywhere, quickly dissolving under Purgatory’s influence.

At the same time, the surrounding environment began to change drastically.

With Frick’s death, this downgraded Purgatory finally reached its critical point, rapidly evolving into its complete form.

“It’s finally over…”

Luo Ling’s eyes flickered. It was time to determine whether all this was real or an illusion.

She walked over to Linna, who was removing Frick’s armor, cleaning off the corrupted flesh.

“This is a good item.” Linna held up a piece of the armor. “Worth at least a hundred thousand points.”

Almost all Awakened organizations used the Company’s point system as a standard. Scientist’s Sacred Relic had been worth sixty thousand points, and this armor was worth at least a hundred thousand, indicating that Frick had indeed come prepared.

Luo Ling remained silent for a moment. Before she could speak, Linna said,

“Miss Luo Ling, you’re wondering… whether this is reality or an altered past, aren’t you?”

Through their connected consciousness, Linna had access to some of Luo Ling’s memories, understanding her hesitation.

Luo Ling nodded slightly.

“It’s quite remarkable, isn’t it? Such a powerful ability… even resurrection pales in comparison.” Linna sighed, then smiled at Luo Ling. “But Miss Luo Ling, whether this is real or an illusion… didn’t you already know?

“Can’t you… feel my presence?”

Indeed, Luo Ling could clearly sense that Linna had become a part of the Puppet Ballad. This couldn’t be faked.

Whether “rewriting reality” had truly changed the past, or this was the original past, one thing was certain.

What was happening now was undeniably real.

“But, why…”

Luo Ling was still puzzled. If this was real, why would Fiona ask her to search for her daughter later?

Seemingly understanding Luo Ling’s confusion, Linna smiled wryly.

“Miss Luo Ling, even I wouldn’t dare to face my mother in this state. She would scold me to death. I wouldn’t dare to explain this to her.”

“…That’s true.”

Luo Ling’s eyelid twitched. She hadn’t considered that.

Indeed, in her current state, Linna couldn’t return to the human world.

Her appearance was far removed from human. Anyone could tell she wasn’t human.

Even Luo Ling couldn’t erase the fungal growths. Like a mark of Naraku’s malice, even if Linna survived, she couldn’t openly appear in the human world.

However, before Luo Ling could ponder further, Purgatory’s Incubation Barrier began to transform.

Or rather, disappear.

This meant… Purgatory’s incubation was complete.

The surroundings began to fade, a malicious gaze observing them, yet quickly retreating, sensing the White Witch’s High-Risk Grotesquery aura.

“The Company’s plan has likely succeeded. This Boundary collapse is unavoidable.” Linna whispered, looking up.

Linna had mentioned earlier that this Incubation Barrier alone couldn’t trigger a Boundary collapse.

And according to Frick, there were fifteen other locations.

Perhaps individually they were weaker than this Purgatory, but together, they possessed the power to collapse a Boundary.

“You have to leave, Linna.” Luo Ling said gravely.

“I know.”

Linna nodded. She knew that with her current strength, she couldn’t stay here.

This was the epicenter of the collapse. Purgatory would engulf everything until the Boundary, unable to withstand the drastic changes, finally collapsed.

“We’ll meet again later. For you, it might be a long time.”

“But for me, it might be just a moment.”

Linna winked at Luo Ling, a faint smile on her lips.

“So… my dear Miss Luo Ling, let’s meet again soon.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine: She Must Live

“Hmm… it should be around here, almost at the core. The extraction point should be nearby.”

Frick, clad in his knight’s armor, strolled through the increasingly grotesque ruins. Ordinary pustule monsters were no longer visible here.

Driven by Purgatory’s influence, they had flocked to the core area, embraced by the grotesque phenomenon, their flesh and blood dissolving into the nightmare.

Only the Awakened Ones, transformed into Distorted Beasts, could maintain a semblance of existence within Purgatory.

But… if killed in their Distorted Beast form, they would also be dissolved by Purgatory.

Both the outer Incubation Barrier and the core area were being nourished by Purgatory, growing stronger until it finally… reached its complete form.

As Frick walked past a pile of rubble, a shadow lunged at him.

“Yo, Old Victor, still not quite dead, are you?”

Frick raised an eyebrow, adjusted his stance, and sliced the shadow in half with his sword.

The scattered shadow coalesced, forming a withered, grotesque face, filled with resentment and pain, yet unable to resist Purgatory’s influence.

Old Victor had been a Oneiric path Awakened One, capable of abandoning his physical body and surviving as a spirit, the most difficult to kill among them.

Frick hadn’t personally killed the other team members, merely nudging them along. Only with Old Victor had he directly intervened, incurring his wrath.

…Indeed, Old Victor was already dead, the first to die, killed by Frick himself. His earlier words to Linna had been a lie.

Frick knew his captain well, knowing how to manipulate her into returning to the core area, completing the sacrifice.

Without enough Distorted Beasts, how could Purgatory grow strong enough to trigger a Boundary collapse?

“Working two jobs is tiring.”

Frick sighed. It was mainly because Captain Linna was directionally challenged. After he deliberately separated the team, she had gotten lost in the outer area, making him waste several days searching for her.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have waited until now, almost at the mission’s deadline.

Frick looked up at the glaring spectral figure with a pitying gaze.

“Old Victor, just give up and join the others.”

Frick struck again, after a brief exchange, completely shattering the specter.

Frick was powerful, and with his Purgatory-resistant armor, dealing with Old Victor was easy.

The most troublesome aspect of Distorted Beasts born from Purgatory was their corrupting power. Without it, they were merely mindless monsters.

The spectral figure roared in frustration, but Purgatory was impatient, greedily absorbing everything, nearing its breaking point.

“Huh, I didn’t expect the Captain to last this long…”

Frick observed the changes in the Incubation Barrier, muttering to himself.

Even overexerting herself with her secret technique twice shouldn’t have been fatal. The true cause was Purgatory’s environment. Linna, lacking Frick’s armor, couldn’t withstand its influence.

Furthermore, before entering the Incubation Barrier, all members of the “Hunt” team had been subtly sabotaged, their minds weakened.

The Company and the Torchbearers had spent considerable time preparing for this operation, ensuring its success.

According to their calculations, this downgraded Purgatory phenomenon required at least five eighth-order Awakened Ones to reach its complete form.

The ordinary people and lower-ranked Awakened Ones were merely supplements, unable to fully replace an eighth-order Awakened One.

Eighth-order Awakened Ones were rare. The Company didn’t want to weaken humanity’s forces too much, disrupting the balance.

Five was just right, one less was too few, one more was too many.

And now, they only needed one more.

Frick sat down, calmly waiting for the Incubation Barrier to expand, for Purgatory to reach its complete form.

However, what he encountered first wasn’t a change in Purgatory, but a small, silver-haired figure emerging from the darkness.

A half-cloak concealed her form, only half of her delicate face visible, yet striking even in the darkness.

“Miss Bai, not staying with the Captain in her final moments, but coming to seek revenge on me instead? I even gave you some space, not wanting to interrupt your… activities.”

Frick looked at the indifferent Luo Ling, a hint of regret in his eyes.

He knew she would come, but he had expected her to wait until Linna died and was absorbed by Purgatory.

By then, the mission would be complete, and he could leave this place. He wouldn’t mind playing with this cute little girl.

He wasn’t worried about any unexpected outcomes. How strong could a Myriad path Awakened One be?

Furthermore, he had observed Luo Ling’s earlier battle, assessing her strength.

Despite her powerful healing ability and handy weapon, her combat skills were clumsy and immature. She could handle low-ranked Distorted Beasts and pustule monsters, but defeating him with that level of skill…

Frick found the notion laughable.

He had been chosen for this mission not only because of his clean record, having operated in another Boundary, but also because of his strength.

He could defeat any other member of the “Hunt” team in a one-on-two situation, including Captain Linna. He was one of the Torchbearers’ top combatants.

And with his specially prepared armor, completely immune to Purgatory’s influence, he could even utilize its power. He was confident in “playing” with a Myriad path Awakened One.

However, contrary to his expectations, Luo Ling didn’t attack him, not even showing any anger. She simply walked over and sat down opposite him.

“Hmm?”

Frick raised an eyebrow.

What was this little girl planning?

“Before we fight, I have a few questions.” Luo Ling said softly.

“Oh? Ask away.”

Frick shrugged, a playful smile on his lips.

“I want to know your code name and real name within the Torchbearers,” Luo Ling said seriously. “I want to fight the real you, not a fake Fate Society persona.”

“Tsk, I thought you’d ask, ‘Don’t you regret doing this?’ or ‘Why did you betray your teammates?’” Frick chuckled, his interest in this little girl growing.

He knew that neither the Fate Society nor the Company had such a person. Which side did she belong to?

“We both know those questions are meaningless.” Luo Ling said calmly.

“Indeed, they are.”

Frick nodded in agreement.

Whether he regretted it or not, his views on this operation wouldn’t change the outcome.

The “Hunt” team had been annihilated because of him, his teammates dying because of their trust in him.

This was a Company operation, a Torchbearers’ conspiracy against the Fate Society, unrelated to the “Hunt” team.

They were merely casualties.

Merely… casualties.

Luo Ling, from the future timeline, knew this all too well.

A cold wind blew, the dim starlight after the moonset making the surroundings even more eerie, enveloped by the grotesque phenomenon, Purgatory.

“It seems it can’t wait any longer.” Frick looked up and smiled. “I might as well tell you. Frick is my real name, code name ‘Hanged Man’.”

The Torchbearers’ code names were derived from tarot cards, passed down through generations. After a member’s death, their code name would be inherited by the next.

“Alright.” Luo Ling nodded, drawing her Sacred Tool dagger, “Severance.” “Hanged Man of the Torchbearers, your opponent is… the White Witch of Silent Demise.”

Her cloak fell away, revealing long, flowing silver-white hair, her grey-white eyes shining brightly within her inhumanly beautiful face.

She stared calmly at Frick, watching his expression change.

“Silent Demise…”

That was a Grotesquery path. No human had ever walked that path.

Not even the Harbingers of Calamity.

Unless, they willingly degraded themselves, becoming a Grotesquery’s lackey…

“Are you a Grotesquery Apostle?”

Frick’s gaze turned dangerous.

If she were an Awakened One, he would have held back, treating it as a game.

Even now, he was still faithfully executing his mission for the sake of humanity’s future.

Triggering a Boundary collapse required sacrifices. This operation simply chose the organization’s enemies as the victims.

It was a necessary sacrifice.

That was why Frick hadn’t initially intended to kill Luo Ling. Her appearance wasn’t part of the plan. She wasn’t a necessary sacrifice. There was no need for unnecessary killing.

But a Grotesquery Apostle was different.

If she truly was a Grotesquery Apostle…

Frick raised his longsword.

For the sake of humanity, all Grotesquery Apostles must be eradicated.

Both Grotesquery Apostles and the Harbingers sought to destroy humanity’s future.

“No, I’m not a Grotesquery Apostle.” Luo Ling shook her head and whispered. “I am a Grotesquery. I… am the White Witch of Silent Demise.”

She finally acknowledged her true identity as a Grotesquery. She wasn’t human.

She had always been a Grotesquery.

But… sometimes, humans were more terrifying than Grotesqueries.

Luo Ling could no longer distinguish whether it was humans or Grotesqueries who truly caused disasters…

Frick remained silent for a moment, noticing something amiss.

The silver-haired girl stood within Purgatory’s influence, yet remained unaffected.

Even the powerful “Hunt” team couldn’t achieve that.

Including Frick himself. He knew that without his armor, he would be just as vulnerable.

No, it was more than that…

Purgatory seemed to be avoiding her.

Could she truly be a Grotesquery?

Frick recalled a widely circulated saying: when encountering a Grotesquery resembling a human, one must flee without hesitation, even abandoning their teammates.

…Cough, was this little girl worth that?

The thought lasted only a moment. Frick charged forward, his gaze sharp.

“Miss Bai, whether you’re truly a Grotesquery or not, since you’ve said those words, I can’t let you leave this place alive.”

Frick’s sword was fast. He was a Judgment path Awakened One, and although he hadn’t revealed his ability in the earlier battle, as an experienced knight, his combat skills were clearly superior to Luo Ling’s.

But unfortunately…

“Authority, ‘Kingdom’.”

Luo Ling whispered.

As her voice faded, the Purgatory phenomenon recoiled, as if afraid of being consumed and becoming a part of “Kingdom.”

If this were the true Purgatory, it could have resisted Luo Ling’s “Kingdom.”

But this was merely a downgraded version created by the Company using Purgatory’s Sacred Relic, its sole purpose to trigger a Boundary collapse.

Its rank was far below a true High-Risk Grotesquery. Facing an Authority, its instinct was to flee.

“Kingdom” unfolded silently, enveloping Frick. As a seasoned warrior, he immediately sensed the change.

“This is…”

What had she just said?

Authority?

She could use an Authority?

No, not just use… she possessed an Authority?

Frick’s expression turned to shock. He noticed something strange appearing on his armor.

“Is this… fungus?”

Not just fungus, but also rotting flesh, slowly spreading and corroding his armor.

His armor was indeed a top-tier Sacred Tool, crafted from a High-Risk Grotesquery Sacred Relic. Even Luo Ling couldn’t directly dominate him through it.

But this was within the “Kingdom” domain. Everything was under Luo Ling’s control, including Purgatory.

“Even so, it’s not enough.”

Frick quickly regained his composure. Even an Authority couldn’t penetrate his armor, not yet.

He just needed to kill her before his armor completely succumbed.

Her abilities clearly weren’t combat-oriented. As long as he could get close, he had a chance.

Frick’s assessment was correct. Luo Ling wasn’t skilled in direct combat.

…But someone was.

Just as Frick, straining against “Kingdom”‘s influence, approached Luo Ling, an unexpected gunshot echoed, and his armor cracked.

“What…”

Frick stared in disbelief, slowly turning around to see an impossible figure.

“This is…”

Linna, the captain of the “Hunt” team.

She stood there, her Sacred Tool firearm aimed at him.

“How is this possible?”

Frick exclaimed.

Shouldn’t Linna be dead?

Even if she wasn’t dead, she should be on the verge of collapse, how could she still use her abilities?

How could she…

Damage his armor?

Frick noticed a thin layer of white substance covering Linna’s body, similar to the fungus on his armor.

The fungus, through the crack in his armor, invaded his body.

Only now did Frick understand Luo Ling’s true ability.

Half of his body went numb, the numbness spreading rapidly. Even severing the infected limb wouldn’t stop it.

“Your ability… is to control others’ bodies with this fungus?”

Frick felt his body stiffening, moving against his will, experiencing Luo Ling’s power firsthand.

He finally understood how Linna could stand and use her abilities again.

“You’re controlling Linna’s corpse with a Grotesquery’s power…”

“White Witch of Silent Demise? No, there’s no Grotesquery named ‘White Witch’ in the Sequence…”

Frick searched his memories, finding no information on the “White Witch.”

He stared at Luo Ling, finally convinced that this seemingly human girl was indeed a Grotesquery.

So, was this the true meaning of a “human-like Grotesquery”?

Not just in appearance, but also… in behavior.

“There will be soon.” Luo Ling said calmly. “And… you said something wrong, Hanged Man.”

She continued, “I’m not controlling Linna’s corpse.”

“In the end, you lost, Frick.”

A cold voice echoed, from Linna, whom Frick had assumed to be dead.

She slowly raised her head, her once valiant face now covered in white fungal growths, only her clear eyes remaining unchanged.

Regarding Linna’s final request…

Luo Ling hadn’t granted it.

She hadn’t used “Complete Domination” on Linna.

Even though Linna was dying, her consciousness fading, even though the Puppet Ballad was helpless.

Because she wanted Linna to live.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Perfect Murder

The moon sank, the stars faded.

The entire street was in ruins, littered with shattered stones, splintered wood, and the gruesome remains of pustule monsters.

The number of monsters in the core area was overwhelming. Luo Ling’s wrists ached from the constant fighting, yet the seemingly endless horde kept coming.

Several Distorted Beasts were mixed among them, thankfully none at the high-order Awakened One level. Otherwise, the three of them wouldn’t have lasted this long.

After this grueling battle, only Luo Ling remained uninjured… mainly because she wasn’t the Distorted Beasts’ primary target, having only dealt with the pustule monsters.

“Cough…”

Linna coughed violently, spitting out fragments of internal organs.

She wiped the blood from her face, turned to Luo Ling, and whispered,

“Thank you, Miss Bai.”

“You’re welcome.”

Luo Ling nodded.

In the recent battle, Linna had pushed herself to the limit, defeating the corrupted Helen and Lucia.

But Helen and Lucia had been eighth-order Awakened Ones. After their transformation, they had surpassed human limitations, their raw power exceeding even that of a ninth-order Awakened One.

Fortunately, they had lost most of their sanity, only capable of basic cooperation, giving Linna and the others a fighting chance.

And Luo Ling had secretly assisted them, using “Complete Domination” to avert several critical moments.

Even so, Linna had lost both legs and an arm in the battle, tainted by the corrupted flesh. If she hadn’t decisively amputated her infected limbs, she would have become like Helen and Lucia.

Of course, another reason for her decisiveness was the presence of Miss Bai, who could regenerate flesh.

After being healed, Linna was completely exhausted, leaning against a wall to rest.

She watched the dissolving bodies of Helen and Lucia, closing her eyes in pain and sighing deeply.

“It’s all my fault for being an incompetent captain…”

“It’s not your fault, Miss Linna.” Luo Ling said softly.

“Miss Bai, there’s no need to comfort me.” Linna looked at Luo Ling, forcing a weak smile. “By the way, Frick is also injured. Could you help him too?”

Frick lay slumped against a pile of rubble, seemingly on the verge of death, his once-gleaming armor stained with corrupted flesh and blood, a gruesome sight.

Luo Ling nodded, walking over to Frick and crouching down beside him.

“Do you need help getting up, sir?” Luo Ling asked softly. “Or have you abandoned your plan? The ‘Hunt’ team is down to one member.”

Linna looked at them in surprise, while Frick, his eyes closed, opened them with a sigh.

“Little girl, when did you realize?”

“I don’t know,” Luo Ling replied. “But I know you’re not just a member of the Fate Society.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to let this battle end in failure?” Frick looked at Luo Ling calmly. “The ‘Hunt’ team fought valiantly, yet ultimately failed, perishing within Purgatory’s Incubation Barrier… At least that outcome would be easier for the Captain and her mother to accept.”

“Frick, what are you saying?!” Linna’s eyes widened, staring at Frick intently. “What do you mean?”

Frick ignored Linna, his gaze fixed on Luo Ling.

“See, little girl, you’ve made this situation quite messy.”

He stood up, brushing off his armor, showing no signs of injury.

Not even a trace of corruption—Frick’s armor was a Sacred Tool specifically designed to counter Purgatory, completely negating its influence.

This meant that Frick had known this was Purgatory’s Incubation Barrier from the very beginning.

During the battle, Luo Ling had confirmed this through her spores, along with her other suspicion.

There was a traitor among them.

And that traitor was Frick.

As Linna had said, the deaths of her teammates were too suspicious. With their strength, they shouldn’t have perished so easily.

Something wasn’t right. Unlike Linna’s unwavering trust in her teammates, Luo Ling had been suspicious of Frick from the moment he appeared.

Even after her spores confirmed Frick’s human identity, completely untainted by Grotesquery influence, she hadn’t fully trusted him, remembering the leader’s words.

Later, she discovered that her other two tokens were resonating, and after a brief confirmation, she realized that the source of the resonance was Frick. He wasn’t just a member of the Fate Society.

He must have hidden the other tokens, so they hadn’t noticed.

Therefore, to avoid detection, Luo Ling had also hidden her tokens.

Most importantly, during the battle, Frick clearly hadn’t fought with his full strength. He was stronger than an eighth-order Awakened One, and with his prepared Sacred Tool, he had easily handled the battle, barely injured, yet feigning exhaustion.

Frick was a good actor, but his actions hadn’t escaped her spores’ notice.

Including… the several times Frick had deliberately put Linna in danger, trying to get her killed. This confirmed his betrayal.

And the mastermind behind all this…

“So, did the Fate Society offer too little, or did the Company offer too much… or did the Torchbearers make an offer you couldn’t refuse?”

Luo Ling stood up, her calm gaze meeting Frick’s. “I want to know what made you betray your teammates, offering Wilson, Helen, Lucia, and that… Old Victor, to Purgatory as nourishment.”

Just like in the earlier battle, Frick didn’t need to act directly. He simply needed to exploit his teammates’ trust, making small, deliberate mistakes.

The “Hunt” team had a strong bond and trusted each other implicitly, but this trust became a weapon in Frick’s hands.

“What?”

Linna’s expression flickered as she stared at Frick in disbelief, searching for any denial in his expression.

Could it be… that Frick was truly the culprit behind this disaster?

“You even know who I work for? You’re quite impressive, little girl.” Frick sighed, adjusting his clothes. “But I’m sorry, I don’t work for any of them. I’m with the Harbingers of Calamity.”

He glanced at Linna, who was struggling to raise her firearm, and shook his head.

“Captain, save your strength. I really don’t want to fight you.”

“Frick, what are you trying to hide? You’re not with the Harbingers.” Luo Ling said slowly. “If you were, I would have noticed the moment we met.”

The Harbingers had a distinct characteristic. They treated Grotesqueries as tools, almost always using them to enhance their own power.

Before Luo Ling, who possessed the Puppet Ballad, even the slightest trace of Grotesquery influence couldn’t escape her notice.

Frick was, without a doubt, a pure human Awakened One.

“…Perhaps I should have insisted on sending you away.” Frick’s gaze turned dangerous, then softened. “But I don’t want to kill unnecessarily. Little girl, let’s make a deal. Don’t say anything after you leave, and we can negotiate any terms.”

Luo Ling was stunned. Even now, Frick claimed he didn’t want to kill unnecessarily…

He wasn’t even planning to kill her?

“Frick, you’re with the Torchbearers, aren’t you?” Linna said softly.

After being healed by Luo Ling, she was completely exhausted, leaning against the wall, unable to even lift her firearm.

“You’re right, Captain.” Frick nodded, stroking his chin. “However, this commission was from the Company…”

The Company had “freelancers” and “regular employees.” Freelancers weren’t limited to other factions, essentially mercenaries.

Luo Ling was a freelancer, and so was Frick.

“No wonder…”

Linna closed her eyes slowly.

Hearing Frick’s answer, she accepted her defeat, and the Fate Society’s.

The Fate Society and the Torchbearers were constantly at odds, practically mortal enemies.

Losing five eighth-order Awakened Ones without any gain was a devastating blow to the Fate Society.

Anger couldn’t change the outcome.

But Luo Ling still had questions. The Torchbearers alone couldn’t have orchestrated this. If it were the Harbingers, it wouldn’t be Frick, but Artist, who was still alive in this timeline.

Eliminating all other possibilities, only one improbable possibility remained.

Perhaps… this Incubation Barrier was the Company’s doing.

This disaster was orchestrated by the Company.

“So, what does the Company gain from a Boundary collapse?” Luo Ling whispered.

She immediately sensed a flicker of killing intent.

Looking up, Frick masked the glint in his eyes.

“You even know that the purpose of this operation is a Boundary collapse. Miss Bai, you’re truly remarkable.”

But he quickly smiled again.

“But it doesn’t matter. Once this operation is complete, everything will be buried in the past, discarded and forgotten.

“This is an incident that won’t be recorded. The only thing that will remain in the files is the final result, ‘Boundary collapse’… I might as well tell you, this Incubation Barrier is just one of them. The Company has sixteen such locations.”

That was why Frick didn’t kill Luo Ling. Even if she survived, after the Boundary collapse, she wouldn’t remember much.

“So, why?”

Luo Ling repeated, staring intently at Frick.

“Because they suffered an unbearable loss and need to erase it.” Frick sneered. “The Company’s power isn’t without reason. They only remain in the most powerful era.”

“…”

Luo Ling remained silent, lost in thought.

Victoria’s seventy-fourth Boundary collapse wasn’t caused by a Grotesquery, nor the Harbingers, nor the Godchosen.

It was a plan orchestrated by the Company, the guardians of order in Victoria.

The other Order-side factions had tacitly approved of the Company’s actions, even taking advantage of the Boundary collapse plan for their own gain.

Like eliminating the “Hunt” team.

All traces would be erased by the Boundary collapse, a perfect murder, leaving no evidence.

Only the five Awakened Ones buried within the Incubation Barrier, dying silently in an unknown place, their true cause of death unknown.

They hadn’t died fighting Grotesqueries, nor protecting human civilization, but at the hands of their fellow humans.

“Captain, cherish your final moments.” Frick snapped his fingers, then looked at Luo Ling reproachfully. “See what you’ve done? The Captain could have died peacefully, but now, she knows the truth before her death.”

Frick adjusted his armor and walked towards the depths of the Incubation Barrier.

“Captain, don’t die too quickly. Wait for me. The Company’s dirty work is really…”

From the earlier battle, Frick had a rough estimate of Luo Ling’s strength. Although she had exceeded his expectations, he wasn’t worried. The difference in their power was too vast.

Luo Ling didn’t stop him. She turned to Linna.

Linna, covered in blood, leaned against the wall, her eyes closed, filled with despair.

“He said you…”

Luo Ling frowned, using her spores to examine Linna’s body.

Her injuries were healed, her life force slightly diminished, but still strong. Why would Frick say…

“Yes, I’m dying.” Linna whispered, then chuckled self-deprecatingly. “To be mocked by my enemy before my death, it’s truly… frustrating…”

“Linna, can I heal you?”

Luo Ling crouched down beside her.

She took Linna’s hand, noticing that her own hand was trembling slightly.

…Why was she trembling?

“If you can heal my mind,” Linna pointed to her head, then let her hand fall limply. “I’ve overexerted myself… heh…”

Her secret technique wasn’t without cost, especially using it twice in such a short time. That was why Frick had feigned injury, not attacking directly.

Because he knew Linna was already dying.

“I’m sorry, Linna, I… I can’t save you.”

The mind was the one area the Puppet Ballad couldn’t reach.

Luo Ling lowered her head. Whether this was reality or illusion, one thing was certain…

This friend, with whom she had shared a brief but intense camaraderie, was dying before her eyes, and she was helpless.

“Don’t apologize. At least you allowed me to die as a human, not a corrupted monster…”

Linna reached out, cupping Luo Ling’s face, her fading eyes trying to focus on the girl before her.

“Miss Bai, I just realized, you’re truly beautiful… so beautiful you don’t seem human…”

She regretted realizing it only now, not having enough time to admire her.

Luo Ling held Linna’s hand, unsure what to do.

“Miss Bai, will you grant me one last request?”

“…Tell me.”

Luo Ling lowered her head, a mix of emotions welling up within her.

“Please use ‘Complete Domination’ on me,” Linna said calmly. “My body… should be quite useful.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Harbingers Again

The bright moon hung high in the sky, its pale light casting long, cold shadows across the rubble-strewn streets and scattered monster corpses.

Linna’s heart was heavy, knowing that her former teammates had perished, even transformed into Distorted Beasts.

As Frick had said, few pustule monsters remained in the outer areas, but trails of foul bloodstains marked their path towards the core of the Incubation Barrier.

Despite the grim situation, Linna pressed on, cautiously approaching the core area.

“Mr. Frick, what else do you know about this Grotesquery Incubation Barrier?” Luo Ling asked from behind them.

“Unfortunately, when we entered the Incubation Barrier for the rescue operation, we only roughly estimated the dormant Grotesquery’s rank, but we didn’t know its specific Sequence or true name.”

Frick shook his head regretfully. “Furthermore, our initial assessment was wrong. This isn’t just a Dangerous Grotesquery within the top 150 Sequences. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have wiped out half of the ‘Hunt’ team.”

“If it’s not just a Dangerous Grotesquery, I have a guess.” Linna pondered, having memorized all the publicized Grotesquery information from the Taboo Slate. “Grotesquery Sequence 41, ‘Purgatory’ of the Silent Demise path… but for Purgatory, this Incubation Barrier is too weak.”

“Purgatory?”

Luo Ling frowned, the name sounding familiar.

Seeing Luo Ling’s reaction, Linna looked at her intently.

“It seems Miss Bai has dealt with the infamous Harbingers of Calamity… or rather, encountered that dwarf, haven’t you?”

“Dwarf…”

Luo Ling paused.

Mentioning the Harbingers and a dwarf, she could only think of one person, the gentleman who had died by her hand, his memories devoured.

But in this current timeline, he was still alive.

“Artist.”

Linna’s voice was filled with resentment. “He obtained a portion of Purgatory’s Sacred Relic and crafted it into a Sacred Tool called ‘Withering Flower.’ It seals one of Purgatory’s most terrifying abilities, turning flesh and blood into corpses… He also possesses the ability to manipulate the dead, making him even more dangerous.

“Many of us have fallen victim to that ability, half our bodies turned into rotting corpses while still alive. Even those who were rescued… their lives were ruined.”

Luo Ling remained silent. She hadn’t just encountered Artist, she had clashed with him directly.

Unfortunately for Artist, he had encountered Luo Ling empowered by her sister, and after a brief struggle, he had retreated.

Hearing Linna’s assessment, Frick pondered for a moment, then nodded.

“Now that you mention it, Captain, it does seem so… the scene in the core area does resemble Purgatory’s characteristics. We initially thought it was a tangible Grotesquery, but it seems to be a phenomenon-type Grotesquery.”

Purgatory, Sequence 41, was unlike other Grotesqueries. It was a phenomenon, not a tangible entity.

Within Purgatory’s influence, all corpses would become undead-like beings, along with other grotesque phenomena. What they were currently witnessing was just one aspect of it.

“If that’s the case… it makes sense.”

Luo Ling’s eyes flickered. No wonder her domination abilities were less effective against these pustule monsters. They were created by Purgatory’s influence, already under its “control.”

Purgatory’s Sequence was even higher than the Puppet Ballad’s. However, this difference in Sequence didn’t directly translate to combat power.

Due to the varying nature of Grotesqueries, it was difficult to compare their strength based solely on their Sequence, unless it was a significant difference, like between Dangerous and High-Risk Grotesqueries.

The reason for classifying Grotesqueries into Taboos, High-Risk, Dangerous, and ordinary was because of the vast difference in power between these categories.

Only Dangerous Grotesqueries could create Incubation Barriers, only High-Risk Grotesqueries could wield Authorities, and Taboos were untouchable.

“However, if it’s the High-Risk Grotesquery Purgatory, the Incubation Barrier shouldn’t be this small, even if it’s just an ‘egg’.” Linna frowned. “Damn it, it must be the Harbingers of Calamity again…”

Phenomenon-type Grotesqueries like Purgatory were different from tangible Grotesqueries. Its existence itself was like a domain covering an area, unlike the Puppet Ballad. Even its “egg”… its Incubation Barrier should cover a vast area.

According to the recorded cases, the smallest Purgatory Incubation Barrier covered at least half a district, and in most cases, the entire district would be affected. It wasn’t called a High-Risk Grotesquery for nothing.

That was why they had made the wrong assessment earlier.

However… even facing Purgatory directly, the heavy casualties suffered by the “Hunt” team were still unusual.

But connecting Purgatory to the Harbingers seemed to provide an answer.

Yes, it must be the Harbingers!

Artist possessed a Sacred Relic from Purgatory itself. With their understanding of Grotesqueries, replicating a Grotesquery and its Incubation Barrier using a Sacred Relic wasn’t difficult.

This also explained why this Purgatory Incubation Barrier was so weak and incomplete.

Because… it was a downgraded version created by the Harbingers. It was natural for it to be weaker.

After Linna explained her theory, Frick exclaimed, “As expected of the Captain! Why didn’t I think of that?”

“If you could think of that, you’d be the captain.”

Linna muttered, not pleased by Frick’s compliment, her heart heavy.

This meant they were facing not just a Grotesquery, but also the Harbingers, lurking in the shadows.

Luo Ling also found this theory plausible. It fit her understanding of the Harbingers, something they were capable of.

But she couldn’t help but think of the tea party leader, her words and enigmatic smile.

…Annoying.

Luo Ling shook her head, trying to banish the thought.

“We’re approaching the core area… If this Incubation Barrier truly belongs to Purgatory, we’re entering not just the core area, but also the area enveloped by the grotesque phenomenon, Purgatory.”

Frick’s calm voice brought Luo Ling back to the present.

Linna, forcing herself to focus, raised her firearm.

With Frick, a skilled knight, covering her, she could focus on sniping, confident in her ability to unleash even greater power.

“Miss Bai, just focus on protecting yourself. There’s no need to help us.”

Linna leaned down and whispered.

She didn’t want this newly acquainted girl to be involved in such a dangerous operation, but since she insisted, she would try her best to keep her safe… whether she could help or not was secondary.

Although Luo Ling had demonstrated impressive combat skills earlier, they were now facing not just a Grotesquery, but also… the Harbingers of Calamity.

The Harbingers were far more cunning and dangerous than this downgraded Purgatory.

“Don’t worry, I know.”

Luo Ling understood Linna’s concerns and appreciated her kindness.

However, she had underestimated Luo Ling’s true strength.

After a brief rest, they cautiously entered the core area.

“…”

Although there were no visible markers, upon entering the area enveloped by Purgatory, Luo Ling sensed a distinct change.

An indescribable “malice” observed her, yet it seemed cautious, as if aware of her identity.

The other two weren’t so lucky. Linna and Frick were both enveloped in a grey mist.

They immediately activated their protective Sacred Tools, warding off the Grotesquery’s influence.

Linna had intended to protect Luo Ling as well, but seeing the starlight shield surrounding her, she remembered that Luo Ling possessed “Gloomlight,” a Sacred Tool gifted by her mother, even superior to her own.

Actually, Luo Ling wouldn’t be affected by the grotesque phenomenon even without a Sacred Tool, but within Purgatory’s influence, her spores’ range was further reduced. It was best to be prepared.

Agonized cries echoed around them, corpses visible everywhere, slowly dissolving into grey mist, as if being digested.

“This is where I fought my way out.” Frick said seriously, scanning their surroundings. “Be careful. There are fewer pustule monsters here. I’m afraid…”

Before he could finish, two figures lunged at them from the shadows.

“Look out!”

Linna shouted, raising her firearm.

Two gunshots echoed, forcing the attackers back.

Frick raised his sword, his heart pounding.

“Thanks, Captain… wait, are they…”

Linna’s expression was complex as she looked at the two figures, sighing.

“Helen, and Lucia.”

Two members of the “Hunt” team.

As Frick had said, they had transformed into Distorted Beasts, becoming part of Purgatory.

Helen had been a beautiful woman with blue hair. Now, her once-prized face was riddled with holes, her nose missing, her once bright blue eyes rotted, her smooth skin replaced by putrid flesh, her body withered like a mummy.

She had been an Elemental path Awakened One, capable of manipulating water.

But now, her flesh and blood had transformed into a churning mass of foul blood, corroding everything it touched.

“…Helen was always so vain.”

Linna’s voice was filled with sadness, seeing her former teammate’s grotesque form.

Lucia’s condition was even worse.

Lucia was the youngest member of the “Hunt” team. Although the weakest, she was a Myriad path Awakened One with exceptional survival skills.

Unlike Wilson, a half-baked healer, Lucia specialized in healing Grotesquery-inflicted injuries. At her full power, she could even heal someone infected by a Grotesquery.

With her abilities, they shouldn’t have reached this point.

At least she shouldn’t have been corrupted.

But now…

The once petite Lucia had become grotesquely obese, her 1.5-meter frame swelling to over three meters tall.

Her body was covered in oozing tumors, even her once lovely face distorted and repulsive.

Recalling Lucia’s cheerful smile, Linna closed her eyes in pain, seeing her current monstrous form.

When she opened her eyes again, only hatred and rage remained.

“Frick!”

“Captain, I’m here.”

Frick stood before Linna, his longsword raised, shielding her from the two Distorted Beasts.

“Let’s end our teammates’ suffering… with all our might.”

Linna whispered, the ritual she had used earlier unfolding again, a powerful aura of Inspiration emanating from her.

She would end their suffering in the most painless way possible.

“Yes.”

Frick understood Linna’s intentions.

He charged towards the corrupted Helen and Lucia.

Luo Ling stood beside Linna, “Severance” in her hand.

Numerous pustule monsters, attracted by their life force, shambled towards them.

Frick, facing two Distorted Beasts alone, couldn’t be bothered with these pustule monsters, leaving them to Luo Ling.

Luo Ling didn’t use domination, instead slicing through the pitiful creatures with “Severance.”

Rivers of corrupted blood flowed on the ground, then gradually dissolved under Purgatory’s influence, becoming a part of it.

Night had fallen, but this long battle had just begun.

Chapter Twenty-Six: Half the Team Lost

Initially, Luo Ling hadn’t been near the edge of the Incubation Barrier, so she hadn’t noticed.

Only now, after seeing the Distorted Beasts’ corpses dissolve, did she realize that the Incubation Barrier was slowly expanding.

The expansion accelerated after both bodies had completely vanished.

“Could the Grotesquery within the Incubation Barrier be absorbing their power?”

Luo Ling’s heart sank. She remembered that in the original timeline, the Incubation Barrier was far larger than its current size.

What had happened in between… was obvious.

“It seems quite active…”

Linna chuckled wryly, her expression bitter.

This wasn’t good news for them.

“Regardless, Miss Orion, you should rest for a bit.”

Luo Ling helped the weakened Linna to a nearby pile of rubble. The blood-stained girl in damaged armor leaned against a broken wall, forcing a smile.

“Don’t call me by my code name. My name is Linna.”

Luo Ling hesitated, then nodded.

“Bai.”

She was currently in her White Witch form, so she would use the White Witch’s name.

“Miss Bai, you must have accepted my mother’s commission, right?” Linna said slowly, her gaze shifting to the silver strands peeking out from beneath Luo Ling’s cloak. “The Sacred Tool ‘Gloomlight’ and my bullets are from the same battle, trophies my mother acquired.

“It seems she has great faith in your abilities to give you such a valuable Sacred Tool.”

Luo Ling wasn’t surprised that Linna recognized “Gloomlight,” simply nodding without further comment.

She still couldn’t determine the nature of this current spacetime, nor whether these events were true history.

Or perhaps… altered history.

“If only I were stronger, or more versatile with my abilities.” Linna said regretfully. “My abilities are somewhat flawed, or rather… specialized. I can’t precisely control all metals. Compared to manipulating elements, I’m better at transforming them… unlike other Elemental path Awakened Ones.

“I… can only attack.”

Luo Ling nodded, understanding the difference between Linna and other Elemental Awakened Ones.

She neither created nor controlled elements.

The surrounding rubble contained various metal objects, yet Linna hadn’t used any of them, relying solely on her firearm.

Linna’s firearm allowed her to transform metal elements into powerful projectiles, but her specialization limited her to offensive capabilities, lacking the balanced approach of a typical Elemental path Awakened One.

In this respect, she resembled a Judgment path Awakened One more.

Luo Ling knew that Linna revealed this weakness to avoid appearing as if she were hiding her true strength, a sign of trust.

Only after seeing her mother’s belonging did Linna lower her guard completely.

“I think I’m also quite specialized.” Luo Ling said. “I can do a bit of everything, but I’m not particularly good at anything.”

Healing, reconnaissance, control, infiltration, offense… Luo Ling could do them all, but aside from infiltration, she wasn’t exceptional at any of them.

As they chatted, their guard slightly lowered, Luo Ling’s spores detected movement nearby.

“Who’s there?!”

Luo Ling stood up abruptly, one hand supporting Linna, the other reaching for “Severance” at her waist.

Linna, hearing Luo Ling’s shout, instinctively placed her hand on her firearm.

A cold glint flashed, a lightning-fast attack directed at them… or rather, at Luo Ling, who had made the sound.

Through her spores’ vision, Luo Ling easily tracked the attacker’s movements.

Just as her eyes turned grey-white, about to use “Complete Domination,” the attacker’s sword stopped inches from her face.

A surprised voice echoed,

“Captain Linna? You’re still alive?”

A young man with short blond hair stared at Linna in disbelief, his hand trembling slightly around his sword.

“You know each other?”

Luo Ling asked, noticing Linna’s surprised expression as she looked at the young man.

“Frick?”

“Yes…”

Frick sheathed his longsword, his face filled with relief.

But Linna quickly regained her composure, staring at Frick and asking abruptly,

“Who is the second member of the ‘Hunt’ team?”

“Helen, Miss Marianne Helen.”

“Which cafeteria in the troupe had the worst food?”

“Victoria Tavern.”

“What was the objective of our mission?”

“To rescue the ‘Dawn Wind’ troupe, but we failed.”

Frick answered all of Linna’s questions without hesitation. Only then did Linna relax slightly, confirming that her teammate was still sane, not transformed into a Distorted Beast.

Luo Ling watched silently. She didn’t entirely agree with Linna’s method of confirmation. If it were the Puppet Ballad, these memory and sanity tests would be meaningless.

Of course, she was the only Puppet Ballad in this world. Besides, Luo Ling had also confirmed through her own methods that Frick was human, completely human, with no traces of Grotesquery influence.

Linna sighed and shook her head.

“Although I’m glad to see you, Frick, I have bad news.

“Wilson is dead. He transformed into a Distorted Beast, and I killed him.”

Frick’s expression didn’t show surprise, but a bitter smile.

“Captain, I have worse news.

“I encountered Helen and Lucia. They’re also dead.”

Linna’s eyes widened in shock.

“They’re dead? How… how is that possible? Helen and Lucia’s abilities are… how could they die?! Did they encounter the awakened ‘egg’? No, even if they faced it head-on, they shouldn’t have…”

“They’re dead.” Frick interrupted, his voice filled with grief. “I escaped. They’re still… wandering in the core area.”

“But… I didn’t encounter them…”

Linna still couldn’t believe it. Wilson’s death was already a devastating blow. If her other teammates were also…

This was just a Dangerous Grotesquery Incubation Barrier. Even if the “egg” fully awakened, they should have been able to escape.

“Accept it, Captain. I haven’t encountered you in the core area these past few days either… you must have been lost, never reaching the core area.” Frick sighed. “However, I haven’t seen Old Victor either… but he wouldn’t get lost. His chances of survival are… slim.”

Frick briefly recounted his experiences after being separated from the team.

Driven by instinct, all the transformed humans were converging on the core area. Few remained in the outer regions.

That was why Luo Ling and the others hadn’t encountered much danger.

Frick, trapped in the core area, had fought his way out after several days.

He had encountered countless Distorted Beasts, all Awakened Ones caught within the Incubation Barrier, not just members of the “Dawn Wind” troupe.

When Frick encountered Helen and Lucia, they had already transformed.

Of the six members of the “Hunt” team, three were confirmed dead, one was missing, and only two remained.

Linna remained silent for a long time, then said with a heavy heart,

“…We need to call for backup.”

The situation was far worse than she had imagined. According to Frick’s account, the core area of the Incubation Barrier was like hell.

“I sent a distress signal three days ago.” Frick shook his head. “But I haven’t received a reply. Given the current situation, it’s hard to say…”

Linna looked up at the bright moon in the sky.

She thought of Wilson, whom she had just killed, and the unfortunate troupe leader.

“Frick, what do you think… what are Old Victor’s chances of survival?”

“Given his strength, maybe twenty percent.” Frick replied.

“If we leave and return, how long would it take?” Linna asked.

“Entering the Incubation Barrier is far more difficult than leaving. I believe headquarters has received the distress signal and is preparing a rescue operation, but… I’m afraid…”

Frick trailed off.

He understood Linna’s intentions.

If they left now, returning would be difficult and time-consuming.

Old Victor still had a twenty percent chance of survival. If they found him, the remaining team members could work together to escape.

But if Linna abandoned the rescue and left now… Old Victor would surely die.

Such a choice…

Wasn’t something a captain would make.

“Miss Bai,” Linna turned to Luo Ling and whispered, “Let Frick escort you out… You don’t need, nor should you, be involved in the upcoming danger.”

Frick looked at Luo Ling curiously, a strange glint in his eyes.

It was this cloaked girl who had first detected his presence. Looking closely, she seemed quite young, not even old enough for regular school.

He had wanted to ask Linna about this strange little girl, but hadn’t had the chance.

“There’s no need to escort me.”

Luo Ling untied the straps at her waist, setting little Odeletta down.

Little Odeletta looked around nervously, staying close to Luo Ling, the only person she trusted here.

“Just send her away.”

Luo Ling hadn’t come here to escape danger, but she wasn’t confident in protecting little Odeletta in the upcoming battle.

Besides…

She was concerned about little Odeletta.

She knew the Odeletta from the present timeline. After returning, she could ask her about this timeline.

Whether it would affect the present world or was merely a simulated experience… she could uncover the truth.

Frick was startled by the sudden appearance of little Odeletta, but after a closer look, his expression turned to surprise.

“Are you… Grand Duke Leiberich’s daughter?”

Little Odeletta’s confused expression flickered, and she looked up at Frick.

“Big brother, do you know me?”

Frick immediately knelt down, executing a knight’s salute.

“Frick, Crown Guard Knight of the Bavarian Duchy, at your service, Lady Leiberich.”

He was sweating slightly, seemingly nervous about little Odeletta’s presence here.

Odeletta von Leiberich tilted her head, puzzled.

Seeing Frick’s respectful gesture, Luo Ling and Linna exchanged glances, confusion evident in their eyes.

“Odeletta, are you some important person?”

Luo Ling stroked little Odeletta’s hair.

“Am I?” Little Odeletta scratched her head. “I guess so…”

“Lady Leiberich, please allow me to escort you out of this dangerous place.”

Frick extended his hand, looking at little Odeletta nervously, hoping she wouldn’t refuse.

Little Odeletta looked at Luo Ling reluctantly, but with Luo Ling’s silent consent, she nodded.

Frick sighed in relief, gently taking little Odeletta’s hand, then turned to Luo Ling and whispered,

“Miss Bai, are you sure… you’re not leaving? It will be very dangerous.”

He stared intently at Luo Ling, but she felt something strange in his gaze.

“I have some skills of my own, so there’s no need for you to worry, Sir Knight.”

Luo Ling adjusted her cloak, concealing her face again.

“…”

Frick hesitated, then nodded slightly.

“Alright, if you insist.”

They quickly made their way to the edge of the Incubation Barrier.

As Frick slashed at a weak point in the barrier with his sword, a crack appeared, opening a path to the outside world.

Luo Ling seized the opportunity, trying to send her spores through the crack to scout the outside.

Whether it was the true present world or the outside of this current timeline.

But unfortunately, it was like an unloaded game map. Her spores vanished without a trace, no information returning, not even the effect of being annihilated by the Realm of Nothingness.

“Miss, will we meet again?”

Little Odeletta looked at Luo Ling reluctantly. This mysterious girl, similar in age, who had saved her from danger, had left a lasting impression, despite their brief encounter.

“If nothing unexpected happens, yes.” Luo Ling nodded.

Little Odeletta’s eyes lit up, just like when they first met.

She stared at Luo Ling, memorizing her features.

The next moment, little Odeletta’s form vanished through the crack, leaving the Incubation Barrier, only her childish yet determined voice echoing faintly.

“Good luck, ‘Diviner’ Miss…”

“Miss Bai, you should have left with Lady Leiberich.” Frick said softly.

“Yes, Miss Bai, you really didn’t have to accompany us on this dangerous mission.” Linna sighed. “Old Victor is our teammate, not yours…”

She had used a Sacred Medicine to restore her Inspiration and was no longer on the verge of collapse.

“Why do you think… I came here?” Luo Ling turned slightly, giving them a mysterious smile. “What we’re about to witness… is the true purpose of my journey.”

“Seriously, how much did my mother pay you to risk your life like this?” Linna ruffled Luo Ling’s hair, her gesture no longer as respectful and distant as before. “If you think it’s not enough, I’ll ask her for more.”

“It’s more than enough.” Luo Ling smiled.

Frick’s expression changed slightly, seemingly affected by Linna’s mention of her mother.

But he quickly composed himself, stepping forward and saying,

“Captain, Miss Bai, we shouldn’t delay. If we’re going to rescue Old Victor, we should leave now.”

“You’re right, let’s go.”

Linna nodded, picking up her firearm and following Frick.

She was directionally challenged. Without someone to lead the way, she would likely never reach the core area.

Luo Ling walked behind them, her short legs struggling to keep up with the two taller adults.

Suddenly, she raised her hand.

Her gaze fell on a simple iron ring on her finger, vibrating slightly, seemingly resonating with something.

It was the Torchbearers’ token.

“Are there Torchbearers members nearby?”

Further down, on her wrist, a cartoonish watch also vibrated.

It seemed… there was also a Company member nearby.

“How strange.”

Luo Ling muttered, tucking the two tokens back into her hair, leaving only the hourglass pendant around her neck.

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Incubation Barrier Worsens

A Grotesquery creation equivalent to a ninth-order Awakened One was comparable to a complete Grotesquery around the two-hundredth Sequence. From a purely combat perspective, it represented the peak of human strength without wielding an Authority.

Anything beyond that transcended human limitations, reaching “boss” level.

According to the Company’s Grotesquery handling protocols, such a threat required a P7 team led by a P8 specialist.

Of course, this protocol aimed to minimize casualties. After all, specialists above P7 were no longer considered expendable by the Company.

Linna’s strength was likely between P7 and P8. Confronting a Grotesquery of this level alone was incredibly difficult.

Furthermore…

The troupe leader’s abilities countered hers.

With his superior speed, the troupe leader could easily close the distance, preventing Linna from fully utilizing her power.

Linna’s abilities required preparation time and distance to maximize their effectiveness and avoid self-harm.

Simply put, a glass cannon.

Compared to the troupe leader, Wetherby posed less of a threat.

His original body was now covered in fungal growths, restricting the viscous liquid’s movements.

“Ugh…”

Linna clutched her wound. She had severed her own arm. The troupe leader had injured her forearm, and to prevent infection by the Incubation Barrier’s power, she had decisively amputated it.

The severed arm on the ground was already showing signs of decay, purplish-black liquid oozing from the pale flesh, pulsating slightly, as if growing another heart.

“Sorry…”

Linna looked at the approaching Luo Ling apologetically.

She was supposed to protect these two little girls, yet she had inadvertently put them in danger.

These Distorted Beasts instinctively targeted Awakened Ones, the stronger the better. They had encountered these two because of her.

It seemed ironic, but it was her fault for being strong, yet not strong enough.

“Don’t speak.”

Luo Ling stopped Linna with a look. Linna noticed that Miss Southern Cross’s eyes had turned grey-white again.

At the same time, she felt an unbearable itch from her severed arm.

Linna looked down, her eyes widening in shock.

She witnessed an unforgettable sight.

Her hand… was rapidly regenerating!

A wave of exhaustion washed over her, seemingly the price for the new limb, but a negligible price compared to the miracle of regeneration.

“Just a temporary fix, hopefully, it’ll hold.” Luo Ling whispered, giving Linna a thumbs-up. “I’m a Myriad path Awakened One, so I know a thing or two about healing.”

Using “Proliferation” was sufficient. Fortunately, Luo Ling was quite familiar with the Puppet Ballad’s abilities, so she didn’t accidentally give Linna extra limbs. Otherwise, Linna would be even more shocked.

“…This is Myriad… no, can an Awakened One even do this?”

Linna gulped. The strongest Myriad path Awakened One she knew was a high-ranking member of the Fate Society, wielding a Sacred Tool that could channel an Authority.

She could even briefly resurrect the dead, but not regenerate limbs at such a low cost in such a short time.

If Linna knew that Luo Ling had once instantly healed a low-order Awakened One who had lost half their body, she would be beyond shocked.

Of course, Luo Ling wasn’t lying when she said she only knew a thing or two about healing. She couldn’t heal many types of injuries through conventional means.

For example, if an organ was damaged, even slightly, her only solution was to remove the damaged part and regrow a new one…

She could avoid growing extra kidneys, but she couldn’t repair the damaged area directly.

Even with Linna’s injury healed, the danger hadn’t subsided.

Luo Ling had tested the viscous beast and confirmed her earlier assessment.

After their transformation, these Distorted Beasts had essentially become part of the Incubation Barrier’s Grotesquery. She couldn’t control them like before, only temporarily restrict their movements with “Complete Domination.”

The Puppet Ballad’s abilities weren’t primarily offensive, but supportive and controlling.

After having one of his bone scythes shattered by Linna’s Sacred Tool and Sacred Relic bullet, the troupe leader howled in pain before recovering.

But he didn’t immediately attack them. His eyes rolled around before settling on the viscous beast.

The viscous beast was now contaminated by fungal threads, which were relentlessly consuming it.

The viscous beast was also trying to corrode the fungal threads, but with little effect, gradually weakening as it was devoured.

The troupe leader targeted the weakened viscous beast.

After a moment of hesitation, he pounced on it, devouring it greedily.

The helpless viscous beast wailed in terror, but weakened by the fungal threads, it couldn’t resist, consumed entirely by the troupe leader.

Meanwhile, the troupe leader’s shattered bone scythe slowly regenerated.

Soon, he would be back to his full strength, perhaps even stronger.

“Miss Southern Cross, we have to leave!”

Linna whispered, her voice weak and tired.

The price for Luo Ling’s healing wasn’t just her own Inspiration, but also Linna’s stamina. Linna felt like she had been running for a day and a night.

Luo Ling frowned.

The troupe leader was incredibly fast. Even if they left, they wouldn’t get far.

But breaking through the Incubation Barrier nearby…

They didn’t have enough time.

The troupe leader was watching them. If Linna used her power to breach the barrier, they would be met with his bone scythe.

“Trust me.” Linna took a deep breath, her expression serious. “I need some time… to reload.”

“…Alright.”

Luo Ling didn’t hesitate, helping Linna up and running away from the troupe leader.

Linna closed her eyes, focusing on “reloading.”

One hand on her firearm, the other forming hand seals, performing a ritual, her Inspiration surging within her.

A faint, mocking laughter echoed from behind them. The troupe leader was ridiculing their futile attempt to escape.

“…”

Luo Ling remained silent, her mind racing.

Although her spores were limited by the Incubation Barrier and her depleted Inspiration, unable to cover a large area, they were still scouting the surroundings.

The appearance of the troupe leader and the viscous beast had been sudden. Luo Ling was certain she hadn’t detected them earlier.

They had appeared only when Linna was about to breach the Incubation Barrier, as if deliberately intercepting her.

The deaths of Linna’s teammates were also strange. The troupe leader was powerful, but Linna and her teammates should have been able to escape.

Being of the same order, the difference in rank wasn’t insurmountable. With the right abilities and strategy, a lower-ranked Awakened One could defeat a higher-ranked one.

Linna had been severely injured because she had been ambushed by both the viscous beast and the troupe leader, forced to fight head-on.

But how did Wilson, who had transformed into the viscous beast, die?

According to Fiona’s information, Wilson was a Myriad path Awakened One, the paladin of their six-member team. His holy light could not only defend against most mystical attacks but also possessed powerful healing properties.

Yet, the wound that nearly bisected him was on his front…

“…This is getting stranger and stranger.”

Unfortunately, Linna couldn’t contact her other teammates, and Luo Ling’s spores hadn’t found any trace of them.

After they had run a certain distance, the troupe leader, having completely consumed the viscous beast, finally caught up.

He had only half a body, moving with a single bone scythe arm. But after consuming the viscous beast… no, it was more like a fusion.

A pungent, putrid stench assaulted their senses. Luo Ling glanced back to see the troupe leader floating upside down in mid-air in a grotesque manner.

His body swayed unsteadily, yet he moved towards them at incredible speed.

“Hiss…”

A corrosive sizzling sound echoed as drool dripped from his gaping maw.

“How much longer?”

Luo Ling whispered.

“One minute.”

Linna opened her eyes, her pupils replaced by ritualistic patterns, swirling with mystical symbols.

Blood trickled from the corner of her lips. This “reloading” process was also taking a toll on her.

“I’ll give you one minute.”

Luo Ling pulled her cloak lower, stood up, and turned to face the troupe leader.

When she looked up again, her eyes were burning with dark golden vertical pupils, faint blue scales appearing on her temples.

She hadn’t fully transformed into her Grotesquery form, but she was channeling a portion of its power.

Having encountered Authorities and Taboos, Luo Ling’s understanding of this power had deepened.

It was “Devouring,” constantly devouring everything.

If fully unleashed, it could cause another, even more terrifying disaster.

So…

A small portion was enough for now.

The troupe leader swooped down, his speed significantly increased after fusing with the viscous beast, reaching a level beyond human comprehension.

His bone scythe sliced through the air, carving a deep gash in the ground, like a gaping wound.

However, a starlight shield materialized, the only unbreachable point within the wound.

The appearance of the starlight shield caused a ripple in Linna’s concentration, but she quickly suppressed it.

“Mother…”

The starlight shattered, but the next moment, a cold glint flashed.

“Severance,” the dagger crafted from pure ice, met the troupe leader’s bone scythe head-on.

“Certain Death.”

Absolute death, inescapable even for a High-Risk Grotesquery.

But it required time. Sensing the approaching death, the troupe leader shrieked and tried to escape, but his bone scythe was unavoidable, severed cleanly.

However, as the bone scythe broke, a mass of viscous liquid engulfed it, reattaching it to the troupe leader’s wound.

The bone scythe instantly regenerated, along with his other injuries.

“He can’t be killed…”

Luo Ling calmly sheathed her dagger, looking at her hand, now covered in thin scales, her trimmed nails growing back, sharp and grotesque.

The deterioration was worse than before.

But her raw power had also increased significantly.

“Excuse me, Miss Southern Cross.”

Linna’s soft voice echoed, tinged with exhaustion.

Luo Ling stepped aside, glancing at Linna.

Her blonde hair was stained crimson, blood trickling from her eyes, ears, and nose, her pupils completely replaced by ritualistic patterns.

Under the moonlight, starlight shone even brighter.

“Reloaded.”

Linna raised her firearm with one hand, her finger not even on the trigger.

A ritualistic pattern resembling outstretched wings unfolded, layers of magic circles emanating from the barrel, aimed at the troupe leader.

The troupe leader, sensing the imminent danger, his grotesque face contorted in fear.

Flapping his viscous wings, he attempted to escape the terrifying attack.

But… Luo Ling wouldn’t allow it.

“Complete Domination.”

Fungal threads erupted from the viscous beast’s remains, completely immobilizing the troupe leader.

“Perfect Hunt.”

Linna whispered, the ritual concluding.

A path of starlight extended from her, reaching towards the bright moon in the sky.

It pierced through the troupe leader’s suspended body, engulfing him completely.

The Distorted Beast, equivalent to a complete Grotesquery of the 170th Sequence, nearing Dangerous Grotesquery level, met its end in the starlight.

“That attack… was powerful.”

Luo Ling stood there, sensing the lingering power of the starlight, slightly unnerved.

It required lengthy preparation, significant consumption, and a one-time use Sacred Relic, but its power was undeniable.

Even… enough to severely injure Ji Ying, who had already transformed into an “egg.”

Even if the troupe leader were stronger, he couldn’t have withstood that attack.

“Is that so?”

Linna walked over to Luo Ling and collapsed against her shoulder.

“However, Miss Southern Cross, I need you to help me walk for a bit.” Linna looked up weakly. “You can bind my hands, but no need for the blindfold, thank you.”

“…I told you there was a reason!”

Little Odeletta looked up, her face still pale.

“Do you want to check on your former teammate?” Luo Ling’s expression softened slightly.

“No need, he’s dead.” Linna shook her head, her expression worried. “But I don’t know about the others…”

She hadn’t seen them since they were separated.

Finally encountering a teammate, only to find him as an enemy, was truly tragic.

“Wait.”

Luo Ling’s expression turned serious.

“It’s dissolving…”

She murmured.

“What’s wrong?”

Linna looked up with effort.

“The Distorted Beast we just killed, its body has completely dissolved.”

Luo Ling looked up. The troupe leader’s body had vanished, only a faint bloodstain remaining on the ground.

Absorbed by the Incubation Barrier?

Or had another Distorted Beast appeared, fusing with it through consumption?

Luo Ling’s spores scouted the surroundings, though she wasn’t optimistic.

But after a moment, she noticed something.

“Wait, this Incubation Barrier… has it expanded?”

Chapter Twenty-Four: Freeze!

Linna’s serious expression made her blatant lie seem almost plausible.

However, aside from that, as an elite member of the Fate Society and an eighth-order Awakened One, Linna was relatively reliable.

Through her concise explanation, Luo Ling understood the cause and current situation of this Incubation Barrier incident.

Her team’s initial mission was to rescue the theatrical troupe trapped within the Incubation Barrier. But that mission had clearly failed. After two days of searching, Luo Ling and little Odeletta were the only survivors she had encountered.

The tens of thousands of people within the Incubation Barrier had all transformed into pustule monsters, driven by an instinctual urge to infect the living. Once transformed, they lost this desire.

The “Distorted Beasts” were an exception.

After their transformation, they treated the pustule monsters as food, consuming them relentlessly.

And Awakened Ones were considered delicacies, their mere presence attracting the Distorted Beasts.

Furthermore, after their transformation, they retained some of their intelligence and instincts, making them even more formidable.

Linna had already killed seven Distorted Beasts in the past two days, all of whom had attacked her.

“There were about thirty Awakened Ones in the troupe, the strongest being a seventh-order, the rest mid-order. There were no other high-order Awakened Ones.” Linna’s expression turned slightly worried. “But after being tainted by the Incubation Barrier and transforming into Distorted Beasts, their power increased by at least a full order.

“The two Distorted Beasts we just encountered were at least seventh-order. They were likely only fourth or fifth-order before.”

This meant that the seventh-order Awakened One might have already reached the level where they could wield an Authority.

In the outside world, even if they could wield an Authority… there were no Authorities for them to use. Possessing an Authority and being able to use one were two different concepts. The former was far more terrifying.

But this was a Grotesquery Incubation Barrier. There was a dormant “egg” here. It might possess an Authority.

“If we encounter it, we’ll be in danger, and so will my teammates.” Linna sighed. “However, as long as they don’t stubbornly confront the seventh-order Distorted Beast and choose to flee if they encounter it alone, they shouldn’t be in too much danger.”

“…I feel like you’re jinxing it.”

“Hmm?”

“Nothing, continue.”

Luo Ling nodded. She wasn’t one for witty remarks.

“But the problem is, I can’t contact them. There’s something within the Incubation Barrier that’s interfering with our tokens.” Linna held up her hourglass necklace towards Luo Ling’s. “See, they only react when they’re this close.”

The two necklaces glowed faintly blue, their light pulsating in a shared rhythm. But if they moved further apart, the resonance vanished.

They only reacted within a three-meter radius. At that distance, they would have already encountered each other, rendering communication unnecessary.

“It should be the flesh contamination.” Luo Ling analyzed briefly.

She possessed two domains, and she could confirm that this Incubation Barrier wasn’t within either of them.

If it possessed a domain of this scale, even while dormant, this “egg” would be only slightly weaker than the Puppet Ballad itself.

“Miss Orion, do you think this level of power… could cause a Boundary collapse in Victoria?”

Linna’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected Luo Ling to know about Boundary collapses.

This meant that Luo Ling had at least encountered an Authority.

She thought for a moment, then shook her head.

“Impossible. Victoria isn’t that fragile. Even if the Grotesquery within this Incubation Barrier awakens, it can’t do that.”

She paused, seemingly remembering something, but changed the subject.

“For your safety, I suggest we leave this place. What do you think?”

Luo Ling hadn’t demonstrated her true strength. Linna estimated her to be around fourth or fifth-order, at most.

That level of power was sufficient for dealing with ordinary pustule monsters, but if multiple Distorted Beasts appeared, even Linna would struggle, let alone protecting two little girls.

Considering this, she decided to change her plan.

She had initially intended to regroup with her teammates and then destroy the Incubation Barrier, nipping the dormant “egg” in the bud. A team of six eighth-order Awakened Ones was certainly capable of that.

“Alright.”

Luo Ling nodded.

She had also made some observations.

The area of Victoria that had collapsed into the Realm of Nothingness was much larger than this current Incubation Barrier, about two or three times larger.

This meant that…

This Incubation Barrier had expanded later, not its current size.

The current scale wasn’t enough to trigger a Boundary collapse, but what about after its expansion?

But Luo Ling didn’t say anything, stopping there.

She was still worried that this was merely a simulated spacetime. Even if she changed something, the present world wouldn’t be affected.

In that case… any changes would be meaningless, and Luo Ling would miss the truth. She didn’t have enough Inspiration to use “rewrite reality” again and return here.

Having made their decision, Linna couldn’t resist her curiosity and asked why Luo Ling had treated little Odeletta in such a… peculiar manner.

Miss Southern Cross seemed quite normal, why such strange behavior?

Luo Ling explained her concerns and her helplessness.

Linna listened, then after a moment of silence, said,

“If that’s the reason, why didn’t you carry her on your back? That way, she could just lower her head and avoid seeing those gruesome scenes.”

“Oh, right.”

Luo Ling smacked her forehead.

“Perhaps I shouldn’t have mentioned it. It’s normal for young people to have their… preferences. Rest assured, I won’t discriminate against you, Miss Southern Cross.”

Linna glanced at little Odeletta’s flushed cheeks and turned away slightly.

“But I suggest that after we leave the Incubation Barrier, you both pretend you never saw me.”

“…It’s really not what you think.”

Luo Ling removed little Odeletta’s eyepatch and untied their hands, then carried her on her back.

Little Odeletta was light, not burdening Luo Ling at all.

She didn’t say anything, simply burying her face in Luo Ling’s silver-white hair, her warm cheek pressed against Luo Ling’s neck.

Having decided to leave, Linna no longer followed the trails of the pustule monsters, instead moving towards areas with fewer monsters.

Incubation Barriers had a central area where the incubated “egg” likely resided. All pustule monsters, driven by instinct, would gravitate towards this central area.

Linna had been wandering in circles for the past two days because she couldn’t locate the central area.

The “egg” also protected itself. Perhaps sensing Linna’s threat, it had been actively avoiding her.

Now, searching for the exit using the opposite approach proved more effective.

They didn’t even need Luo Ling to deal with the few pustule monsters they encountered. Although seemingly unreliable, Linna’s strength was undeniable.

Her long-barreled firearm seemed to be a Sacred Tool. Luo Ling could sense strong Inspiration fluctuations with each shot.

The seemingly antiquated firearm, in Linna’s hands, possessed destructive power far surpassing modern weapons.

They encountered a grotesque, obese monster, several stories tall, using pustule monsters as a fleshy shield. Linna’s single shot tore through its body, three shots completely obliterating it.

It was less a gun and more a magical staff, its true nature far removed from a conventional firearm.

After hours of navigating the ruins, as the sun set and the moon bathed the desolate landscape in its pale light, they finally approached the edge of the Incubation Barrier.

Luo Ling was the first to sense the change in the surrounding aura, gradually returning to normal. Linna had been about to head in another direction.

…Luo Ling suspected they had wandered in circles again, but under Linna’s insistence that she wasn’t directionally challenged, she could only follow.

“Wait here for a moment. I’ll blast a path open for you.”

Linna nodded to Luo Ling, then, for the first time, began loading her firearm.

It was a bullet crafted from amethyst, which looked familiar to Luo Ling. Looking closely, she realized it was similar to the material of the hairpin Fiona had given her.

However, the crystal of the hairpin was more refined, imbued with starlight, likely a more crucial part of a Grotesquery Sacred Relic.

The less important parts had been crafted into bullets by Linna.

Even so, the value of these bullets was evident.

To save a complete stranger, Linna didn’t hesitate to use such a precious item…

This gave Luo Ling a deeper understanding of Linna’s character.

A kind person with a cold exterior.

Linna took a deep breath, aimed her firearm at a weak point in the Incubation Barrier.

But just as she was about to fire, something unexpected happened.

“Help… me…”

A weak voice echoed, stopping them in their tracks.

“Another survivor?”

Linna immediately lowered her weapon. If there were other survivors, it would be better to rescue them all at once.

They didn’t know how quickly the Incubation Barrier would regenerate after being breached. It might only be open long enough for one person to pass through.

Amethyst bullets were precious. It was best to conserve them.

Luo Ling followed the voice, finding a human-shaped figure nearby.

“Over there!”

Luo Ling pointed.

Linna rushed over, then froze in shock, seeing the person calling for help.

“Wetherby! Why is it you?”

As Luo Ling was about to approach, Linna raised her hand.

“Don’t come any closer!”

Linna’s eyes trembled. She wanted to help the injured man, but hesitated.

“Help… me…”

The man whispered hoarsely. Although his body hadn’t transformed yet, a horrific wound stretched from his left shoulder to his right leg, nearly splitting him in two.

His exposed heart and organs pulsed, blood spurting out, his eyes rolled back, his face pale.

He looked gravely injured, barely clinging to life.

But… this was a Grotesquery Incubation Barrier.

Even seeing her teammate’s injuries, Linna maintained her composure, not rushing to his aid, even though Wetherby seemed on the verge of death.

After three agonizing seconds, Wetherby could no longer speak, his mouth opening and closing weakly.

Linna could barely restrain herself any longer.

“Don’t go.”

A soft, childish voice said, a small hand tugging at her armor.

Linna realized that Luo Ling had silently appeared beside her.

“Miss Southern Cross…”

Linna hesitated. In that moment of distraction, a grey shadow flashed towards them, not attacking them, but the body on the ground.

Instinctively, Linna stepped forward.

She had to save her teammate.

She couldn’t abandon him.

“Complete Domination.”

A cold, childish voice echoed in Linna’s ears.

Linna turned around, meeting a pair of grey-white eyes. The stunningly beautiful face beneath the cloak couldn’t distract her. Her vision was filled with those eerie eyes.

“Freeze.”

What was happening?

She… couldn’t move?

The impossibly beautiful silver-haired girl stared at her, issuing a command.

“Freeze.”

It was a command.

Unreasonable and absolute, yet she could only obey.

A sudden wave of fear washed over her, quickly receding, but leaving a lingering unease.

The grey-white eyes returned to their normal color, the cloak concealing the girl’s delicate features. Her usual childish voice said,

“It’s a trap.”

A trap…

Linna turned to see a Distorted Beast standing beside Wetherby, smirking at her.

The Distorted Beast was missing half its body, a section of its spine protruding from its severed lower half. Its arms had transformed into sharp, grotesque bone blades, enabling its swift and eerie movements.

Meanwhile, Wetherby continued to mutter “help me,” but a puddle of viscous liquid was oozing from the back of his head, covering his entire body, even filling his pulsating organs and heart.

The Wetherby they saw was merely a shell. He had become a Distorted Beast, the viscous liquid its true form.

In a way, it was similar to the Puppet Ballad’s method of domination.

However, the Puppet Ballad was far more adept at it. If it were the Puppet Ballad employing this deception, no one, not even Luo Ling herself, could easily see through it.

“We have to accept a sad truth. Your teammate has become our enemy.” Luo Ling said gravely. “We’re now facing two ninth-order Awakened Ones.”

The bone-scythe creature was clearly the unfortunate troupe leader, the only seventh-order Awakened One in the troupe. Even in death, he still wore his beloved stage costume, his grotesque, deformed face painted with makeup.

Wetherby had likely encountered the troupe leader head-on, killed and then transformed.

This was the first time Linna had encountered a teammate in days, yet it was in this tragic manner.

A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

“Miss Southern Cross, how many times can you use that ‘Complete Domination’?”

Linna was shocked by Luo Ling’s power.

She hadn’t expected Luo Ling to be able to dominate her, and this domination… was absolute.

Linna knew that in that state, she couldn’t resist at all. For those few seconds, she was a puppet under Luo Ling’s complete control.

“Unfortunately, not many times.”

Luo Ling’s Inspiration was slowly recovering, but dominating Linna, even briefly, had consumed a significant portion.

Linna was powerful. Even in her complete state, completely dominating her with “Complete Domination” would be difficult.

An eighth-order Awakened One, just one step away from a ninth-order Awakened One capable of wielding an Authority, practically at the peak of human power.

“Please…”

Before Linna could finish, Wetherby and the troupe leader didn’t give them time for further discussion.

The viscous liquid, mixed with chunks of flesh, surged towards Linna and Luo Ling. It was greedy, wanting to devour them both.

The troupe leader, however, was more direct. His bone scythe flashed in the moonlight, aiming to bisect Linna, transforming her into a pitiful half-bodied creature like himself.

“Devour, corrode, invade…”

Luo Ling looked at the approaching liquid, amused.

Using such power before the grandmaster of Puppet Ballad was beyond laughable.

Silver-white hair spread out, grotesque fungal threads growing on the floating liquid, the two forces clashing fiercely.

“BANG!”

A loud gunshot echoed.

One of the troupe leader’s bone scythes shattered. He shrieked in pain, retreating awkwardly.

But Linna also paid a price.

She supported herself with the barrel of her rifle, her other arm bleeding profusely. A severed arm lay on the ground, its blackened wound sizzling from corrosion.

Amethyst shards scattered on the ground, glittering in the moonlight.

“Damn it…”

Chapter Twenty-Three: What Kind of Kink Is This?

Crumbling walls lined the empty streets, the occasional severed limb with bite marks visible in the rubble. Their owners had likely either become pustule monsters or ended up in their stomachs.

Little Odeletta looked lost, clinging tightly to Luo Ling’s clothes after being rescued.

Perhaps intimidated by Luo Ling’s extraordinary beauty, she instinctively avoided touching her, as if afraid of sullying such unparalleled perfection.

The nauseating stench and hellish scene filled her with terror.

Caught between wanting to hug Luo Ling and fearing to do so, little Odeletta stayed close to the stunning silver-haired girl.

“Three…”

Luo Ling slowly lowered her hand.

A pustule monster, under her control, slammed headfirst into a wall.

With a sickening thud, the monster dissolved into a puddle of viscous purple-black liquid and shattered, twisted bones, slowly sliding down the wall.

“Inspiration is still draining…”

Luo Ling noticed that although her depleted Inspiration was recovering, it was also being consumed at a slow but steady rate, almost negating the recovery.

In this situation, she couldn’t use her abilities as freely as before and needed to conserve her power.

Of course, dealing with these transformed humans didn’t require much effort.

Luo Ling continued walking, analyzing the situation.

“It seems little Odeletta doesn’t have the hair I gave her. This means the entire world hasn’t reverted to before the Boundary collapse. Only I have entered this strange spacetime.”

“Maintaining this spacetime should still be the effect of ‘rewriting reality.’ As long as my Inspiration can sustain the consumption rate, I don’t have to worry about the connection being severed.”

“Is the disaster causing these monsters the culprit behind Victoria’s Boundary collapse? Although these monsters are unusual, they’re… too weak.”

Luo Ling glanced at the monster remains splattered on the wall, frowning slightly.

“However, I can’t fully control these monsters, only dominate them briefly.”

This wasn’t Luo Ling’s fault. Even with depleted Inspiration, domination was still the Puppet Ballad’s instinct. The problem lay with the monsters themselves.

This meant that these “Meat Puppet”-like beings were similar in rank to actual Meat Puppets, creations below the High-Risk Grotesquery Sequence.

And judging by their strength, they were likely spawned from an “egg,” not the main body.

Therefore, after Luo Ling’s fungal threads dominated them for a short period, the monsters would lose control and explode.

Otherwise, she could quickly amass a monster army and sweep through the entire Incubation Barrier.

“Miss…”

A weak voice called out. Luo Ling turned to see another tear-streaked face, little legs trembling like leaves.

“I… I can’t walk anymore…”

“…”

Luo Ling realized that although similar in age, little Odeletta wasn’t Elsa.

Elsa, when they first met, had already experienced countless battles and endured constant torment from a Grotesquery. Her mental fortitude was far beyond that of an ordinary child.

Little Odeletta, however, was a sheltered young lady. She had simply run away from home, a mere one or two districts away, with servants and guards protecting her, expecting no harm.

But…

She was simply unlucky, encountering a sudden outbreak of an Incubation Barrier, something an ordinary person couldn’t foresee.

Her servants and guards had all transformed into monsters. The creatures attacking the shield earlier had been them.

Luo Ling’s protection was one thing, but her combat methods were… brutal.

Nearby monsters were impaled by her sword, while those further away were dominated and then smashed into walls. Both scenes were R18 rated.

For a young lady who had likely never seen such violence, it was a traumatic experience.

Little Odeletta was terrified, unable to walk not from exhaustion, but from fear.

“Alright, let’s rest for a bit.”

Luo Ling sighed. Unsure whether this spacetime was a recreation of the past or a true return to the past, she couldn’t simply leave little Odeletta anywhere.

She wanted to take her out of the Incubation Barrier, but… spores were useless for finding the exit, a lesson she had learned in Baiyan Village.

…She would take her along for now. It wouldn’t be too much trouble.

“Miss, are you a ‘Diviner’?”

After calming down slightly, little Odeletta stared intently at Luo Ling and the hourglass pendant on her chest.

“Yes.”

Luo Ling replied.

“Are all ‘Diviners’ as powerful as you, Miss?”

“More or less.”

Luo Ling replied absently, her spores searching for clues within the Incubation Barrier.

The barrier covered roughly a third of a district, about a quarter the size of Jiangcheng County, affecting over fifty thousand people.

The disaster seemed to have occurred some time ago. There were almost no living humans. Little Odeletta was an exception. Her servants and guards must have retained some of their will before fully transforming, protecting their mistress as much as possible.

And after their complete transformation, Odeletta’s necklace shield had protected her until Luo Ling arrived.

“Can I become as powerful as you, Miss? I… I feel so useless…”

Little Odeletta squatted down, tears welling up as she recalled the recent events.

She bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears, but a snot bubble escaped.

“We’ll talk about it when you’re older.”

Luo Ling said dismissively, focusing on searching for other Awakened Ones within the Incubation Barrier.

This spacetime recreation couldn’t have only recreated little Odeletta, could it?

Unfortunately, the stench of the pustule monsters masked almost all other traces.

Finally, Luo Ling found signs of recent combat, besides her own.

But looking closer, her expression turned strange.

“Isn’t this… my starting point?”

Near the location where she had rescued little Odeletta.

Luo Ling glanced at little Odeletta, who quickly averted her gaze.

“It seems that even if I hadn’t intervened, little Odeletta would have been rescued by this Awakened One…”

That was likely the outcome in the normal timeline.

She would meet up with them first.

Hopefully, it was Linna’s team. Even if not, regardless of the faction, Luo Ling had the appropriate ID.

Even if it were the Harbingers, possessing the memories of several of their members, she could easily impersonate one.

However, before going…

“Although the White Witch isn’t a wanted criminal yet, given my appearance, it’s best to disguise myself.”

Luo Ling noticed a tailor shop and had an idea.

She took a large piece of black cloth and fashioned a simple cloak to conceal her figure and appearance.

She used the remaining scraps to make an eyepatch for little Odeletta, sparing her from witnessing any more gruesome scenes.

Finally, Luo Ling took little Odeletta’s hand, bound their hands together with cloth strips, and reinforced it with fungal threads.

“This way, you shouldn’t be afraid anymore.”

Luo Ling gently patted their bound hands.

Little Odeletta, her eyes covered, lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper.

“Okay…”

Luo Ling noticed that little Odeletta’s face was unusually red.

Was the fear from the earlier scene… still lingering?

But judging by their later encounter, it didn’t seem to have traumatized her.

“Stay close.”

Luo Ling took little Odeletta’s hand and took a deep breath.

“…Okay.”

……

A blonde girl in half-plate armor crouched down, examining the ground.

“…Any survivors?”

Traces of combat remained, indicating a Judgment path Awakened One, though not particularly powerful.

The slain pustule monsters were all transformed ordinary people, their combat strength equivalent to low-order Awakened Ones.

The fact that there had been a struggle meant the Awakened One was likely around fourth or fifth-order.

“I should find the survivor quickly, hopefully, she hasn’t encountered a ‘Distorted Beast’…”

This Incubation Barrier crisis had erupted two days ago, suspected to be a Dangerous Grotesquery level, but the specific Grotesquery was unknown.

Since a Fate Society theatrical troupe had been caught in the outbreak, consisting of thirty Awakened Ones and hundreds of ordinary people, the Fate Society had dispatched an elite team, though it was too late.

By the time they arrived, everyone in the troupe had transformed into pustule monsters, the Awakened Ones becoming terrifying “Distorted Beasts.”

Their transformation had significantly amplified their power. Even the weakest among them had reached the high-order Awakened One level.

Moreover, the Distorted Beasts were constantly evolving, consuming the pustule monsters, their power growing steadily.

Since the Distorted Beasts had scattered, the elite team had to split up, hunting them individually and searching for survivors.

But their efforts had yielded little result.

This was the first sign of a survivor Linna had encountered.

…This Incubation Barrier outbreak had been incredibly sudden, leaving no time to react.

A raspy growl echoed nearby. Linna turned around, her eyes widening.

“A Distorted Beast…”

Compared to the pustule monsters, these Distorted Beasts were even less human. They had been Awakened Ones, and after being tainted by the unknown power, their abilities hadn’t vanished, but had become distorted.

This Distorted Beast had been a Myriad path Awakened One. Now, its skin was a sickly grey-green, its eyes replaced by pulsating flesh, its lower body a grotesque amalgamation of limbs, dragging itself across the ground.

Its half-naked body was devoid of any beauty, its swollen belly stitched together with countless internal organs.

All its flesh had been fused together by its Myriad path ability.

It stared at Linna with its barely functional eyes, then lunged at her with unnatural speed.

“Arms… legs…”

It stared greedily at Linna’s limbs, wanting to fuse with such a beautiful being.

“At least seventh-order!”

Even for Linna, this was troublesome.

She raised an ornate rifle and fired three shots, piercing the Distorted Beast’s body.

It collapsed with a thud.

“…….”

Smoke drifted from Linna’s right eye as she watched the Distorted Beast rise unsteadily.

Her shots had blown off several of its limbs.

It frantically gathered its scattered limbs, stuffing them back into its body, before turning to Linna again.

Its maw split open, as if smiling.

Several detached hands and feet flew towards Linna.

She calmly aimed and fired, shooting them down.

But the Distorted Beast’s smile widened, almost mocking.

“…Something’s wrong!”

A sense of danger washed over her. Linna dodged sideways, just in time to see a grotesque, dwarfish figure inches behind her.

A grotesque dwarf, only a head with a body of shadows, slowly raised its head, a shadow blade in its hand, aimed at her heart.

At this distance…

It was impossible to dodge.

“…Careless.”

Linna’s heart sank. She hadn’t expected the two Distorted Beasts to cooperate. Otherwise, she would have noticed the shadow dwarf’s approach.

Just as she braced for the fatal blow, the shadow dwarf froze, its blade stopping inches from her heart.

“Hmm?”

Although puzzled, Linna didn’t hesitate.

A single shot blew the shadow dwarf’s head off, its shadowy body dissipating.

Simultaneously, the multi-limbed Distorted Beast shrieked in terror, seemingly realizing its failed ambush, and attempted to flee.

But before it could move, it froze, like a paused animation.

Linna showed no mercy. This time, prepared, she aimed carefully and fired a single shot, obliterating the Distorted Beast.

“Rest in peace.”

Looking at the two corpses and the shattered hourglass necklace beside them, Linna knelt down, touching her forehead and shoulders, offering a simple prayer for the deceased.

Before their transformation, they had been members of the Fate Society.

Just then, two figures approached and stopped beside her.

“Thank you, fellow ‘Diviner’.”

Linna recognized the familiar jingle of the newcomer’s necklace.

“You’re welcome.”

Luo Ling observed Linna. She had seen her picture in Fiona’s files. She indeed resembled her mother.

Just with a colder demeanor.

“Do I usually act like this?”

Luo Ling recalled Fiona’s assessment and felt doubtful.

She considered herself far more approachable than Linna.

After finishing her prayer, Linna stood up and looked at Luo Ling, surprised.

She hadn’t expected the Diviner who had assisted her in eliminating two seventh-order Distorted Beasts to be a… not just a minor, but a child who hadn’t even reached the age for regular schooling.

The other one was indeed just an ordinary person.

Their peculiar interaction also surprised Linna. One blindfolded, the other with their hands bound. If they weren’t two innocent little girls, she would have suspected some kind of strange kink.

“Elemental path, ability to manipulate metal, code name ‘Orion’.” Linna said, stating Luo Ling’s ability and code name. “Yours?”

“Myriad path, ability to temporarily dominate others’ bodies, code name…”

Luo Ling hesitated. She knew the Fate Society used constellation code names, but she had only been a freelancer, so she didn’t have one.

She didn’t want to accidentally use someone else’s… wait, there was one she could use.

“Southern Cross.”

An Yu’s code name.

At this point in time, An Yu was still in Jiangcheng County. No one in the Fate Society would be using it.

“Okay.” Linna nodded. “Should I take you out first?”

“If you can, please take her out.”

Luo Ling pointed at the blindfolded little Odeletta. She was starting to feel like she was indeed engaging in some strange roleplay, but it couldn’t be helped.

Little Odeletta wasn’t old enough for R18 content…

“Alright.”

Linna nodded curtly.

“It’s so easy to talk to Miss Linna.”

Luo Ling felt a sense of camaraderie with this equally concise woman. No need for lengthy explanations, communication was simple and efficient.

Like a reliable older sister.

“However, there’s still one problem.” Linna said.

“What problem?”

“I don’t know how to get out.”

“…”

Luo Ling wanted to retract her earlier assessment. Perhaps Linna wasn’t that reliable after all.

“Actually, I’ve been lost for two days,” Linna said, pointing to her token. “And I’ve lost contact with my teammates.”

Definitely not reliable.

“It’s not my fault.” Linna said seriously. “This Incubation Barrier… makes people lose their way.”

…Not only unreliable, but also stubborn.

Luo Ling twitched her lips. She had explored this area and knew that this Incubation Barrier didn’t have any such effect.

Besides, they weren’t even close to the area where illusions would manifest.

“Trust me.”

“Alright, Miss Orion.”