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.”
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