Vol 2 C1: Departing for a New World
Abyss blinked, confused. He knew that embedding the crystal and channeling magic into the device would activate the portal, but he hadn’t expected to receive visual information from the magical fluctuations.
“Boy, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve discovered something,” Lannis asked, tilting her head, her single working eye fixed on Abyss.
“Did you see anything when you activated this portal?” Abyss asked, scratching his head. “Like images appearing in your mind… I think… I saw Rebecca.”
Lannis’s eyes widened, and she jumped up, grabbing Abyss’s collar and clinging to him. “Eee! Tell me! Where is Miss Rebecca? What’s she doing? Is she alive?!”
“Answer my question first,” Abyss said, gently detaching Lannis from his collar and setting her down, careful not to trigger any accidental explosions. “Did you see any images?”
“Images? No, I didn’t see anything! All I see is a brat who knows the whereabouts of my mistress but won’t tell me!” Lannis seemed unconcerned about what Abyss had seen. She was fixated on Rebecca’s location, pacing back and forth, her voice frantic. “Tell me!”
“Rebecca is… dead,” Abyss said, shaking his head. “She’s lying at the bottom of a clear pool of water, her expression peaceful.”
Lannis stopped pacing, her face falling. “Ah… I see. I knew it… I knew it…”
“But I’m a necromancer. There’s no need to be sad,” Abyss said, patting his chest. “Give me some time, and I’ll resurrect your mistress. For some reason, her body is perfectly preserved. That will save me a lot of effort.”
Lannis nodded slowly. “I understand. I can’t help you directly, but my laboratory is your safest haven. Until you successfully resurrect Miss Rebecca, I’ll ensure no Goat Eyes scum can reach this door. If they push their luck, I’ll blow them all to smithereens.”
“That’s a great help. I was planning to leave one of my companions behind to guard you, but it seems unnecessary now. I can trust you, right?” Abyss asked, smiling gently. If Leona saw his expression, she would accuse him of manipulating Lannis.
Lannis, not betraying his trust, headed towards the basement exit. “I’m going to set up some explosives to deter those Goat Eyes thugs. You can take care of your business. We need to hurry. Dawn is approaching.”
“Oh, right, Lannis, what’s today’s date?” Abyss asked suddenly.
Lannis thought for a moment. “It’s March 18th. Why?”
“Ha, what a coincidence,” Abyss said, clapping his hands. “I need to return to my companions. I’ll be back soon.”
…
As a necromancer, Abyss had a connection to his followers. He didn’t need to contact the Black Hats gang members to know where Flora and Leona were staying. After leaving Lannis’s house, he entered the Shadow Realm, summoning his undead steed and galloping through Lavoisier City’s wide streets. He stopped before a potion shop, exited the Shadow Realm discreetly, and walked towards the entrance.
Despite the late hour, a scruffy-looking young man sat outside the shop, likely a Black Hats gang member without any identifying markings.
“Hey, what’s your business… Oh, the boss told me to expect a young man with gray hair,” the gang member said, recognizing Abyss. “Go inside. The place is full of our men. Talk to the fat guy behind the counter. He’ll take you to our secret base.”
So Titus had arranged for them to stay here. It seemed safe enough. And the potion shop wasn’t publicly associated with the Black Hats Gang, making it less likely to attract the Goat Eyes Gang’s attention, minimizing risks for Givia and her companions.
Abyss entered the shop. A chubby young man sat behind the counter, likely the night shift clerk, but also responsible for security and communications.
“Ah, Master Mage, you’re here. I’ll take you to the ladies,” the chubby man said, standing up.
“Wait a moment, friend,” Abyss said, stopping him. “Do you also sell alchemical ingredients?”
The chubby man was surprised. Why was this mage asking about ingredients instead of joining his companions? But he quickly recovered. He was both a Black Hats gang member and a genuine potion shop clerk. “Yes, Master Mage, we do sell ingredients. What do you need?”
“Give me a large handful of dried Dream Roses. Preferably the ones with vibrant colors,” Abyss said.
Dream Roses were a common ingredient. Adding a small amount to a potion could induce calmness and enhance the effects of mind-altering substances. Lavoisier City, as the world’s potion capital, boasted advanced drying techniques. The chubby clerk quickly retrieved a large handful of pink Dream Roses. Even though they were dried, their color and shape were preserved, their texture slightly firmer than fresh flowers.
“Thank you. I’ll pay you later,” Abyss said, nodding.
“No need to pay, sir. The boss instructed us to cover all minor expenses as a token of gratitude for your assistance,” the chubby clerk said with a smile.
“Then thank you even more,” Abyss said, taking the flowers, clasping his hands behind his back, and smiling. “Now, please lead the way. I need to see my friends.”
Givia was asleep. After greeting the guards outside her room, Abyss entered the room where Leona and Flora were resting.
As he stepped inside, their laughter caught his attention.
The two girls, surrounded by piles of clothes they had purchased, were trying on various outfits. Leona, her silver hair cascading down her back, was down to her child-sized undergarments, while Flora, her back to Abyss, was struggling with the buttons of a beautiful, lace-trimmed light blue dress. Her smooth, white back and neck were exposed.
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