Gray Serpent: Lost, but Not Entirely Lost

However, a cat's size and speed advantage are far greater when escaping than when fighting.

Rita passed through the dust, but could no longer find any trace of the enemy.

As the crowd drew near, Rita could only sigh helplessly, retract her armor, and transform into an ordinary, beautiful maid.

"The museum... the artifacts... my... is all gone..."

Just then, a desperate cry came from behind: the curator La Signora. Catherine.

Rita's expression froze, and cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

She slowly backed away, intending to leave quietly.

Then, he was caught by Catherine's intense gaze.

"Miss Rita!!!"

"The Schicksal will cover all losses to the museum, please rest assured."

Rita replied immediately to avoid incurring Catherine's wrath.

The expenses are covered by Schicksal; it's just a matter of getting a reimbursement form, nothing important.

However, while dealing with the grief-stricken Catherine, Rita, from her vantage point, caught a glimpse of a strange metallic sheen shimmering in the middle of the broken stone slab.

The dull, silvery-gray hue originated from a metal block embedded inside the stone slab, its surface shimmering with a flowing luster, which was incredibly strange.

"Hmm? What's this? Are metal blocks embedded in ancient stone slabs? I don't recall seeing any written records of this before?"

"Miss Catherine, I'll take this with me."

"Huh? No, no, this is a detail we haven't noticed before. It might be related to the history of King Arthur. I need to stay and study it carefully!"

"If you have any comments, please report them to the Schicksal. Now, I must take it with me. Excuse me."

Rita ignored Catherine's objections, took out the metal, and turned to walk towards the museum's exit.

' The Arthurian Legend, Soul Steel, the Divine Key —there must be a close connection between them. Your Excellency, I think I've found the real clue!'

Chapter 128 Gray Serpent: Losses, but not complete losses

Rita, holding the Soul Steel, reported the situation to Otto.

Otto began to make his plans. On one hand, he instructed Rita to delve deeper into the clues of the Arthurian Legend and make good use of Catherine, a living encyclopedia of history. On the other hand, he instructed Durandal to keep a close eye on things as the strongest insurance. He also began to observe a certain confused Valkyrie who had been recalled to headquarters to clean the library, preparing her for acting training so that she could make her grand entrance on stage.

Everything is progressing steadily.

Jackal and Stan did not interfere, as there was no need to add to the risk. As for the Second Divine Key, Anqi did not intend to stand in Otto's way.

Stan wandered the city, adapting to the cat's body and perspective, and to the cat's lifestyle.

Meanwhile, the Jackal was traveling and shopping.

"Doctor, look at this down jacket, the soft down, the simple yet elegant design..."

"I bought it."

"Yes, Doctor!"

In theory, the Raven in the mission will suppress its female instincts and act with an absolutely rational and efficient mindset.

But the reality is that almost no woman can resist beautiful clothes and jewelry, especially when the Jackal has a bank card with unlimited credit.

"Doctor, look at this necklace..."

"Brush."

"Doctor, look at this lipstick, it's really hard to get your hands on outside!"

"Pack it all up, pack it all up."

"Doctor, Doctor, the latest XXX handbag, it's not even available overseas yet!"

"Swipe your card and take it with you."

Another day of eating, drinking, having fun, and shopping. As dusk falls, the Raven carries heavy shopping bags on its shoulders and hands, looking like a human shopping rack.

But judging from her satisfied and joyful smile, she was bubbling with happiness inside.

For women, shopping streets are paradise.

And the pleasure of free shopping is truly indescribable.

In any case, the Raven of the Jackal has completely changed.

'Although she's a mad scientist, she's still a woman, and her tastes and hobbies are pretty normal... well, maybe her orientation is a little off, but looking at her bank account, it's totally no problem!'

"Look closely, this trench coat actually looks quite nice on her, no less so than mine."

'Hehehe, I've finished exploring all the shopping streets in this area. Where should I go shopping tomorrow? I'll check out some travel guides tonight!'

With a limp gait, Raven followed behind the Jackal, unable to contain his radiant smile.

At the same time, under a bridge in a remote part of the London.

Gray Serpent sat alone on the ground, typing on the keyboard, arranging various actions for World Serpent, the howling wind making his clothes flutter.

Amidst his busy work, the red light in his mechanical eyes kept flashing.

The reason is that, in his eyes, a series of negative numbers kept appearing—that was the World Serpent Fund being deducted like flowing water, each number and comma representing an astonishing amount of money.

"Jackal!!!"

The selfless Gray Serpent finally couldn't hold back any longer!

At first, he interpreted the series of deduction notifications as necessary expenses for the mission's disguise and paid no attention to them.

Later, the number of billing notifications increased day by day. Gray Serpent thought that the Second Divine Key was something that the Venerable Lord had asked them to take care of, so this little bit of effort was nothing and completely acceptable.

Later, as expenses continued to rise, and for the sake of the organization's development, Gray Serpent quietly gave up the affordable hotel and simply moved into a bridge tunnel. After all, he was a high-tech robot and wasn't afraid of wind or rain.

Even after achieving this, the massive expenditure of funds showed no signs of stopping.

"Jackal! What are you doing? Do you think the World Serpent's money grows on trees?"

"I'm working for Schicksal's headquarters, and you're risking betrayal to call me just to talk about money? Are you out of your mind?"

"I... you... you..."

"What the Cocolia guy! We're on a mission, so don't cause me any trouble!"

Faced with the irritable Gray Serpent, the Jackal hung up the phone in an even more aggressive tone.

Gray Serpent sat frozen in the howling wind under the bridge. Despite it being summer, and despite being a robot, Gray Serpent felt a chill creep down its spine.

He wanted to crush the communicator in his hand.

But thinking of the massive amount of funds that had already been rapidly deducted in the past few days, Gray Serpent dared not waste any more resources. He could only tremble as he carefully placed the communicator back on his chest.

That's right, money is a bastard!

Money is not important; the cause of the World Serpent is important; and the Venerable Lord's command is even more important!

Yes, it was all worth it.

"Damn it!!!"

"Hu... cough, Doctor, you are this?!"

On its way home, Raven couldn't help but give the Jackal a thumbs-up while carrying a bunch of shopping bags.

To be able to so confidently retort to a purchase made with public funds, suppressing the enraged Gray Serpent —that's what true strength is! This is true strength!

Jackal turned around, his hands in the pockets of his trench coat. The evening breeze ruffled his soft, long hair, and his golden eyes, illuminated by the setting sun, revealed a touch of melancholy and vicissitude.

"Little crow, are you having fun?"

"Of course I'm happy!"

"Is it because it doesn't cost any money?"

"Well..."

"The pursuit of wealth and happiness is a human instinct and the fundamental driving force behind the brilliance of civilization. But at the same time, it is also the root of all inequality and suffering. Just as snow melts into clear water, which is both the starting point of great rivers and the nurturing of civilization, it is also the driving force behind floods and breaches, accumulating the power of destruction."

The Raven blinked blankly.

That's an interesting point, but it's also a well-worn, old truth.

But does coming from the mouth of an ancient monster like Jackal who has lived for thousands of years represent some kind of insight she has personally witnessed?

The Raven guessed this, and for a moment it didn't know how to answer.

The Jackal stepped forward, pinched the Raven's chin, and said with a smile in his deep golden eyes:

"Therefore, moderation and balance are the principles of longevity and even eternity. Enough with the pleasure. Now, get into the mindset for your mission. Aren't you still raising a bunch of cubs in Changkong City? Don't lose your life due to carelessness. If that happens, no one will feed you, and you know the consequences."

The Raven felt its heart pounding.

This is not a woman's reaction to ambiguous gestures, or at least not entirely.

More than anything, he felt a chill in his heart, never expecting that the Jackal would notice his private actions, and subconsciously resisted the idea of the children being targeted by this mad scientist.

But then she realized that the Jackal didn't mean it that way, and while she breathed a sigh of relief, her impression of the Jackal became even more complicated.

This is an arrogant and somewhat cynical woman who looks down on everything and is indifferent to worldly matters and human life. However, the experience and wisdom she has accumulated over the years seem to support this attitude.

She also has a human touch; for example, her love for clothes and jewelry, and her love for her own body, are all genuine.

But she is also like a person who transcends worldly affairs, who likes things but does not indulge in them, and examines the world from a perspective that ordinary people cannot understand, acting and dealing with things freely, unrestrainedly, and with aloof self-confidence.

"As expected of a true World Serpent executive, a thousand-year-old monster, he is indeed different from a half-baked person like me."

The Raven muttered to itself, composed itself, and followed the Jackal's pleasing and captivating silhouette.

He's a bit like a timid little follower.

On the other hand, Otto's plan was going very smoothly.

With the help of Catherine's academic background and the museum's academic resources, Rita unearthed some exciting clues from the complex and obscure historical materials.

Rita, Catherine, and the "clumsy and adorable" "B-rank Valkyrie Susanna" who just came from headquarters to provide support, arrived at Glastonbury —the place closest to the legendary Avalon.

Then, they successfully discovered the magnificent underground ruins.

Then, the group was attacked.

Rita engages in a fierce battle with Stan, the cat she has reunited with after a long separation.

Susanna and Catherine, however, were attacked by other forces and disappeared without a trace.

Outside Glastonbury lies a scenic meadow region.

Catherine walked step by step toward the tall figure wearing a white trench coat and a wolf mask.

"Jackal, our plan has succeeded. Everything is as you predicted. Those fools of Schicksal are indeed..."

"Bang!"

One shot to the head, without hesitation.

Otto, disguised as Catherine, and the Raven and Gray Serpent, who were secretly waiting, were all taken aback.

The Jackal approached Catherine, raised its foot, and its white high heel, clad in black stockings, stepped on Catherine's chest.

"Stop struggling. Soul Steel is a legacy from the Previous Civilization, and this bullet is designed specifically for your situation. This body of yours can't be saved. Honestly, it was meant to be a precaution, but it actually came in handy. You're more persistent than I thought, Otto."

"Cough! How did you find me?"

Strange metallic fluids flowed and shifted on Catherine's body, soon revealing Otto's smiling face.

The Jackal shook his head without speaking, watching Otto gradually lose his movement, his eyes turning completely dark.

Then, she made a call to the Raven and the Gray Serpent who were secretly waiting.

"Let's go! We can't stop Chikai Ichijo. Otto has come in person, and Stan has been subdued by Durandal. He's determined to have it, and we can't stop him."