The Nature of Society 184

"Yawen·Hesksin," Jannia said calmly, "it seems you don't yet understand the truth about [Society].

"What exactly happened?" Li Aoz said in a deep voice, "Are you kidding me? Jannia, Ya Wen only 23 years old this year—if it's just a coincidence of names, this is too outrageous, isn't it?"

Surprised?

Jannia shrugged:

"This is the essence of society."

"No matter what your name was in life, once you join [society], your personal existence will be gradually erased. When you return to the [society] entity once, your individuality will be completely gone."

"The Hidden Society has an even more terrifying characteristic—its citizens are called 'professionals.' There are 3 speakers, 13 members of parliament, 72 juries, and 666 citizens. That's its total number."

"However, although the population seems small, those professionals are endowed with incredibly terrifying abilities. Their abilities can directly manipulate the rules and concepts of the world. For example, the most terrifying offensive ability is that of the White Knight. As long as it keeps sharpening its blade, it can cut through everything in the world. This is something that other societies cannot do."

"Rather than saying that Hidden Citizen are professionals, it's more accurate to say that they are merely containers. Once the individuals placed outside die, they are completely forgotten by history, while their professions remain forever unscathed."

"I remember what the old 'tailor' was called, but she's dead, so I don't know anymore. As long as Yawen·Hesksin is alive, she will become the vessel of 'tailor'. Her name is 'tailor', the profession and identity that society has given her."

This was the first time Li Aoz had heard such detailed information about the "Hidden Society"—no, the "Society" group. In fact, even the Hunter Association didn't have such a complete understanding of "Society."

"So, once you join [society], you're no longer yourself... that's what it means."

Li Aoz unconsciously lowered his voice:

"I believe that citizens are like organs or cells to society, but individuals cannot completely control the cells in their bodies, so citizens still have their own consciousness and thoughts..."

"That's all fake," Jannia said coldly. "I can assure you that what I'm saying is true—because the title ' Sharp Tooth Peak ' comes from the betrayal of the hidden hero—the [Blacksmith] Councilor."

Jannia's candid words deeply moved Li Aoz.

"... I never imagined it would be like this."

Li Aoz shook his head:

"Once you join [society], you can't even protect your own name."

Li Aoz asked.

"What if Ya Wen returns to her hidden form...?"

"There is good news and bad news."

Jannia said:

"The good news is that Ya Wen will no longer worry about going crazy and turning into that monster. Her mental and emotional state will also become stable, and she will become very happy."

"The bad news is: Yawen·Hesksin will be merged into the entire [society] in an instant, her consciousness impacted and integrated by the [tailors] of the past, ultimately becoming a child with unwavering loyalty to the secret."

"The Secrecy Mother loves her children—but her children are these professions, not the people who do the professions."

No wonder he saw the White Knight Yuhelai acting so crazy back then... He was probably struggling with the White Knight profession all along.

But the more one struggles, the more one relies on power; the more one desires power, the more one craves society.

When he returned to his original form, Yuhelai was already dead, and the Hidden Society gained its loyal jury, the White Knight.

Li Aoz clenched his fist.

This is terrible.

No wonder I've never heard of any Omega-rank powerhouse or god willingly being corrupted by society; it's practically a hell from which there is no return.

Thinking of this, Li Aoz quickly asked:

"Jannia, since you know so many secrets, do you know how to free Ya Wen from the clutches of the secret world?"

To his surprise, Jannia glanced at him sideways and said, "Lioz, are you really that hung up on that jealous, yandere, and insecure woman?"

"No matter what, we've come this far," Li Aoz said. "She's had a tough time too, and she's done so much for me. I don't want to owe her a favor."

"Hmph, that's more like it. I like straight men who are as hard as metal, that's what makes it interesting when they turn gay."

Jannia nodded in satisfaction. "The Liberator of the Hidden Profession, [The Doctor] used to do this kind of research—he's the creator, or father, of the child in your arms? Anyway, if you want to know about these things, just get on good terms with Dia Lan and find [The Doctor] when you have the chance."

"Judging from your tone... [Doctors] must have lived for a thousand years, right? [Social] citizens who are detached from society will have shorter lifespans. Are you sure you can still find one?"

Li Aoz questioned, "Dia Lan has never mentioned her father; he might be dead by now."

"I told you before," Jannia reminded her, "Once Secrecy's Citizen dies, mortals will no longer remember his name, and his deeds will be erased from history. Unless there are still living people or Hidden Citizen abroad, there will be no record of them in history, and no one will remember their names."

"And now, you still remember that the [doctor's] name was Laiwoluxin·Docter." Li Aoz's eyes lit up. "So, he's still alive?"

"To be optimistic, maybe he's already figured out a way to escape the secret!"

Jannia encouraged them:

"If all else fails, we can go to Vierria – she's a special woman, she doesn't belong to [Society] or Star Abyss, she must know the [Doctor's] whereabouts."

Let's take it one step at a time.

Li Aoz had no hope.

But at least we know there's a way to rescue Ya Wen, which is better than making no progress at all.

"Don't worry, I'll search with you if necessary." Jannia patted Li Aoz on the shoulder. "After all, you're my Sword Holder now. We'll face any difficulties together."

It's really rare that this broken artifact can actually function as a normal person.

Just as Li Aoz was about to continue the conversation, he suddenly stopped in his tracks as a beautiful female figure appeared in front of him.

"Oh?"

The woman had a Seven-Stringed Zither hanging from her waist and a veil covering her face, yet it did not diminish her captivating beauty. Upon seeing Li Aoz, her eyes lit up, seemingly struck by his stunning good looks. Then her gaze shifted downwards, landing on the sword in Li Aoz's hand. She let out a soft gasp of surprise, then smiled and said:

"I never expected to see the wielder of the Fate Awakening Sword in this generation here."

Li Aoz glanced at her. The other woman was considered an unparalleled beauty among women, with an exceptionally high [Charm], only slightly inferior to himself. However, she did not possess any [Dominator] aura. According to the biological frequency spectrum, she was just a mortal of the Gamma-rank.

The other party knows Jannia, and there might be some Side Quest involved, but Li Aoz busy right now, and his friends and classmates are still missing.

Are you a tourist visiting the school?

Li Aoz asked.

"I suppose so. I came to visit one of the leaders of your college," the woman said regretfully. "But not only did I not find my old friend, I also encountered this kind of thing. I don't know where to go now..."

Li Aoz pointed to the library behind him:

"I've already eliminated the Implant Equipment Vanguard over there, you can stay there."

"Such a good thing? Thank you so much, you pretty young lady." The woman was slightly surprised, then expressed her gratitude.

"Speaking of which, it seems you're looking for someone."

She took a talisman from her pocket and handed it to Li Aoz:

"Maybe it can help you in some way."

You have received the item ' Intersecting Talisman '.

[A talisman of unknown effect seems to improve your luck.]

"Thanks." Li Aoz said hurriedly, then picked up his sword and continued forward.

The veiled woman watched Li Aoz's departing figure, her arms crossed, seemingly plotting something.

"Is it just my imagination?"

The veiled woman rested her chin on her hand, her beautiful eyes revealing a hint of doubt. "This handsome young man gives me a strange sense of familiarity."

In particular, the figure of someone carrying an infant in their arms, wielding a sword and charging forward fearlessly.

That figure... it feels somewhat familiar.

Forget it, now is not the time.

The veiled woman shook her head and turned to leave.