By the cold light cast by the ghost fire, Liriel finally made out the statue's form.
The statue stood roughly five or six meters tall. Compared with the Cruel Scholar's true body, it was clearly a miniature sculpture.
Yet from Liriel's perspective, it still seemed incomparably towering.
The statue's entire body was wrapped layer upon layer in a broad, heavy stone cloak. Its hood hung deeply, completely concealing its face. No brows or eyes could be seen, no glimpse of Its true appearance could be caught; only a dim, dark shadow spread outward.
The hem of the stone cloak was not fully drawn shut. A thick, powerfully muscled demonic tail hung down from the shadows, resting diagonally upon the stone pedestal.
The tail was densely embedded with all manner of vessels of knowledge: ancient scrolls of animal hide, hardbound books, shell scriptures, and informational streams of data... The carriers varied in kind, old and new interwoven, yet not a trace of disorder could be seen.
Though the Cruel Scholar's august visage was hidden from view, the image of that tail alone made one feel that countless branches of knowledge and endless records all belonged to It.
Liriel took a deep breath, suppressing the growing unease in her heart, and walked up to the statue with the Decayer.
As the firelight flickered, the Decayer lowered its enormous head, knelt with practiced ease, and performed a believer's salute. Its indifferent expression did not so much as ripple, as though it were all instinct.
Liriel followed closely behind, gathering her thoughts as she bowed. Though the vigilance and wariness within her remained suspended high, there was not the slightest flaw in her outwardly respectful posture.
"Rise." A frigid voice came from within the statue's cloak.
Only after Liriel and the Decayer offered their