The Fox Came, and They Were All Captured

One moment the sky was still dusk, and without any transition—it seemed as if, without anyone noticing, it jumped directly into night.

A crescent moon appeared in the sky without warning.

When he saw the moon, Iver was even stunned for a moment.

Judging from the moon's phase, the New Moon Ritual will probably be held tomorrow night.

But...

... Is it really that fast?

Iver remembered that when they arrived, it was still five or six days before the new moon. Could it be that the flow of time here is not only chaotic within each day, but even between days?

He suddenly became a little worried—what if they skipped my New Moon Ritual?

Eagle Cape Village is a bit eerie. Now, Iver isn't even sure what day it is today.

Just then, Iver suddenly felt the floor getting cold.

He then reached out to Sherlock, like a surgeon asking for a scalpel, "Candle."

Sherlock obediently took a candle out of his bag of supplies.

A flame flickered from Iver's fingertips, igniting it.

The moment the light appeared, the chilling aura beneath his feet vanished without a trace.

—The Wild Hunt will not attack rooms with lights inside.

Now they could no longer feel the chill, nor even hear the shouts and laughter of the Night Parade Knight. Therefore, they had no idea what the battle was like outside.

"Go and put out the fire in the room, and remember to carry the pastor down with you."

Iver calmly said, "I'll treat him first—he was probably knocked unconscious by the shockwave, hopefully he'll be alright. But all the firepower is on my side, so it shouldn't be a big problem."

"What exactly happened?"

Hai Na couldn't help but ask.

Iver patted her on the back. "Go ahead and do it."

Seeing Hai Na obediently go upstairs to carry people, Sherlock curled his lip, waved his hand to draw all the flames in the room to his hand, and then casually dispersed them.

He asked in a low voice, "What's going on? Why is there such a commotion?"

Sherlock rarely saw Iver in such a sorry state.

Judging from the extent of the damage to his clothes, he was probably seriously injured in the explosion.

"The Noble Red has arrived, bringing with it giants."

Iver calmly said, "They didn't even push the door open, they just started bombing the houses from a distance. Luckily, it was me here... otherwise it would have been troublesome."

With the firepower of the Noble Red, it is highly likely that it could eliminate them in an instant.

They entered the village at dusk. The villagers, to avoid Hellerchein and his entourage, were all staying indoors at this time—if they went out and it got dark, they might not be able to return. Even if they felt uneasy, they probably wouldn't go out to check at this hour.

In that case, it's highly likely that the actions of the Noble Red and their ilk will go unchecked until nightfall. Countless people will die at their hands, their deaths shrouded in mystery.

"But why did they attack Eagle Cape Village?"

Sherlock frowned, somewhat puzzled. "There has to be a reason for this."

"I don't quite understand either. But those people are, after all, of Noble Red, so perhaps they just lack materials."

"Too."

Sherlock nodded seriously. "They've been hunted down by the Grand Guardian recently, and it's very likely that this group was scattered and came here to massacre the village to replenish their supplies."

Unlike Iver, who had only skimmed the newspaper, he had conducted thorough research.

This is also why he is so resistant to and disgusted by Demon Scholar.

Because their evil deeds are gradual and self-circulating.

Demons occasionally desire to devour human souls, and Demon Scholar, in order to appease their demons, satisfy their desires, or achieve their own goals, are very likely to kill. After all, they have no other skills than using their mystical arts to kill.

If you don't intend to kill, why not become Ritual Mage? Since you've learned about demons and even summoned your own demon, it means you already have a tendency towards it.

Since the person has already been killed and their soul taken by the demon... if you want to hide your crime, you have to deal with the remaining corpse, right? Since you're going to hide the corpse anyway, why not take some ritual materials from it?

When Demon Scholar discovered that human materials were far more useful than animal materials—not only could they unleash unique spells with far greater power, but human materials could also do what animal materials could; however, animal materials could not do what only human materials could.

In this situation, purchasing large quantities of animal materials could arouse suspicion and lead to reports, prompting the Bureau of Supervision or inspectorate to investigate. Naturally, obtaining human materials through more discreet means would be more suitable.

Avalon has far too many missing people every year. Unless it's a large city like Glass Island, the local Bureau of Supervision generally can't handle it—they simply don't have the manpower to investigate. They can only send people back when they happen to be found; they can't actively search for them.

—How could there be an innocent Demon Scholar under such circumstances? This is Sherlock's professional discrimination.

In his view, perhaps one hadn't killed anyone or used human materials for rituals when they first changed jobs. But given enough time, they would inevitably fall into depravity. Their bottom line was lowered step by step.

So from the very beginning, before Sherlock knew that Noble Red had taken money from the Stibnite Person, he was already hostile to Noble Red and the Demon Scholar.

Meanwhile, Hai Na had already moved the priest down.

He had indeed fallen into a coma; his body was frail with age. But thankfully, he was out of danger... Iver checked him over and determined that even without treatment, he would wake up on his own soon.

"In any case, let's put him in the light, otherwise the Wild Hunt's aura might freeze him and make him sick."

Iver spoke, he had the priest lie down on the table. Hai Na felt it wasn't right to have the priest lying on the floor, after all, he was someone who had watched her grow up... so she went upstairs and brought a few more chairs.

Hai Na was in good health, and the Wild Hunt's chill had virtually no effect on her. She hadn't felt anything unusual when they were attacked head-on before... let alone now that they were safely sheltered inside.

Fortunately, Sherlock arrived in time and repaired the house.

Otherwise, if Iver were frozen by the Wild Hunt again, he would be finished if he were attacked by the Punishment Demon at that moment.

If he moves, he gets beaten up by the Wild Hunt; if he doesn't move, he Punishment Demon.

The Self-Destruct of the Paradox Flame Butterfly hadn't killed the Punishment Demon. However, it had wiped out all the Demon Scholar — Iver's experience points had already taught him this.

—Thirty-two Third Level in total, which directly maxed out Iver's experience.

Now, Iver's experience points have officially surpassed 5,000. He is now very confident about studying in the Theocracy.

Even the most difficult and mysterious skills can be mastered in a flash with enough experience...

"Have those enemies been completely eliminated?"

Sherlock asked cautiously, "I see a big pit... Did you do that? Should I go out and check it again?"

"Don't."

Iver stopped her, and also scolded the eager Hai Na, "You shouldn't either."

"The survivor outside is Fifth Level Demon Avatar —I've forced him to reveal his true demonic form. He's a Punishment Demon... never mind, you wouldn't understand anyway. In short, he's in great danger now, so let the Wild Hunt King deal with him."

"... The Fifth Level?"

Sherlock's heart skipped a beat. "The one who attacked the Bureau of Supervision before?"

"Yes. It's the shorter giant standing next to the Giant King."

Iver nodded seriously and said, "He should be the strongest Demon Scholar among the Noble Red... I only managed to survive by using all my methods."

"You used Red Hilt Sword?"

Sherlock immediately thought of this.

No, not at all.

Iver patted the key hanging on his waist and said in a deep voice, "I plan to use it when it's absolutely necessary."

This is his strongest trump card so far, and it's also the only one he can use.

The Little Butterfly's Self-Destruct can be used once a day—and it seems best not to use it carelessly. Or at least, don't use it randomly.

Its power was quite strong; it annihilated the Punishment Demon at the Fourth Level. If it had reached the Fifth Level, it might have killed it outright.

The only problem is that Iver might have been killed in the explosion.

Because this thing has a rather long kill radius... even longer than Iver's regular projectile radius.

Fortunately, Iver had considered this situation and took precautions in advance; otherwise, he would have almost been killed by friendly forces.

"But you still need to be careful..."

As he spoke, Iver explained the characteristics and skills of the Punishment Demon to the other three.

Of course, he said that to scare them—mainly to scare Hai Na and prevent her from rushing out in a fit of passion.

After all, this is her hometown.

It's normal to feel nervous when you hear that such a monster has entered the village.

The Punishment Demon is, after all, a legitimate Greater Demon, and also Greater Phantom Demon. In terms of pure rank, it is even higher than the Shadow Demon. It is, after all, the creator of the demon race, Military Police specifically used to punish other demons, and one of the demons closest to the Fallen Angel.

The highest level of the Punishment Demon is usually a level 69, which is the peak of the Seventh Level, and is a gold-named elite monster. As far as Iver knows, there is no Punishment Demon with a BOSS template.

But this is merely a newly born Punishment Demon. Its level is not high enough, and it is not familiar with its own innate abilities.

The current world level cap is 50.

That Punishment Demon was definitely not level 50— Demon Avatar doesn't increase its level; it was originally at Fifth Level, and its demonic form was also at Fifth Level.

Because a level 50 Punishment Demon, considering the suppression from Greater Phantom Demon, could easily kill the fragile Little Butterfly in two moves. There's absolutely no need to control her and then unleash your ultimate skill on the spot.

Even if Iver were to concede that the Punishment Demon was indeed level 50 and in perfect condition... at most, it could only manage a 40/60 split against Hellerchein in a one-on-one fight.

Hellerchein's side is at least six.

After all, Hellerchein was a Heroic Spirit, a genuine hero who fought against giants before becoming the Wild Hunt King. He didn't have any Great Sin Imprint and wasn't affected by the special attacks of the Punishment Demon —and without the special attack against "sin," the Punishment Demon were just ordinary Greater Demon.

However, Hellerchein, as the Wild Hunt King, also possesses the unique aura of the Wild Hunt King.

—Not to mention, Hellerchein could never possibly fight him one-on-one. As a monster of commander level, if he were to fight, it would be a group of people Punishment Demon.

"So don't worry," Iver said confidently. "Even if the Punishment Demon isn't dead, it will be severely injured by the Wild Hunt's attack. Hellerchein and his entourage can easily drive it far away, but it won't be so easy for it to find its way back."

Rather, it's a good thing he turned into a demon.

If he were still a giant, he would probably be hunted down by Hellerchein and his entourage until the end of time.

Iver originally intended to finish off the opponent as soon as possible. But seeing that this newly born Punishment Demon was somewhat weak, he began to have wicked thoughts.

—That's Punishment Demon! Extremely rare!

Although it is a bit weak as Great Sin Beast... after all, it relies entirely on special attacks, so it would be a waste to occupy a slot and only be able to fight demons.

However, this thing is a rare demon after all, Iver didn't want to miss it.

Even if it isn't classified Great Sin Beast, its power has already met the minimum standard.

It can be used to Card Making.

Just like how Iver extracted the power of the Shadow Fiend to create the [Spell Card: Shadow Cloak] - although it cannot actively give its power to Iver for extraction, Iver can also use a ritual to forcibly extract its power when killing it, and refine it into Spell Card or equipment card.

Five points of Wind Attribute Mana plus five points of Dark Attribute Mana can be used to forge it into the [Equipment Card: Thunder Strike Halberd].

Ten points of Wind Attribute Mana plus five points of Dark Attribute Mana can be used to craft the [Spell Card: Cruel Binding].

Fifteen points of Wind Attribute Mana can be used to refine it into the [Field Card: Thunderstorm].

Looking at it from a long-term perspective, the best choice is actually the [Thunder Strike Halberd].

Because the Red Hilt Sword likely contains a knight-type high-rank Light Attribute Greater Phantom Demon, and Hellerchein is also a knight-type Greater Phantom Demon. Regardless of which one Iver captures, he can summon the [Thunder Strike Halberd] to strengthen them.

Divine Weapon with special attacks against demons, and the ability to summon lightning—that's awesome!

If it's to be used to immediately form combat power, Iver can also refine it into [Cruel Binding]. That's the spell it uses to control the Little Butterfly; barbed chains bind people remotely and then electrify them. Although it's a control skill, it can be used as a single-target high-damage skill.

The arena card isn't very useful, but it looks pretty cool. Mainly, it can be used to cosplay Zhang Jiao and shout, "Lei Gong, help me!"

Now, Iver actually hopes that the Punishment Demon won't be caught up and killed by Hellerchein —being crippled is enough.

He needs to find a way to get some Wind Attribute Mana quickly. Iver brought the Card Making materials, so he can start crafting as soon as he gets his hands on the mana pool.

If Iver doesn't get the Wind Attribute Mana pool for his next advancement, he'll have no choice but to become a part-time mage. Even if it means incurring an experience penalty, he doesn't want to let the Punishment Demon go.

—Ordinary people don't lose equipment when they kill demons, but it's different for the Great Sin Scholar.

Once Iver finishes the sealing cards, he'll be able to peel off several layers of skin from the opponent. It's not impossible that he could even absorb it into Phantom Demon Egg.

Then the Little Butterfly revived, along with Iver and Lily who had completed their advancement—

Oh right, Iver remembered. Hai Na is also going to participate in this advancement.

Once she completes her advancement, she will reach the Fourth Level.

—With Iver's Red Hilt Sword, taking down that half-crippled Punishment Demon shouldn't be a problem.

However, just in case...

After thinking for a moment, Iver decided to capture the Earthbound Spirit in the hotel first to replenish his strength.

She should be in one of the nearby hotels.

Although it can't be made into Phantom Demon Card, making a Spell Card shouldn't be a problem.

The second chapter has over 4,000 words, and today's update is close to 7,000!