Chapter 149
"Are these guys human?"
Although they have human form, their limbs are clearly twisted, making them look more like a group of deformed creatures charging wildly.
It's not human, it's a demon.
However, they should be people who are driven by desire and gradually fall into demonic ways, rather than those from the Chaos Space.
This surprised Ryan, because the process of humans falling into demonic ways requires the power of the Outer Gods to reach a certain level. In a small border town like Aster City, the influence of the City of Desire is almost never heard of. Theoretically, even if there are believers, they should just be a group of relatively weak guys.
Could it be that there's a big boss hiding in this city?
Roar!
The demons of desire burst forth from the streets and alleys, lunging at the Pot of Greed.
However, before he could even get close, he was cleaved in two by Motis's sword.
Then a tower defense battle began.
Swarms of demons surged forth from all around, lunging at the Pot of Greed.
The quantity was so large that it surprised Ryan.
"No, if these people are completely corrupted, they should lose their minds. It's one thing that they went undetected while they were hiding before, but now they're so goal-oriented?"
Ryan looked around and sensed that someone was manipulating these demons.
But apart from this place, the surroundings were pitch black, and there was no clue whatsoever. Ryan had 'Shally' activate the Inner World Barrier to prevent the Pot of Greed and causing chaos. At the same time, if someone was indeed manipulating the situation outside, the Inner World Barrier could block their actions to some extent. It all depended on whether they could be drawn out.
Buzz~~
The gray barrier unfolded with Magic Power, drawing everyone into the Inner World.
With the long-awaited barrier activated, and having mingled in the Chaos Space many times, Ryan increasingly felt that the so-called Inner World barrier was a part of the Chaos Space.
The influence of Outer Gods still exists here, but it is relatively stable now.
Ryan did not make a move, and at the same time, he made sure 'Shally' kept her whereabouts hidden.
These demons of desire are quite strong, with the strongest even reaching the level of a second-tier Supernatural Being. However, they lack professional skills, which greatly reduces their combat power.
Even Second Tier Transcendent would be no match for Motis. Motis's extremely high class growth and relic attribute bonuses make his attribute values even surpass those of Third Tier Transcendent.
Furthermore, the Deep Sea Hunter's class talent grants an additional 30% damage bonus to targets Faith Path, making her a formidable opponent against the Desire Demon—like a father beating his son.
Before long, the area around the Pot of Greed was piled high with corpses.
Most of them were ordinary demons, not even First Tier Transcendent; there were about ten who had stepped into the Supernatural Being.
"Aren't you coming yet?"
Ryan rubbed his chin.
Even if ordinary demons are worthless, shouldn't we feel sorry for those first-tier and even second-tier demons that died?
Congratulations on successfully advancing to the next level.
Below, 'Motis' has successfully killed 100 demons and advanced to the next level.
Just as Ryan was wondering how the other party could be so patient, a figure suddenly rushed over from a distance—it was a woman with wings on her back. She stood at a distance and did not approach rashly. She stared at 'Motis' for a while, and only flew over after confirming that she was the only one around.
[Herlos Servant of Desire]
"It even includes a name?"
Ryan pondered. Among the Demon Legion of the Outer Gods, the high demons are generally intelligent, especially the Lord of the Bizarre and the God of Desire. These two Outer Gods' demons often disguise themselves as humans.
However, it is very difficult for demons to break through the Inner World space, so the demons that usually appear in the mortal world are not of a very high level.
These demons, who broke through the constraints of the Inner World, were tasked with expanding the influence of the Outer Gods, making them increasingly powerful until they broke free of the Inner World's shackles and descended into the mortal realm.
This is the ultimate goal of the Outer Gods. The Gate of Janus is dedicated to eliminating the power of the Outer Gods in order to prevent the boundary Inner World and the Real World from collapsing, otherwise the whole world will be in chaos.
But what Ryan was thinking about was how much experience he would get after killing this thing, and how much equipment it would drop.
After Herlos appeared, the ordinary demons began to retreat, giving the area to her and Motis.
Ryan originally just wanted to see how strong Motis was, to have her fight Herlos, and if she couldn't win, they would talk about it later. But he found that the two of them were actually fighting back and forth.
Herlos seemed to be skilled in control-type techniques. She kept using mind control spells on Motis, trying to turn Motis into her own servant. Unfortunately, Motis had the skill of the Wild Hunt's Soul, which made her immune to the influence of mental spells no more than two levels higher than herself.
Herlos had no idea and kept casting control spells, almost getting his wings cut off by Motis.
The King of the Wild Hunt, devoid of emotion!
Whoosh!
Motis's Magic Power suddenly erupted, and the broken black sword transformed into a dazzling spear, which he thrust fiercely towards Herlos!
"Shine, Spear of Storm!" Motis didn't shout; he shouted it to Ryan.
The incredibly powerful, fatal blow pierced through Herlos's body and slammed into a distant high-rise building. Fortunately, the Inner World space was set up; otherwise, who knows how many more people would have died from that attack.
"Battle over."
Ryan jumped off the roof.
Herlos was killed, exploding into several orbs of light. Motis continued to clear out the ordinary demons, while Shally ran over to loot the corpse.
Unfortunately, my luck wasn't great; aside from one unknown item, all I got were Roasted Chicken and potions.
"Shally, you shouldn't be touching corpses anymore with those stinky hands." Ryan said speechlessly, "You've already used up all your luck in Casola Prison."
'Shally' didn't say anything, but her expression clearly showed that she was unconvinced.
Cazorla?
She remembered that Combo book clearly; it was the only one, and she even used it with 'Lin Qi'.
What is this thing?
Ryan took the only dropped item out of his backpack.
[Key of Desire: Once activated, it opens a gate to the City of Desire.]
"So this is how you get into the City of Desire?"
Ryan suddenly realized, no wonder no one knew where the City of Desire was.
I was just thinking about it.
Herlos's body suddenly burst into flames.
A wisp of pink fragrance wafted out.
"Um?"
Ryan realized that the pink color was flying towards him. There was no time to dodge. The pink color surged into his right hand and eventually formed a pink '6' on the back of his right hand.
"??????"
"What the hell?!"
As far as he knew, 6 was a mystical number of desire, just like 9 of the Lord of the Bizarre. In certain situations, followers of these two Outer Gods could use these numbers to exert unexpected effects—such as spiritual corruption.
I understand the logic, but how did this thing end up on me?
And why is it pink?
Wait, why does this thing look so familiar?
Dead memories flooded back, and Ryan suddenly remembered—wasn't this the 'Lust Mark' from the game?!
The Lust Mark is not something that turns you into a monster, but rather a prerequisite for changing to a higher class through the Path of Desire in the game. It corresponds to the characteristics of the Seven Deadly Sins, with each sin representing a different career path and a corresponding color.
For example, gluttony is represented by a red 6, rage by a black 6, and lust by a pink 6.
In other words, there are a total of seven job advancement paths through the Desire Faith Path.
Because of the unique nature of the Desire Profession, many players are keen to switch to this profession, so related information is readily available.
The problem is, Ryan didn't obtain the extraordinary career path either.
"Won't this thing have any effect?" Ryan asked, somewhat worried.
"There shouldn't be any danger." 'Shally' walked over and sniffed. "However... I smell desire on you."
"Uh, what does desire taste like?"
"It has a dangerous taste, but it's also addictive."
"Is there...?"
Ryan sniffed himself and didn't smell anything strange.
"I am the chosen one of the Blood God, and I am quite sensitive to the Chaos Space's Power. Ordinary people cannot detect it." As she said this, 'Shally' sniffed again, and then moved her body a little closer to Ryan.
Ryan: "?"
'Shally,' what are you doing?
Although he and 'Shally' had already tried many moves, given 'Shally's' personality, she would almost never take the initiative to get close to him.
"Smells good."
"... Could it be the effect of this thing?"
Ryan felt it was highly likely; this mark was essential for job advancement, meaning it connected to the Faith Path... But he hadn't unlocked his job, which meant it was given to him by the God of Desire?
No, it was Motis who killed him, why are you targeting me?!
The following day, Ryan ordered Viscountess Angiya to conduct a major sweep of Aster City.
The goal is to eliminate the Heretic lurking in the shadows. Desire has been lurking in this city for quite some time. If they want to develop their faith, then Herlos shouldn't be the only demon sent here.
However, apart from a few minor minions, no other third-tier demons like Herlos were found.
Ryan didn't care anymore; from now on, he was sworn enemies with Slaanesh! You chose me? Fine, I'll sweep through your entire faith whenever I have time, and then see if you choose me again!
He had no intention of switching to any profession related to lust, but fortunately, this mark wouldn't lead him directly into a lustful faith, or he would have really cried.
I won't share this, I'd rather die than share this, I'd rather share the Son of the Sun than share lust.
"Prime Minister, a lord has contacted me!"
Inside the castle.
News of the Frank army's crushing defeat had spread, and unsurprisingly, the major lords were shocked, and those who had been staunch supporters of Frank began to waver.
After all, that's 10,000 men! Frank claimed to have 50,000 troops, but in reality, only 30,000 were actually capable of fighting. So the situation was quite clear – Queen Amabena was the one everyone wanted!
"Hmm, don't rush, let's leave them to their own devices for now," Ryan said calmly.
"Huh? Shouldn't we take this opportunity to win people over?"
"You are the king, what do you need to win over? The entire kingdom is yours." Ryan spread his hands. "There is only one thing you need to do, and that is to suppress everyone with invincible firepower, so that your people not only admire you, but also fear you, understand?"
Amabena skillfully pulled out paper and pen, writing as she said, "I don't understand at all, but my son or daughter will definitely understand."
Ryan's lips twitched slightly, thinking to himself, "With your abilities, the intelligence of your offspring is probably questionable."
But... girl, you're writing, so why are you leaning so close to me? Could you move your bra a little? You're blocking my view!
Ryan didn't care about Amabena's intelligence. Anyway, the Kingdom of Lotte wouldn't need her to manage it in the future. This girl could just be a doll.
"Next, once 'Shally' has trained the army, we'll be able to take back the capital."
This time, we recruited more than 10,000 people for 'Shally'. We don't know how many will be left in the end. Even if there are three or four thousand, that would be enough.
In at most half a month, he will be able to take control of the Kingdom of Lotte.
Ryan was also very anxious. He needed the power of the Kingdom of Lotte to back him up because, in the Augustus Empire, because of Caslathdi becoming the crown prince, Magana suddenly waved her hand and summoned everyone from the Contract of Death. Together with the Iron Blood Legion, a total of 170,000 troops marched towards the Imperial Capital. No one dared to stop them!
What are you blocking?
They're going to Remove the Emperor's Evil Advisors!
Even the imperial army was uncertain of their chances against the crazed Magana, so they retreated again and again, until they were already backed up to the last line of defense in the Imperial Capital of Baron.
Once the Grand Duke reaches the Imperial Capital, the battle for the throne will enter its most intense phase, and he needs to make all the necessary preparations before then.
"Perhaps I can ask the Grand Duke to slow down his offensive, or try to win her over?"
Ryan stroked his chin.
To be honest, he wasn't sure how much he meant to the Grand Duke, but it seemed... quite high at the moment?