Eve of Battle

Luther recited the Holy Bible, the intoxicating Word-Eating echoed in his ears, and all sorts of bizarre images appeared before his eyes.

He saw that in the previously dark and obscure world, a dazzling light suddenly shone down from the sky, illuminating the entire chaotic earth:

He saw that wherever the light touched, noble Elf screamed and turned to charred remains; mysterious giant birds, their bodies engulfed in pale flames, rapidly decayed into skeletons. Dragon, their wings torn apart, roared as they plummeted, scorching rain of blood pouring down, burning and melting the illusory and magnificent city...

He saw ascetics, clad in simple robes, trekking barefoot through the mountains, following the procession of Saint into the depths of the dark earth, the silver Angel at the head of the procession being the only light;

He also saw a handsome young knight riding a headless red horse, driving his the Chariot across the battlefield, setting everything in his path ablaze with flames, the fire as red as blood...

Behind these strange and sacred visions were Ms. M's golden eyes.

She gazed at Luther for a long time, her eyes filled with an indescribable longing.

Stop staring at me like that, aren't your eyes dry?

Despite the pain and hallucinations, Luther gritted his teeth and recited the Holy Bible. Because Ms. M's slender, white fingers kept moving involuntarily, it seemed that if Luther dared to stop, she would dare to harm Cecilia.

"That's fine."

After what seemed like an eternity, just as his spirit was beginning to crumble, Ms. M finally spoke.

Luther immediately stopped reciting and closed the Holy Bible. His body trembled, and two streams of blood oozed from his ears.

"Your body is truly resilient. An ordinary 'Listener' would have their brains spilling out of their ears after hearing something like this," Ms. M said admiringly. "How is it? Can you feel the Potion digesting within you?"

Most of it has been digested.

Luther glared at her hatefully.

Ms. M was becoming increasingly agitated, and he probably already guessed the reason. Her body was gradually breaking down; he had recently witnessed her suddenly losing arms or wrists, just like before.

Ms. M attempted to save herself, and the key to her survival seemed to be Luther.

That's why she forced Luther to digest the Potion.

"I have to go to the company tomorrow, otherwise the captain will start to suspect me."

Luther said.

"Okay, but remember to come back early."

Do you want me to come back soon so I can continue to be tormented by you?

Luther sneered inwardly.

For the past few days, Ms. M has been preparing for several things. She has temporarily suspended Cecilia's studies and is now running around collecting materials for her. These include mysterious materials purchased from the Beyonder Market, as well as strange items such as "extreme emotions" that she needs to collect in the Lower Street and the Harbor District.

She even paid for it herself, and had her sister buy a detached house in the East Borough to store materials and draw magic circles.

"Come back soon, digest the Potion and advance your cultivation level as soon as possible, then you'll have a chance to help me complete the Ritual."

Ms. M said.

According to her, the magic circle drawn in the detached house was for a Ritual. It was a healing Ritual that could cure Ms. M's serious injuries. Originally, this Ritual required the officiant to reach the Sequence of Rose Bishop. However, due to Luther's special status, and Ms. M's ability to assist, he could attempt it once he advanced to Sequence 7 Shadow Ascetic.

Clearly, Ms. M has lied again.

Because Luther understands that Ritual.

That was an evil Ritual that would dissolve all of Luther's Flesh, turning it into nourishment for Ms. M.

Ordinary Secrets Suppliant only possess a limited amount of Ritual Magic, making it virtually impossible for them to access such Concealment and evil Ritual. Only through the bestowal of favors from higher-ups within the order can they acquire a few, such as the "Cathedral Descent" once used by Hanass.

But Luther was very different. After becoming Secrets Suppliant, the vast amount of Ritual knowledge nearly overwhelmed his mind, as if the True Creator at the top was eager to establish a connection with him. Therefore, when his sister brought back the pattern of the magic circle to show him...

He recognized the Ritual at a glance.

If Luther completes the Ritual according to Ms. M's wishes, the result will not be just a simple treatment; his Flesh will be completely transformed into Ms. M's.

A part of the lady. This fusion is far more severe than the Rose Bishop's "devouring"; one could even say that his body and Spirituality will be absorbed by M.

Lady's Possession!

Her goal was indeed my body.

Given the severity of Ms. M's deteriorating condition, Luther knew that within a day or two, he would be forced to face Ms. M in a decisive battle!

How many cards does he have up his sleeve?

First, there are Beyonder Item, of which he has three: the Servant's Bell, which he has hardly ever used; the White Bone Flute, which has been used three times already; and the clockwork clown, whose safety and power are no longer guaranteed due to the loss of Azik's blood; and the Clockwork Clown, which can only be maintained for a maximum of three minutes.

Hmm... it feels rather complicated.

Then there's Luther's own abilities. His abilities in the Secrets Suppliant stage mainly lie in his understanding of Ritual, while his abilities in the Listener stage grant him the skill of "Language of Foulness," which can inflict strong mental damage on the target, but consumes a lot of Spirituality.

Besides him, there's Cecilia, who has become Assassin and might become a surprise weapon at crucial moments.

Luther's final trump card was the powerful spell "Sage's Enlightenment," which he obtained through prayer from the Hidden Sage. He had buried it under the back of his hand, ready to use at any time. It would allow Ms. M to receive the Hidden Sage's knowledge, essentially a powerful form of mental pollution.

However, this talisman must be used with caution; if it fails to hit Ms. M, he is basically doomed.

That's his situation, so what about Ms. M on the other side?

Just Shepherd of Sequence 5.

Luther looked at the gentle and beautiful woman, yet cold and crazy, and his lips twitched involuntarily.

At the Enmat Harbor, he had already witnessed her use of various abilities such as Substitute, disease, mind control, and fire. Combined with the Rose Bishop's Flesh and Blood Magic and the Shadow Ascetic's Shadow Movement, she was powerful enough to defeat a small team with a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact.

However, she currently faces two major concerns: her physical injuries and her need for Luther.

The first hidden danger weakened her strength, while the second prevented her from going all out against Luther.

Although she still controls Cecilia and has Flesh embedded in her body, Luther has already obtained the Witch's Heart. As long as he seizes the opportunity, he can create Lifeform in a Bottle for his sister to bear the Curse in her place.

Once her sister's Curse is lifted, she will be able to move freely. Luther even considered having his sister report to Dunn so that the Cathedral could send Senior Deacon to arrest Ms. M. But regardless of success or failure, he knew he wouldn't have a good outcome, so he had to give up on that idea.

In short, when Luther left home that day, he was prepared for a decisive battle.