Praying to the Hidden Sage

Without warning, the Chanis Gate opened, and a wisp of black thread, like hair or seaweed, surged out from behind it, spreading silently and peacefully toward Luther.

Is this... the sealing power behind the Chanis Gate?

As Luther stared at the clump of black threads, images from before naturally flooded his mind—these threads quietly filled the world behind the door, suppressing those dangerous Sealed Artifact, but he didn't know their origin.

In the instant he hesitated, these threads arrived in front of him at an astonishing speed.

Not good!

Luther was startled. If even Sealed Artifact could be suppressed, these threads must be extremely dangerous, especially since it was nighttime!

He was about to retreat when a quiet, Concealment aura surged towards him, instantly slowing his movements. He watched helplessly as the threads completely enveloped his head...

Is this the end?

Luther thought blankly.

He stood there, stunned, countless images from his past and present lives flashing through his mind, finally settling on Cecilia's bright smiling face.

I wonder if Ms. M will let her off the hook...

Luther closed his eyes regretfully.

One second.

Two seconds.

Luther suddenly realized what was happening.

Wait, it seems everything's alright?

He opened his eyes, and saw black threads swirling around his head, like a strangely shaped hood. The threads moved silently.

It releases a quiet, silent power; something has changed imperceptibly.

Guided by his Spirituality connection, Luther Consciousness looked to the side of his face. To his surprise, he discovered that the red aura that had been binding him seemed to be suppressed by black threads, no longer dissipating but condensing into a clump. The pupils above were dull and lifeless, wrapped layer upon layer of threads, and his ear had also shrunk back, the ear canal filled with threads.

Luther stared wide-eyed at the scene.

This, this is...

Could it be that these threads have Sealing Ms. M's senses?

And since I didn't explode, it means Ms. M didn't even notice!?

Luther was shocked for a moment, then suddenly Consciousness his current situation—he had temporarily escaped Ms. M's surveillance. Regardless of the principle, purpose, or consequences of this black line, at least for this moment, he had truly escaped Ms. M's monitoring!

Something has to be done!

His mind was immediately filled with the thought that this was a golden opportunity, and he would definitely regret it if he didn't seize it.

What should we do? Contact the team leader?

No, the captain has already left for the day. Calling the teammates upstairs with the electric bell to tell them the truth won't work either, because the bell is too far away and the wire can't reach them.

Should I write to Azik?

No, the contact information is with Klein. He can't even send a letter; he doesn't have paper or a pen.

What should he do?

Luther was anxiously thinking quickly.

They can only stay where they are; the only things they can do are things that might retaliate against Ms. M.

Suddenly, Luther had a flash of inspiration.

He had almost forgotten that he had been Secrets Suppliant for quite some time. If he was most skilled at anything, wasn't it praying to great beings like gods?

Pray to the great beings, for perhaps one of them will bestow upon them the power to subdue Ms. M!

With this in mind, he didn't hesitate to take out candles, herbs, Ritual dagger, and other items from his pocket. He began to quickly set up the Altar.

He methodically carried out all the preparations. He didn't know how long the Chanis Gate would remain open; he had to hurry and complete the Ritual as quickly as possible.

Although the black threads somewhat obstructed his vision, he quickly prepared everything.

Luther originally intended to create Wall of Spirituality using a silver dagger, but ultimately abandoned the idea, considering that the wall might sever the effect of the black threads.

He simply lit two candles, sprinkled them with herbs and essential oils, and then, trying to appear devout, chanted the Honorific Name of the Evernight Goddess in Hermes:

"The Evernight Goddess, more sublime than the Astral World, more enduring than eternity."

Having learned from his previous experience, Luther no longer prayed to the True Creator when it came to matters concerning Ms. M.

"You are the Lady of Crimson, you are the Mother of Concealment."

Luther's reason for praying to the Evernight Goddess was simple: this was the underground of the Blackthorn Security Company, the headquarters of the Nighthawks in Tingen. Moreover, the threads from behind the Chanis Gate had suddenly helped him control Ms. M's surveillance; no matter how you looked at it, it was the Evernight Goddess who was helping him.

If that's the case, what reason does he have not to pray to the Evernight Goddess?

"You are the Empress of Calamity, the Lord of Slumber and Silence!"

Concealment and tranquil power gathered in the darkness, Luther could feel the Goddess's influence descending. With excitement, he continued chanting the incantation:

I pray to you;

I pray that you will grant me the power to change the current situation;

"Grant me the power to save your innocent believers, the power to subdue your evil enemies..."

Luther prayed to the Goddess for a way to save his sister and defeat Ms. M. He dared not utter such a prayer under Ms. M's watchful eye. According to the Ritual's procedure, the Goddess should now bestow divine revelation upon him. So, he waited expectantly.

However, nothing happened.

Luther looked up, somewhat puzzled.

There was nothing Error with the Ritual, and the Goddess's power truly descended, but she simply looked at Luther and did not respond to Luther prayers.

Why.

Luther stared blankly as the candle flame went out on its own in the absence of wind, signifying that the Goddess had departed.

What is this? Giving me hope, but offering no further help?

Is it because I am not devout enough?

Or is it...?

In Luther's heart, there was actually another understanding.

Perhaps the Goddess is just a shrewd investor who, after identifying someone promising, is willing to offer assistance. However, this assistance is limited; you must prove your worth and demonstrate your potential for advancement before further cooperation becomes possible.

At this moment, Luther suddenly realized once again the most important rule in the Secrets Suppliant's Acting code that he had summarized—they are not merciful.

The black lines in front of him gradually thinned, and Luther realized that he didn't have much time left.

What should we do? Should we let this precious opportunity go to waste?

He stood silently in place for a moment, then gritted his teeth, raised the silver dagger, and pressed it against the back of his hand. Then...

Without hesitation, he cut open the skin on the back of his hand, and amidst the flowing blood, carved a pattern of an eye without eyelashes.

Screw it, let's go for it!

Luther closed his eyes and, in the more effective and dangerous Ancient Hermes, recited aloud:

"The embodiment of spirit and number,

The origin of all knowledge

Hidden Sage in the Wilderness...

He prays to the Hidden Sage for strength!

Indeed, since the Evernight Goddess is only willing to offer a little help, the rest is up to Luze himself. The only great being Luther can pray to, Honorific Name he knows and whose mystery is high enough, is the Hidden Sage.

Although he had committed some blasphemous acts because of Old Neil, as far as Luther knew, this sinister being didn't care about such things; his only desire was to spread knowledge to his followers.

As Luther Zesong finished reciting the Honorific Name of the Hidden Sage, a mysterious power suddenly descended.