Flames on the Border, a "Pledge of Allegiance" from the Abyss

The light-and-shadow figure of Sequence Nine instantly solidified.

He had no time to refute Lin Mu's "graveyard theory."

He stared fixedly at the pale flame on the screen.

It was pure, undisguised chaos and destruction.

Its intensity was hundreds of millions of times greater than the tiny "sample" Lilith carried.

"This is..."

For the first time, Sequence Nine's voice carried fear.

"Annihilation Fire."

Lin Mu stood beside him, looking at the screen. His tone was as calm as if he were introducing an old friend.

"It doesn't burn matter. It only burns rules."

"Your logical defenses are its finest fuel."

Sequence Nine abruptly turned to look at Lin Mu.

Scrutiny still lingered in those eyes made of light, but now there was also the desperation of a drowning man spotting driftwood.

"You know it?"

"Of course."

The corner of Lin Mu's mouth curled into an almost imperceptible smile.

"This is the 'beast' I mentioned."

"And it's also... my field of expertise."

Sequence Nine fell silent for 0.5 seconds.

"Come with me."

"The Divine Domain needs your 'expertise.'"

With that, Sequence Nine transformed into a streak of light and shot out of the library.

Lin Mu remained where he was, unmoving.

He raised his wrist.

The silver bracelet denoting his status as a Special-Class Scholar was vibrating violently.

A line of golden text appeared above the bracelet.

text [Summons Order.]

[In view of Special-Class Scholar Lin Mu's in-depth research into chaotic energy.]

[He is hereby temporarily appointed chief consultant of the "Border Threat Assessment Advisory Group."]

[Authorization Level: S-3 (second only to Sequence Nine).]

[Please proceed to the Observer Holy Temple immediately.]

Lin Mu lowered his hand and adjusted his black robe.

He glanced at Lilith and Huineng beside him.

"Let's go."

"Our pledge of allegiance has arrived."

Observer