A Second Conversation

Shiraishi Wataru would also progressively reveal bits of information in a riddling manner, giving the human factions a sense of participation.

Of course, in his design, the supreme treasures were the Wheel of Wisdom and the legacies, but there were other less precious treasures and inheritances as well; it all depended on how he decided to spin it.

With the motivation established, it was easy to understand why The Faker had abandoned his solitary nature to foster his own faction. It was certainly because he could not descend into this world for long periods, so he needed a proxy who could help him search for treasures everywhere.

However, as The Faker, his method of searching was not quite the same as ordinary methods.

"Stare at other factions, and once you discover they have obtained a 'treasure,' find a way to seize it?"

"Heh, yes, that is your mission."

Inside the dilapidated room of the temple, a large hole gaped in the roof, and green grass sprouted from the cracks in the floor. A weak Ito Seigo sat opposite The Faker.

Ito Seigo nodded. As long as he did not want to die, he had no room to bargain. Moreover, although he remained wary of The Faker in his heart, he was also somewhat grateful for the power he had been granted, which allowed him to recognize his own inner thoughts.

"From what I have seen so far, only the Holy Infant has descended. Others may be lurking, but anyone with designs on the treasures must seek out locals with potential. Just keep an eye out, but there is no rush. Your injuries are not light; stay here and recover for a while. With your current abilities, you can live quite comfortably even in the wilderness."

After giving his instructions, The Faker stood up and left immediately.

By the time Ito managed to support his body and walk out with weak steps to give chase, only the chirping of insects and birds remained outside; the other's figure was gone.

Ito sat down slowly and let out a long sigh.

No one would dare to disturb his parents' graves again. Who wouldn't fear him transforming once more? So, even if they had to hold their noses, the authorities would protect the graves well.

However, he did worry about his ex-girlfriend.

Looking at it now, she was the one who had seen things most clearly.

It was a pity that he had let her down.

Amidst the memories and the gentle breeze, Ito slowly drifted into sleep.

Over the next few days, Shiraishi Wataru used news reports and his ability to listen to find two more ordinary people who seemed to harbor deep negative emotions. Yet, after some investigation, he discovered that although they appeared world-weary, they were actually just seeking attention from others; deep down, they perhaps understood that their problems could not be blamed on the world.

He also sought out several ordinary people whose relatives had been murdered, only to find that most people's hatred was not persistent. It did not grow more intense with the passage of time, making it difficult to find the protagonist archetype who endures for ten years, strikes once, and achieves perfect revenge.

None of these people underwent mutations after being symbiotically linked by him.

But in the end, Ito's inner emotions were not primarily hatred, but extreme remorse; his hatred for himself was even greater than his hatred for others.

So, where could he more easily find talent whose emotions had reached an extreme?

Shiraishi Wataru wrote down several targets, a plan forming in his mind.

During this period, however, the high-level officials had officially shifted their attitude toward the Holy Infant Society from hostile to cooperative. It was time for him to let the Holy Infant wake up and speak in riddles.

Oh no, it turns out being a riddler is actually really fun! Shiraishi Wataru had ultimately become the person he once hated the most.

Experimental base.

Three minutes after the Holy Infant descended again, almost all other operations in the base came to a halt. Every qualified biologist, chemist, and psychologist came to the monitoring room to observe the Holy Infant's every move. Even if he just stretched, they were to write ten in-depth research reports on it!

To continue the friendly exchange from last time, a helicopter had already departed to pick up William, but before that, they had to ask if the Holy Infant had any other requirements.

Kasegawa Haru was originally just an average researcher. Ever since the Holy Infant arrived, she—possessing a naturally amiable face and temperament—had been promoted to the Holy Infant's personal maid.

It was indeed a promotion; her original researcher clearance was only D-level. It was fortunate that this place wasn't called the Foundation, or she would have run away on the first day.

After becoming the Holy Infant's personal maid, her level was rapidly elevated to B-. Her daily work was simple: sit outside the Holy Infant's room and prepare three meals a day on time. Regardless of whether the Holy Infant woke up or not, she had to arrange for the kitchen to make them, deliver them to the room, and then throw them away after mealtime passed.

If the Holy Infant woke up, she had to follow instructions to make initial contact.

Unfortunately, the Holy Infant had only woken up once so far, and that time he had spoken directly to William, which had nothing to do with her. Afterward, she just arranged the menu and served the food every day.

"What a waste!"

She had complained privately more than once.

But she also understood that the food wasted so far didn't even compare to the daily budget or consumables of any single experiment in this base.

Thinking today would be another wasted day, she went to the kitchen to fetch lunch.

There was century egg and lean meat congee, various types of sushi, bread, steak, pan-fried fish, burgers, and fries. The variety was vast, covering flavors from all over the world.

Just as she delivered the dishes to the room and said the customary "The meal is prepared," she never expected to actually receive a response!

Shiraishi Wataru controlled the Holy Infant to sit at the dining table. He glanced at Kasegawa Haru, whose legs were trembling, and said casually, "Sit down and eat with me."

"This is your lunch, Holy Infant. I will just serve from the side," Kasegawa responded subconsciously. At that moment, instructions began to come through her earpiece.

"You should accept. If the Holy Infant invites you again, do not refuse."

The instructor's voice sounded somewhat dissatisfied.

Kasegawa lowered her head. She was so nervous, she really wanted to go to the bathroom; she was about to wet herself.

Shiraishi Wataru took a sip of the congee. The taste was better than he had imagined, reminding him of his previous life. "This congee is good."

Because of that one sentence, the people behind the monitors immediately fell into a state of chaos.

"Go, go, go! Quickly look up the historical allusions and legends behind century egg and lean meat congee!"

"Prepare more Chinese food and congee next time!"

"Should we notify the kitchen to make another pot?"

Shiraishi Wataru ate a little bit casually; because this body had been in a low-temperature hibernation, its consumption was very low.

"You eat too, don't waste it." Shiraishi Wataru, who was already full after a few bites, looked at the table full of food and said to Kasegawa.

Kasegawa sat on a chair cautiously. "Thank you, Holy Infant."

"You are not a member, there is no need to call me 'Lord,' and you don't need to thank me." Shiraishi Wataru displayed a friendliness completely different from the testimonies of some Holy Infant Society members.

Kasegawa faithfully adhered to the "speak less, do less" principle taught by a certain senior, flashed a goofy smile, and began to eat slowly.