Event Life (Second Update)

Boom!

Thunder cracked, and the gale scattered the Brigadier General's words.

Xia Lun narrowed his eyes. Instinct urged him to act, but he forced the impulse down and chose to stay put for now.

From what he knew of the Brigadier General, the man thought carefully before acting and never made a move without a plan.

In other words, if the Brigadier General knew his exact position, he would never have called out. He would have pretended not to know where Xia Lun was, quietly ordered the Undead to bring up the cannons, then blasted his position.

"Xia Lun, wouldn't it be better to settle this with dignity?" The Brigadier General stared down at the Wicker Man in his hand as he called out in a deep voice. "Come out. We can clear up this misunderstanding by talking."

Xia Lun remained unmoved. After a moment's thought, though, he manifested the Willow Effigy Geliide had made and slipped it into the Armed Belt Buckle.

[Willow Effigy (made by Geliide): An ordinary-looking effigy that actually possesses a special effect. It can strengthen its bearer's abilities, but only when strict, specific conditions are met.]

[Trigger condition: Unknown]

[Detailed classification: Folk ornament]

[Memory Points required: 40]

"Dodging is the act of a coward, and a coward who won't even talk is more laughable still," the Brigadier General continued. "Fine. I'll make a concession. You don't have to come out. Stay in the shadows and talk to me from there."

"Xia Lun, I remember the last cycle—and I know you do too. We're both Secret Art Scholars, and we're both here to make a wish. We really can work together and both come out ahead."

The Brigadier General's steady, commanding voice echoed through the valley. Meanwhile, the Undead attendants beside him lurched into