Before the Door

The Chief's question startled Derrick; he hadn't initially expected it to be him. Only after being asked did he calm down. The teachings he'd received from Alger the Hanged Man Tarot Club began to take effect, and he started to think seriously:

I think...

"The road ahead is indeed dangerous enough, but that's precisely why we should go with the team."

"Whether it's you or the other Your Excellency, you are all valuable Warrior. If you were injured by a trap, it would be a huge loss for us. However, we can take on the responsibility of probing and avoid unnecessary losses of combat power..."

These words were cruel, but Derrick understood perfectly well that this was precisely the reason the Chief had brought them along in the first place.

He was still just a child. No matter how much he was taught to conserve his strength and to be patient, when the time came, he couldn't help but want to give his all.

However, those lessons weren't entirely useless; at least he learned how to persuade the Chief.

Colin Iliad's gaze fell upon him, steady and powerful. Derrick stood firm, head held high, meeting his eyes. The others from City of Silver also looked at Colin Iliad because of Derrick's words; though they didn't speak, they also looked defiant. The people of Moon City, on the other hand, almost instantly backed down.

Unlike the people of City of Silver, who Spirit Vision merely as a form of spiritual solace and mostly obeyed the will of the Chief, the people of Moon City, having regained God response, no longer saw God as simply a source of emotional support. Therefore, the words of the Oracle carried significant weight for them.

--Although Colin Iliad received a response upon his promotion to "Silver Knight," and there were two exceptions in City of Silver, Derrick and Lovia, these matters were never made public.

As for the Mushroom, while they were indeed a blessing and brought considerable influence to City of Silver, they were far less crucial to the survival of the City-State than they were to Moon City.

At this moment, God felt real enough to them, but compared to the Chief was right before their eyes, He was still far too distant.

Klein quickly grasped the different attitudes of the two groups. Without waiting for Chief Colin Iliad's reaction, he simply smiled and said:

"What a moving spirit of sacrifice... but preserving existing strength is also a kind of Wisdom."

So, was it because the "Wisdom Angel" were too Wisdom that they...? And what about the "Lord of Storms" and the "Eternal Blazing Sun"? Who really led the charge...? Did the "Lord of Storms" act impulsively and go first? He seems to be that kind of person. The "God of Knowledge and Wisdom," on the other hand, couldn't possibly have been the first...

... Speaking of which, the betrayal of these two is somewhat understandable, but what caused "Eternal Blazing Sun" to betray them?

As Klein pondered, the Chief City of Silver made his final pronouncement:

"Go back."

"Derrick, you are in charge of the Sacred Relic. You must protect your companions, and your brothers and sisters from Moon City, and bring them safely back to your base."

"We will bring good news back."

He unusually revived the term "brothers and sisters"—when the radiance of the "Ancient Sun God" still shone upon the world, they called this God their Father God, and every believer was a child of the Father God; therefore, they called their fellow believers brothers and sisters.

However, after the Yang Guang disappeared, City of Silver had not used that name for a long time.

Unlike Moon City, in City of Silver, which carries the Kin-Slaying Curse, the concept of brothers and sisters carries an even more ominous connotation, as if the other residents will one day die at the hands of their own kind.

But when Colin brought up that title again, the way the people of Moon City looked at him changed instantly. The unease and worry that had been hidden in their hearts vanished, replaced only by closeness.

Yes, they are all children of God; they are brothers and sisters!

Such thoughts echoed in everyone's minds. The "Lightning Priest" from Moon City turned to look at Derrick, a hint of affection appearing in his eyes:

"Go back, child, we will bring good news back."

After being persuaded several times, Derrick realized that continuing to be stubborn would make it difficult to change the outcome, and he tried to convince himself to accept this viewpoint.

"Yes, Chief."

>p/<: He smiled like a child, secretly pleased with Enlake, but still couldn't help looking at his expression, though he seemed unconvinced.

>p/<. It's time for the younger generation to take a break, and it's time for you, the elders and chairpersons, to rest and recuperate. After all, you've left this land, and this is a very important task."

>p/<. You can't be sure that someone else is protecting you, this is a section of road where something happened, and you're being looked after as a replacement for the shift worker.

>p/<: He couldn't help but say it again, and finally accepted this remark. It was true that he felt good about it, but it was difficult to say that he was being perfunctory.

>p/<. The lower cabinet envoy, the white-haired me"

>p/<". will take me back home and I will"

>p/<. A new search team was launched, and the retreating team led him...

>p/<. They chose to walk around the left side of the stairs because they were more inclined to preserve their strength, and they stepped directly up the stairs without being carried by Aliy Link.

The clouds were not deep enough to see the bottom, and the midday sun was shining brightly on one side. On the other side was a high cliff, and they saw a familiar, rugged path. They walked for a while.

>p/<. The dark, eerie "surface water" plunged into the ground, the small, rugged path collapsed, and with a splash, a large amount of golden, illusory black mist surged forth from the deep fog. Enlake and the others felt the ground vibrate at that moment.

>p/<. The hidden whirlpool's shape is indistinct, like a Buddha's imitation, below which is the "surface water".

>p/<. This road path is a test of the method, each starting from its own beginning, after a few seconds of silence, looking at the swirling vortex, they were originally standing on the ground.

>p/<. The bottom water will sink, no matter what it is, it is weak in the water. Enlake thought of this scene, no matter what it is, it is impossible to cross that crack, whether it is a spirit or not.

Let's see": He spoke calmly and steadily, then each of them used various techniques...

We have to use the main entrance now.

This was expected, and no one objected. They turned back towards the main entrance, facing the two "Silver Knight" guards once more.

Colin Iliad wasted no time, telling the others directly, "I'll hold off one of the ' Silver Knight,' you guys take care of the other one as soon as possible."

Before setting off, they exchanged information about each other's approximate strengths and areas of expertise. Klein stated that while his direct combat abilities weren't formidable, he could bring along sufficiently capable allies.

This statement also carried a suggestive connotation; Colin Iliad had assumed he was asking the "Pure White" lady for help—or perhaps another Angel.

That's not important. Colin doesn't care how he won the fight, as long as he wins.

Of course, betraying your teammates is unacceptable.

But Klein, having observed the battlefield, chuckled softly and spoke matter-of-factly:

No, it's not necessary.

"I have a better way."

"These are just two toys. Their brains died and decayed along with their bodies, long since ceasing to function. If they were still alive and capable of thought, true ' Silver Knight,' I would certainly be as cautious as you. But now..."

He smiled slightly, and like a Magician on stage, removed his top hat, put one hand behind his back, crossed his legs, and bowed.

"Please enjoy the rest of the performance," he said, putting on his top hat, turning and walking up the steps to his stage.

During this process, his right hand casually rose and shook a few times, as if he were loosening his wrist or grasping at the air.

At the final moment, Klein's shoulders slumped slightly, as if frozen, but nothing appeared in the void.

Colin Iliad frowned but did not stop them; as for the "Lightning Priest" of Moon City, he showed complete trust in the Oracle.

It wasn't until Klein was almost at the top of the stone steps that the two "Silver Knight" guards outside the main gate of the "Giant King’s Court" reacted.

They turned their heads, and the Red Light behind their visors flickered twice, as if confirming the identity of the newcomers, and there was a moment of confusion.

Klein maintained his smile, seemingly unfazed by the change before him, as if he had just finished a performance and was about to receive an award.

Smack!

He stepped his right foot over the last step and arrived at the platform where the main entrance of the "Giant King’s Court" was located.

Suddenly, a silvery-white crack appeared on Klein's forehead, and countless sharp silver rays burst forth from his body.

His entire body was instantly torn to pieces, sliced into countless fragments of flesh and blood.

These fragments floated up, quickly thinning and fading, turning into scraps of paper.

Klein, dressed in a silk top hat and black trench coat, appeared in different locations one after another, but each time he was shattered by streaks of silver sword light, either regressing into phantoms or transforming into Paper Doll.

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared outside the main gate of the "Giant King’s Court," where two guards had been missing.

It was a giant rag doll dressed in a somber, elaborate dress, entwined with eerie vines.

Reinette Tinicol!

When Klein climbed the stone steps, he summoned this Miss Messenger, but she appeared as a "Wraith," so Colin and the others didn't see her.

As for the "Pure White" lady in Colin's imagination...

She's practically begging to outsource everything; how could she possibly do it herself?

Klein knew perfectly well that his friend was only suitable as a backup; for regular boosting, he'd better call another Angel.

The two "Silver Knight," concealing their malice by taking advantage of the light, instinctively pursued Klein. This action, of course, revealed their location, and a seemingly Blank area immediately appeared in Reinette Tinekerr's crimson eyes.

A faint light flashed, and suddenly a white, long-haired rabbit leaped out of thin air. It hopped and skipped around aimlessly, its eyes unusually vacant.

Immediately afterwards, the Miss Messenger took a step forward and vanished without a trace.

In another area, the remaining knight in silver armor stood out, his movements stiff and slow.

>p/<! He was possessed by a "vengeful spirit" and was...

>p/<: The ceremony was very special, the chest was pressed with the hand, "Now flashing" stopped Enlake's bait) the secret is that it is (himself with)

>p/<. Good luck, I hope you found it.

>p/<. He slapped the ground with his finger, raised his right hand high, and straightened his body immediately.

>p/<! bang

wt. poo is saying in the final chapter that Shin-chan is the most

>p/<. It was all covered in blood and flesh, and suddenly the rabbit's long white fur exploded.

>p/<. The effect of guarding the "Silver Knight" was not yet apparent, but he struggled and was exhausted as he walked step by step towards Enlake, then...

>p/<. He returned to the stone steps at the edge of the platform and said something very unusual. Behind him was Enlake, who was closely following the "silver knight" named Enric. The shadow of the returning historical figure, Nitty Tenire, was lost in the mist. When the two figures crossed paths, they were all mistaken.

>p/<: He was polite and courteous, maintaining a slight smile as he faced the onlookers, while Enlake, seemingly trying to control his excitement, remained silent... (The text abruptly shifts to a seemingly unrelated anecdote about a "silver knight").

>p/<"? Are you satisfied with what you see? How about it?"

>p/<: The "Magic Demon" at the heart of the conspiracy was exposed. He walked calmly on the steps and changed into Teariyi Linko, who showed no emotion at all.

>p/<"?'Species'"

>p/<. The extraordinary "silver knight" was only one of the other, and he didn't forget to take it all in at the same time. He just stepped into the door with a slight smile. Enlake didn't answer. He was recognized as a "magic master".

>p/<. The reward for the little envoy's letter is this, the contract shall be made in accordance with--

>p/<. The sword was inserted into the ground, and the guard, a silver-clad warrior, stepped forward, much taller than Enlake himself, making him look down at the gate.

>p/<. The tall man, over ten meters high, was pressing down on the door. He stretched out both hands, his body lowered, and said, "Silver Knight." Then...

The sound was heavy and deep.

Inside, the gate slowly opened, gradually revealing the scene within.

A gray-white staircase, bathed in Red Light, with countless tiers, rose from behind the door, stretching all the way to the highest and most magnificent residence of the Giant King. Nothing else obstructed the way; palaces and towers lined both sides.

Giant statues, each wielding a long halberd and clad in iron-colored armor, stood in rows before different buildings, guarding the path leading to the abode of the God.

"Let your show begin," Klein said, stepping aside to leave the trap-hunting to the professionals.

Colin Iliad had no objection; he stepped forward, drew his silver rapier from behind, and planted it in the steps.

Snap snap snap!

One after another, the Giant statues on either side of the Divine Kingdom Stairway emitted sharp, silvery-white light, and a shattering sound echoed from within.

The blooming "silver-white flowers" continued to spread upwards, giving Klein a strange feeling.

It's like welcoming a distinguished guest... A guest who arrives and smashes up the palace is indeed, in a sense, very "expensive"...

>p/<. In the middle, when things were cleared up and added, the Moon City was naturally upside down, in the middle, when the rows of statues were cleared up and added, there was no one who could understand his laughter and words.

>p/<. He was the one who needed to open the door, the one behind which was the giant king's residence, the door behind which was the staircase, and he was the one who was knocking down the huge frame of Enlake.

>p/<! The sleeping solitude of the land, "making the sky dark," is that

>p/<. The key was taken out of the secret, and a sigh escaped Enlake's lips as he hid the misty history hidden in the shadows.