Choices

Because it was his Messenger who summoned him, Lumian did not perform the Ritual in the name of "The Fool" again. Instead, he simply and directly brought before him "The Penitent," Bainfel, who was dressed in Black Clerical Robe, looked like a charred corpse, and had black flames sticking to parts of his body.

"I'd like to sign another Contract with you," Lumian said with a smile.

He briefly explained the Power of Fate, the special Contract, the sharing of abilities, the possible costs, and the negative consequences in Old Feysac, waiting for Bainfel to make his own decision.

Bainfel was silent for a few seconds, then responded in a low voice:

"If you're not worried about the negative impact, I have no problem."

"What would the negative impacts be?" Lumian asked cautiously.

Within Bainfel's Cavern, dark Eye Sockets, the dark Flames that served as his pupils flickered twice:

"It depends on your choice."

"I can entrust you with the final step of completing the Contract. Once you understand the specific negative consequences, you can decide for yourself whether or not to make the Contract effective."

Different choices, different negative consequences? What choices? Lumian, filled with curiosity and doubt, uttered the "Secret Language of Fate," causing the silver-white and black symbols, words, and patterns to fall onto the Imitation Sheepskin Paper, forming a concise, powerful, mysterious, Evil Contract.

Through the connection provided by the "Secret Words of Destiny," Lumian sensed Bainfel's traits and abilities.

The power of this "Penitent" is closely related to shadows and darkness, but most of it seems to be submerged beneath the surface of dark water. Lumian can sense their presence, but cannot discern what they are.

The two abilities that float on the "surface" are "Shadow Activation" and "Spirit World Traversal," and the special trait is "Ancient Corpse."

It just so happens that he has "Shadow Activation"... This is probably something Bainfel showed me on purpose... He is indeed very special, completely different from Spirit World Creature like the "Headless Bride," the "Abscessed Severed Hand," and the "Man-Faced Mantis"... Being able to communicate in a real sense is indeed much more convenient... Lumian sighed as he further learned about the ability "Shadow Activation."

This is an active ability that can Shadow Activation. The former can be used to swap positions with the main body, escaping fatal damage when dodge is impossible, while the latter will entangle the corresponding target, affecting their actions, but it cannot cause much damage, nor can it completely restrict the opponent.

The ability's greatest advantage is its rapid activation and instantaneous effect; otherwise, it couldn't be used to take the fall and block damage. The disadvantage is that only one shadow can be activated at a time.

When acting as a stand-in, if the living shadow dies, Lumian needs to wait for the Sun to rise or set once before the shadow can regenerate. However, the Shadowless Man is terrified of Sunlight, instinctively fearing it.

Previously, it was an instability of emotions and desires; now, it's an added layer of fear of Sunlight? If I were to encounter Mid-Sequence Beyonder in the "Sun" realm in the future, wouldn't I be afraid to even open my eyes? Fortunately, this is a negative effect that only appears after the loss of the Shadow Stand; it won't last forever... Lumian looked at Bainfel and asked sincerely, "What Sacrifice do you require, or rather, what price do you require me to pay?"

To date, he still hasn't figured out what negative consequences signing Contract with Bainfel would have.

Bainfel, the "Penitent," whose bones were covered only by a thin layer of charred skin, replied, "Any Mystical Item you possess."

Any one item... Is this what they call a choice? The Mystical Item chosen for sacrifice directly relates to the negative consequences? Lumian, with a sudden realization, mentally counted the Mystical Item he possessed.

His first thought was "Pride Armor," since he couldn't effectively use the Sealed Artifact now. But looking at "Bainfel's " charred corpse, he felt that this wasn't a sacrificial offering, but rather an attempt to murder his Messenger. Besides, he himself couldn't use "Pride Armor" for the time being, but Franca, Jenna, and Anthony had no problem using it; Lumian had already taught them the corresponding techniques.

The core idea can be summed up in one sentence:

Do not wear the items; only utilize the Negative Effect, allowing Negative Effect to be triggered by the target!

As for the more advanced method of intentionally triggering Negative Effect in exchange for indiscriminate area-of-effect damage, there's no way to teach that. It depends on the situation and the enemy's characteristics, so you have to improvise based on the circumstances. Anyway, Witch should really like this method; it's very effective against targets without Stand abilities!

The "Mystery-Peering Glasses," the "Torture" Gauntlets, the "Eye of Truth," the Lie " Ear Clip, Mr. K's Fingers, the " Hateful Movement "Bone Flute, the " Sea’s Wrath "Brooch, the " Traveler’s Bag,"Ombella's Umbilical Cord Remains, the expired and now normal items— the Misfortune Gold Coin and Unlucky Banknotes, the " Serial Killer "Beyonder Characteristic... Lumian remembered all these items.

After eliminating anything that wasn't Mystical Item and anything that was currently very useful to him, Lumian finally decided to choose between the "Mystery-Peering Glasses" and the "Eye of Truth."

Their capabilities overlap to some extent, so keeping only one is sufficient.

After a brief deliberation, Lumian chose to sacrifice the "Eye of Truth" to Bainfel.

He felt that the "Mystery-Peering Glasses," if used for a limited time, had less negative impact than the "Eye of Truth." Moreover, the "Eye of Truth" only had the characteristic of seeing reality, while the "Mystery-Peering Glasses" could at least be used to create paintings and makeup with extraordinary effects. After Lumian became an "Ascetic," he was able to effectively control the urge to paint caused by wearing the "Mystery-Peering Glasses," painting only when needed and not at all when not needed.

Lumian took out the uniquely shaped "Eye of Truth" and handed it to Bainfel.

Just as Bainfel caught the glasses that seemed to be made of Entanglement chunks of flesh and blood vessels, Lumian suddenly sensed the negative consequences of signing the Contract:

In scenes closely related to Bainfel's Past, one will see truths that should not be seen.

It's fortunate that this effect only occurs in situations involving the Messenger's mysterious background; otherwise, I would have to end today's Ritual early and wait until I find a suitable Contract partner before making a new choice... To paraphrase what Aurora and Franca both said, seeing the truth one shouldn't see is tantamount to certain death... Lumian considered for a moment and then replied to Bainfel in a deep voice:

The Contract is valid.

As he finished speaking, the brief and Evil Contract spontaneously combusted, transforming into silver-white and black symbols, words, and patterns that landed one after another on Lumian's arm.

Lumian lowered his head and looked at his shadow, which Distortion on its own, as if it were performing a powerful dance.

Lumian smiled.

About ten seconds later, his shadow calmed down.

Lumian thanked Bainfel, ended the summoning, and put away all the items placed on the Altar.

"Did it work?" Franca asked expectantly.

She wasn't doubting that Lumian couldn't even handle his own Messenger, but rather worried that his abilities might not meet her needs or have too many negative consequences.

Lumian nodded and briefly explained the situation regarding "Shadow Activation".

As he walked toward the exit of the Quarry's hollowed- Cavern, he said to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, "Now we can devise a plan to deal with Moran Avignon."

"Franca, contact the ' Black Witch ' and tell her that you're about to take action, but to avoid alerting Moran Avignon's family and Concealment forces, she doesn't need to be nearby to observe for now. Just ask her for an emergency help Charm allows you to contact her through Mirror, in case the ' Person in the Mirror ' has accomplices. Also, this is a good opportunity to test the ' Black Witch's ' attitude towards the Tamara Family and the ' Person in the Mirror.' And tell that That One the ' Eternal Blazing Sun ' Church that you can be prepared to hold back."

"Jenna, write to Lady ' Judgement ' and inform her of our plans, in case ' Black Witch ' and ' Person in the Mirror ' are in cahoots."

"Anthony..."

Lumian's mind raced as he considered various details, assigning different tasks to his companions.

Franca, Jenna, and Anthony did not passively accept the task; they actively offered their ideas, helping Lumian fill in the gaps and complete the brainstorming Storm.

Back at Apartment 702, 9 Orosei Street, Anthony left early to continue his efforts to make his way in the Trier Psychiatrist Guild, while Jenna changed into a darker black Cloak Long Dress, eager to find an opportunity to Acting the "Witch."

Soon, only Lumian and Franca remained in the Apartment's living room.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward, and a long silence echoed in the air.

Lumian casually broke the atmosphere:

"How's Jenna digesting the ' Witch ' Potion?"

"Good progress," Franca said with a sigh of relief. "She's found a way to Acting the ' Witch.' If you ask around in the Market District, you'll hear tales of Witch appearing at Late Night to punish restless drunks. Some drunks claim they fell into a icy river, some woke up the next day in aches and pains, and some get severe headaches every evening and dare not drink anymore. What they all have in common is that they encountered someone dressed as Witch. And, well, some drunks just disappeared..."

Franca's voice grew softer and softer, adopting a tone as if she were telling a horror story.

"Is the missing person a drunkard who has committed serious crimes? Or are the others guilty of assaulting family members, bullying passersby, or harassing Women?" Lumian speculated with a smile, drawing on his knowledge of Jenna.

"Yes." Franca nodded emphatically with a bright smile.

"Aren't you afraid that the ' Black Witch ' will hear about this rumor and send people to investigate?" Lumian asked after thinking for a moment.

Franca became smug, pointing to herself and saying, "Me? Me? In the Witch Sect, I'm in charge of matters related to the Market District!"

She then remarked with admiration, "Jenna is truly talented. She figured out a mature Acting method in less than a month. Before I advance to ' Pain,' she might be able to digest the ' Witch ' Potion."

"If it weren't for those things, she would be a very talented Stage Actor; Acting is exactly what she excels at," Lumian agreed.

The two fell silent again.

After a few seconds, Franca adopted a resolute stance and said, "Um, um, you absolutely cannot tell Jenna or anyone else what I said or did in the Mirror World and near the Altar!"

Lumian looked bewildered and asked in return, "Did you say anything unusual or do anything unusual at the time?"

"I don't remember..."

Franca was taken aback at first, then gave a knowing look.

She stood up with a relaxed smile, walked to Lumian's side, and patted him on the shoulder gratefully, saying, "Good brother!"

She felt that all the awkwardness was over.

A few days later, while Moran Avignon was attending an Ministers' Meeting, Lumian appeared around the Villa that the government had provided for him.