"Indeed, I've noticed that too. But the rules of this world are inherently chaotic, and all we can do is explore and learn from them."
After listening to Ed's reasoning, Willow thought for a moment and said:
"Since I can't find Antos, I have nothing to do here."
"If there's nothing else for me to handle, I'll take this guy back to Valhalla."
"I have quite a few defensive formations over there, enough to withstand Muller and his counterattack, which should put my mind at ease."
Ed pondered for a moment after hearing this, looked at the magnificent castle with lingering affection, and secretly made up his mind.
"Alright, you go back first. I'll check on the situation of the Soul Returner, and then I'll come find you to interrogate Muller together."
After discussing their next steps, Willow took the lead and disappeared into the underground space with the Zongzi Knight.
Ed turned and walked toward the stone door to the basement.
He took a few steps and then suddenly stopped.
Less than a meter away from the stone gate, a small section of stone bricks appeared to have been smashed to pieces by some heavy object, forming a hemispherical depression.
At the very bottom of that low-lying area, there remained a somewhat familiar sword mark...
Ed climbed the spiral staircase, encountering enthusiastic players on each floor.
Some of them found exquisitely crafted artifacts from the pre -Demonic Tide among the ruins, while others unearthed fine weapons that showed no signs of rust despite the passage of time.
Even more surprisingly, a pile of precious metal coins was found in a corner. It was unknown which noble from before the Demonic Tide had hidden away their private stash of money, which had unexpectedly benefited this visitor from another world a hundred years later.
Ed also picked up a silver coin from the corner, its obverse engraved with a clear profile of a middle-aged man.
The figure has distinct facial features, wears Crown, and holds a scepter in its hand.
Ed had never seen such a silver coin before. He thought for a moment, then put it in his pocket, intending to go back and ask Haji Dragon, the local currency collector.
After greeting each player individually, Ed began editing the text box.
Now that Antos should have been in Klaf City, has disappeared, players can only turn their attention to another Grand Duke who may be sealed here— Adelaide.
There was nothing that could be done about it; after all, the Soul Returner had already come, and they were the most elite first-tier team.
If you return empty-handed, you'll inevitably become a laughingstock among other players.
The immersive nature of this World of Disorder makes embarrassing yourself here almost identical to, or even more terrifying than, what happens in real life.
In real life, if you lose face, people will only whisper behind your back. But in the game world, because players are so unrestrained, similar things can be openly mocked.
To avoid that outcome, players will inevitably seek out new and crucial evidence to break the deadlock and ensure their trip is worthwhile.
Adelaide is the best choice at this moment.
Thinking of this, Ed let out a long sigh in his heart.
Adelaide, it's not that I've ruined you, it's that this chaotic world has ruined you...
Ed kindly issued a new investigation mission to the players. After looting the Lord's Mansion, they can set off to find the sealed location of Adelaide.
The thoughtful Son of God even distributed Temporary Resurrection Tree seeds to the three players who served as team leaders, so that they could quickly call for reinforcements when they encountered enemies they couldn't defeat.
After taking care of everything, Ed bid farewell to the players and then turned back to the sealed area on the second underground level.
He found a secluded corner, crossed his arms, leaned against the stone wall, and slowly closed his eyes.
Roots quickly emerged from various parts of Ed's body, embedding themselves in the gaps between the stone bricks.
These Aberration Boston Ivy, originating from that old guy Yiden, are still very useful today, at least in terms of stabilizing the body, where they have a very wide range of applications.
After doing this, Ed manipulated the vines to wrap around his body and hardened the outermost layer, making himself look like a giant silkworm pupa waiting to hatch.
Now that everything here is settled, it's time for him to return to his main body.
That's right, the original body.
From beginning to end, Ed was merely a temporary clone printed by the Symbiotic Tree.
Compared to when he sent his clones to scout the Sea of Flowers, Ed's clone abilities have improved immeasurably.
He's had a vague premonition lately—
Once one reaches High Tier, the boundary between the clone and the original body may completely disappear, and one's life form will also undergo significant changes.
Perhaps by then, I too will obtain a power similar to that of dragons, Authority Domination only for High Tier rulers.
At this moment, Ed's true form was still idling in Valhalla's study; he had merely Descent his and Little Green's combined consciousness into this body.
This castle is indeed very nice, Ed's desire for it is not just talk.
When he becomes powerful in the future, he will come and take over this abandoned castle.
For now, let this clone stay here and protect its own property.
Ed closed his one eye, and his consciousness returned to Valhalla.
Looking at the familiar ceiling, he quickly realized what he needed to do.
Muller! Intelligence! The Grand Duke's Blood!
Bang bang bang.
Ed knocked on the door of Willow's laboratory and, as expected, found the alchemical golem still frozen in its solidified state and the unconscious Silvis inside.
Did you get any answers?
Ed looked at the lich and asked.
"Not yet. I just found a spot for the old knight. He won't wake up for a while, so I plan to find an empty room, set up the array, and then place him there."
"Then let's put it in the basement. Muller can be stored there too; it's cool and dry, so it won't rot or spoil anytime soon."
"Ugh!"
As soon as the words were spoken, a deep voice came from inside the alchemical golem.
Hearing Muller's energetic voice, Ed nodded and asked:
"Why was the alchemical golem able to trap him for so long? It was quite powerful before..."
Ed felt something was off about this. The initial arrest was somewhat understandable, but a whole day had passed, and Muller still hadn't shown any sign of breaking free. This was just too incompetent...
Willow thought for a moment and said:
"There are two main reasons: First, after praying for power from the progenitor, the Blood Corpse will fall into a period of weakness. The stronger the power obtained, the more obvious the weakness will be."
"As for the other reason, it's that I filled the alchemical golem to the brim. For Muller to grow a bone blade that could pierce the shell, he would have to devour a part of himself."
Ed asked thoughtfully:
Why doesn't it devour itself?
"Eating requires organs."
Why doesn't it grow organs?
Organs need space.
Why didn't he create his own space?
"To create space, one must devour oneself..."
"..."