Extra Story: Feather and Poison (6)

Pearl Duchy, capital city, Tears Reflected City.

The time zone here is more than two hours ahead of the City of Radiance. Although it is only mid-morning, the sunlight is already extremely bright, reflecting off the azure sea in large swaths, making one's vision blur.

On the terrace of an upscale breakfast shop by the sea.

Death Knell sat under a seaside parasol, leaning back in her chair with a relaxed posture, looking languid and exuding a sense of ease that blended perfectly with her surroundings.

The waiter quickly brought the food to the table.

Steamed mussels, chilled jellyfish salad, raw marinated sand shrimp, and a glass of chilled plum wine.

Although it was a little early for lunchtime, for the restaurant owners, customers coming in meant profit.

Moreover, these seafood dishes are quick and easy to prepare.

"Everything is served, madam. Please enjoy your meal." The waiter bowed and then stepped aside to wait for further instructions.

Death Knell took off her sunglasses, picked up her knife and fork, and began to eat.

The diets of Taya and Eden differ somewhat, but the differences are not unacceptable.

In particular, the experience of enjoying exquisite service for a small amount of money is very pleasant.

The mussels are sweet and tender, with a delicate texture. The jellyfish is cool and crisp, with a satisfying chewiness.

What pleased her most was the raw sand shrimp. The shrimp meat was meticulously peeled and deveined, and the shrimp veins were cleaned off by hand. They were neatly arranged in the center of the plate among the carved decorations, a feast for the eyes.

The texture is soft, chewy, and bouncy, just right.

Aside from the portion size, there's absolutely nothing to criticize here.

Death Knell savored the wine slowly, picked up his wine glass, and drank the plum wine.

The initial taste is brightly acidic and icy, followed by a sweet and lingering aftertaste.

The waiter stepped forward at the right moment, picked up the bottle, and poured her another layer of light, slightly chilled wine.

Such attentive service would not be found in Eden, a world where everything was confined to dogma.

The people there don't process food so meticulously, nor do they waste time and effort on trivial matters.

Death Knell put down her knife and fork, leaned back in her chair, and let the sea breeze caress her face.

She liked the feeling here in Taya.

Relaxed, worldly, and a sense of existence that transcends all living beings.

She arrived here a month ago through a spatial rift, becoming one of the pioneering explorers.

Currently, the Death Knell has successfully completed several assassination missions.

The high priest said that at this rate, in just twenty years, all the lowly beings in the Taya Plane would submit to the power of Jörmungandr.

However, a thought flashed through Death Knell's mind as she thought about this.

At that time, this vacation-like life will disappear, and she will return to the atmosphere that was previously filled with doctrines and precepts.

"Good morning, the Death Knell."

Hairspring walked to the table and sat down casually.

"Good morning, Hairspring." Death Knell glanced at him.

This is another member of the Clock Hand in the Taya Plane, who arrived a few years earlier than her.

She came in second place.

Hairspring tossed a gold coin to the waiter, "Give me a set that matches this young lady's outfit; any extra is your Xiao Fei."

The waiter's eyes lit up with joy, and he quickly reached out to catch it.

He expertly weighed the coin in his fingers and immediately realized something was wrong; it was too light and clearly a counterfeit.

Its actual value was roughly equivalent to nine silver coins.

He maintained a polite and respectful demeanor on the surface, turned and walked towards the kitchen, but his mind was already racing with calculations.

After calculating the bill for the two people, the waiter discovered that the actual extra Xiao Fei was only a few pennies.

"A stingy customer!"

The waiter's smile remained unchanged, but he couldn't help but curse inwardly.

"Congratulations on successfully completing the mission and killing Geporgon," Hairspring said, turning to Death Knell.

Geppergon, also known as "Dryfire," is a Saint Rank powerhouse among the troll race.

Some time ago, Death Knell went to the troll settlement in the border area of the Northern Continent, killed him, and only returned last night.

Instead of showing any smugness, Death Knell sighed.

"I was scolded by Lord Wangshe for this."

The Divine Serpent, the supreme leader of the advance team in Taya.

He was not only one of the highest-ranking priests, but also one of the few who could transcend dimensions and establish communication with the chief god Jörmungandr.

Although this communication was extremely difficult and the intervals between its initiation were long, even so, very few people in Eden managed to do it.

Another priest with the same abilities was Kui She, who traveled to Earth a year ago but was unfortunately attacked by the Traitor Qingming and died a heroic death.

"That's because your actions were far too reckless," Hairspring said calmly.

In the troll territory, Death Knell, relying on its own strength, stormed in and killed Geppergon along with the tribal elites around him.

However, when she returned, the High Priest not only did not praise her strength and courage, but also severely reprimanded her for deviating from the original plan without authorization.

"By doing this, I was clearly eliminating more potential threats for the Supreme God," Death Knell, sounding somewhat unconvinced. "But the High Priest believes I should patiently lie in wait and strike when Gepergon is alone."

"The High Priest is right."

Hairspring sighed.

We are no longer in Eden.

"Miss Death Knell, your strength is indeed greater than that of the native Legendary of this world, but that is not an absolute advantage."

"We still have several thousand targets to eliminate."

Hairspring's tone became increasingly solemn as she spoke.

"If you suffer heavy losses in the operation, it will seriously affect my god's overall plan to conquer Taya."

As he listened, the sound of Death Knell revealed a hint of disapproval.

"Even if my power has now fallen to the Legendary level, it's not something these beings like Taya are qualified to harm."

She said dismissively.

These Destiny ones from the upper realm of Eden have a far greater understanding of the power system than the extraordinary beings trapped in the Legendary realm of the Taya Plane.

The reason why Eden travelers experience the obstacle of dropping ranks is partly due to the concentration of Magic Power, but more importantly, it is because of the difference in magic element between Taya and Eden.

There is a certain incompatibility between the beings of the two realms in terms of Magic Power affinity.

The combat characteristics of the Death Knell are less affected in this respect than those of other members of the Clock Hand.

This is also a key reason why she was able to replace Archmage Abidal, the first of the Clock Hand, as the vanguard support force.

"We are all at the Destiny level; when we see these mere Legendary beings, we instinctively regard them as ants."

Hairspring picked up the plum wine and took a sip.

"But the problem is, this is not Eden after all."

He continued to persuade, emphasizing this point again.

"Our vanguard consists of only a few dozen people in this world, at most."

"What we are facing is a complete plane with hundreds of millions of living beings."

His gaze turned serious as he spoke.

"In a place like this, you're bound to encounter truly outstanding individuals sooner or later."

Never underestimate the Hero that a single plane of existence can produce!

The Death Knell remained unmoved.

"Under the Jörmungandr, everything is nothing but the futile struggle of these inferior beings."

However, she didn't want to dwell on the matter any longer, and quickly added, "But I will follow the High Priest's arrangements and will not act rashly again."

Hairspring Si wanted to say something more, but seeing this, she had to give up.

The two continued eating.

A faint sense of unease quietly welled up in Death Knell's heart.

In Eden, every aspect of life is bound by various precepts and rules.

Even though she was already ranked among the top combatants in the Clock Hand sequence, she still couldn't escape layer after layer of constraints.

After arriving in Taya, she suddenly felt a sense of ease and freedom.

It turns out that life can be lived freely and comfortably.

For example, right now, at ten in the morning, I'm sitting by the sea, enjoying a luxurious and exquisite meal.

It wasn't breakfast, and it wasn't lunch.

Just because I happened to want it.

****

This idea goes against the doctrines Jörmungandr.

The Death Knell instinctively shut it off.

She calmed her emotions again.

A sea breeze blew in gusts, carrying a damp and slightly salty scent. In the distance, the blue and white waves rose and fell under the sunlight, reflecting in Death Knell's eyes, causing her gaze to flicker slightly.

"Sorry, I was a bit too lecturing just now." Hairspring raised her glass. "Anyway, welcome."

The two men clinked their glasses lightly and drank it all in one gulp.

The waiter came forward again to pour the wine.

The Death Knell glanced at the Hairspring Thread and hesitated for a moment.

"I'd like to ask a somewhat presumptuous question."

Please speak frankly.

Death Knell voiced her doubts. "You're the weakest in terms of combat strength among the Clock Hand, and you don't possess any spatial properties like Qingming."

Why were you chosen to be among the first pioneers?

The advance team members were personally appointed by the chief god Jörmungandr.

Although the Death Knell might secretly criticize the serpent sacrifice, he dared not show disrespect to the chief god.

She had been curious about this for a long time.

That's because the Supreme God recognized the operational capabilities of the Hairspring.

A thought emerged in their minds.

It wasn't a real voice, yet it carried an air of majesty; it was the projection of the consciousness of the divine sacrificial serpent.

The two men simultaneously became solemn, put down their utensils, crossed their arms, and respectfully bowed to the void.

Kui She's consciousness swept across the dining table.

[He has broken the precept against gluttony.] He said calmly, [The punishment is to copy the Seven Commandments from the Book of the Serpent three times.]

According to the rules of the serpent in the mortal world, it is forbidden to eat a proper meal except at breakfast, noon, and dinner; otherwise, it is considered "binge eating."

"[Yes, Lord Wraith.]" Death Knell and the Hairspring replied simultaneously.

This punishment is actually quite lenient.

"Come to headquarters," the serpent continued. "I have something to tell you."

****

Soon after, the two arrived at the Chamber of Commerce base near the harbor of Tears City.

The point of the Death Knell's descent is not here, so this is her first time visiting the headquarters of the "Plundering Clock" in Taya.

At first glance, this place looks no different from any other chamber of commerce.

It has all the necessary facilities, including offices, warehouses, personnel, and vehicles.

People were coming and going all around, creating a bustling scene.

The cargo unloaded from merchant ships was continuously transported, loaded onto horse-drawn carriages, and sent to various places in a steady stream.

"In just three short years," the serpent said as it moved forward, "Hairspring has built this foundation and laid out a network covering the entire continent of Taya in such an unfamiliar world."

"You flatter me, High Priest," Hairspring replied.

"The significance of this business network goes beyond simply obtaining a continuous stream of intelligence and guidance."

The serpent continued.

"Its primary function, collecting resources from the Taya Plane, is its most significant role."

His expression turned solemn as he said this.

"Clearing out the resistance fighters in Taya is only part of our mission."

"The ultimate goal is to construct a 'dimensional gateway' to welcome my divine army!"

"The Gate of Dimensions" is a massive project with no upper limit.

The massive resources it consumes directly determine whether Eden's side can advance against Taya when a large spatial rift appears. "Thank you for your guidance, sir," said the Death Knell. "I understand."

The headquarters has many workers of all kinds, including members of the Plundering Clock, who lead ordinary chamber of commerce staff in handling daily affairs.

Following the serpent, the two arrived at the deepest room in the base.

Hello, adults!

A red-haired woman bowed to the three men.

At her feet, hundreds of wooden crates were neatly stacked, almost filling a corner of the ground.

"My name is Leonite." Knowing that Death Knell didn't recognize her, she took the initiative to introduce herself.

The Death Knell nodded in return, but Zi Guang paused slightly.

The mark on this person was of the Quarter Hand- level, but the power fluctuations he emitted were at the Legendary level.

"My subordinates can replenish their power by devouring souls, which is why they can maintain their rank," Leonite explained, seeing through her confusion.

More members of the Plundering Clock gradually gathered there.

As a "chamber of commerce", it is perfectly normal for the senior management to gather together for a routine meeting.

"The serpent's molting chain, the strangling of the universe, calamity descends upon the world, the End shock arrives!"

After a solemn and orderly prayer ceremony, the meeting proceeded to its main agenda.

The first to speak was none other than Leonite, the red-haired woman from earlier.

After this period of hard work, I have successfully captured ten percent of your market share in the external business.

The "efforts" she mentioned certainly didn't refer to business competition. The Plundering Clock never hesitated to address problems directly when it could.

The desert, with its open sky and sky as its mat, is especially suitable for this kind of "struggle".

However, this was clearly not the focus of today's meeting.

Leonite raised her hand, and a wooden box floated up from the ground, landed on the table, and opened by itself.

The first thing that catches the eye is a pile of sandy alfalfa.

She reached out and parted the dry grass, revealing the white lizardman eggs underneath.

During the recently concluded rainy season, the Gravel Scale Tribe experienced a large-scale breeding season.

Leonite acquired these lizard eggs through various means.

"As arranged by the High Priest and the Hairspring Lord, the five thousand eggs have been successfully obtained."

"Lizard eggs are a highly prized aphrodisiac among human nobles." A bell-ringing priest, clearly puzzled, said, "Selling these five thousand eggs would indeed yield a large sum of money, but—"

Simply making money is clearly not something worth discussing seriously at a plenary meeting.

The demon snake raised its hand, signaling for the Hairspring to explain.

Hairspring stood up and looked at everyone.

"These lizard eggs aren't for sale," he explained. "We need to hatch them and then raise them."

Death Knell's eyes narrowed as she realized what he meant. "Hairspring Yousi, are you planning to infiltrate the Gravel Scale Tribe?"

"That's right." Hairspring nodded. "Lizardmen grow up very quickly; they reach adulthood in their teens."

"We give them the best education, coupled with the most suitable medication and the most appropriate training."

"These lizardmen can grow into well-rounded 'elites,' skilled in both literature and martial arts, becoming our convenient tools."

"Once these lizardmen return to their tribe, we can eliminate those troublesome elite lizardmen and then take control of the Gravelscale race!"

Upon hearing this, the attendees all expressed their approval.

"That's right. After brainwashing them with the doctrine of world destruction, we can get the entire Gravel Scale Tribe to fight for us."

"These lizards can produce the resources we need to build the 'Dimensional Gate'."

"Once their value is fully exploited, they can still be used as cannon fodder on the battlefield."

Everyone spoke freely and reached a consensus: the benefits of doing this were far greater than simply killing.

The input-output ratio is extremely high!

"The prospects are good, but launching this project will be very costly and involve a lot of complicated matters."

Hairspring continued, "For example, the medicines needed for 'breeding'—without these things, ordinary gravel-scaled reptiles would find it difficult to stand out in their group."

He did not mention any side effects.

It only reduces lifespan by two-thirds; those who use the drug will die young.

"Semius had originally agreed to cooperate with us, but now he has suddenly disappeared and we don't know where he's hiding."

Hairspring continued to recount the situation.

"So right now, our first priority is to find his whereabouts."

"On the other hand, we cannot place all our hopes on this; we must develop similar drugs independently."

Hairspring listed the tasks one by one.

"At the same time, the incubation, breeding, and education of five thousand reptilians is itself a massive undertaking."

Everyone nodded in agreement and began a more detailed discussion.

From the selection of breeding and training bases to planning and design, and then to specific construction plans and breeding processes, every detail was carefully considered.

A full hour passed before many details were gradually finalized through everyone's collective wisdom and efforts.

"The direction of work proposed by Hairspring is excellent." Wang She's gaze swept over everyone. "The Desert Gravel Scale Tribe is just a starting point. Next, our infiltration of various marginalized ethnic groups will also be carried out using this as a template."

"Groups like trolls and Bearfolk Clan, with their small populations, loose internal organization, and limited cultural understanding, are good starting points," the bell-ringing priest agreed.

"My key suggestion is to choose the orcs," said Hairspring.

Although it is called an "island", Water Chestnut Island has a vast area of two million square kilometers, making it the largest island in the world.

The orcs living there number over thirty million, making them a powerful force in Taya.

"That's precisely why it's so valuable," Hairspring explained. "The orcs' national governance is so backward, and coupled with the isolated geographical features of Water Chestnut Island, we can easily infiltrate, lay out plans, and do whatever we want."

In the world of Terra, sailing technology is still underdeveloped, making it difficult to launch large-scale transoceanic attacks.

If they are not large enough, they will be easily defeated.

Either the cost is too high, making it a losing proposition.

Therefore, once the orcs were under control, they no longer needed to worry about being besieged by the forces of the Taya Plane, making it their most secure rear area.

"But the orcs are still too big," said the bell-ringing priest. "How can we possibly swallow them?"

"Abigai will arrive at the next portal," the serpent added.

Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"If Abigai is coming, then there's certainly no problem."

The "Thread Puppet Prison" domain of Abigai, the eleventh in the Clock Hand sequence, is an absolute weapon for infiltration.

In fact, according to the original plan, it should have been her, not Death Knell, who came to provide cross-sector support.

The demon snake quickly raised its hand to silence the murmurs in the room.

"Everyone should perform their duties and expedite the process. All matters concerning the Gravel Scale Tribe should be reported to Hairspring as soon as possible."

The demon snake quickly adjourned the meeting, and everyone got up and left.

He sighed.

This spatial rift is unstable and its arrival comes with considerable risks.

After careful consideration, the Supreme God Council ultimately decided to send the Death Knell, allowing Abigai to wait for a more opportune moment.

After all, the latter must be delivered without any mishaps.

Such things, of course, cannot be said openly.

That's why the demon snake stopped everyone from discussing it—otherwise, it wouldn't be good if some clever person got suspicious and thought of it.

The Death Knell caught up with the Hairspring, its tone now more sincere.

"I was short-sighted before. The Supreme God's choice of you as the vanguard is well-deserved."

Hairspring responded with a humble smile.

"I will dedicate my utmost to the great cause of my God!"

"I will dedicate my utmost to the great cause of my God!"