The beginning of the fall: part four

Setting down the holy book, Xiali couldn't help but sigh.

"Catherine... where have you gone...?"

She murmured to herself, her eyes involuntarily reddening.

Xiali was arguably Catherine's closest friend in the Temple and the palace. Born into a noble family in the Kingdom of Dideyasi, a family that was prestigious in name only, and ultimately, only in name, Xiali was the only daughter. As the eldest daughter, she possessed neither exceptional talent nor ambition. Therefore, shortly after her birth, her parents brought her to Catherine's side, making her the princess's playmate. After Catherine became a saint, Xiali followed her into the Temple, becoming a priestess.

Of course, Xiali herself knew very well that she was not a true clergyman. The reason she was able to enter the Temple was not because of her devout faith; what the Temple valued was merely her status as the princess's playmate. After all, considering the special status of this saintess, the pressure she might face was perhaps greater than that of ordinary people, so the existence of a stress reliever was also very necessary. Xiali was gentle by nature and had no political acumen or ambition, which was why the Temple agreed to let her become a clergyman and serve by Catherine's side.

Xiali herself didn't feel any reluctance towards this arrangement, as she herself had little desire for it. Having spent years by Catherine's side, Xiali had witnessed much of the dark side of the court, and she found it deeply repulsive. Therefore, the monotonous life at the Temple suited Xiali quite well, and Catherine had always treated her with great care; the two were like sisters. Xiali had always admired Catherine; she was brave, strong, and confident, shining like the sun, impossible to ignore. Xiali herself was very content with her current life; as long as she could stay with Catherine and watch her live out the rest of her life, that was enough for her.

However, this unexpected turn of events was clearly beyond Xiali's expectations. Although the Temple hadn't said anything to her, Xiali herself knew that something was amiss. According to the timeline, Catherine should have returned to the Temple long ago. Before leaving the palace, she had sent her a letter filled with joy and excitement; Catherine's eagerness to see her couldn't be clearer. Moreover, Catherine had made it clear that she would return to the Temple to meet her in five or six days at most. But now, more than ten days had passed, and there was still no news. Furthermore, when she inquired with the bishop, he always changed the subject, simply telling her not to worry, that Catherine would return soon.

Although Xiali was naive, she wasn't stupid. After receiving the same answer several times, she knew something was wrong. However, Xiali was, after all, just an ordinary noblewoman who rarely paid attention to political matters. Therefore, even though she knew something was amiss, she was completely at a loss for what to do. She was just an ordinary person, without holy power or magic, and she had never learned any swordsmanship. Therefore, all Xiali could do for the moment was to stay quietly in her room and pray that Catherine would return safely.

"Call..."

Suddenly, a cold night wind blew in, opening the window that wasn't fully closed. Xiali was startled for a moment, then quickly collected her thoughts, stood up, walked to the window, and closed it. Just as Xiali turned around, she suddenly realized that there was someone else in the room.

"Who are you...!!"

Xiali instinctively wanted to scream, but the other person's red eyes seemed to possess some kind of power, forcefully suppressing the scream that was about to escape Xiali's throat.

"Hoo hoo hoo... Don't make a sound, big sister?"

Only then did Xiali finally see clearly that standing in her room was an exceptionally beautiful girl, her long, silvery-white hair shimmering gently in the candlelight. Her jade-like skin and crimson eyes were captivating, making one want to admire her even more. Moreover, the girl possessed an extremely strange aura. Although Xiali didn't know what it was, she instinctively felt a sense of fear. It was as if the person standing before her wasn't human, but something beyond human beings.

"You, you are..."

You don't need to know who I am.

The girl immediately interrupted Xiali's question, causing Xiali to shrink back slightly. She opened her mouth to call for help; after all, this was Temple, and it was already late at night. It was naturally very strange for a girl like this to suddenly appear in her room. However, Xiali didn't speak, because the girl's next words immediately diverted her attention.

You should know Catherine, right?

"... Yes."

Therefore, the girl's attitude was far too casual, and Xiali had to answer cautiously.

"..."

After receiving an affirmative answer, the girl narrowed her eyes again, carefully looking the girl in front of her up and down, and then smiled slightly.

"So, do you want to see her?"

Do you know where Catherine... ah, no, Miss Saint is?

Upon hearing this unexpected answer, Xiali's eyes widened in surprise, and she asked.

"Certainly."

When asked by Xiali, the girl narrowed her eyes and revealed a smug smile.

"If you wish to see her, I can help you, although... you will still need to pass a small test."

"I want to see her, please tell me where she is!!"

Xiali was completely oblivious to the implied meaning in the other person's words. At this moment, only one thing occupied her mind: Catherine's whereabouts. Even the bishop didn't know where Catherine was, so how did this girl know? How did she end up here? Why did she tell her this? Xiali hardly considered these questions. At this moment, she was completely focused on Catherine, and she couldn't even think about these most basic questions.

Faced with Xiali's question, the girl frowned and showed a disappointed expression.

"To think it's such a little girl... I thought she'd bring some amusement... However, you might bring me a different kind of amusement."

"Why?"

Before she could understand what the girl meant, Xiali felt everything go black, and then she fainted.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."

Looking at the unconscious girl, Angela revealed a cruel, cold smile.

"A naive and childish young lady... to me, she's nothing but a useless piece of trash, utterly devoid of any joy. However... your existence will bring amusement to some."

The window opened again, and the cold night wind, mixed with raindrops, howled into the room. But now, the cold room was empty.

The flickering candlelight swayed for a moment in the cold wind before going out completely.

When Xiali woke up, all she felt was the cold, damp ground and complete darkness.

"What am I doing...?"

She stood up blankly and looked around. But there was nothing there except darkness.

"Where is this... where is this place?"

"Huff... huff..."

Just then, heavy breathing suddenly came from behind Xiali.

Who is it?!

Xiali quickly turned around, but in the pitch-black environment, she couldn't see anything.

"Who... who is it?!"

The girl's voice trembled slightly. No wonder; being inexplicably transported to a place where Xiali could barely see anything, and unlike Catherine, who was some princess or saint, this kind of shock was far too much for an ordinary young lady from a wealthy family.

However, the other party clearly didn't intend to answer. Just as Xiali was about to scream again, her legs suddenly gave way, and she collapsed to the ground. At that moment, she finally sensed that the entire room seemed to be filled with a faint floral fragrance. Soon, Xiali found that her body could no longer move. Just then, she felt a warm, slippery, and strange object slide past her feet and then tightly wrap around Xiali calves. Before Xiali could even struggle, she was dragged into the dark Abyss.

Immediately, screams erupted.

"Master, will this really work?"

Through the iron gate, Angela peered at the scene inside while listening to the girl's screams, and raised her eyebrows slightly.

Don't worry.

Li Lin stared blankly into the darkness before him, shrugging his shoulders.

"This is a very powerful demon from Hell, and with my drugs, it won't take long to subdue this woman. She doesn't have the strong will and holy power to protect her like Catherine; she'll be easy to deal with. But, Angela, what's the point of all this?"

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."

In response to Li Lin's question, Angela snapped open the velvet fan in her hand, held it to her mouth, and chuckled softly.

"Master, don't you think that saintess is always all alone and quite lonely? I'm just trying to be helpful... If she had a companion by her side, she would surely be more at ease. Hehehe... This is all out of my good intentions!"

"Kindness?"

Li Lin patted Angela's little head. "The little one can have good intentions towards others?" -- Of course, it's not impossible, but the little one's smug and triumphant expression right now is completely unrelated to the word "good intentions."

"Mmm... Ah... Mmm..."

At this moment, the girl's screams gradually weakened, turning into soft moans. Clearly, she had completely fallen under the devil's spell. Dealing with such an ignorant young lady must be easier for devils who have always tempted others' bodies and souls to depravity than drinking morning tea.

"Let's go."

Li Lin withdrew his gaze, clearly no longer showing any interest in the situation in the darkness.

"By tomorrow morning, she will have completely transformed into the kind of woman you desire."

"Then, I await the start of the show... It's sure to be a very interesting spectacle."

Angela had clearly lost interest in the girl's treatment; in her view, a woman so unchallenging was not worthy of her attention. She turned and followed Li Lin out of the dark, cold cell, without even glancing back.

At this moment, the voices in the darkness had become filled with joy and anticipation.

One night passed.

After finishing breakfast, Catherine stared at the plate before her, her expression complex. This morning, it wasn't the two priests who brought her breakfast, but a magical servant; clearly, the two priests hadn't returned yet. But she no longer had the desire to escape. Ever since Angela caught her in that situation, Catherine had completely lost the will to run away. Perhaps she understood that, in any case, this was something she couldn't resist... or perhaps, that wasn't the case.

What troubled Catherine wasn't that she was no longer trying to escape, but something else that troubled her even more. Unlike the priest, the magical servant seemed only responsible for providing Catherine with meals. It didn't seem to have any intention of leading Catherine to the adjustment room, unlike the priest. This was precisely what made Catherine most uneasy; naturally, she didn't want to go there willingly. However, if she didn't go, who knew what other methods Angela would use to torment her?

However, after restless contemplation, Catherine ultimately decided not to go—after all, she was a prisoner, and there was no way she could voluntarily seek torture.

Despite having mentally prepared herself, Catherine was disappointed that day. Although she didn't go to the training room, Angela showed no intention of coming to find her. She seemed completely unperturbed by Catherine's absence. Catherine had expected Angela to storm into the room and, as before, pull her hair and force her to go to that horrible place. But this time, Angela remained completely unresponsive, as if her life or death was none of her concern.

Is that really the case?

Catherine naturally didn't believe it. Just like that "coincidence," Angela might seem indifferent on the surface, but in reality, she was probably watching her all along.

So what should I do? Continue like this until... when will it happen again?

No, that won't work.

Catherine clenched her fists and stood up.

I absolutely cannot allow myself to fall into a passive position... I'm just going to take a look, that's right, I'm just going to take a look!

Thinking this, Catherine stood up, straightened her clothes, gritted her teeth, and then turned and walked out of the room.

The castle remained pitch black, seemingly never bathed in sunlight. Even during the day, thick clouds blocked out all light, leaving the entire castle shrouded in gloom.

The dim lighting posed no obstacle for Li Lin, who was currently sitting on the sofa, intently studying the documents in his hands, making modifications and reflections. Although the two sisters hadn't returned with what he needed, Li Lin didn't have a moment to relax. After all, as Arcane Mage, he had far too many things to do. In the past, twelve people helped him distribute the heavy workload, but now, "certain" tasks could only be completed by him alone.

"If they hadn't all died back then... never mind, there's no point in talking about it now. I hope Nisi can complete the ritual soon. If she can also become Arcane Mage, my burden will at least be lighter."

Putting down the documents in his hand, Li Lin complained to Angela, who was sitting opposite him, with a helpless and bitter face.

"Heavy burden?"

Angela opened her eyes wide with curiosity and looked around.

"Master, what other important tasks do you have? Why not just leave them to Sister Nia? Although you say that Arcane Mage can do things that only Arcane Mage can do, from my observation, there doesn't seem to be anything that you absolutely must do."

"This is our secret, Angela."

Li Lin picked up the teacup and took a sip of the warm milk tea. Then he looked down at the petite, trembling figure not far beneath him.

"Now is not a good time to talk, and... I don't think now is the time to tell you."

"How boring."

Angela pouted, clearly unhappy that Li Lin wasn't going to tell her.

Faced with Angela's dissatisfaction, Li Lin could only offer a wry smile. Indeed, Angela was his familiar, and in fact, the secret of the Arcane Mage should have been fully revealed during the contract formation process. However, due to Angela's special status and her immense power, the original soul-binding agreement hadn't fully taken effect, thus Angela was unaware of the Arcane Mage's secret. Li Lin's statement wasn't without reason.

Thinking of this, Li Lin couldn't help but look at the back of his hand. As he thought about it, a light flashed on the back of his hand, and then magical characters quickly appeared on the back of Li Lin's hand. However, this time, under Li Lin's strong suppression, it had no effect and disappeared immediately.

The power is growing stronger and easier to control... It seems this is just as I thought. It's definitely not a good thing that I'm the only one left among the thirteen Arcane Mage.

Thinking of this, Li Lin couldn't help but frown slightly.

It seems that once things are over here, we must get Nisi through the ritual immediately. As long as it's proven that she has the aptitude to be Arcane Mage, that's enough. We can deal with the rest later.

"However, Angela."

Thinking of this, Li Lin immediately stopped thinking and casually asked other questions.

"How long are you planning to keep this up? I admit her enthusiasm is good, but her technique is really terrible."

Please don't worry about that, Master.

In response to Li Lin's question, Angela smiled slightly, then closed her eyes and gently tapped the table.

"They've arrived."

As Angela spoke, knocking and the sound of books hitting the door followed.

Catherine hesitated before pushing open the door and entering the room. Sure enough, she saw Angela and Li Lin sitting on the sofa, enjoying tea and snacks, seemingly oblivious to her presence. For some reason, Catherine felt that they weren't really chatting, but rather admiring something. This made her curious, yet also hesitant... Was it really appropriate for her to walk in like this? What if she was seen as a shameless woman...?

"Um..."

Just then, a low, female voice suddenly rang out. The voice was unusually weak, but it sent a shiver down Catherine's spine. Forgetting all about what Li Lin and Angela thought of her, she immediately opened the door and went into the room. Soon, she saw the scene she least wanted to believe.

At this moment, a young girl lay naked, curled up on the ground. She was not being tortured, nor was she in any pain. Instead, she was frantically touching her body. Her nimble hands were now frantically and wantonly roaming over her body, and her pretty face was flushed with an alluring blush. Clearly, she had been in this state for quite some time.

"Xiali!!!"

Catherine screamed, and she and the book rushed over, embracing the girl who was still trying to comfort her, struggling to stop her horrible actions. Then she turned around angrily and looked at Angela and Li Lin, who remained expressionless.

"Why? Why did you do this?! What did you do to her?!"

"Smack!!"

No sooner had Catherine finished speaking than Angela's whip lashed her face precisely. Then the little girl stood up, looking at Catherine with a cold smile.

"Why? You should know the answer yourself... Yesterday, because you didn't show up, I had to find other amusement... Speaking of which, this girl seems to be your friend? I originally thought she could bring me some amusement like you do... I didn't expect this woman to be so fragile, unable to handle even this..."

"Xiali!!"

Catherine hugged her friend tightly, heartbroken and filled with regret for her foolish actions. Why? Why did she act impulsively? Why did she do that?! Now, she had even dragged her friend into this mess...

"I have lost interest in her."

Angela clearly had no interest in the tragic drama unfolding before her.

"You may take her away now, but... if you forget to come here again tomorrow, then I won't mind finding other people to satisfy my pleasure."

"... You!! You devil!!"

Catherine glared angrily at Angela and Li Lin, but in the end, she took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed her anger. She helped the unsteady girl to her feet and left the room.

"Very good."

Angela watched Catherine's departing figure with a smug smile, while Li Lin swirled his teacup.

"Now, the main event begins... I'm really eager to see how this saintess will react when she discovers that her friend has been completely transformed into someone she's never seen before."

"Xiali, cheer up! Oh my god..."

Meanwhile, Catherine, completely unaware of what was happening, helped Xiali back to her room. Looking at the girl before her, Catherine felt deeply ashamed. She had once again dragged someone into this mess, and it was her best friend no less... At that moment, the girl was still panting excitedly, seemingly showing no sign of stopping.

"Xiali! Please, don't do this! Wake up!!"

Seeing her friend about to repeat the same actions, Catherine could no longer resist grasping the girl's hand. Then, disregarding her own body, she swiftly unleashed several divine spells, which gradually slowed the girl's vigorous movements. She opened her eyes, gazing blankly at the saintess before her, seemingly searching for something.

"Cathe..."

"Xiali, I'm sorry, it's all my fault..."

"Catherine..."

He gripped Catherine's hand even tighter, but Catherine paid no attention; she kept her head down, not daring to look at her friend.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Xiali, I shouldn't have done that... I'm so sorry..."

"Catherine... I want..."

"Why?"

Just then, a dangerous glint of lust flashed in Xiali's eyes. Catherine, completely unprepared, was pinned down on the bed by the naked girl. She kissed Catherine's lips almost roughly, silencing her scream.

"Catherine... I feel so bad... Please make me feel better... Please make me feel better..."

"Xia... Waaah... Xiali..."

Staring at the lustful, wanton woman before her, Catherine couldn't believe her eyes. Was this still her friend? Was this still the friend who always smiled gently and stayed by her side?

She closed her eyes sadly, without struggling or resisting as Xiali, like a wild beast, greedily tore off her clothes.

Is all of this... the retribution I deserve?