Chapter 036 – Ursul's Rebuke
...
The Enigma Lock.
When this phrase appeared in Matthew's mind, it shone like a newborn sun.
The haze of memory was swept away.
Part of the knowledge that was originally hazy became clear.
He supported his forehead with one hand, with a look of reminiscence on his face:
"A ritual."
"I read about it in a book. Evil organizations would send a challenge before invading a territory. It's the beginning of a ritual called 'Plunder'. This ritual originated in the Enlightenment Era, when the Gods were divided into two factions, good and evil..."
The Enlightenment Era.
It was the era when the Gods dominated the human world with their great power.
At that time, there was intense internal conflict among the Gods.
They were divided into two factions, good and evil, and they attacked each other.
After many years of development,
The descendants of the good Gods controlled the towns and villages, while the followers of the evil Gods wandered in the wilderness and ruins.
The struggle between the two factions never stopped.
And in order to please the Gods they served,
The evil God's followers would often attack and plunder towns and villages on a regular basis.
Before that,
They would hold a grand "Initiation Ritual", which included spreading fear - spreading the challenge to the target town and spreading rumors of impending disaster.
Through this action,
They would have the opportunity to disrupt the situation of the target town in advance, reducing the resistance when they attacked. Even if they couldn't achieve this perfectly, they could still gain the favor of their worshipped Gods through the ritual itself.
This would allow them to obtain stronger evil power.
"So, sending a challenge is not only the beginning of the plunder ritual, but also a part of the initiation ritual?"
Richard asked seriously.
Matthew nodded:
"If they are indeed imitating the evil God's followers from the Enlightenment Era, then they will probably do two more things to complete the initiation ritual.
First, they will create a 'symbolic event'. The impact of this event must be great, and the result must be horrifying. It would be best if it is related to something well-known to the residents of the town.
Then they will publicize this tragic event extensively to spread panic.
By doing this, the initiation ritual will be officially completed.
In the Enlightenment Era, the evil Gods would bestow a large amount of divine power at this stage as a reward and as a preparation for the formal 'plunder ritual'."
Richard praised:
"See, I knew you could do it. This information is very helpful. I will go directly to Zeller and tell him about this."
Matthew thought for a moment:
"If the Enigma Lock really exists, will you all forget about these things soon?"
Richard smiled calmly:
"In theory, yes, but that is a long-term matter. If we deliberately remember, we won't forget in the short term. The curse of the Gods is not that powerful, its terrifying aspect lies in its omnipresence."
"Furthermore, if something impresses you deeply, so deeply that you can never forget it in your life, then the curse cannot affect you."
"It's like I shouldn't remember the 'Enigma Lock' at all, but I know of its existence because... my impression of it is deep enough."
Matthew nodded thoughtfully.
He noticed that when Richard said these words, his tone was calm, but there was always a strange gleam in his eyes.
This was the same as when he said, "This world is ultimately a world of spellcasters." Matthew guessed that this mysterious retired thief probably had a story that he couldn't let go of, and it probably had something to do with spellcasters and the Enigma Lock.
The two of them then exchanged some secrets that might be hidden behind the plunder ritual.
Richard believed that the actions of the three major organizations were not just imitations or tributes.
They would definitely gain power from the "Initiation Ritual".
As for the source of this power, whether it was the "Void Master Yuclos" that Matthew had discovered in the secret letter, or an evil God who suddenly reappeared after years of hiding, it was difficult to determine.
"At least we can predict their next actions in advance."
Richard stood up and tidied his clothes seriously:
"I will go find Zeller. If it's convenient, it would be best for you to go to the Lord's Mansion tomorrow to prevent the most extreme situation - both Zeller and I forgetting about this."
Matthew agreed.
"But can I just go to the Lord's Mansion so openly? Will Raga have any objections?"
He asked another question.
Richard glanced at him:
"What objections can Raga have? His daughter used to pester you every day for tutoring, and now it's changed to you going to their house. It's much safer for him. In my opinion, he will eventually have to pay you to be Sif's private tutor. You might as well get familiar with the working environment in advance."
...
When Matthew left the Artisan Protection Association,
He was still remembering the knowledge he had regained. The feeling of possibly forgetting it at any moment was terrible. He could only deepen it repeatedly and plan to frequently write the phrase "Enigma Lock" in his daily manuscripts when he returned.
Passing through the bustling streets,
The crowd gradually thinned out.
Matthew arrived in front of a house in the northern part of the Artisan District.
Compared to the building of the Artisan Protection Association,
This house appeared dilapidated, perhaps due to a fire. Black marks could be seen all over the exterior walls.Several ivy vines covered it, and the white and pink flowers added a touch of vitality to this somewhat desolate low building.
The wooden door was half open.
On the grass in front of the door, there was a group of mailboxes and a crooked wooden sign:
Veterans Mutual Aid Association.
Matthew leaned against it.
He first pulled the copper bell for a while, and found that no one answered, so he walked steadily inside.
Behind the door was a spacious and cold lobby, with a faint herbal scent in the air.
Several thick stone pillars caught the eye, and the reception desk in front was empty.
"Poor visibility."
Although it was early in the morning, Matthew had the illusion that it was almost evening.
"Is anyone here?"
He shouted twice in a suppressed voice.
After a while.
Footsteps came from the rotating staircase next to him.
A figure appeared at the end of the stairs.
The person had white hair and was old, but his steps were fast and steady.
He was tall, and when he went downstairs, he had to hold the handrail to maintain balance, but his back was always straight and his demeanor was perfect.
"I am Old Falong, who are you looking for, sir?"
The old man came to Matthew, his cloudy eyes scanning him, his tone neither humble nor overbearing.
Matthew immediately handed over Richard's letter of introduction:
"My name is Matthew, and I am here to find you. My friend needs a pair of suitable weapons."
Old Falong silently took the letter.
Then he opened the wooden door to the maximum, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, and then took out a single piece of mirror wrapped in layers of blue velvet from his jacket pocket, and read it carefully.
"Mr. Matthew."
Old Falong meticulously put away the mirror, and then said in a very formal tone:
"I am already very old, and I am afraid I am unable to forge new weapons for your friend."
Matthew actually had no hope when he first saw Old Falong.
He looked at least seventy years old.
Indeed, it didn't seem like an age to be able to forge at any time.
"But when I was young, I collected many weapons. In consideration of Richard, I am willing to sell one of them to you."
Old Falong continued:
"The current problem is that I need to know your friend's profession, usage requirements, and various habits. It would be best if he can come in person so that I can see his hands and it will be easier for me to choose a suitable weapon for him."
Matthew thought for a moment and reminded:
"My friend is not human."
Old Falong's expression remained unchanged:
"That's not uncommon."
Matthew nodded.
This old man in front of him also broke out of purgatory with Raga back then, so he must have knowledge and experience, and naturally wouldn't be surprised by some things.
So after a little thought, he summoned Sodie.
The light of the contract flashed.
A skeleton hidden under a dark red cloak appeared silently.
"A skeleton? Can it take a few steps?"
Old Falong's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Matthew ordered Sodie to cooperate.
The latter instinctively walked while twisting his hips.
Old Falong couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh":
"It's actually a Blade Dancer? It's the first time I've seen a Necromancer who retains the skills of a Blade Dancer. It's incredible!"
Matthew was delighted, knowing that he had met an expert today, so he quickly asked:
"Are you familiar with Blade Dancers?"
Old Falong thought for a moment:
"I wouldn't say familiar, but I once spent a wonderful time with an understanding Blade Dancer. Unfortunately, we couldn't be together in the end."
As he spoke.
He seemed to see a strong curiosity in Matthew's eyes, so he added:
"Blade Dancers are a unique profession in the Thousand Sails Archipelago. The dancers there perfectly combine dance and swordsmanship, creating an incredible way of killing.
In most cases, Blade Dancers are advanced by females, but their leaders are mostly males. The leader of the Blade Dancers in my memory had almost legendary strength.
Blade Dancers have extremely strong assassination abilities. They are one of the most feared wanderers in the endless seas of the various countries."
Matthew curiously asked:
"What about the other one?"
"Ninjas."
A strange syllable came out of Old Falong's throat:
"Like Blade Dancers, ninjas are a killing profession created by islanders for self-defense. A few decades ago, you could see many Blade Dancers and ninjas in Gem City and Dragon Bay, but since the 'Sea Dragon of Sin' incident, the islands where they lived have been overturned or submerged by endless waves. It is now difficult to see these two advanced wanderers."
Matthew secretly remembered.
Sodie, who was beside him, had no reaction to the old man's narration.
He just kept twisting his hips.
Twisting and twisting.
Suddenly, his figure disappeared in place.
If Matthew hadn't ordered him to reappear in time, he would probably have twisted into the backyard.
"A very profound instinct. He must have been an excellent Blade Dancer in his lifetime, and he may even be someone I know."
Old Falong's eyes were filled with deep emotion.
As he spoke.
With Matthew's help, he grabbed Sodie's hands and examined them carefully.
"I know what weapon to choose for you. Please follow me, gentlemen."
Old Falong led Matthew up the stairs.
After taking two steps, he suddenly stopped and asked:
"You can summon a skeleton soldier with the inheritance of a Blade Dancer, and you have the letter of introduction given by Richard. You are the 'Necromancer with the Bone Dragon,' right?"
Why are these people so quick to react?Matthew smiled helplessly and nodded in acknowledgment.
"I am grateful to you for saving Sif. I was really annoyed when Raga refused to tell me your true identity."
Old Falong said seriously:
"Come up, child. I have a gift for you."
...
Matthew followed Old Falong up to the third floor.
As they passed the second floor,
the smell of herbs suddenly became stronger.
There were many rooms on the second floor,
and the smell was coming from these rooms.
Matthew glanced and vaguely saw several shadows lying on the wicker chairs.
"They are the survivors of the Snake Hunt back then. More than two hundred knights and attendants went to the Winter Snake Valley with us, but in the end, less than fifty people survived. Over thirty of them died within five years after settling in Rolling Stone Town. Now, there are less than twenty people still alive."
Old Falong explained:
"The poisonous mist of the Purgatory Viper is very terrifying. They only came into contact with the edge of the mist and were left with incurable diseases. Fortunately, Raga is a good person and is willing to support them financially. These herbs are of no use to their condition and can even be addictive, but they can alleviate some of the pain."
As they spoke,
Matthew also heard a few helpless and suppressed cries from behind those doors.
He hesitated and asked:
"Can't even Archmage Ronan do anything?"
Old Falong glanced at him:
"Ronan is a good person, but he doesn't necessarily handle everything."
As they spoke, they arrived on the third floor.
Old Falong led them to an empty conference room and asked them to wait.
Then he left.
After about twenty minutes,
the sound of creaking wooden boards came from the stairs.
Matthew looked over at the sound.
He saw Old Falong carrying a large and a small heavy box walking in.
Matthew was about to approach,
but was stopped by Old Falong's gaze:
"Don't worry, I'm not that old yet."
Snap!
He placed the two boxes on the ground, then opened one of them and lifted the narrow velvet curtain, revealing two exquisitely crafted short knives with smooth curves in front of Matthew.
"Give them a try."
Old Falong skillfully picked up one knife with each index finger.
The next second,
he flicked his fingertips.
The short knives spun and flew towards Sodie.
Sodie still looked dull and sluggish.
But at the moment the knives approached him,
his hands firmly caught the two knives like magnets.
He held the knives and quickly stepped back, then involuntarily jumped into a highly rhythmic dance!
...
"Your summoned creature Sodie really likes the weapons you gave him. His loyalty to you has increased to 115!
...
In gratitude for your gift, Sodie has shared his ability 'Retreat' with you!
...
Retreat: Through a tactical move, you can quickly move back to avoid being entangled by the opponent."
...
Wow, he really loves it?
Matthew couldn't help but laugh and cry.
He hadn't even paid for the items yet, and Sodie had already shared his ability in advance. Did he learn to act first and report later in some sense?
"It seems that he really likes it."
Old Falong's tone carried a hint of satisfaction:
"These two short knives are called 'Firefly' and 'Moonlight'. They were crafted by the skilled Gray Dwarf craftsmen. Their previous owner was a highly skilled Zuo'er assassin, an impressive woman."
Matthew looked at him thoughtfully:
"Are you familiar with her?"
Old Falong calmly said:
"Not really familiar, but we once spent a beautiful time together. Unfortunately, we couldn't be together in the end."
Matthew felt that the words sounded familiar.
But Old Falong continued with the introduction:
"Firefly and Moonlight don't have any particularly outstanding enchantment effects, but their quality and sharpness are excellent. In the hands of the right person, their killing power is no less than that of a demi-god artifact.
In terms of abilities, Firefly can increase the duration of stealth and the speed of attacks, while Moonlight provides additional damage when combo attacks are effective.
In short, they are the best short knives I have. If it weren't for Richard's introduction and your rescue of Sif, I wouldn't have sold them to you."
Suddenly, Matthew felt a bit toothache.
Old Falong said so.
These short knives must not be cheap!
Sure enough,
when he asked about the price,
this retired veteran, who always maintained a meticulous demeanor, rarelOld Falong gave an apologetic smile:
"Actually, I wanted to sell it to you at a lower price, but as you can see, our situation here isn't good. I can't always ask Raga for money."
Matthew nodded in understanding.
Old Falong then opened another box, inside of which was a long and thin whip.
"Try it out."
The old man said gently:
"This is the gift I mentioned before that I wanted to give you. It represents my gratitude."
Matthew took the whip.
He gently stroked the raised sections that were like snake scales.
A new message flashed before his eyes.
……
「You have obtained the Necromancer's exclusive weapon "Ursul's Rebuke"!」
……
Ursul's Rebuke (Whip)
Description: This whip is usually used only against undead creatures.
When you swing this whip at enemy undead, it is equivalent to applying the effects of "Dispel Undead" and "Rebuke Ghost" to the target unit, with a very high priority for dispelling undead;
When you swing this whip at your own undead, your undead will lose a small amount of soul fire and randomly gain a powerful buff effect!
……
Note: Some undead creatures are prone to addiction to whipping. When using it, please pay attention to their soul fire status and avoid extreme joy turning into sorrow.」
……