184. The Nature of Society
"Yavanna Huskisin," Jania said calmly. "It seems you still don't understand the truth about [Society]."
"What exactly is going on?" Li Aozi asked in a deep voice. "You're not joking, are you, Jania? Yavanna is only 23 this year—if it's just a name coincidence, that would be way too ridiculous."
"Surprised, right?"
Jania shrugged:
"This is the nature of [Society]."
"No matter what name you had in life, after joining [Society], your personal existence will gradually be erased. Once you return to the main body of [Society], your individuality will completely vanish."
"[The Secret Society] has an even more terrifying characteristic—its citizens are known as 'Professionals.' Three chairpersons, 13 representatives, 72 jurors, and 666 citizens. That's its total population."
"But even though the numbers seem small, these Professionals are granted incredibly frightening abilities. Their powers can directly manipulate the rules and concepts of the world. For example, the most terrifying offensive Professional, the [White Knight], merely needs to keep sharpening their blade to cut through everything in existence. This is something other [Societies] cannot achieve."
"Rather than calling Secret Citizens Professionals, it's better to say they are merely vessels. Once the individual outside dies, they are completely erased from history, but their profession remains intact forever."
"What the previous [Tailor] was called, I used to remember, but she's dead now, so I no longer know. As long as Yavanna Huskisin is alive, she will completely become the vessel for the [Tailor]. Her name is the [Tailor's], the profession and identity bestowed by [Society]."
This was the first time Li Aozi heard such detailed information about [The Secret Society], no, the [Society] race—even the Hunters Association didn't have such a complete understanding of [Society].
"So, after joining [Society], you're no longer yourself… is that what it means."
Li Aozi unconsciously lowered his voice:
"I thought that citizens were like organs or cells to [Society]. But since individuals cannot fully control the cells within their bodies, I assumed citizens still had their own consciousness and thoughts…"
"That's all fake," Jania said coldly. "I can guarantee the truth of what I've said—because the title 'Razor Fang' comes from a hero who betrayed the Secret—the representative [Blacksmith]."
Jania's candid explanation left Li Aozi deeply moved.
"…I never thought it would be like this."
Li Aozi shook his head:
"Joining [Society] means you can't even preserve your name."
Li Aozi asked.
"What if Yavanna returns to the Secret's main body… what will happen?"
"There's good news and bad news,"
Jania said:
"The good news is, Yavanna won't have to worry about madness or turning into that kind of monster. Her spirit and emotions will stabilize, and she will become very happy and content."
"The bad news is: Yavanna Huskisin will instantly merge into the entire [Society], her consciousness overwhelmed and fused with all previous [Tailors], ultimately becoming a child utterly loyal to the Secret."
"The Secret Mother loves her children—but her children are the professions, not the people performing them."
No wonder he had seen [White Knight] Youhelai acting so deranged back then… He must have been constantly fighting and struggling against the profession of [White Knight].
But the more one struggles, the more they rely on power. The more they desire power, the more they crave [Society].
When Youhelai returned to the main body, Youhelai had already died, and [The Secret Society] gained its loyal juror, the [White Knight].
Li Aozi clenched his fist.
This was terrifying.
No wonder there was never any mention of an Omega-tier powerhouse or deity willingly choosing to be corrupted by [Society]. It was a one-way hell with no return.
Thinking of this, Li Aozi hurriedly asked:
"Jania, since you know so much about the Secret, do you know how to free Yavanna from the Secret's grasp?"
Unexpectedly, Jania glanced at him sideways: "Leoz, are you that concerned about that jealous, morbidly shy girl?"
"We've come this far together," Li Aozi said. "She's had a tough time and has done a lot for me. I don't want to owe anyone."
"Hehe, that's more like it. I love dealing with stubbornly straight guys like you. It's much more interesting when they eventually bend."
Jania nodded in satisfaction:
"Freeing a Secret Professional? The [Doctor] used to research this—he's probably the creator, or father, of that child in your arms. If you want to learn about this, maintain a good relationship with Diaran. If there's a chance, you can find the [Doctor]."
"From your tone… the [Doctor] must have lived for a thousand years. Secret citizens who leave the Society have short lifespans. Are you sure we can still find him?"
Li Aozi questioned:
"Diaran hasn't mentioned her father. Maybe he's already dead."
"I told you before, didn't I?" Jania reminded him: "When a Secret citizen dies, mortals no longer remember their name. Their deeds are erased from history. Unless there are still living individuals or Secret citizens outside, they won't have any historical records, and no one will remember their names."
"And now, you still remember the [Doctor's] name, Levoluson Doktor." Li Aozi's eyes lit up. "So, he's still alive?"
"Think positively. Maybe he's already figured out how to escape the Secret."
Jania encouraged:
"If all else fails, we can find Verlia—she's a special woman who doesn't belong to [Society] or Star Abyss. She must know where the [Doctor] is."
"One step at a time."
Li Aozi wasn't optimistic.
But at least knowing there was a way to save Yavanna was better than no progress at all.
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"Don't worry. If worst comes to worst, I'll help you look," Jania said, patting Li Aozi's shoulder. "No matter what, you're my sword-bearer now. Whatever difficulties arise, we'll face them together."
How rare it was for this broken artifact to act like a normal person.
Just as Li Aozi was about to respond, he suddenly stopped. A stunning female figure appeared before him.
"Oh?"
The woman had a seven-stringed lute hanging from her waist and wore a veil over her face, which did nothing to hide her enchanting beauty. Seeing Li Aozi, her eyes lit up, seemingly struck by his stunning looks. Then her gaze shifted downward to the sword in his hand, and she let out a soft gasp before smiling and saying:
"I didn't expect to see the wielder of this generation's Sword of Awakened Destiny here."
Li Aozi glanced at her. Among women, she was considered a peerless beauty with extraordinarily high [Charisma], only slightly inferior to him. However, she lacked any [Domination] aura, and her biological frequency indicated she was merely a Gamma-tier mortal.
The woman's recognition of Jania suggested the possibility of a side quest, but Li Aozi had no time. His friends and classmates were still missing.
"Are you a visitor to the school?"
Li Aozi asked.
"Sort of. I came to visit a leader at your academy," the woman replied regretfully. "But I couldn't find my old acquaintance and ended up in this situation. Now, I don't know where to go…"
Li Aozi pointed to the library behind him:
"I've cleared out the Colonial Troopers there. You can stay there."
"What good fortune! Thank you, handsome young man," the woman said, slightly surprised but grateful.
"By the way, you seem to be looking for someone."
She took an amulet from her pocket and handed it to Li Aozi:
"Maybe this can help you somehow."
[You have received the item—'Echoing Amulet']
[An amulet with unknown effects. It seems to improve your luck.]
"Thanks," Li Aozi said hurriedly, then carried his sword and continued forward.
The veiled woman watched Li Aozi's departing figure, folding her arms as if deep in thought.
"Is it just my imagination?"
The veiled woman rested her chin on her hand, her beautiful eyes filled with doubt:
"This handsome young man gives me a strange sense of familiarity."
Especially the way he carried the baby in his arms and advanced fearlessly with his sword.
That posture felt oddly familiar.
Forget it. Now is not the time.
The veiled woman shook her head and turned to leave.