Chapter 1174: You Know What I Mean?
After reaching an agreement on the rooftop, Eiji bid farewell to Sayoka.
He didn't reunite with Asagi and the others either, heading alone to the back mountain instead.
The sky above the back mountain was clear and blue, with several birds circling overhead.
Eiji's footsteps never ceased.
The gray-black mist swirling around him silently enveloped the surrounding area.
In the blink of an eye, the ground was covered by the dream realm.
The birds in the sky remained oblivious, still circling mechanically.
After walking along the weed-covered path for a while, Eiji reached his destination—a monastery with its front door wide open, as if welcoming guests.
Upon entering the monastery, a dozen fluffy kittens came into view.
Some were sunbathing on the lawn, while others were fighting over food.
"Brother Eiji, you're here too?"
Someone had already arrived earlier and was feeding these stray cats.
It was a girl with dazzling silver hair and deep blue eyes as profound as the ocean.
She wore the junior high uniform of Kaikai Academy, layered with a high-necked long-sleeved shirt. Though she appeared somewhat introverted, there was no sense of reclusive silence about her. Instead, she exuded a reserved, gentle aura.
"Kanon, why did you change into this outfit?"
Eiji approached.
His face was unreadable, and no emotion could be discerned from his voice.
As if everything were as usual.
"Um…"
At his words, Kanon Kanase trembled as if struck by an electric shock.
She gently stroked the form-fitting clothes covering her body, a trace of distress appearing on her delicate face.
"This is… a gift from my uncle."
"It doesn't suit you very well."
"Ahaha, Brother Eiji is always so straightforward…"
Kanon covered her lips, hiding a somewhat bitter smile.
In terms of color coordination, the black clothes actually complemented her white uniform and shoulder-length silver hair quite well.
But Brother Eiji seemed to imply something deeper with his words.
He had always been a mysterious person, capable of achieving many unbelievable things.
Thinking of the patterns on her body, Kanon secretly clenched her arms.
"Keep feeding them. I need to speak with the director."
"Okay, Brother Eiji, go ahead with your business."
Eiji circled around the front yard, bid farewell to the obedient Kanon, and entered the backyard.
"Master, this way."
Nina appeared before him at just the right moment.
She then led him to a hidden corner and opened a passage leading underground.
The passage was made of pure metal, usually sealed tight. It could only be opened through alchemy or sheer force; otherwise, there was no escaping from here.
Beneath the monastery was a metal prison cell personally crafted by Nina.
"Bzzzt—!"
The moment Eiji entered the cell, powerful mana surged from his body, materializing into solid forms that encased him piece by piece.
Lion's head, dragon's body, tiger's shoulders, rhinoceros legs, and mastiff armor.
In the blink of an eye, light flashed, and the golden armored figure reappeared.
Deep within the underground prison.
A man, drawn by that light, opened his eyes.
"Who are you people? Why have you captured me? What do you want?"
He spoke in a deep, resonant voice, his face filled with vigilance as he stared at the armored figure and Nina.
"Nothing, don't mind it."
The armored figure approached him, its light chuckle carrying an enigmatic tone.
"I just happened to pass by last night and ended up rescuing you—an unknown armored warrior known as the Emperor. Of course, you may also refer to me as—the Fourth True Ancestor."
The Fourth True Ancestor?!
The man's pupils contracted sharply.
The muscles in his tall frame tensed instantly, only to slacken in resignation.
Without the enhancement of his magical armor suit, he couldn't even break free from the metal chains binding him—how could he possibly confront the Fourth True Ancestor?
"Why would the Fourth True Ancestor imprison someone as insignificant as me?"
Rudolf's expression remained taut.
Though physically subdued, his heart would never bow to a Magical Creature!
"Because it's still too early."
"Too early?"
"Indeed. The secrets of Itogami Island should be put to good use—why waste them here?"
The self-proclaimed Emperor chuckled softly.
"Put to good use?!"
Rudolf's expression suddenly shifted dramatically.
"You couldn't possibly be planning to take control of this island, could you?"
"Control this island?"
The armored figure trembled slightly, as if amused.
"Do you understand what this island represents?"
Rudolf's face twisted in discomfort.
He silently acknowledged that the Fourth True Ancestor's goal was to establish his own empire of the night on Itogami Island, and this realization threw him into disarray.
"The altar, and the Holy Annihilation."
The armored figure answered calmly and effortlessly.
"If you know, then why...?"
Rudolf stared at him, utterly bewildered.
"What's the big deal?"
Rudolf was left speechless.
This Fourth True Ancestor completely disregarded the conspiracies lurking behind Itogami Island.
No.
That was only to be expected.
After all, according to myth, it was the Fourth True Ancestor himself who had slain that Demon Ancestor!
So, even if that Demon Ancestor were to revive, the Fourth True Ancestor would naturally pay it no mind!
"I know your purpose."
The armored figure sat down before him, perfectly at ease.
"I have no interest in the Church, nor in your concept of justice. If you desire it, I can return it to you—on the condition that the Church cooperates with my timing."
"You understand what I mean, don't you?"
Rudolf fell into deep thought.
To a fanatic like him, these words were nothing short of a demon's temptation!
No matter what, he had to retrieve a certain object from this island—it wasn't just for himself, but for the entire Church, for the faith of billions of believers worldwide!
"Compared to this justice, a little compromise is more than acceptable!"
Rudolf broke into a frenzied smile.
"It seems we can say our cooperation will be pleasant."
The armored figure nodded in satisfaction.
...
"Master."
After leaving the underground prison, Nina was brimming with anticipation.
"When do we make our move against the Itogami Island Council and the Artificial Island Management Corporation?"
"Don't rush. I dislike unnecessary efforts."
Eiji dismissed his armor, speaking cheerfully.
"If we're going to act, we must achieve total victory in a single stroke!"
Nina understood immediately.
How could a mere Itogami Island satisfy their appetite?
"Then what do we do?"
"All we need to do is wait for a signal."
Eiji reached out and pressed a finger to her lips.
"Let's not talk about such unpleasant things. It's been a long time since we sang alone together, so I'll indulge you today."
Nina's face instantly flushed bright red.
What metal lifeforms—as long as the sensory stimulation is strong enough, nothing is a problem!
Besides, metal lifeforms can freely alter their knowledge and form! They can transform into anything you want. Having one is like possessing the entire world—you'd never get bored of it in a lifetime. Isn't that amazing?
"Miss Kanon, please come back with me!"
Just as he was about to pick up the microphone, Eiji suddenly paused.
The voice coming from the front yard made his expression turn cold.