A chilling wind suddenly swept through, and a rich, pure, yet not at all bloody red light emerged from the light door, transforming into an extremely majestic old man in a large red robe.
A sense of déjà vu, like a strict old teacher... Suppressing the strange thoughts in his mind, Aaron said sincerely and respectfully:
"Respected Mr. Aiur Moria, I have something I'd like to ask you."
"Red Light" Aiur Moria's head moved slightly, and a ethereal yet majestic voice emanated:
"Hillarion introduced you to me before. Indeed, seeing is believing. You don't need to be so polite; you can just call me Aiur Moria. Please speak!"
Although Aaron knew that this "Red Light" probably knew what he wanted to ask, he still described his thoughts in detail and did not change his attitude.
After all, the Seven Lights of the Spirit World were nominally subordinate to the "Dominator of the Spirit World," not his subordinates, and he was currently seeking their help.
After listening to Aaron's thoughts, Aiur Moria pondered for two seconds and said:
"Your idea indeed has a basis for realization, but as you know, the world structure in mysticism includes the Spirit World, the Astral World, and the real world, which we also call the material world."
Aaron nodded. As a Sequence 3 Chaos Hunter who had also fused with a fragment of the Night Emperor's divine kingdom, he understood this statement more deeply.
In a sense, the real world is the material and concrete side of the world, also known as the surface of the world. The Spirit World is the informational and destiny-oriented side of the world, commonly understood as the buffer zone between mystery and reality. The Astral World, on the other hand, is the abstract and symbolic conceptual side of the world's authority.
From this perspective, the Life School of Thought's advocated triple division of the world into the absolute rational world, the world of spirits, and the material world, is more like interpreting the world from the perspective of destiny.
Aaron expressed his thoughts, and Aiur Moria did not deny them. He nodded solemnly and continued to add:
"No matter how one interprets the essence of the world, one thing remains constant: the underlying logic of the entire world is chaotic and disordered. Therefore, the three are, to some extent, overlapping."
"Therefore, whether it's Spirit World traversal or Astral World wandering, the essence of being able to move positions in the real world is due to this reason."
Understanding the words of this "Red Light," Aaron thoughtfully asked in return:
"So, you mean that the Seven Lights, including yourself, can help seal off information in the Spirit World, but the part that overlaps with reality and the Astral World needs me to figure out?"
After receiving an affirmative answer, Aaron's face twitched. The real world was easy to deal with; he could find a deserted area corresponding to the Spirit World and directly cover it with his strengthened Domain of Judgement. With the blessing of the Nation of Disorder, he could meet the requirements.
However, the Astral World was still too unfamiliar to him. If he were to ask the Evernight Goddess for help, the other Six Gods, even if they didn't know at the time, would likely realize afterward that there was a hidden authority interfering.
The Seven Gods, already internally opposed due to Adam's covert instigation, would likely accelerate the deterioration of the situation, and the Goddess might not be willing to take the blame.
Aaron glanced at Astolfo and asked, somewhat unconvinced:
"Then how did you help Astolfo escape that body back then?"
Seemingly knowing that Aaron would ask this question, "Red Light" Aiur Moria did not beat around the bush and directly replied:
"The situation at that time was different. The existence that was peeking at and corroding the 'Chained God' wanted to completely erase the contingencies left by the 'Chained God,' giving birth to the Abomination, Suah."
"We took advantage of Suah's forceful invasion of the Spirit World, which attracted most of the attention, to use the Spirit World's unique properties to peel him off and re-incubate him in the depths of the Spirit World. And this time, you want to hunt an mutated Angel in the Spirit World."
The difficulty of the two was different, so the preparations needed were naturally different... Aaron accepted this explanation.
Watching Aaron fall into contemplation, Aiur Moria continued:
"This is only part of the plan. If the Angel wandering in the Spirit World undergoes a change, Suah will definitely be guided. Moreover, the Rose School of Thought still possesses a sacred relic left by the Sanguine Ancestor, Lilith."
Aaron nodded noncommittally. In the eyes of the Sanguine, the importance of that item had already surpassed that of an ordinary Angel, and it was very likely the Beauty Goddess characteristic held by the Mother Tree of Desire.
It was also the key for the Mother Tree of Desire to corrode and control part of the Moon Pathway's authority.
Will Auceptin is restarting at the end of this year, so I must hurry... Aaron sighed inwardly, discussed other potential accidents with "Red Light" Aiur Moria, and only sent this Pure Light away after reaching a general agreement on the course of action.
It wasn't until the underground hall returned to quiet that Varna Weil, seated on the high-backed chair, said in a deep voice:
"That Sanguine sacred relic only escaped the Sanguine's control at the end of the Fourth Epoch, after the 'Blood Moon Queen' fell. I think you can prepare for both possibilities."
"There is no such thing as a flawless plan. Appropriately and preparedly leaving flaws can have a better misleading effect. After all, wouldn't it be more in line with common sense for the Sanguine to deliberately provoke Suah to act for the sake of that sacred relic?"
You're still the one with the darkest heart, old man... Aaron couldn't help but give his ancestor a thumbs-up. He thought for a moment and responded thoughtfully:
"This matter still needs to be discussed with those Sanguine Dukes. Although it's just a precaution, the risk is not small. Hmm, for allies, we still need to be more generous in our dealings."
Varna Weil narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, with a half-smile:
"Are you saying I'm not being fair?"
Aaron coughed dryly, directly denied it, and quickly changed the subject:
"If the plan succeeds, Astolfo will at least regain his Angelic rank. Moreover, there seems to be one last Abomination characteristic from the Third Epoch hidden in the Sea of Ruins."
"In that case, we can gain more initiative when we finally turn against the Augustus family."
Listening to this clear arrangement, Varna Weil snorted lightly:
"Oh, you're even so considerate of a mere messenger..."
Having observed the entire process and knowing that there would be no action today, Astolfo nodded to Varna Weil, and then his figure disappeared into the Spirit World.
Aaron then cleared his throat and added:
"Thank you for the compliment. Also, I haven't forgotten about you, young man."
"The Augustus family has a Sequence 1 Conqueror Beyonder characteristic in their possession. They intend to trade this characteristic to the Demoness Sect, but it is currently still in Backlund. I will keep an eye out for you."
Although he was somewhat surprised at how Aaron knew such secret information, Varna Weil, accustomed to the young man's mysterious sources of information, did not ask further. His expression softened as he admonished:
"My matter is not urgent. The number of anchors is insufficient, so even if I were given a Sequence 1 characteristic now, I wouldn't be able to advance."
"Everything should prioritize your matters first. Take it one step at a time; don't be impatient. Be steady and sure. The revival of the Trunsoest remnants still depends on you."
Listening to Varna Weil's somewhat self-deprecating tone, Aaron's expression became solemn. Angels needed the positioning of anchors to resist the erosion of divinity and ensure the stability of their own state.
Of course, special cases like Adam, who could conjure enough anchors through imagination, and Amon, who used his avatars as anchors, were impossible to replicate.
Apart from the Angels of the Orthodox Churches, only those like William I, who controlled a nation and even had his portrait printed on banknotes, would not lack anchors.
How about adding Varna Weil to my "Order Codex" and sharing some anchors like other Orthodox Churches do...? As soon as the thought arose, Aaron dismissed it. Even if he were to do it, it couldn't be now.
"However, the anchor problem is also easy to solve. The particularity of the Red Priest Pathway dictates that more wars and more victories can themselves become anchors in a certain sense..."
As this thought flashed through his mind, Aaron saw Varna Weil put away his somewhat emotional expression, take out the "Crown of Stars," and admonish:
"From the very first time I met you a few years ago, I knew you were definitely a troublemaker. Alas, I originally intended to leave this Sealed Artifact to your father, Gusman Weil, but for now, you can keep it."
Aaron awkwardly accepted the "Crown of Stars." He did not refuse Varna Weil's kindness. Although the "Ring of Mysteries" could summon historical void images of the "Crown of Stars," it certainly couldn't compare to the original. This way, he could also save a slot for a historical projection.
-----------------
Backlund, as the afterglow of the setting sun cast down, Klein returned to 15 Minsk Street by public carriage.
These past two days, the commissions he chose to accept were mostly concentrated in the North Borough. Through various inquiries using his detective identity, he finally confirmed that Benson was currently employed by the Air Pollution Committee, and his younger sister Melissa had joined the East Tucker Charity Foundation.
After confirming that his brother and sister could also live decently after coming to Backlund, Klein looked at the already dark night and, no longer busy, burrowed into his covers.
After an unknown period, Klein suddenly woke up, soberly and rationally aware that he was dreaming, dreaming of flipping through a newspaper in the living room.
This, this familiar feeling... He habitually feigned confusion, turning his head to look at the door, his pupils slightly contracting. If not for his Clown ability, he wouldn't have been able to control his body from showing any abnormality.
The door creaked open, and two figures in grey overcoats walked in.
The leader was a man in his forties, with soft facial features, long hair at his temples, an exaggerated standard top hat, and a black cane with a gold inlay in his hand. He had a pair of deep blue eyes that looked quite intelligent.
And following behind him was a young man with black hair and green eyes, good-looking, with a romantic poetic temperament, none other than Leonard Mitchell.
This guy is still the same as before, neglects his appearance, so sloppy... Klein muttered to himself, letting out a silent sigh. He pretended to be nonchalant, flipping through a magazine while casually greeting the newcomers.
The leading man took off his hat, sat opposite Klein, took out his police ID, and asked casually:
"Hello, Detective Sherlock. My name is Soest. This is a routine inquiry. Please answer truthfully."
"Before you discovered the abnormality in the East Balam Shipping Company's sewer, did you know a person named Lanevus? If so, how did you come to know him?"
Upon hearing Captain Soest's question, Leonard, who had been pacing and examining the room, finally looked over. A fleeting sense of inexplicable familiarity flashed, and Leonard's dark green eyes immediately showed a hint of confusion.
Noticing Leonard's gaze, the experienced Klein feigned a half-asleep state and recited the prepared statement:
"Of course I know him. That guy was a wanted criminal with a bounty of 500 pounds."
"When I came to Backlund from the Midseashire County, all my savings went to rent. How could I miss a quick money-making task like a bounty?"
"I understand. Thank you for your explanation." Soest cleared his throat, interrupting Klein's attempt to continue speaking. He stood up and bowed politely, pressing his hand to his chest.
The dream suddenly rippled like water. He and a frowning Leonard disappeared directly from the room.
Leonard has actually advanced to Nightmare. Good thing I'm familiar with the Church's interrogation procedures, and even in the dream, I kept my beard and had a good disguise, otherwise it would have been troublesome...
Looking at the spot where Leonard had just stood, Klein breathed a long sigh of relief, rubbing his temples with a slight headache, knowing that this should be the Church of the Evernight Goddess's investigation into Lanevus's death.
As the first informant, Klein knew he couldn't escape the Church's scrutiny and had long prepared for a dream inquiry, but he hadn't expected Leonard to be involved this time.
Collecting his thoughts, he continued to sit there, not rushing to leave the dream, lost in thought for a long time.
After a while, he curled his lips and murmured softly:
"It's a pity it's not the Captain. I really miss him..."
-----------------
In a hotel facing the street in Cherwood Borough, under the dim light, Captain Soest pointed to the documents on the table and said thoughtfully:
"Currently, it seems that this informant provided by MI9 has no direct connection with Lanevus. Perhaps, we should look from a different angle."
"It's just a pity that MI9 is only willing to provide the informant, and they are unwilling to share the specific details of the operation that day with us."
Leonard frowned in thought, then suddenly whispered:
"Captain, I'm going to the washroom first."
After Soest agreed, Leonard quickly got up, went to the washroom, locked the door, and, using the sound of running water, lowered his voice and asked:
"Old man, was that guy problematic just now? Hmm, you know what kind of problem I'm talking about."
"And is it possible that his answer was prepared in advance, and he only managed to evade our scrutiny by using a Sealed Artifact provided by MI9?"
An aged voice then sounded in his mind with a hint of displeasure:
"Hmph, young people nowadays are getting more and more impolite. Is that how you ask for help?"
Then Pallez Zoroast's tone paused slightly, and he said faintly:
"I can confirm that that person did not use a Sealed Artifact, nor did he have any residual aura of the True Creator."
With the old man's confirmation, Leonard nodded lightly, temporarily suppressing the strange feeling that had arisen in his heart at some unknown point.