Chapter 93: The Secret of Okhema
At 23, you watched Cipher skillfully use her Divine Speed, growing more and more envious. She tossed the Coin of Tumbling Flight, and the next instant, she vanished. A few seconds later, she reappeared from another direction, holding breakfast she had just bought from the market.
"It takes an ordinary person half an hour to walk from here to the market," you marveled, "but you only took the blink of an eye."
"Hehe, convenient, right?" Cipher said proudly. "I even went to Dolos to deliver some things to those Little Wildcats!"
Divine Speed—it allowed her to instantly reach any corner of Amphoreus and even move others with her. Such an ability was truly tempting.
"Cipher, let me copy your ability," you finally couldn't help but say, "Just let me try..."
"No!"
Cipher's reaction was as usual; she still wouldn't let you copy it. Three years ago, when she first gained her divine power, she had seriously warned you: "Little Cat, promise me one thing... never, ever copy my ability." At the time, you just casually agreed. But for the past three years, whenever you showed the slightest intention of copying it, she would immediately stop you.
"Why?" you asked, puzzled.
Cipher bit her lip, seemingly hesitating whether to tell the truth. Finally, she shook her head: "I can't say... But Little Cat, trust me, okay? It's really for your own good."
Watching her almost pleading gaze, you sighed. "Alright, I won't copy it then." Although you didn't know why, you chose to trust her. She would never harm you.
Seeing you agree, Cipher visibly relaxed, then showed a mischievous smile: "Actually... if you want to experience Divine Speed, you don't need to copy it!" She walked over and unceremoniously picked you up in her arms.
"Wait..."
"Where do you want to go? I'll carry you in a princess carry, isn't that enough?"
As soon as her words fell, the surrounding scenery instantly blurred. When it became clear again, you were already standing on a snow-capped mountain peak a thousand miles away.
"How was it?" she said proudly. "Isn't it more convenient than copying it yourself? I'm your exclusive ride, Little Cat!"
You shivered from the sudden cold wind, and she immediately took you back to the warm Okhema.
"Next time, could you say something beforehand...?" you said helplessly.
"Hehe, that's what makes it a surprise!"
At 24, Cipher's mastery of the God of Trickery's divine power became increasingly proficient. Tonight's target was the wealthy merchant in the north of the city. As usual, you hid in the shadows to keep watch, while Cipher— She tossed the Coin of Tumbling Flight, and her figure instantly vanished. You were still observing the guards' patrol routes when she had already returned.
"Done," she said, shaking a heavy bag.
"That fast?" You were stunned.
"Of course, I'm a demigod," she said proudly.
The entire process took no more than ten seconds. And your meticulously prepared escape route was completely unused. Many subsequent operations were like this. You were responsible for scouting, planning, observing the guards... While Cipher only needed an instant to complete the mission. Gradually, you began to doubt the meaning of your own existence... She could clearly do it better, faster, and safer by herself. And your presence might even expose the target.
"Perhaps... I shouldn't follow her anymore."
Once this thought arose, it grew like wild grass.
At 25, you became increasingly listless. During operations, you just mechanically completed tasks, no longer as enthusiastic as before. Cipher noticed your abnormality.
"Little Cat, what's wrong with you lately?" One day, she finally couldn't help but ask.
"Nothing," you avoided her gaze.
"Liar." She frowned. "You haven't seemed very happy lately, and you're distracted during operations."
"I..."
"What is it, exactly?" She grabbed your hand. "Is there something you can't tell me?"
You looked at her worried eyes and finally spoke your mind: "I feel like I might be a burden to you."
"Huh?" Cipher was stunned.
"You're so strong now; you don't need me at all," you said with a wry smile. "Following you would only slow you down and increase the risk of exposure." "If you act alone, it would be more efficient..."
Cipher's eyes widened, and then she burst out laughing. "Little Cat, what are you thinking?" She reached out and tapped your head: "I can't do it without you."
"But—"
"No buts!" she interrupted you. "What do you think I steal for? Just for money?" She took your hand and looked at you seriously: "Planning together with you, acting together, sharing the spoils together... that's what makes me happiest." "Without you by my side, even if I could steal everything in Amphoreus, what would be the point?" "Little Cat, you're not a burden." Her voice had never been so gentle. "You are my most important partner."
"Really?"
"Of course, it's real!" She hugged you tightly. "Silly Little Cat, don't ever think like that again!"
Held in her embrace, you finally showed a long-lost smile. Yes, you were partners. Not because of need, but because you wanted to be together. That was the most important thing.
At 26, your target for the day was the High Priest of Okhema. It was said that the old man, who always spoke of benevolence and morality, secretly collected many good things.
"Little Cat, this job isn't simple," Cipher whispered. "The Priesthood is heavily guarded; we need to be extra careful."
You nodded, your golden eyes scanning the surroundings. For this operation, Cipher had prepared for over half a year, even infiltrating the Priesthood as an apprentice for a period of time.
"Those chanting sounds were truly the death of my cat-life," she complained. "Pretending to be devout every day, I almost fooled myself."
According to the plan, you were responsible for keeping watch outside, while she would sneak inside.
"Remember, if anything unexpected happens..."
"I know, retreat immediately." Cipher interrupted you. "You just worry too much, Little Cat."
Soon, her figure disappeared. You stood guard in the shadows, vigilantly observing your surroundings. But strangely, ten minutes passed, and Cipher still hadn't come out. You began to feel uneasy. With Cipher's current abilities, stealing something shouldn't take this long.
After a few more minutes, you finally couldn't wait any longer. Silently sneaking in, you had just reached the entrance—
"Little Cat?"
Cipher was just coming out from inside, almost bumping into you.
"How did you get in?" She was startled.
"You were taking too long, I was worried..." You noticed her expression was a bit strange. "What happened?"
"N-nothing," Cipher avoided your gaze. "I got the item; let's go."
Subsequently, you successfully retreated from the Priesthood.
The next day, a piece of news spread throughout Okhema—the High Priest had passed away.