Quirrel took off the mask on his head and held it up.
A stream of light burst forth, blinding him for a moment.
The mask transformed into points of light and flew into the tank.
Monomon's figure gradually emerged.
Pure, pristine, ethereal, and solemn.
The Little Knight took a few steps forward, about to swing his Dream Nail to enter Monomon's dream.
Simon held him back, "Wait a little longer."
Quirrel gently caressed the tank's wall, tapping his fingers, creating ripples, but not waking the sleeping Teacher inside.
"I understand," he seemed to have received the information he wanted.
Quirrel turned around, walked to a corner, and sat down in a very relaxed posture, gazing at the tank, his eyes having long since lost focus.
Simon released the Little Knight, allowing him to enter the Teacher's dream.
He walked over to Quirrel, sat down beside him, watched the Little Knight fall into a deep sleep, and watched Monomon gradually disappear.
Simon suddenly said, "Friend, will you grieve for my death?"
Quirrel forced a smile, "Of course, though our meeting was short, our friendship is long. I will grieve for the passing of every friend. However, if you could grant me a moment of silence now, that would be even better."
Simon stared at the sleeping Little Knight, softly saying, "There's no time left. I will go to the Abyss. My destiny will be intertwined with this kingdom. Although I am just an ordinary bug, what drives me forward is the desire for legend in my heart, the concern for honor, the love for life, and the persistence in battle. My past is hard to recall; I only need to do what I have always wanted to do."
"You are not an ordinary bug; you are a rare warrior. If the King were still here, he would surely knight you."
"The story of the King and the Knights has faded into smoke, but the lives of those who come after are about to begin. Quirrel, promise me, never give up on life."
Quirrel murmured, "I have seen this world twice, but my mission may have made me forget how it felt the first time." He turned to look at Simon, "I'm sorry, my mind is in turmoil. I will give you an answer once I find peace."
Time flowed on.
Monomon completely vanished, and The Radiance's will expanded and contracted once more, this time feeling even stronger and more terrifying to Simon.
"Soon..." Simon muttered to himself.
The Little Knight woke up and walked over to Quirrel, preparing to listen.
"The Lady's life-fire has extinguished, and the seal has broken with it. You face a heavy task, but I have witnessed your skill by your side, and she also believes you can do it. Continue your journey and let me rest for a moment. After completing the task, I feel the weight of ages."
The Little Knight swung his Dream Nail at him.
Simon stood up and gestured for the Little Knight to leave with him.
The Little Knight reached out and tugged Quirrel's arm, but Quirrel did not react.
"Let's go, let him rest."
They slowly left the Archives. As they exited the main door, Simon instructed the Little Knight, "To know deeper secrets, you should seek out the Queen. She will inspire you and help you understand the path ahead."
The Little Knight pointed at the Archives, indicating concern for Quirrel.
"Everyone does their part. He also has his own path to walk. The choice is entirely his. You go, I should also head to the Abyss."
The Little Knight took a few steps forward, pulled out a bestiary from under his cloak, flipped through it for a while, and then held it up for Simon to see.
There was an illustration and two paragraphs of text on it.
The illustration showed wildly dancing black tentacles.
The text read: "Void Tendrils, sharp, wriggling tendrils formed from Void fragments." There was also a note: "The bugs of Hallownest sometimes ponder this question: is there another, older, stranger kingdom deep beneath their feet? What a strange fantasy. Perhaps this is why they are often distracted and easily defeated."
This was the Hunter's Journal.
Simon patted the Little Knight's shoulder, "Don't worry, I know what to be careful of. Take care of yourself. Oh, there's something I need to trouble you with. Quirrel might go to Blue Lake. If you pass by and see him, listen if he has any thoughts about going to Dirtmouth. If he does, then give this stone tablet to the Elderbug of Dirtmouth." Simon took out the contract Quirrel had signed earlier and handed it to the Little Knight.
"Alright, goodbye. Perhaps the next time we meet, we will have become kin." Simon teleported away in a series of flashes.
The Little Knight gazed at his retreating figure for a long time.
...
To reach Ancient Basin, there were only three paths: one was to take the tram, but the pass was given to the Little Knight; another was to enter from the City of Tears, which was a long detour; and the last, and most convenient, was to take the Stag Beetle directly to the Palace Grounds, which was in Ancient Basin, very close to the Abyss.
Simon, of course, chose to take the Stag Beetle.
Arriving at the Palace Grounds station, the color scheme here was dark and deep, the architectural style rough and solemn. The rocks were black, the plants were black, and even the bright metal surfaces were covered with black rust. Some spools of thread were scattered in the station, indicating that the forces of Deepnest had also participated in its construction.
Stepping out of the station and onto the plaza, black specks floated in the air. The dome was high and distant, and through the misty air, faint glimmers of light could be seen twinkling on the cave ceiling. Simon knew it wasn't a starry sky, but it still gave a mysterious experience.
Once, there was a huge palace here, now completely collapsed, with only overgrown fanged stone pillars remaining of its main structure. The main gate was also largely shattered and leaning, looking desolate.
Scattered across the plaza were some bug corpses in white robes and white masks; these were the White King's subjects, the royal retainers.
Leaning dejectedly in front of the main gate was a white-armored Guards, a King's Idol, a Guards of the White Palace, now dead.
Simon hurried on, with no intention of staying to explore.
Only one seal remained; it was time to hurry, otherwise, he might miss the final battle, which would be a pity!
Leaving the plaza, he entered the Ancient Basin, descended, and arrived at the entrance to the Abyss.
Before the gate lay a giant stone egg with an inscription. Approaching it, faint whispers could be heard emanating from the stone egg.
The inscription read: "Higher beings, these words are for you alone.
Our pure Vessel has ascended.
The rest is only refusal and the regret of its creation.
We will not enter that place again."
Simon entered the Abyss.
It was like a vertical shaft leading straight to hell, dark and bottomless. The scuttling footsteps of shadow crawlers echoed, adding to the chill.
The power of the Void permeated the place, giving one the fearful sensation of being watched by a greedy beast.
Floating downwards, he saw stairs, platforms, and spikes on the cave walls. On the platforms were strange sculptures and various broken masks. On one platform, blue vines grew, and there was a sealed gate.
But that was not Simon's destination.
The place he wanted to go was at the bottom of the Abyss.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
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