Kevin finished reading the last page, which recorded the other party's final thoughts.
The other party's act of designing the ritual itself was not wrong. Its purpose was to reveal the true form of the snake hidden in the resentment. At that time, the snake was still in its infancy, lurking and slowly growing under the protection of resentment. This was a way to protect the young, and the resentment also provided ample "nutrients" for the young to grow slowly.
The entire process of the ritual was, in fact, using the Saintess as bait to lure out the young of the Resentment Snake. Once the young swallowed the Saintess, it would be like shedding skin—shedding a layer of restraint—and then grow rapidly. And when the ritual reached this point, it was the best time to eliminate the young. According to the other party's estimation, this growth process might last for hundreds of years.
Although a large amount of resentment accumulated around the village, the quality of these vengeful spirits was not high. Most were merely stacked together due to their large numbers. Although the ritual could accelerate the growth of the young, for such a powerful creature originating from the Dark Continent, the "nutrition" provided by these resentments was ultimately limited. The human world, in relation to the true world, could only be considered a barren island.
Just a small island in a lake.
The fact that the ritual had continued for over two hundred years, yet the giant snake was still in its cubs stage, revealed the truth. The snake's incubation and growth were in a state of malnutrition.
Regarding the solution to the curse, the other party provided two methods.
The first was Nen exorcism, and the second was elimination.
At first glance, these two methods seemed to be no different, but in reality, they had fundamental differences. According to the records, at the last moment of the ritual, the snake would reveal its true form. When it swallowed the Saintess, it would enter a shedding state, leaving behind a corpse after shedding. However, it should be noted that this was merely an illusion, as it was a Resentment Snake—its physical body was not the key.
The villagers would share and eat this corpse, and this corpse was also considered a top-tier delicacy in the world. The sacrifice ritual designed by the other party aimed to stabilize the curse through the villagers' act of consuming the corpse, ensuring the protective barrier around the village continued to function. The core part of the corpse would be given to a couple. After consumption, this couple's union would give birth to a new Saintess, and the new Saintess would repeat this sacrificial process.
This was the complete process of the village's sacrificial ritual: the snake eats people, people eat the snake, and people give birth to new sacrifices—thus repeating in a cycle.
"This ritual is truly disgusting," Kevin said, feeling disgusted.
The critical point to disrupt the ritual should be before the Saintess was swallowed. Once the Saintess was swallowed, the entire ritual would enter a steady progression phase, and at that point, even killing the giant snake would be meaningless because it would leave behind a body.
Therefore, action must be taken before the Saintess was swallowed.
After killing the giant snake at this stage, its core part would retain the most important portion of resentment—which was the true body of the Resentment Snake's young. If there was a powerful Nen exorcist at this time who could remove the Nen from this organ, then the Resentment Snake could be completely killed. Compared to directly lifting the village's curse, this method was much simpler.
This was the first solution.
The second method was to use some special Nen abilities to transform the nature of the organ or the chains on it. How exactly it would be transformed depended on the characteristics of the Nen ability, but such a transformation could also achieve the effect of killing the Resentment Snake, thereby causing the curse to disappear naturally.
And the post-mortem Nen left by the other party was based on these two methods to find a target. After he died, he would use the over here sound to find people who could use these two methods. All those who could hear the over here sound were essentially those whose Nen abilities were more compatible.
"So, in fact, I can use the second method?" Kevin recalled the previous prophecy that he would come with a meteor, which meant he might be the most suitable person to solve the problem at this stage. His Nen ability seemed to truly possess such a capability.
"But, after all, it's a creature from the Dark Continent. Even if it's just a young one, its material grade must be at least high B-rank or starting A-rank, right?" Kevin pondered.
His current top-tier material was the crystal bone, which Jin had said was also a souvenir brought back from the Dark Continent. But the bizarre ecological characteristics of this snake indicated that its material grade was clearly higher, and moreover, it involved the core part, so Kevin's inference should not be wrong.
"And I also need to prepare auxiliary materials and a fusion agent. If the combination isn't right, it won't work at all." This was also a tricky problem. On one hand, he didn't have suitable matching materials. On the other hand, the material grade was too high, and with his current Nen, he probably couldn't sustain the operation.
"If I use all the potions I have for temporary Nen enhancement, my Nen should temporarily reach ninety thousand—barely enough," Kevin thought.
There was still a month until the ritual. If he trained intensely during this month, he should be able to increase his Nen further. At worst, he could have Menchi and Buhara prepare high-nutrient dishes for him to replenish energy and use a Digestion Potion to accelerate his metabolism. In this way, perhaps with the use of potions, he could barely reach one hundred thousand Nen. In that case, he would need to contact Rabik and have him send the potions he needed, as the ones he carried were far from enough.
Moreover, if he wanted to solve the problem completely, he would need to prepare more potions as backup.
Suddenly, Kevin slapped his head.
"I'm such an idiot. What was I thinking? Why must I find suitable auxiliary materials? Why must I have enough Nen?"
His habitual thought process had just led him into a dead end.
What was his purpose? It was to destroy the core part containing the resentment before the resentment escaped, eliminating the core part along with the resentment. Even without suitable materials, the resulting concoction might only be a failure, but as long as it was made, the goal would have been achieved.
And what if his Nen wasn't enough?
At worst, the creation would fail and the materials would be destroyed—but his goal would still be achieved. It might just waste a precious material that could be A-rank, but it was an unavoidable measure.
The best outcome would naturally be a successful potion with perfect effects, but this possibility was slim. Next was a successful potion with unsatisfactory effects, though at least there would be some gain. The worst case was a failed creation, but at least the goal had been achieved.
No matter how he calculated it, he wouldn't lose out.
Because the main goal was achieved. The different results of the method only meant more gains.
Kevin was not greedy about this.
At this moment, the last sentence of the prophecy immediately appeared in Kevin's mind.
He himself already held the dagger that could defeat the other party.
Indeed.
Having figured all this out, Kevin suddenly felt his thoughts clear up, and he felt much more relaxed.
"It's time to go back."
Kevin carefully packed the skeleton, along with the box, and headed toward the village.
Upon reaching the village, he buried the box, the notebook, and the wrapped skeleton outside the village. These things could not be brought into the village for now. Because they were tainted with outside resentment, they could only be brought in after the curse was lifted.
Kevin returned to the village alone, and soon after, Menchi and the others gathered in the inn.
"Looking at you, you've gained quite a bit," Menchi said with a smile.
Kevin nodded. "I have thoroughly understood the causes and effects of this village's curse, as well as its deep internal structure."
Bian Locke stood behind the counter, his eyes filled with confusion.
What was going on? Weren't they all confused before? How did Kevin know everything after just a few days out?
Kevin meticulously recounted all the information he had learned, one by one. However, regarding the information about the Dark Continent, he only focused on the origin of the snake. After all, the Dark Continent was too dangerous, and this had to be explained to everyone.
After listening to Kevin's narration, the entire room instantly fell silent.
Menchi and Buhara frowned. They hadn't expected the danger behind this to be so exaggerated, and the secrets hidden in this village to be so profound.
Bian Locke was completely bewildered, no longer understanding what everyone was talking about. Gowen also looked confused. He didn't remember such a place as the "Dark Continent" at all. Was it a hidden small island?
"So, that Dark Continent—" Gowen had just opened his mouth when Kevin interrupted him.
"That's a long story. I'll explain it to you in detail later."
Gowen nodded, not paying too much attention. He was just simply curious.
Buhara and Menchi, who had clearly heard of the Dark Continent, reacted completely differently from the others.
"So, what are your plans?" Buhara asked.
"First, since we've found a solution to the problem, we must act immediately. First, we need to determine if the ritual has changed. After all, centuries have passed, and no one knows what changes the villagers have made to the ritual. Then, you go and contact Rabik and the village chief—reveal a little information and sound out their views on the ritual."
After all, this ritual had continued for so long. Did the current villagers still remember the original meaning of establishing the ritual? And did they still agree with it? This would determine whether they could stand on their side.
Perhaps some truly believed the sacrificial ritual was sacred and inviolable—this situation was not impossible. From current indications, the village chief's faction seemed to lean this way, and the key depended on the village chief's personal thoughts, as he knew relatively more information. As for Rabik's faction, to be honest, they still didn't know their specific demands. But freedom was undoubtedly their goal.
"After clarifying these, we will decide on the specific plan for the next action. Before that, I need to quickly improve my strength and increase my basic Nen."
After assigning the tasks, Kevin made a call.
Night.
On the castle tower.
Kevin and Melusine met here again.
Melusine nestled in Kevin's arms, quietly listening to him recount his experiences outside these past few days.
"You don't have to hide it from me. I already have a general understanding of your festival. I will never let you become a sacrifice," Kevin said, holding her hand tightly, his voice firm.
Melusine gazed at Kevin with her ruby-red eyes. A happy smile first appeared on her face, then gradually turned melancholic.
"When I was very young, the village chief told me what my mission was. I am his granddaughter—the Saintess born of his daughter. From the moment I was born, my duty was to sacrifice my life at the festival to protect everyone in the village. Otherwise, the village will suffer a catastrophic disaster, and many people will die."
Kevin gently held her, not interrupting, just quietly listening under the moonlight.
Because this was not a lie.
"Perhaps because of this, the villagers have always been very kind to me since I was young, and I once thought everyone truly loved me." At this point, Melusine turned around, buried her face in Kevin's arms, and held his hand tightly. "However, when my Nen ability awakened, I could feel everyone's emotions—and realized that all that so-called love was false."
I can feel good and evil, and you can feel love, right?
Kevin thought. Although he didn't know the exact age when Melusine's Nen ability awakened, she must have been young. For a child whose mind was not yet mature, such a blow was indeed significant.
He reached out and gently stroked Melusine's head.
"Actually, Lorian and the others treated me this way when we were little, but later I conquered them with my charm." Melusine's tone shifted, with a hint of triumph.
"Because you are very cute," Kevin said with a smile, gently pinching her cheek.
"Hehe, right." Melusine smiled brightly, extended a finger, and lightly poked Kevin's face. "So, the first time you saw me, you liked me very much."
"Nonsense! That was appreciation."
Kevin denied it on the spot.
That hateful woman. Who made you look like this.
A miscalculation. Was she able to see through me from the very beginning? No wonder this woman acted so boldly and proactively—she must have already known I wouldn't refuse.
"So, even though they don't truly love me, their actions are real. I must protect them. I must make a sacrifice."
Although Melusine was destined to make a sacrifice from a young age, having lived in this village for so many years, she had also received care from the villagers. She couldn't disregard the lives of more villagers just because she wanted to live.
"So let me help you repay this kindness and help you break this cage," Kevin gazed at Melusine, his tone resolute.
I advise these villagers not to be ungrateful.
"But this is too dangerous! I know you are very powerful—like a hero—but this is simply too dangerous! That monster is watching me from the shadows. I can feel its presence. It's really too dangerous." Melusine tightly clutched Kevin's clothes with both hands. She truly didn't want Kevin to be in danger.
She could sense the object of the sacrifice, and this was what had always weighed on her heart.
Kevin firmly held her hands and gently turned her head to meet his gaze.
"You've seen so many romance comics. If both parties act alone to protect each other, don't they all end up tragically? Such plots, every time you read them, make your head spin and fill you with resentment, don't they?
"So I honestly tell you: I hope you can face this with me. That kind of self-sacrifice for self-gratification is unnecessary. I personally like happy endings, so I will work hard to strive and gain the ability to decide the ending I want.
"Are you going to deny my resolve, deny my efforts, Melusine?"
Melusine looked at Kevin with eyes as brilliant as rubies. At this moment, Kevin's figure was completely reflected in her eyes.
Her heart pounded.
She herself was not a weak person. Since her beloved had made such a decision, there was no need to be coy.
"I will fight hard. So please, my hero—you must come and save me."
"Okay. We have a deal." Kevin extended his pinky finger.
"I know this." Melusine smiled and also extended her pinky finger, linking it with Kevin's.
"But... what identity will you use to save me? My hero?" Melusine said, playfully winking.
This was almost explicitly hinting at Kevin.
"Then, Melusine—will you be my girlfriend?"
"Yes. I will."
Her voice rose a few octaves—long awaited.
Melusine directly wrapped her arms around Kevin's neck, actively leaning in to meet his face.
Their lips met.
At the same time, her Nen ability activated, and pink Nen slowly flowed as their lips touched. On their clasped hands, a pair of silver bracelets and a chain appeared, with a tiny ruby embedded in each bracelet.
After a long while, their lips parted.
Kevin looked at the bracelet on his left hand, then at the matching chain on Melusine's right hand.
"Now we're entering the hot romance stage," Melusine said, playfully winking.
This was Melusine's Nen ability.
[Love Passage · Romantic Equation]
The basis of this Nen ability was the ability to distinguish various forms of love, including familial love, platonic love, and romantic love. Therefore, deceiving under the guise of love was not allowed.
First, a romantic interest was required.
During the crush stage, one could ask the other person a love-related question by giving a gift. The gift was Nen, with random enhancement effects, and could be packaged. Opening the gift when needed would grant the corresponding effect. The strength of the ability was related to abstract love, and of course, also included a certain amount of Nen. The so-called randomness would be distorted into a suitable enhancement effect in the face of strong love.
At the same stage, one could gain a deeper understanding of the crush, exploring their preferences and troubles. Once enough information had been accumulated, solutions to their troubles could be provided. These two abilities could also be used on non-crushes, but the effects would be reduced, and restrictions would increase.
The crush stage would eventually develop into the hot romance stage. There was a restriction for entering the hot romance stage: one could not fall in love with someone else, otherwise the Nen ability would forever remain in the crush stage.
After entering the hot romance stage, the two abilities from the crush stage would be enhanced, and of course, the restrictions would also change. At the same time, a new ability unique to the hot romance stage would be gained: Date in Progress. This ability would produce uncontrollable random changes based on the date location, date situation, and date purpose.
This was an ability Melusine only learned about after just entering the hot romance stage. As for a future engagement stage, she had no way of knowing its specific contents until she reached that stage.
"You really are a love addict," Kevin couldn't help but exclaim.
The world was full of wonders. He never expected there would be such a unique Specialization-type Nen ability, and one that awakened spontaneously. In a way, it had a similar effect to Neon's. One loved fortune-telling and awakened their Nen ability by watching fortune-telling channels. One loved comics and awakened their Nen ability by watching romance comics. Both were extremely aligned with their hobbies.