Chapter 150: Is Eavesdropping Really Okay?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 150: Is Eavesdropping Really Okay?
Seeing Xie Bai actually agree, Maomao felt an overwhelming urge to pull her into a hug and let out all her pent-up emotions.
However, her rationality forcibly reined her in.
Hugging and cuddling a little loli when they weren't even well-acquainted yet was clearly an undignified move. Besides, it wasn't like she was some kind of creepy lolicon.
With that thought, Maomao turned to look at Taro Ball.
Taro Ball immediately understood the look in her eyes. He turned toward Xie Bai, whose expression was unreadable, and spoke calmly.
"We are deeply honored that you have accepted, Senior."
He paused for a moment, as if receiving a message.
"It is about time to depart. The location is at the foot of Heavenly Mountain. Please follow us, Senior."
"Alright~"
Xie Bai tilted her head and gave a gentle smile. She then took Aisarakus’s small hand and walked over to Maomao’s side.
"From now on, please take good care of us~"
Watching the two incredibly cute lolis standing hand-in-hand, Maomao’s heart nearly stopped from the sheer excitement. At this point, she didn't even care about the debate over "who was cuter."
To Maomao, both lolis had their own unique charms. But as long as they were huddled together like this, it was double the happiness in her eyes.
There was no contest.
Aisarakus, meanwhile, was still a bit dazed. Although she didn't know exactly what was happening, she saw the "everything is under control" look shared by Xie Bai and Taro Ball, as well as the unmistakable excitement in Maomao’s eyes.
She felt... like nothing particularly bad was going to happen.
And so, Xie Bai followed Taro Ball’s group toward their destination.
*
At that moment, Thanatos was still aboard the Void Dragon, handling the post-war cleanup. He had to carefully review every report sent in by the Northern Lords.
"General, these are the eight weapons collected from the battlefield."
A Northern Lord respectfully presented a report. "According to the Holy Church members, these were the weapons of the Throne Angel Samael. Please have a look."
Hearing this, Thanatos looked up.
A sword, a spear, a hammer, a bow, a shield, a staff, a flail, and a horn.
Eight mythic weapons with an ancient texture were arranged neatly on the table, standing like eight veteran gods of war who had survived countless battles.
"Leave them there. Tell Strife to come and collect them later."
Thanatos waved his hand, signaling the man to withdraw.
"Also, General, there is one more thing I need to report."
Thanatos looked up slightly. "Speak."
Receiving permission, the Northern Lord continued, "According to information from the Holy Church, only two of the four Archangels possessed physical weapons."
He pointed to the eight weapons on the table.
"One was the Throne Angel."
"The other was the Virtue Angel Raphael, who commands the night. According to accounts of the battle, he wielded a massive black greatsword..."
He paused, his tone becoming hesitant.
"However, during our search, we did not find the Virtue Angel's weapon. The people from the Expedition Fleet also claim they haven't seen it."
Thanatos frowned.
The people of the Expedition Fleet were his allies. Moreover, the one currently commanding the fleet was Atoris, who shared a close relationship with the Master. They wouldn't hide the weapon for themselves.
But the Virtue Angel's black greatsword should have been extremely conspicuous; it didn't make sense that the Northern Lords couldn't find it.
If that was the case, it could only mean one thing.
"Someone else infiltrated the battlefield and took the black greatsword while we weren't looking."
As Thanatos fell into thought, the door was suddenly pushed open.
"Roland?"
Thanatos looked at the lean old man entering and gave the Northern Lord a look. Understanding the signal, the Northern Lord tactfully exited the room.
Only Thanatos and Roland remained.
Roland found a chair and sat down, his posture casual yet carrying a hint of scrutiny.
"Sir, should I address you as the Gray General of the Northern Empire... or as the Death Knight?"
Thanatos’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Ever since the battle with the Archangels ended, almost everyone had realized that Thanatos possessed authority over death. For Roland, the world's greatest Alchemist, this was an obvious clue. With his vast knowledge, he only needed to do a bit of reasoning to find Thanatos's identity in ancient texts.
Thanatos didn't particularly mind.
"Master Roland may call me whatever he likes. I assume you've come here so suddenly to discuss something else?"
Roland nodded.
"Indeed. Since you don't mind my previous remark, I won't beat around the bush. During my investigation, I discovered the contract the Holy Pope used to bind the angels..."
He paused, his expression turning grim.
"That contract contained the power of Chaos."
Chaos?
Them again.
Thanatos’s expression sharpened. "Are you saying the Chaos Church was involved in this?"
"Yes." Roland nodded with certainty.
A thread of thought formed in Thanatos’s mind. If that were the case, it would explain where the Virtue Angel's missing black greatsword went.
But did they fuel this battle from the shadows just for an angel's weapon? For a moment, Thanatos couldn't quite grasp the Chaos Church's true intentions.
"However, aside from that, they haven't been seen active elsewhere, so there's no need to worry too much for now."
Thanatos never placed much importance on those who hid in the shadows from start to finish.
"Is there anything else?"
In response to Thanatos’s question, Roland slowly pulled something from his robes. It was a tattered page, its edges shimmering with a faint, ethereal golden light.
[A Page of the Book of Truth]
"This is what I paid when I made a deal with Brandon," Roland said calmly. "Brandon said it was to be handed over to that Lady. She just made an appearance, and according to what Brandon told me, you are someone she trusts..."
He handed the fragment to Thanatos.
"It would be better if you delivered it."
Thanatos’s pupils constricted the moment he saw the Fragment of Truth. He quickly regained his composure and solemnly accepted it.
"Very well. I will certainly deliver it to the Master when the opportunity arises."
He tucked the fragment away and stood up.
"It’s about time, anyway. The Unfated should be ready. Master Roland, please come with me to the foot of the mountain to open the path to the World Tree."
"Alright."
Roland nodded and followed Thanatos out.
Before leaving, Thanatos suddenly turned his head, his gaze sweeping over a certain corner. He paused as if considering something, then retracted his gaze and walked away.
After the two had left, a petite golden figure emerged from the shadows.
It was Atoris.
Standing beside her was a weary-looking Cecilia.
"Um... Lady Sword Princess," Cecilia said, her voice tinged with grievance. "Could you not make me do such dangerous things next time? Hiding an extra person is really exhausting..."
"Besides, aren't we all part of the Wheel of Fate? Is it really okay to hide in the shadows and eavesdrop like this?"