Chapter 184: The Shadow World
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 184: The Shadow World
The youth’s question caught the young man off guard.
"Is it because you suffered a backlash from Ivy during your last divination, Master?"
Vesparo shook his head at the youth's answer.
"It wasn't because of her. To be precise..."
He stopped mid-sentence and quickly swallowed his words.
"Forget it. I doubt I could even explain it clearly."
Thinking of this, he looked at the youth beside him.
"In short, I probably won't be touching divination again."
The youth looked disappointed at Vesparo's response.
"Really? But the Dean personally requested that our Shadow Department complete this task."
Vesparo’s eyes twitched at those words.
"You mean... the Dean himself requested it?"
"Uh... yes."
"Fine, I understand."
If that was the case, the nature of the situation was entirely different.
Previously, it was possible that those assassins had encountered an unknown, powerful enemy at the Heavenly Mountain, which caused his backlash.
But this time, it’s just a simple matter of finding lost items...
As he thought this, the expression on Vesparo’s face became quite animated.
If he could gain the Dean's favor, combined with his knowledge of Ivy's identity as a Witch, toppling her would be child's play.
For a moment, Vesparo felt like he was back on top.
"On second thought, it’s not impossible. It’s just a few stolen books; it shouldn't be that difficult. It’ll only take a few seconds."
There’s no way I’ll see that space and suffer another backlash like last time, right?
With that thought, Vesparo sat on the bed, cut a deck of cards, and began his deduction.
*
A moment later.
Xie Bai arrived in the Shadow World, entering a pitch-black space.
"I didn't expect the Shadow Department's headquarters to be built directly within the Shadow World instead of reality. But then again, what is this place called?"
Looking at the walls oozing dark energy, Xie Bai felt a sense of eeriness.
If she had to describe it, it was as if shadows were growing inside the walls like plants in a crevice—like a living thing.
[5. Discover at least one hidden area (Completed)]
Only after the system prompt popped up did Xie Bai confirm that this place was indeed a hidden area.
As for its name, she wasn't quite sure.
But since the task was complete, it was time for her to leave.
Just as she was about to depart, a voice suddenly whispered in her ear.
[The Gray Snake Nest, the stronghold of the Dome Academy's Shadow Department.]
"Hmm? Who's there?"
Xie Bai spun around quickly but saw no one.
[It is I—this shadow.]
Hearing the voice again, Xie Bai immediately locked onto the source.
It was the mass of shadow flowing down the wall.
To be more precise, it was this entire Shadow World.
Seeing that Xie Bai had realized the truth, the shadow spoke to her.
[Respected Lord of Myriad Darknesses, thank you for your presence. Please forgive my earlier presumption.]
Xie Bai was surprised by these words.
"Lord of Myriad Darknesses?"
"Me?"
What kind of identity is this now? When did I get it?
At that moment, she recalled her inscribed talent, "Shadow Homing."
Could it be that this entity has categorized me as the same type of existence as the Mother of Myriad Dark Forms?
If she were a god-level monster like the Mother of Myriad Dark Forms, capable of freely devouring shadows to strengthen herself, it would indeed make sense for the Shadow World to address her as the Lord of Myriad Darknesses.
"It's a pity this Shadow World is a bit too weak. It has no value at all."
Thinking this, Xie Bai couldn't help but feel a hint of disdain for this impoverished place.
As if sensing her thoughts, the surrounding shadows immediately began to writhe.
[Respected Lord of Myriad Darknesses, I have just discovered that someone is attempting to pry into your information. Would you like me to intercept them?]
Xie Bai frowned slightly at the shadow's inquiry.
"Someone is... spying on me?"
After a moment of thought, she said to the shadow, "Fine. If you want something to do, go ahead."
[As you wish, respected Lord of Myriad Darknesses.]
With that, the shadow's voice dissipated completely.
Not long after, Xie Bai seemed to hear a faint scream.
Before she could analyze the source of the cry, the shadow's voice returned.
[Respected Lord of Myriad Darknesses, the target has been dealt with. Please favor me with your next command.]
Xie Bai’s lip twitched at the response.
"That fast... You didn't kill them, did you?"
[No, I merely severed a portion of his shadow power as a warning.]
"Is that so?"
Xie Bai was somewhat skeptical.
"Whatever. I won't comment on how you handle things. I'm just here for a look; I have to head back soon."
[I understand. I look forward to your next visit. I hope that when we meet again, I will be of more use to you.]
"Hopefully."
With that, Xie Bai left the Shadow World.
After she departed, the shadows sank back into silence.
*
On the other side.
Vesparo was kneeling on the ground, his expression twisted in agony.
The good news was that he hadn't seen that terrifying space from before.
The bad news was that he had been directly punished by the Shadow World, causing him to lose at least thirty percent of his strength.
He looked at the youth beside him and immediately lashed out.
"Look at what you've done! What kind of thing did you have me divine?! Why did it provoke the shadows of this world?!"
Faced with Vesparo's rebuke, the youth was at a loss.
"That... Master, I'm not sure either. I never imagined this would have anything to do with the shadows..."
Hearing the youth's answer, Vesparo nearly choked on his breath.
"You... you...! Forget it, just get out of here right now!"
Bang!
The door slammed shut, leaving Vesparo alone in the room once more.
Only after the chaos in his mind subsided did Vesparo suddenly realize a crucial fact.
"Damn it! I forgot to tell him about the Witch!"
Thinking of this, he hurried toward the door.
At that moment, a pitch-black figure suddenly appeared behind him.
"Oh? Is that you, Lord Vesparo? What happened recently? It feels like your power has dropped quite a bit. At this rate, you won't even be able to face Miss Ivy in a direct fight."
Hearing the voice, Vesparo turned around and stared coldly at the figure.
"You bastard, how many times do I have to tell you? Get lost!"
*
Dome Academy.
By now, Xie Bai had returned to the Fate Faction's exclusive area.
It was the shortest high tower in the academy.
When Xie Bai arrived, she saw the interior of the tower was almost bare.
"This is...?"
Then, she saw Ivy nearby, packing her things.
"Are you moving out soon?"
Hearing Xie Bai's voice, Ivy turned around quickly.
"You're back! So, how was it? Is the academy fun?"
As she spoke, Ivy compressed all her clothes into a storage box.
"Let me tell you, the Dean promoted me recently! Not only do I still manage the Fate Faction, but I've also been granted a seat on the Dome! I even get a stipend!"
Looking at her excitement, Xie Bai didn't know exactly what a "Dome seat" entailed, but she could guess it was extremely rare—or at least, it meant she wouldn't be short on money.
Otherwise, the usually lethargic Ivy wouldn't be this thrilled, packing up every piece of furniture in the tower.
"The academy seems alright. By the way, Ivy, can you tell me about the Physical Ranking and the Magic Ranking?"
At Xie Bai's question, Ivy's packing came to a sudden halt.
She looked into Xie Bai's eyes, appearing somewhat puzzled.
"Asking that all of a sudden... do you want to try for the rankings?"
Xie Bai nodded. "Yes."