Chapter 358
Chapter 358
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 358 – Huperion’s Pre-Departure Jitters
“Now that the Ba'tian Branch is leaderless, I imagine they’re desperate for a competent administrator to guide them back onto the right path.”
Lan Qi looked every bit the concerned governor as he spoke, casually picking up a bag of documents from the nearby cabinet.
Opening it, he pulled out a special magic card glowing faintly with a pink radiance.
It was none other than the Son of Annihilation’s [Saint’s Certificate – Annihilation].
“While you were asleep earlier, Shaya already delivered this card, stripped from Anello, along with all his documents. Tomorrow, we set off—openly and honorably—to the Box Mountain Province.”
Lan Qi twirled the [Saint’s Certificate – Annihilation] between his fingers, smiling as he spoke to Sid.
“…I originally thought that your devil-script [Transfiguration: Human]—the kind that bypasses imperial detection—was already outrageous. But what’s even more outrageous is that you can craft directional transfigurations based on your own memory of a person’s appearance.”
When Sid first saw Lan Qi create a purple-rare card right in front of her, she thought he was at least a Silver-ranked card crafter in the Southern Continent’s Association. But now, she realized she’d underestimated him.
Just the ability to perfectly reproduce someone’s appearance after merely seeing them was an almost divine skill in itself.
“Fortunately, I got lucky this time. I thought it might take three or four days to complete, worst case.”
Lan Qi traced imaginary lines in the air with his fingers as he explained casually.
At present, there were only two card crafters in the world capable of making these “ancient devil-script transfiguration spells that bypass the Protos Empire’s detection magic”—him and Talia.
But Talia could not create perfect, targeted disguises. Only he could.
Provided he had enough time to craft the card.
The process of making a directional transfiguration card was far more complex than the standard version and usually required several failed attempts before a successful product could be made.
“…Meow.”
Boss Cat froze, completely stunned.
If someone looked exactly like the Son of Annihilation, passed imperial detection magic, and carried the [Saint’s Certificate – Annihilation], then that person was the Son of Annihilation.
This guy could now go to Box Mountain Province and openly escort Sigrid back to the Imperial Capital. Even if the Great Deacons of Annihilation detected the curse mark on Sigrid, no one would dare stop him!
Boss Cat realized for the first time just how dangerous Lan Qi’s ability to perfectly imitate others could be.
It should have been obvious back when she saw the “Great Poet of Love” summoning that shamelessly copied Talia’s image. If he was willing to put in the time and patience, he could counterfeit anyone.
She now even began to suspect whether Lan Qi had a card that could turn him into Loren!
If Loren already suffered so much from Lan Qi’s teasing back in Aetherthalan, what would happen if he actually turned into Loren and started playing matchmaker for him? Boss Cat almost wanted to pack up and move out of the capital!
As the workshop fell silent for a moment, Lan Qi dispelled the Son of Annihilation’s guise and reverted to his usual Rocky McCarthy appearance.
“But I can’t actually bind this [Saint’s Certificate – Annihilation] right now.”
Lan Qi looked at Sid with slight helplessness.
The Saint’s Certificates from different branches were mutually exclusive. Since he was already carrying the [Saint’s Certificate – Ba'tian], he couldn’t bind this new one. And unbinding a pink-tier holy certificate required materials, rituals, and would leave the previous bearer temporarily weakened—even if the card was only Tier 0.
And to unbind the [Saint’s Certificate – Ba'tian] even temporarily, he would need to get Sigrid’s permission first.
“No need to unbind it—just give me back your [Saint’s Certificate – Ba'tian]. I can confiscate it as punishment and hold onto it for you temporarily.”
Sid extended her hand indifferently.“After all, whether or not you hold that certificate, you’re still mine.”
Lan Qi nodded, handing back the Ba'tian holy sigil. Sid accepted it and merged it into her Cardinal Bishop’s Certificate, the silver moon crown seal shining with a warm orange glow.
And so, Lan Qi successfully bound the new [Saint’s Certificate – Annihilation].
Looking down at the proof of the Son of Annihilation’s status, he felt that his so-called “academic research trip” was, in the end, pretty accurate.
“Phew… so sleepy.”
Lan Qi walked to the window, drew open the curtains, and gazed out at the starry night sky before stretching widely.
“Tomorrow, we set off. Can’t let the Ba'tian Branch keep blocking the traffic hub of Box Mountain Province and inconveniencing Imperial citizens.”
He mumbled through a yawn, already half-asleep.
Far away, in the Northwestern Province, within the Milford Territory—
At dawn, the sky over Milford’s main city was a pale gray, gradually turning gold as the sun rose. Dew and the fragrance of flower gardens filled the air.
At the gates of the Milford family mansion, the grand architecture was bathed in soft light, looking even more solemn and tranquil.
In front of the residence lay a wide stone plaza where a splendidly decorated, classical-style stag carriage was already prepared for departure. The Milford family crest was engraved on its frame, and the two silver-gray demonic stags pulling it had been brushed until they gleamed. They pawed the ground, as though excited for the journey ahead.
The Milford family’s count’s daughters—Mishula and Huperion—stood at the gate, dressed in practical travel outfits, yet still radiating noble grace and elegance.
Servants swiftly loaded the luggage into the carriage’s cargo hold while the steward checked a handwritten ledger, speaking with the servants to ensure everything was ready.
They would soon be driven to the magical railway station in the Milford Territory, where they would take the magitek train to Helrom, the Imperial Capital, and then to the Protos Royal Academy of Magic.
Count Milford stood on the porch, his face as expressionless as ever, though the flicker of worry in his eyes betrayed his reluctance to see his daughter go.
“My lord, we’re ready to depart.”
Huperion saluted from a few paces away, thanking the Count for the week of hospitality and for the irreplaceable help given to the Church.
The Count nodded, signaling for the two of them to board.
“Miriam, take care. If you run into trouble, come back—Milford Manor will always be your home.”
He walked them to the carriage, his eyes lingering especially on Huperion as he spoke.
Though they hadn’t known her long, the family had grown fond of this lonely but strong and kind cleric. If peace returned someday and she wished to stay in the Protos Empire, they would gladly adopt Huperion formally.
“Thank you, my lord.”
Huperion felt her nose sting with emotion, offering heartfelt thanks. Her journey through the Northern Continent had been full of hardship, but it had also given her memories she would cherish for a lifetime.
“Mishula, once you leave Milford Territory, listen to everything your sister says. Understood?”
Count Milford turned to his younger daughter.
“Yes.”
Mishula climbed into the carriage and nodded seriously. She knew her sister was strong, clever, and kind. There would still be dangers ahead, but following her lead was the safest choice.
“Be especially careful of the Ba'tian Branch forces stationed in Box Mountain Province. The Son of Annihilation is likely there. If you encounter that man, don’t let him notice you or suspect anything. He’s an inhuman lunatic, capable of anything—you cannot judge him by logic.”
The Count gripped the carriage door and gave his final warning.
“Mhm.”
Huperion understood the words were meant especially for her.
Though her seven days in Milford had been like a dream, now it was time to wake up. The real challenges still lay ahead.
And no matter how difficult and treacherous the road became, she would not waver or retreat.