Chapter 385: Abnormal Mutation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 385: Abnormal Mutation
"In any case, now is not the time to jump to conclusions. It would be best to investigate carefully first."
Margarita’s cold voice interrupted Muen’s train of thought.
Muen nodded silently, ignoring the hostility in her tone and temporarily setting aside the cluttered thoughts that were useless for the moment.
They had only just entered this area. Any hypothesis formed now would be based on incomplete fragments of evidence; blind speculation would only lead them into mental traps.
And in this eerie, unfamiliar territory, a mental trap could be fatal.
"Dammit! Fine, the outside was one thing, but why is it like this here too? Where are the Ancient Artifacts? The historical documents? The treasures that can fetch a good price? There’s nothing here but disgusting meat. Don't tell me the Church played us? Does the Church just see us as pawns to open the door?"
Seviel grumbled as she walked over to Muen’s side. In this world full of lies and filth, only the handsome man beside her could provide a sliver of warmth.
Following silently behind her was Ellag.
Due to his previous "brilliant" display that had left everyone speechless, he was currently being collectively shunned by the mages. Unless he introduced some girls to that group of cloistered nerds—who spent every day researching magic and hadn't so much as held a girl's hand—he likely wouldn't be forgiven anytime soon.
Hmph, a bunch of single dogs. Not like me, Ellag thought disparagingly. Just thinking of my beloved Goddess makes my chest feel warm, as if I’m bursting with infinite power. With this inspiration, revitalizing the entire Illusion School shouldn't be difficult at all.
Muen glanced at Ellag but said nothing.
He had originally kept a hold over Ellag in case there was a fight with the others later; Ellag could have hidden his identity and served as a wild card.
But as things stood, after the recent battle and with the Death Contract Document still in effect, these people—who normally couldn't stand each other—no longer had the stomach for infighting.
This was likely the most peaceful and united Holy Ceremony in history.
If the former Saintesses, who had climbed to their positions over the corpses of others, could see this scene, they would probably be moved to tears of jealousy.
However, from another perspective, the competition in certain other areas might become even more intense.
"One mystery after another. It’s enough to make one go bald," Muen muttered, scanning their surroundings. After the initial shock, everyone’s emotions had mostly stabilized.
His seniors, Fanny and Vicky, didn't seem to have sustained any injuries, though they were clearly exhausted from the previous exertion. They were currently using magic crystals to recover their mana.
"Right, speaking of the Death Contract Document..."
Muen looked toward Margarita. "How much longer will the Death Contract Document last?"
"I didn't know how long it would take to open the door, so to be safe, I set it for five hours," Margarita replied.
"Five hours..." Muen pulled out his pocket watch and checked it. "Four hours left?"
"Yes."
There was still plenty of time.
"In that case..." Muen clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "To be safe, let's explore this place together for the time being."
With the Death Contract Document still active, there was no need to worry about anyone causing trouble. Given the bizarre scene before them, temporary cooperation was the best choice.
After all, in the horror movies of his past life, splitting up was usually how a total party wipe began.
"This..."
The group looked at one another, weighing Muen’s suggestion.
Explore together?
Was he joking? Among these bastards were people who had definitely tried to sneak-attack them in the dark. If they joined forces...
But on second thought, an alliance didn't seem entirely unacceptable.
They had already cooperated once, after all. As the saying goes, once you've crossed that line the first time, the second time is much smoother.
At the very least, no one voiced any real opposition. After a brief exchange of opinions, they settled on a course of action for the next four hours.
"Fine," Margarita nodded. "This is indeed the best choice for now."
"Hmph." Annie let out a cold snort, her proud head held high, but she didn't say anything else.
Nearby, Fei'er, who hadn't spoken for a long time, let out a lazy yawn. She cradled her ample chest—which was second only to Liya’s—and threw a wink at Muen.
"Then you must protect me well, Mr. Muen~"
"..."
Muen felt like this woman always had strange expectations of him. His lips twitched, and sensing the slight chill rising beside him, he decided not to answer.
Instead, he looked toward another person. "And you?"
"Hehe, Mr. Muen looks quite like a leader now. Naturally, I’ll listen to you."
Freya covered her mouth and giggled, showing a rare flash of girlish playfulness.
Muen, however, remained expressionless.
"Miss Freya should save those useless words."
Muen’s peripheral vision swept over Freya’s surroundings.
Not much time had passed since they had successfully dealt with the Prisoner, yet a crowd had already begun to gather around Freya again.
Among them was even that ugly macho man who, back at the bottom of the pit, had been so consumed by jealousy at the sight of Muen being surrounded by girls that he had attacked in a rage.
He had somehow acquired a form-fitting white suit, with a bunch of pale yellow flowers pinned to his lapel. He looked every bit the flamboyant "flower-protecting knight."
As expected of Freya...
With her history of curing the plague and saving millions in the southern kingdoms, combined with a temperament that most closely resembled the current Saintess, she was the candidate with the greatest reputation and the highest expectations.
She didn't even need to speak; supporters would naturally flock to her side.
But there’s still something about her aura that I find repulsive.
Muen rubbed his temples and stopped paying attention to Freya.
Regardless, with the Death Contract Document in effect, these four hours were a rare opportunity to focus entirely on investigating this bizarre realm.
There was no need to worry about competition from the others, and the irreconcilable conflicts between the Saintess Candidates could be postponed until after the truth of this world was uncovered.
"Let's go," Muen said to Liya beside him. "From what I can see, the most important place to investigate is that high tower in the distance. It’s a pity that strange blood mist is drifting around it, making it hard to see..."
Muen took the lead, stepping forward with Liya.
But at that moment, he suddenly heard Freya’s voice.
"The moon... has come out."
Hmm? The moon?
Muen paused and looked back at Freya. She was still standing in place, looking up at the sky.
Muen instinctively looked up as well.
His pupils suddenly constricted.
There, above the heavy, blood-colored sky, a bright, clear moon was indeed hanging.
"This is..."
The moon from outside last night?
But why would it suddenly appear here? According to the time, it shouldn't be night yet.
Could it be...
For a moment, it felt as if a thread was appearing, ready to connect all the theories in Muen’s mind.
But before that thread could tie everything together, he heard Freya let out a regretful sigh.
"It seems there’s no more time to play this exploration game."
No more time? What does she mean, no more time?
And judging by her tone, she had known the moon would appear at this moment?
A sense of foreboding gradually filled Muen’s heart. He snapped his head down to look at the source of that feeling—the Saintess Candidate who was suddenly acting very strangely.
Freya.
Freya met Muen’s gaze and simply smiled.
The smile was still sacred and gentle, flawless as a warm spring breeze.
She spoke softly. "Brian."
"I am here."
The pale-faced man emerged from the shadows.
"Come here."
"Yes."
Brian walked toward Freya.
In the next heartbeat, under the shocked and bewildered gazes of everyone present, Freya leisurely pulled out a dagger. She ran her fingertip along the edge as if testing its sharpness.
Then, without hesitation, she plunged the razor-sharp dagger... straight into her own knight’s body.
Puchi.
Blood sprayed.
In that instant, everyone watching—Muen, Liya, the other Saintess Candidates, and even Freya’s own supporters—felt a massive question mark pop up over their heads.
What... was she doing?