The metallic sound of the Sanctus Disciple's blades rang out like a discordant note in the silence that followed her transformation. Energy pulsed around her as her eyes gleamed with unnatural glee behind the mask.
But the group didn't flinch.
Stelle stepped forward with her bat. Welt raised his staff, wrapping the battlefield in a subtle gravitational curve. March 7th fired in precise bursts, keeping the wolves at bay.
And Aleph...
Aleph didn't even bother to move much. He rested the ice bat on his shoulder and waited.
Only when the Disciple lunged directly at him did his reflexes kick in.
"Knew it. You talk a lot, but... you're worthless."
His tone was low, almost detached.
"Luckily, I have the perfect medicine for you."
With a single motion, the bat crashed into the Disciple's temple. The hit was clean, direct, and devastating.
The dull crack echoed like a hollow bell.
She dropped to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. The mask shattered. Her body twitched briefly before going limp.
Aleph exhaled.
He walked over calmly, conjured ice shackles with a simple gesture, and locked her in place. Then he removed the white scarf he always wore around his neck and used it as a gag, making sure it was nice and tight.
Her transformation unraveled as the energy fueling it was absorbed.
March 7th frowned, watching the scene with a hint of discomfort.
"Don't you think that's a little... excessive?"
Aleph didn't even look at her.
"If I have to hear one more of her stupid rants when she wakes up, I'd rather kill her. Or myself. Whichever's faster."
March 7th blinked a couple of times, unsure whether to laugh or be worried.
"...Dramatic." She muttered, taking a step back.
Welt watched in silence. He didn't ask any questions.
"So who's gonna carry her?" Stelle asked, though she already knew the answer.
Aleph looked at Tingyun. The foxian averted her gaze with an obviously theatrical huff.
"Can't you?"
"After you ignored my messages, left me hanging mid-conversation... and let that woman call me a fox pet without even correcting her..." She huffed again, pouting as she looked away. "No."
Aleph didn't argue—she was right.
...Besides, why did he think he'd defend her?
Couldn't she do it herself?
He hoisted the Disciple with one arm, carrying her like a sack of potatoes, making sure her head was facing away from his.
The group kept moving forward. There were still areas to clear, and the battlefield remains littered the ground.
"...People in Xianzhou really love stairs," Stelle muttered as she stretched.
...
Wolves and possessed soldiers emerged from every corner. Stelle and March 7th fought confidently at the front, knocking them down the moment they appeared. Welt stayed in the rear, neutralizing anyone tough enough to resist the girls' attacks.
Aleph supported with Mabufula, Mazio, and Mazan, creating a miniature elemental storm that tore everything to shreds.
With the unconscious Disciple slung over his shoulders, he looked more like a courier than a fighter.
It was unclear if he was glad to let his body rest instead of diving into battle, or annoyed at the boredom of missing out on close combat.
But every time he did jump in, the enemies dropped without ceremony.
Frozen.
Blasted.
They fell like flies.
"Sure, nobody wants to carry the souvenir for Fu Xuan. It's always Aleph's job." He muttered. "Come with us to Luofu, they said. It'll be fun, they said."
"Did you say something?" March 7th asked, not looking back.
"Nope. Nothing at all."
**********
Moving onward up more stairways to bypass the blocked sections, the group continued their journey through the Alchemy Commission.
Only the echo of their footsteps broke the uncertain stillness that hung in the air, along with the occasional creak of wooden boards beneath their feet.
Eventually, after crossing a corridor, they were met by a pair of Nimbus Knights standing guard.
One of them, his face and neck visibly bandaged, gave them a slight bow after they explained who they were.
"The Grand Diviner instructed us to wait for you and prepare rooms. She's arranged for you to rest for the remainder of the night. She said she has a task ready for you first thing tomorrow."
March 7 let out a sigh as long as it was dramatic, followed by a squeaky gasp.
"A real bed?! A room with an actual shower?! This is a blessing!"
Without thinking, she pulled Aleph and Stelle into a bear hug.
Aleph, still carrying the unconscious Disciple over his shoulders, stumbled backward.
Thud.
The sound was subtle but clear—the Disciple's face smacked directly into the wall.
"Ugh! For the love of—! March, careful!" Aleph grunted, struggling to stay upright under the combined weight and shove.
"Oops." March 7 feigned innocence, tapping her forehead and sticking out her tongue. "Was that my bad?"
Stelle let out a long sigh and simply patted March's head in resigned acceptance.
"Yes. That was your bad."
Aleph muttered something unintelligible as he readjusted the Disciple—still, fortunately or not, unconscious—and rubbed his neck.
Welt, watching the scene with a mix of exhaustion and familiarity, adjusted his glasses and stepped forward, turning to speak to the group.
"I'll be meeting with Fu Xuan now. I need to talk to her. Get some rest while you can—if today was any indication, you'll likely need all your strength again tomorrow."
The group nodded. Welt exchanged one last look with Aleph, as if wanting to say something else, but decided against it.
One of the Knights approached him and guided him down a different hallway.
...…
Fu Xuan's Office
The office was elegant and so meticulously tidy that even a speck of dust would've seemed obscenely out of place.
Welt sat across from Fu Xuan. She remained silent, one hand resting on her chin, the other flipping through holographic reports that blinked in and out of view.
Welt summarized the events with his usual precision.
"So, the appearance of the Deer, the external roots, their destruction. And of course…" He lowered his voice slightly. "The captured Disciple of Sanctus. And what Aleph did to her."
Fu Xuan nodded slowly, closing one of the reports.
"I saw it." she said, emotionless. "The report arrived before you did. They called it an anomaly. An individual who touched the roots and withered them effortlessly. That boy... is not normal. I knew it the moment I first saw him."
Welt clasped his hands together.
"And yet, he doesn't seem to be a threat. At least not… if you all do your job properly." Fu Xuan murmured so softly the last words were barely a whisper. Her gaze turned glassy for a moment as a chill ran down her spine.
Welt remained silent, brow furrowed. What did she mean by that?
Fu Xuan stayed thoughtful a moment longer.
Finally, she looked him in the eye.
"I assume you're here for more than a debrief."
"The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. The Abundance. I want to know what you know, Fu Xuan. Everything you can share. Because what we're facing out there… this isn't just a random resurgence of unstable energy. It has ideology. It has history. It has names. And I don't enjoy walking in the dark."
Fu Xuan closed her eyes briefly. Then, she sighed.
"I can't tell you everything. Not because I don't want to... but because some things have been kept from me as well." She paused. "But I can tell you what Sanctus Medicus truly is."
Fu Xuan held Welt's gaze for a long moment before lacing her fingers together on the desk.
"Sanctus Medicus is no new name to the people of the Luofu." She said at last. "Nor are its Disciples. They are a notorious cult of plague-worshippers with a twisted belief in life, immortality, and they're particularly extreme."
She glanced toward a shelf lined with jade scrolls and floating documents.
"I see them for what they are—the consequence of arrogance left unchecked."
She paused briefly, then continued.
"When the followers of Abundance were defeated by the Hunt, not all were eradicated. Some survived… hidden, diminished, forgotten. But the more dangerous ones weren't those who descended from the originals—they were the ones who admired them. Cultists. Scientists. Scholars… and believers."
"Sanctus Medicus rose from among them. An ideology not just preaching devotion to the Plaguebringer, but demanding her full restoration. They believe Abundance isn't a threat, but the natural path the universe rejects out of fear."
Welt frowned.
"And the Disciples?"
"Priests, chosen ones, experiments. It's not entirely clear." Fu Xuan replied. "Some are humans who volunteered. Others... were altered. Grafted with pieces of golden roots or made to drink some strange elixir. When they merge with that energy, they lose physical and mental boundaries. They regenerate, grow stronger… but also become something neither mortal nor immortal. They're an amalgam. Devotees. Fanatics. Abominations."
Welt leaned back in his chair, silent.
"And why now? Why are they resurfacing?"
"Because someone's planting their seeds again." Fu Xuan said gravely. "And if the Furnace of Creation was nearly corrupted, I have no doubt they're targeting vital control points in the Luofu to spread their roots."
Silence returned for a moment. Only the faint flicker of jade documents broke it.
"A civilization like ours—one that fled from the gift of immortality when we learned its cost—is, to them, heresy. We are the obstacle. But I don't know how many more have infiltrated, or how far they've already gotten."
Welt nodded slowly, then stood up.
"Thank you, Lady Fu Xuan."
Fu Xuan nodded back, looking weary.
"Rest, Welt Yang. Tomorrow you'll need more than strength. You'll need resolve."
*********
The golden light of dawn streamed through the windows of the Alchemy Commission, casting a warm, welcoming glow across the hallways.
For the first time in a long while, there were no explosions, no shouting, no alarms. Just silence—and a few soft snores.
March 7th rubbed her eyes as she wandered down the corridor, still in her pajamas—a white T-shirt with Pompom in sunglasses and light blue shorts. She stopped in front of one of the rooms, tilting her head at the sound.
Rooon… shh... roooon... shh.
A small smile formed on her face.
"Even her snores are cute...? So unfair." She murmured, leaning briefly against Stelle's door with a quiet giggle.
She kept walking at a leisurely pace until an unexpected noise made her stop in her tracks.
Fshh...
Some clothes had fallen. The soft thud of fabric on the floor was followed by a quiet click of irritation. Curious, March 7th pressed herself against the nearest wall and peeked around the corner…
Aleph was there—shirtless, his long hair loose and damp with sweat. He wore only a pair of shorts and seemed frozen mid-stretch. His arms were taut, muscles outlined by the light, and he silently examined his joints, marked with scars. Off to the side, his usual clothes were folded with care.
The girl stared for a few seconds, saying nothing. She couldn't help but wonder:
"How did he get those scars…?"
Aleph didn't bother turning around.
"Voyeur." He said flatly.
March 7th blinked, startled as she realized she'd spoken out loud.
"I'm not—!" She crossed her arms, flustered. "What about you, huh?! You half-naked exhibitionist?! What's there to even look at anywa—?"
But the words got stuck in her throat when she looked again. She swallowed slowly.
In front of her stood a body that was clearly battered, yet strong and honed—marked by signs of physical suffering, yet steady, balanced, almost as if it had been forged through blows. Something stirred in her chest…
Aleph snapped his fingers, eyes still on his left wrist.
He raised one hand and pointed two fingers toward his face.
"My eyes are up here, March."
She huffed and quickly looked away, her face tinged with red.
"What an idiot!"
Aleph bent down to pick up a towel and draped it over his shoulder.
"Did you eat already?"
She gave him an unimpressed look.
"No…"
"I'm going to shower. Wait for me in the dining hall. I'll make something."
"You... cook?" She asked, incredulous.
"Yeah."
"Oh… okay." She replied, not sure what else to say.
Once Aleph disappeared behind the door, March 7th stayed there for a moment, tapping her fingers against the wall.
"Since when can he cook…?" She muttered to herself. "This isn't some evil plot to poison us to death, right?"
...…
From a shadowed corner of the hallway, a figure watched in silence.
Tingyun held a half-open fan in front of her face, hiding the intrigued smile forming on her lips.
"Hmm… what a charming little scene…" She murmured under her breath. Her expression was that of someone who'd just stumbled onto a juicy piece of gossip. "Stelle… March 7th… Aleph… well, well. What sort of triangle have I walked into?"
She gave her fan a gentle shake, as if to wave the thought away.
And then, like any good drama spectator, she quietly slipped away. She hadn't heard a single word that was said… but hey, there was no harm in filling in the blanks with her own deductions, right?
************
The bathroom door opened with a soft creak.
Aleph stepped out with a small towel draped around his neck, his hair still damp and clinging to his forehead. He wore a black sleeveless shirt and comfortable pants—too simple for his usual style, but loose enough to make it clear he was no longer in combat mode.
He walked across the room while stretching, arms above his head, releasing a tension that seemed to have built up over weeks.
"Burroughs." He muttered, dropping onto a chair and drying his head.
A bluish light flickered on his gauntlet. The holographic figure of the AI appeared before him, her expression neutral.
[I'm here, Master.]
"Zio's falling short. It's time to evolve it into Zionga." He said bluntly. "And I think it's also time to summon new demons. Oni and Nappea have done their part really well, but I think it's time to expand the roster. I'll also need some new fusions if I want to keep up with the pace of this madness."
[A logical decision. I already have some compatible profiles ready for review. But before that…]
Burroughs' tone shifted.
It became more serious, almost stern.
[I'm going to have to scold you.]
Aleph raised an eyebrow.
"What did I do this time?"
[Are you seriously asking me that? Last night, Master. After I gave you very clear warnings about the dangers of absorption without stabilization, you decided to keep draining life energy beyond the safety threshold.]
Aleph broke into a cold sweat. Burroughs' voice had no emotion, but that didn't stop him from sensing that she was upset.
[Do you want to know what your physical condition showed? Partial overheating, severe fatigue in upper limbs, erratic energy spikes, and potential side effects on your neurological system.]
Aleph scratched the back of his neck slowly.
"Yeah… I know. I got carried away."
[I'm concerned for your health, Master.]
Her tone softened.
[I understand that combat isn't always predictable. I understand the situation was critical. But if you absorb energy like that again without stabilization, the damage won't just be physical. You could start to alter your own energetic structure. And that, frankly… could cause potentially irreversible harm.]
Aleph lowered his gaze.
"I'm sorry, Burroughs. Really. I didn't know when to stop…"
Or maybe the thought never even crossed my mind.
There was a pause. The AI stared at him for a few seconds, then nodded.
[I accept your apology, Master. But promise me you'll be more careful.]
"Promise."
[Then we're good.]
The hologram flickered briefly.
[By the way, the essences obtained after the deer extermination have already been integrated.]
Aleph looked up.
"The first one was Thanatos' Blessing…"
[Correct. Automatically activated. It appears to be a skill with both passive and active functions.]
"But the second one… 'Sacred Banquet.'" He went silent. "What am I supposed to do with that?"
[A support skill. Highly adaptable. Healing, buffs, and emotional improvement for those who consume food prepared by you.]
Aleph tilted his head.
"Will it still work if the food is stored, or does it have to be eaten on the spot? Depending on that, it might be a near-useless skill."
[It depends. You know what else seemed useless? A simple wind spell.]
Touché.
[Don't underestimate something just because it seems simple, Master. You'd do well to learn that.]
Aleph didn't reply right away.
He stared at his reflection in the window glass. The steam from the bathroom still lingered gently in the room. For a moment… he swore he saw a golden flower bloom from his chest, as if emerging from within.
But when he blinked… it was gone.
Only his reflection remained—tired, with eyes more hollow than usual.
He couldn't help but wonder…
How much of him was Caelus… and how much was *****?
He stood up quickly, trying to shake the thought from his mind.
"Let's cook something."
[Do you want me to record the recipe?]
"Only if it turns out well."
[And if it doesn't?]
"Forget it."
He headed toward the kitchen. Halfway there, he let out a resigned sigh.
"I swear, if that damn girl wakes up in the middle of cooking…"
**********
The dining hall of the Alchemy Commission base was a simple but functional space, bathed in a soft golden light streaming in through the wide windows. The aroma of freshly made breakfast hung in the air, wrapping everyone present in a warm atmosphere.
The food on the table steamed enticingly—perfectly cooked white rice, eggs with mild spices, steamed vegetables, light soup, and small sweet buns.
After everything they had been through, it felt almost surreal to enjoy such a calm and simple moment. Not that anyone was complaining.
Stelle was the one enjoying it the most.
She ate with enthusiasm, like someone who hadn't had a bite to eat in days. Every so often, she let out little noises of satisfaction—like a happy cat—that earned her curious glances from the others, especially from March 7th.
"You could… at least pretend you know what manners are." The latter said with a soft smile, though there was no real scolding in her voice.
She was eating eagerly too, albeit at a more leisurely pace. She seemed relaxed, with a bright smile and a hand resting on her cheek.
Doubts about Aleph's cooking skills? Never!
Tingyun, for her part, ate with quite a bit of elegance. She handled her chopsticks with grace, but anyone paying close attention would notice she had discreetly set aside a rather large amount of food on a second plate beside her.
The portion size was… exaggerated, to say the least.
Casting a side glance at the cook, she silently weighed a few thoughts that had crossed her mind.
"What if I trick him into signing a contract...? No, too obvious... but if I cordially invite him to the Sky-Faring Commission with an exclusive agreement…"
Aleph felt a chill run down his spine.
"Maybe... I could save some for Lady Yukong, and she could use her political sway to trick the other party into becoming an official worker for the Sky-Faring Commission."
More relaxed than he had been in days, Welt ate in peace while chatting with March 7th about the different breakfast styles aboard other ships and stations he had visited in his youth.
"It's been a while since I've had a home-cooked meal. I'd forgotten how good it can be..." He commented, closing his eyes contentedly.
Aleph, seated at the end of the table, kept his head down.
He stared at the breakfast with an ambiguous expression, as if unsure how to feel seeing everyone enjoy what he had made.
A slight blush crept up his cheeks, which he tried to hide by sipping from his teacup.
"This feels… nice. Too nice." He thought, a little dazed. He used to cook only for himself—his father worked a lot and was rarely home, and for some reason, his sister stopped coming home after a while and never returned. He couldn't quite remember the exact moment he started living completely alone. Learning to cook had simply become a necessity.
March 7th looked at him with a half-smile, pointing her chopsticks at him.
"So you can cook! Since when have you been hiding top-tier skills, huh?"
Stelle nodded vigorously, giving a thumbs-up while chewing a bite that was far too big.
"Best… cook…" She managed to mumble between half-swallowed words, nearly choking in the process.
Aleph looked away.
"I only learned so I wouldn't starve," he muttered. "It's nothing special…"
"Oh?" Tingyun raised an eyebrow mischievously. "And what else are you hiding, Aleph~? Also, can I have some more?"
He slowly turned to her, frowning slightly.
"Don't think I didn't notice you stashing food like you thought no one would find out."
Tingyun just stuck her tongue out at him before continuing to eat.
That set off a small round of laughter around the table.
For the first time in what felt like forever, the group shared a moment with no tension, no urgent missions, no looming threats. Just a normal breakfast and some casual conversation.
Aleph stayed quiet for a moment, watching the steam rise from his cup.
His gaze softened, and a smile crept onto his face. There were no alarms. No shouting. Just the warmth of a morning that asked for nothing in return.
March 7th pointed at him with a smile.
"You're starting to look like yourself again."
He looked at her, a bit confused.
Stelle, now done chewing, nodded calmly. Her expression was relaxed too.
"After… that, you were acting weird." She murmured, her gaze briefly growing somber before returning to normal as she grabbed the sleeve of Aleph's clothing. "You felt… dim."
Aleph lowered his gaze for a moment. Then he looked away and crossed his arms.
Stelle let out a soft grumble as her hand was left holding nothing.
"I just needed time to think." He mumbled, too tired to come up with an excuse. "It was a draining day… in more ways than one."
*************
March 7th was leaning back against the sofa, drumming her fingers on her knee.
"So boring..."
The sound of metallic footsteps echoed.
A soldier from the Nimbus Knights appeared at the entrance.
March 7th let out a dramatic sigh, raising an eyebrow without even getting up.
"Let me guess. Another assignment?"
The soldier shook his head.
"No. This time, the Grand Diviner has requested only one of you."
The group looked up in surprise.
The soldier slightly inclined his head.
"Aleph Avesta. Only you have been summoned."
Stelle and March 7th exchanged confused glances.
Tingyun tilted her head slightly, though she said nothing.
Welt, on the other hand, tensed just a little.
His gaze grew sharper, almost analytical.
"Only him..."
The words echoed in his mind.
And then he understood.
That conversation with Fu Xuan… the warning, the talk about what Aleph is—or seems to be.
Without wasting a second, Aleph stood up from the couch.
"Let's go."
He followed the soldier without looking back.
*******
Fu Xuan's Office
The office was elegant, and so meticulously organized that even a speck of dust would've seemed outrageously out of place. It had a distant beauty, almost ceremonial. Jade, polished wood, slowly rotating spheres of light. Reports floated in the air, disappearing the moment they were read.
Fu Xuan stood silently, her gaze fixed on a series of data projections before her.
Only when Aleph crossed the threshold did she lower her hand and deactivate the projections.
"Thank you for coming."
She motioned for him to sit in front of her desk.
Aleph complied.
"You're not here for punishment or reprimand, don't worry. Your group will be given a mission… but you, Aleph Avesta, have another. A special one."
She studied him carefully, as if trying to see something beneath his skin.
"It's related to what you manifested."
Aleph said nothing.
"The energy that surged from you. That gold-green aura. The flowers growing from your skin, the overwhelming vitality that wrapped around your body..."
She paused.
"If I were a disciple of Sanctus Medicus… I might have believed you were one of them. Touched by Yaoshi, the Abundance. One of their own."
The words hung in the air like an unspoken threat.
"That's why I chose you."
Aleph narrowed his eyes, but said nothing yet.
"I want you to infiltrate Sanctus Medicus. No lies. No masks. Just with what you already are. That impression, that power, that manifestation… use it. Let them believe whatever they want to believe."
Fu Xuan slid a data fragment toward him. It contained coordinates, names, references.
Aleph didn't even have to lift a finger—Burroughs downloaded the data instantly.
"Go to the Sanctum of Exaltation. Dahao, from the Territory Administration Commission, will be waiting there. He'll take you to Qingsu, from the Divination Commission. She'll provide cover for everything this operation needs to succeed."
Aleph glanced down for a moment, reviewing the data.
"Your face is still new in Xianzhou. Almost no one outside the direct command circle knows who you are… and that, Aleph, is an advantage you shouldn't waste."
Finally, Fu Xuan crossed her arms.
"But be careful. This type of infiltration doesn't just test your strength…"
Her voice lowered—softer, but sharper.
"...it tests your identity. If you forget who you are and get swept up in what they think you are… then you'll stop being Aleph Avesta. And we'll have lost far more than just an infiltrator."
Aleph remained silent for a moment longer.
His gaze hardened slightly.
How much did Fu Xuan really know?
"I'll go."
He stood up.
As he walked out of the office, a thought crossed his mind.
"Should I copy Dan Heng's poker face or Stelle's deadpan stare?"
A soft sigh escaped his lips.
"Though I doubt I can compete with Dan Heng's 'statue mode'..."
....
The sky above the Sanctum of Exaltation shimmered with a soft hue, as if the day still refused to show its true face. Golden clouds drifted slowly as an Astro-skiff descended toward the elevated station.
Tingyun held the controls with one hand while fanning herself with the other.
Aleph sat beside her in complete silence, staring ahead with a neutral expression.
"You didn't say much before leaving." Tingyun commented without turning her head. "Just 'I've been assigned something dangerous' and 'I have to do it alone.'"
Aleph shifted his eyes slightly toward her.
"There's not much more to say."
Tingyun let out a soft laugh.
"Then… be careful, okay? If you die, who's going to make lunch, dinner, and tomorrow's breakfast? You should take responsibility. You've turned me into a slave to your cooking skills."
Aleph raised a single eyebrow. He didn't reply, but for a second, the corner of his mouth looked like it wanted to smile.
...…
Sanctum of Exaltation – Territorial Administration Commission
There, a man with short hair and a weary gaze was waiting for him.
"Dahao." He introduced himself in a deep voice. "Follow me. We can't say much out here."
The walk was brief and silent, leading to a more secure and private room. Inside, a woman with fine glasses and a formal demeanor waited, seated.
"Qingsu." She said without standing, nodding slightly as she saw him, as if pleased. "You're punctual."
Aleph nodded. There was no room for unnecessary pleasantries.
Qingsu laced her fingers atop a crystal table and projected several maps and diagrams in front of him.
"There's been strange activity in the nearby plaza. Individuals acting out of the ordinary. We suspect they're recruiters from Sanctus Medicus."
She looked him straight in the eye.
"Your task is to infiltrate their ranks and become one of them. Someone… touched. A curious soul. A disoriented young man who's started feeling a connection to Abundance. You don't need to pretend madness. Just seem genuinely interested."
She handed him a small, slim device, about the size of a chip. Aleph placed it on his gauntlet as a slot opened to accommodate it.
"Encrypted channel. Use this frequency only if you make contact. Remember: infiltrate, don't invade. Learn, listen, endure. Only report back if you have something concrete. Good luck."
...…
Sanctum Plaza
Aleph walked like a tourist unsure of what he was looking for. He paused at food stalls (a snack wouldn't hurt anyone), browsed books, asked vague questions.
"Does this help with cellular degeneration?" hHe asked in a tone somewhere between curious and doubtful.
Gradually, a few eyes started turning toward him.
One in particular.
A young man in a dark green robe, with eyes like freshly cut emeralds, was watching him from the shadows of a side alley.
When Aleph neared one of the exits, feigning disorientation, the young man stepped into his path.
"You say you came out of curiosity. Let me ask you something—aren't you tired of living in fear? Of sickness, of death, of being forgotten?"
Aleph blinked. Once. Twice. Confused.
"What are you talking about?"
The young man chuckled softly, almost charmingly.
"Don't you want to know the truth the Archer Demon has hidden? The story they twisted to justify their massacre? The Hunt is nothing more than fear with a bow and arrow."
Aleph lowered his gaze, as if something inside him clicked. Then he looked up again, his expression now tinged with doubt and fascination.
"Is Abundance not a curse like everyone in the Xianzhou says?"
The young man leaned in slightly.
"It's an eternal blessing. Infinite healing. Unity through the root, beyond time and beyond the limits imposed by those afraid to lose control."
Aleph nodded slowly.
"Most people wouldn't understand, but…" He paused. "Sometimes I have dreams. Golden roots, a feeling of warmth… of being whole. I haven't told anyone, but… that's why I came."
It wasn't entirely a lie. Just a small distortion of something that, in another context, might've been true.
[It can't be—has he learned to lie?] Burroughs' surprised voice echoed in his head. [My Master's becoming a true rebel. Will womanizing come next? Did he deactivate me or not? Such a dilemma. I'm just a poor AI bound to a troublesome Master.]
"Burroughs... could you please be quiet?"
The young man gazed at him more intently and nodded.
"Then… you should come with me."
He paused for a second before adding,
"We can't accept just anyone. There are tests. But they're not conducted in such… public places."
He opened a channel on his communicator and extended a contact code to him.
"Give me yours."
Aleph hesitated just long enough not to seem too eager.
"Perfect." The young man smiled.
"Wait for instructions. We'll meet again soon."
...…
Aleph walked toward a more secluded area, away from the plaza and prying eyes.
And activated the encrypted frequency.
[Aleph: "First contact made. Got a recruiter. They'll take me to undergo the tests soon."]
....
The path led them to the edges of the administrative district.
The young man in the green robe walked with steady steps, and Aleph followed behind, his face relaxed and free of tension.
Upon arrival, the recruiter pushed aside a torn canvas curtain and invited him into a half-collapsed room. Cracked ceilings, rusted lanterns, scattered old documents… and at the center, a makeshift stone table, where another figure was already waiting.
He wore armor from the Nimbus Knights.
"He's part of the exam too?" Aleph asked in a low voice.
"Don't worry." The recruiter replied. "He's like you. Someone who woke up and stopped believing the Demon Archer's lies."
...
The recruiter looked at both of them.
"First trial. Honest answers, quick. No hesitation."
His tone shifted, becoming almost ceremonial.
"What does Sanctus Medicus mean to you?"
Aleph simply repeated what Burroughs told him.
"Abundance has shown me the fragility of what I once believed eternal. It awakened in me the desire for eternity, to perpetuate my existence as something beyond what I am now—to transcend my short mortal life."
A satisfied nod from the young man.
"What's your view on the Demon Archer and his lies?"
"The Hunt is nothing but the executioner of ignorance disguised as justice. Pure idiocy. They're blind to what they should really be following."
More murmurs of approval. One of the others present muttered with a pleased tone:
"This time, we picked a good one."
The young man smiled.
"Final question. What would you do if you were ordered to kill an enemy who poses no immediate threat, but stands for an opposing ideal and a possible future danger?"
Aleph didn't hesitate.
"The enemy will be eliminated. The root must be flawless."
The answer dropped like a stone. The silence that followed was reverent.
...
The young man set down a pile of papers, ink, and brushes on the table.
"The next trial is simple… but essential." He took a breath. "You'll write the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus creed… five hundred times."
"Time limit?" Asked the knight.
"None. But don't make me wait forever."
Aleph sat down and slowly dipped the brush in ink.
"The path to Abundance is the root that unites all, life without end, the true cycle…"
He sighed.
"…So boring."
That's when the other knight leaned slightly toward him.
"You're Aleph Avesta, right?"
Aleph tensed immediately, his hand gripping the brush tightly.
"Damn it… They found me out." He muttered with an annoyed expression. "I'll have to erase the evidence."
"No, no, no!" The other waved his arms frantically. "I'm infiltrated too!"
Aleph gave him a side glance.
"…And you came dressed like a Nimbus Knight?"
"They're looking for infiltrators within the system! I'm a riskier bet, sure, but also more useful!"
Aleph raised an eyebrow.
"Useful like a stop sign in a ghost town."
The other smiled.
"I'm Qingyi. Documentation and Archives Department, South Wing, Nimbus Knights."
"…What?"
"I've spent 150 years filling out forms and forging internal reports. Don't worry about this. I'll handle it."
In a matter of minutes, Qingyi wrote the creed 999 times — his copies and Aleph's — in flawless handwriting with zero errors.
Every page looked like a perfect replica.
"Century and a half of office work." He muttered with pride. "I lost track of how many official seals I've forged."
Aleph could only mumble:
"What the hell do bureaucrats even do around here…?"
[It's part of growing up, Master.]
"They're all monsters."
...
The young recruiter returned and reviewed the documents.
"Excellent… Truly excellent. I didn't expect this much from you two."
Then his tone changed.
"Final trial. Duel to the death. Only one can join Sanctus Medicus."
Qingyi went pale as a sheet. His lip trembled.
"N-no! Wait! I need time to mentally prepare! I'm not a fighter, I'm a bureaucrat!"
"Only if your opponent agrees." Said the young man. "What do you say?"
Aleph nodded.
"Good. Don't delay. Remember, if you try to escape, you'll be executed on the spot."
...
Qingyi turned to him.
"Quick plan! Realistic fight! We'll fake it so it looks like you 'killed' me, and you get in while I sneak out. Just… please… go easy on me. Don't smash me like you did with the Possessed!"
Aleph just turned, waving a hand dismissively.
...
"Begin."
Aleph used his ice bat to shatter parts of Qingyi's armor, and gusts of wind sent him flying through the room like a kite caught in a storm. Electricity crackled between the walls.
Soon, Aleph began adding illusions.
Deep cuts. Blood. A lifeless body.
Qingyi collapsed with a loud cry, and didn't move again.
The young man eagerly approached.
"Impressive. I knew from the start you were special." A wide grin spread across his face. "The other one was seriously unreliable. Who in their right mind shows up in uniform? Don't worry, we'll dispose of the corpse."
Aleph shook his head.
"No need."
"…Excuse me?"
"I like collecting the bodies of those I've killed."
The young man took a step back.
"Wow… everyone has their… hobbies, I guess. Alright, alright. I'll let you know about the next meeting. Don't be late."
He walked off with his men, glancing back at Aleph like he'd just met an adorable psychopath.
...
Later, in a hidden corner, Aleph laid Qingyi's body down and dispelled the illusion.
"I-I lived…?" He gasped, sitting up.
Aleph placed a hand on his chest.
"Dia."
A soft light enveloped him. The real wounds faded. Qingyi stood up, sore but alive.
"Even holding back, you almost turned me into paste… But thanks. I guess this beats dying."
He took off the remains of his armor and changed into a simpler robe.
"I'm heading to Mr. Dahao and Ms. Qingsu. I'll tell them everything we found."
Aleph nodded.
"When this is all over…" Qingyi smiled. "Drinks are on me. But this time, no duels. Deal?"
Aleph looked at him in silence… and, for the first time during the infiltration, gave the faintest smile.
"Deal."
And so, as Qingyi disappeared into the alleys, Aleph was left alone once more.
************
The sun was already high when Aleph decided to stop in a discreet corner of the district.
The scent of freshly brewed coffee pulled him in like a magnet.
A small terrace, well-kept wooden tables, and an almost artificial stillness ruled over the place. Aleph ordered a strong coffee and sat down without much energy.
That's when he noticed her.
A woman sitting nearby, her long hair tied in a ponytail over one shoulder, with purple eyes that didn't reflect any light.
"Mind if I sit?" Aleph asked.
"You already are." She replied with a faint smile. "Foreigner?"
Aleph simply nodded.
"You could say that."
"My name's Dan Shu." She extended a hand without looking.
"Aleph."
Her handshake was soft, but firm.
...…
Time began to pass without them noticing.
They talked about the bitterness of the coffee, the district's humid weather, old remedies and modern superstitions.
Aleph felt genuinely comfortable with her—she had something… He couldn't describe it beyond a strange sense of nostalgia.
A little odd.
But in the end, he didn't think much of it. Who among his acquaintances wasn't weird?
Oh right, Welt Yang.
Well, just the one exception.
The conversation went on until his gauntlet vibrated and Burroughs chimed in with a notification.
[Incoming notifications.]
Aleph glanced at the gauntlet's screen.
There were messages from March 7th, Stelle, Welt, and one from Qingsu.
[Qingsu: "Qingyi made it back safe. He briefed us on everything. Excellent work. Keep it up, and your reward will match."]
He scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed.
"Sorry… I have to go."
Dan Shu tilted her head.
"Do you come by here often?"
"No. Just for the coffee."
The woman's laugh was soft.
"Then, if fate allows… I'd like to talk with you again, Aleph."
He nodded, almost without thinking, before walking away.
...
Back at the Territory Management Commission, Dahao greeted him with a nod.
"Good work. You can rest for a bit if you need to. There's an empty room next door."
Aleph returned the nod and headed to the indicated room.
Once inside, he sat on the floor, exhaled slowly, and closed his eyes as he leaned against the wall.
[Ready to review what's coming, Master?]
"Yeah."
[Ongoing infiltration. Internal intel gathering. Don't draw more attention than needed. This could blow up in your face if you slip up or spill the wrong thing. It's a good time to expand your arsenal. New demons. More useful spells.]
"Perfect. Though I think we need more storage space. Buy the expansion."
[Using 10 AP. Demon slots increased: 02/08 → 02/16.]
A wave of blue light rippled through the gauntlet.
[New app available in the app store.]
[App: Variant]
[Cost: 30 AP]
[Description: Activates Parasite Mode. Allows the COMP to consume technology or materials, integrate them, and modify its hardware and software.]
"Mutant interface? I like that."
[Additional note: After installation, the COMP will no longer have a static preset form.]
Aleph didn't have time to react.
A green light enveloped his left arm.
The gauntlet disintegrated into particles, and in its place appeared a black phone with a magic circle on the case and a Jack Frost.
Cute.
Aleph quickly noticed something else.
"…Huh. It's been a while since I've seen my left arm."
[Would you like to keep this form? I can also manifest as a watch, glasses, earrings, or…]
The form changed with a flash. A dark watch with floating numbers fitted onto his wrist.
Aleph whistled in approval.
"Nice. But the phone is more practical. Go back to that."
[As demanding as ever.]
Burroughs shifted back into a phone, floating just above his palm.
"Now, onto the important part. My new demons—these would be my targets. The Demonic Mantra gave me ideas of what I could do with Wendigo, Pazuzu, and Baphomet."
[Tricky. Summoning any of them directly is nearly impossible. But… I can alter the ritual flow to draw combinations that allow for their fusion, though the only one currently possible to fuse is Wendigo, since he's the easiest of the three to create. Like I said, I'll get you the materials, but you'll have to figure out the right fusion on your own.]
"Do it. I'm counting on you."
[Initiating summoning.]
Magic circles spun across the virtual floor. Distorted silhouettes formed and faded while Burroughs, like a technomancer witch, began the selection process.
Aleph closed his eyes for a moment.
If he was going to play the cultist role… why not have some more threatening demons besides Oni to intimidate people when needed?
Why not teach them the choreography and then have them do the torture dance?
....
One by one, the new demons began to manifest in small arcane circles. Jack Frost jumped out with a cheerful "Hee-ho!" as he materialized, while Kikimora emerged in a swirl of dust. Nue roared from within a shadow, and Onmoraki formed with the crackle of black flames.
Aleph watched in silence, arms crossed and smiling, while Burroughs brought up a few options.
[Wendigo, Pazuzu, and Baphomet are achievable through fusions using your current demons.]
The boy nodded. The recipe was on the table, so to speak.
Some ingredients were still missing, but the blueprint was there.
[I recommend starting with Wendigo. Jack Frost and Oni could be used to create him.]
"…Alright."
The circle lit up again. Jack Frost let out a confused "Hee-Ho?" before dissolving into particles along with Oni. Seconds later, a loud blast echoed as freezing air spread through the room.
A tall, brutal-looking being emerged.
Wendigo—blank-eyed, jaw permanently ajar, frost dripping from his maw.
"Good boy." Aleph muttered, stroking its head. Surprisingly, the demon didn't flinch. It accepted the gesture without resistance. Aleph opened the compendium to retrieve Oni once more.
Then Burroughs broke the silence.
[Master…]
The tone was lower. Almost a whisper of warning.
[…there are multiple life signs nearby. Some show a resonance… disturbingly similar to the stag.]
Aleph straightened instantly. His gaze darted to the window. Among the dead buildings and scattered lights, he spotted shadows. Moving. They weren't looking at him. They weren't approaching. But they were passing… as if searching for something. Or someone.
A lump formed in his throat. The recruiter's words echoed back with chilling clarity.
"We'll see each other again soon."
His phone vibrated.
[Qingsu: "We intercepted a Sanctus Medicus transmission. The meeting is in two nights. Possible location: beneath the Artisan Commission sector. We need you to attend. Dahao's preparing your clearance. Meet him in an hour."]
[Instructions confirmed.] Burroughs added, unprompted.
[Challenge list updated.]
[Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.]
[Vengeful Spirit.]
"Great," Aleph muttered, bringing a hand to his forehead and exhaling deeply.
He turned off the screen.
For a moment, he just sat there, staring at his reflection in the glass. But it wasn't him looking back.
First, he saw a different face… long black hair to the shoulders, glasses, and eyes… orange? The expression was one of those that made you think the guy was either kind of dumb or a total idiot.
Almost innocent.
Then the image dissolved. Replaced by another. Caelus.
Both faces blurred, then vanished.
Only the current reflection remained—Aleph. No more *****, no more Caelus. Just him.
Just the result.
"Great…" He repeated, more quietly this time. "I think I'm really going insane."
[Ready to stop being the hunter… and start looking like the prey?]
Burroughs asked softly.
Aleph didn't answer.
He just stood up.
Adjusted his jacket over his shoulders. Ran a hand through his hair. Turned on his heels and walked out of the room without looking back.
Night in the Luofu wasn't over yet.
But the real hunt was just beginning.
**************************************************************************
How's it going, everyone? Honestly, I was planning to drop an Omake here, but I got sleepy so I'm leaving it like this. Either way, it's a pretty long chapter.
So, how did your pulls go? I finally got Acheron! Now I'm torn between pulling for Castorice, Jiaoqiu, or Acheron's Light Cone.
I haven't made up my mind yet. Who would you recommend—Luocha or Ruan Mei? I don't have either of them. Oh, and I do have Gallagher (E0), Lynx (E5), and Pela (E3). Dear god, they're just filling up slots because I almost never use healers.
Also, here's a drawing my friend made of Aleph's appearance before he arrived at Jarillo-VI (basically, how he looked during the plane incident).