Chapter 158: Pilgrimage Route

Chapter 158: Pilgrimage Route

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Lucion closed his eyes tightly.

Stairs, huh?

As he turned around, he saw Heint waving his hand from afar.

Ill endure it for the macarons.

Lucion confirmed his appetite.

Shall Ratta give you a piggyback ride?

Because Ratta was sincere, Lucion burst into laughter.

If you were a bit bigger.

Like a tree?

Yeah. If you were as big as a tree, then you could give me a ride.

Got it! Ratta will definitely give you a ride. Ratta said it with a big smile.

In that case, Ill carry you instead of Ratta, Hume said, approaching Lucion and crouching down to offer his back.

Lucion frowned.

It was comfortable, but he didnt feel quite right.

[Its not the time to be prideful.] Russell teased Lucion with a mischievous look.

I know.

[Didnt the doctor tell you to be careful?]

Bethel, unlike Russell, spoke with genuine concern.

Yeah. Lucion sighed briefly. There was no point in being stubborn.

Oh? Lucion, Lucion.

Ratta, who was climbing the stairs alone, suddenly rushed down and grabbed the hem of Lucions pants.

Why?

They tell me to come this way.

Who?

The darkness.

What?

Ratta was going up the stairs when darkness peered from the other side and beckoned.

Guide me.

Lucion furrowed his brow slightly, not wanting to be carried by Hume.

What does the darkness want, exactly?

Lucion knew that the darkness, though not as abundant as light, also roamed the surroundings.

However, he felt a particularly strong sense of it lingering near him.

As Lucion followed Ratta, he saw a wooden house.

As if the old woman knew Lucion would come, she came out and greeted Lucion politely.

Have you come, Lord Lucion Cronia?

Suddenly, Lucions gaze was drawn to a red thread that had appeared out of nowhere. The pilgrimage route mentioned in the novel was not a significant place, only briefly mentioned as There is a pilgrimage route in the north.

But a red thread?

Lucion looked at the old woman with suspicious eyes.

Did you know I was coming?

Yes. It was whispered to me. It said a distinguished guest had arrived.

Who whispered that? Lucion rolled his eyes at the old womans words.

Is she a warlock? Dont tell me

[Lucion. She might be suspicious, but I can assure you, shes not a warlock.]

Russell said clearly.

[But theres an unusual amount of darkness around here.] Russell continued, looking around with his arms crossed.

Right. Theres a lot of darkness. Does it all smile at Ratta? Ratta would smile back, too.

Rattas tail was wagging.

My name is Asha and Im in charge of the pilgrimage here.

She smiled softly.

Isnt the pilgrimage route over there? Lucion pointed to the place he had come from.

Why are there stairs?

Yes, that is also a pilgrimage route. However, this place exists for distinction, Asha explained.

A distinction?

I have been waiting for your arrival.

Ashas words sent a chill down Lucions spine.

It doesnt sound like youre talking about an invitation. Why have you been waiting for me?

Of course, its natural for me to wait for the one chosen by the darkness.

The darkness? You must be joking.

Lucion felt the urge to take a step back immediately. How could someone boldly associate themselves with darkness without being a warlock?

Lucion tried to remain calm. Do you realize how dangerous your words were just now? Lets just pretend I didnt hear that.

Its okay. This place is safe.

I dont understand what youre talking about.

Lucion frowned slightly, showing his discomfort.

I understand if youre wary of mentioning it, but Im fine. While it may be an undeserved title, you can consider me a servant of darkness.

Asha smiled warmly and took a step closer to Lucion.

They were born from the darkness and became followers of the darkness.

For a moment, Lucion remembered what the Black Brother had mentioned.

No, it cant be.

Yes.

Lucion smiled and looked at Hume.

Hume, ask anything you want to ask, anything you want to know.

Still Is that okay?

Its a rare opportunity. You should seize it when it comes.

Thank you so much for giving me this chance, young master.

No need to thank me. I have some questions for her too.

She said that darkness chose him.

What does that mean?

Lucion turned his gaze and took turns examining the house where Asha had entered and Ratta, who was just playing in the grass.

Teacher.

Lucions gaze finally rested on Russell.

[Yes?]

Do you know what it means that the darkness chose me?

Russells expression turned serious, and he replied, [Darkness doesnt choose anything.]

His words seemed almost like a mutter, as he continued, [Thats how I was taught, and likely all warlocks are taught the same way.]

But she said that darkness chose me.

[Yes, I heard her say that as well. It seems like a matter to be discussed when Asha arrives. For now, darkness isnt saying anything.]

Russell noticed Asha coming towards them from the house.

Youve waited a long time.

What Asha brought with her were a bowl and a cutting knife.

Ravien was born from darkness, so darkness is mixed in its blood, and that blood is the same for everyone.

After a brief explanation, she pricked her finger, swiftly letting a drop of blood fall into the bowl before it could reach the ground.

It looks like ordinary blood, even though its mixed with darkness.

Lucion felt doubtful as he looked at the blood staining the white bowl red.

Are you afraid of pricking your finger?

Asha looked at Hume with an apologetic expression before handing him the knife.

No, Im not scared.

Humes eyes showed no sign of wavering as he reached out to Asha.

Only then did Asha hand the knife to Hume.

Lucion tensed up, worried that Hume might accidentally cut off his finger.

[Be careful, Hume. Dont cut your finger off.]

It was the same with Russell.

[Lord Lucion. Russell. Hume is much better at controlling his strength than you think, so you dont have to worry.]

Bethel said with a smile at the sight of the two people.

They were so similar that she could feel that the teacher-student relationship was very amusing.

Drop.

Contrary to his worries, Hume cut it cleanly, leaving only a few drops of blood, and dropped the blood into a bowl.

[Some people cut it as if theyre cutting off a finger, but Hume is really precise.] Russell commented, his gaze shifting towards Lucion.

When performing a necromancy, didnt Lucion cut his finger really deep because he was so nervous?

Teacher, Lucion called out, his gaze slightly fierce.

Russells laughter ceased, and he responded, [Well, what is it?]

As the blood of Asha and Hume mixed in the bowl, darkness stirred within them.

Asha couldnt help but cover her mouth in response to what she witnessed.

Oh my god

Russell was just as shocked by Ashas expression of disbelief.

[What? Was it real? Was it not a metaphor, but an actual presence of darkness mixed in the blood?]

It certainly seemed like blood was mixed, but there was more darkness sticking out from one side.

Its Humes blood.

Because that darkness was Lucions darkness, Russell was able to recognize it right away.

Taking the blood, Asha drew it on Humes forehead.

In that moment, both Ashas and Humes eyes sparkled, resembling sunlight reflecting on a serene lake.

Hop! Its Rattas favorite sparkle.

Ratta hurriedly approached and looked at Asha and Hume.

[Does it resonate?]

Bethel, holding her breath, anxiously asked.

[It seems so. She said earlier that their blood is the same. She seems to be using some verification method that we dont know about.]

Russell responded, observing the two with a mixture of awe and anticipation.

This was an extraordinary discoveryone that left Russell so overwhelmed that he couldnt immediately record it.

ah.

When the light went out in both their eyes, Asha put down the bowl and immediately hugged Hume.

Ive been waiting for this day. Raviens blood is still alive and thriving. Today, Asha cried, her voice filled with a mixture of joy and sorrow.

Why did everything I had hoped for happen all at once today? I apologize for shedding tears out of shame. Just perceive this old woman as senile, Asha expressed, her voice trembling with emotions.

I dont think so. When youre sad, you have to shed tears.

Werent you lonely?

I wasnt lonely. I had a lot of people.

Hume looked at Lucion.

Thank God. Im glad you werent lonely.

Asha quickly wiped away her tears and held Humes hand tightly.

Did you ever dream? Its impossible for me, but if you have this strong blood, it might be possible.