Chapter 258

Chapter 258

Lennok immediately recounted the tale of how two students from the Necromancy Department faced expulsion following allegations of engaging in rituals for the Gido sect. To his surprise, one of them was acquainted with Priscilla.

Upon hearing the entire narrative, Priscillas countenance grew complex.

Phenia was

In our laboratory, we are actively investigating any connections to the Gido sect for a specific purpose. It would be immensely valuable if you could provide us with any information regarding this student named Phenia.

After her admission to Rabatenon was confirmed, she was temporarily my roommate in the dormitory.

Priscilla spoke contemplatively.

I heard she hailed from the Machine City of Makina. She maintained a pristine lifestyle, and her personality was so untroublesome that we became friends.

I see.

But Phenia followed the Machine Order, not Gido I am utterly perplexed as to why Gido is being mentioned.

Upon hearing this unexpected story, Lennok also fell into contemplation.

The Machine Order.

In contrast to the Gido, who revere the creatures of the Outer Sea as deities, the Machine Order prioritizes the rationality and logic of machines over human nature. This religious faction is deeply rooted in the android lineage.

As its name suggests, the Machine Order holds significant influence in the Machine City of Makina and, while radical, not to the extent of the Gido.

Necromancers often adhere to specific faiths, Mila casually interjected. They claim its because the entities they summon for their rituals exude immense power. It doesnt appear to be an uncommon practice.

The issue lies in the fact that both the Gido and the Machine Order transcend the realm of conventional faith.

The Gido, venerating Outer Sea monsters, and the Machine Order, exalting machine logic and reason.

The university administration wouldnt expel two individuals on mere suspicion. Its highly probable they were caught attempting something, Lennok surmised. And if members of two different orders, each devoted to distinct entities, collaborated on such an endeavor, its likely far from ordinary.

Its been over two months since Ive had any contact with Phenia, Priscilla spoke with a slightly pained expression. I thought she was preoccupied with her coursework and exam preparations, but I had no inkling something like this had occurred.

Even Priscilla was perplexed by Phenias involvement in such matters.

Lennok nodded slightly and continued, Priscilla, do you happen to know Phenias address?

Their only option was to locate her residence in the city.

* * *

District 37.

A modest apartment complex situated near the industrial district.

While the area fell slightly below the citys average public safety, it wasnt notorious for serious violent crimes. Given that Phenia lived here alone, her life appeared to be relatively untroubled.

Priscilla, following Lennok, surveyed the area with a somber expression. It was definitely around here But I cant recall the exact location; the streets are too intricate.

Recalling a street she had visited only once eight months ago proved to be a daunting task. Moreover, the labyrinthine streets in this area made it easy to become disoriented.

Do you remember which floor she lived on? Mila, who had nonchalantly accompanied Priscilla, inquired, thinking of it as a leisurely outing.

I dont believe it was very high, maybe around the 3rd floor? Priscilla replied uncertainly.

Lennok and Mila exchanged silent glances. The vague floor level recollection made it challenging to pinpoint Phenias exact apartment.

It seemed they had no choice but to conduct a thorough search.

Haah

Crack!

As Lennok sighed and silently retrieved Davi.

Davi!

Upon seeing the lively little fox, Priscillas face lit up with delight, and Mila tilted her head in curiosity.

Whats this adorable creature?

Professor Evan is an extraordinary spirit summoner. Davi is a spirit summoned by the professor, Priscilla explained, hugging Davi gently. She wore a faint smile as she continued, Davi is quite popular in our department.

Really? Why do I feel like Ive seen it somewhere Mila mused, her brow furrowing slightly as she pondered the familiarity.

Lennok, too, subtly turned his head, his thoughts racing. He hadnt revealed Davi in its fox form during his undercover work, yet Milas reaction hinted at some inkling.

It was when we first met, Lennok realized, recalling the magic he had used to detect her presence in the undeveloped district. He remembered vividly the memory of three foxes racing and forming a massive net of lightning.

Although Lennoks magical abilities had evolved significantly since then, the fact that the spirit Davi was inspired by that form made it impossible for Mila not to make the connection.

Disguised as a spirit summoner, I cant avoid using Davi Lennok thought, realizing the need to carefully manage Milas memory to avoid unnecessary revelations.

[.]

Meanwhile, Davi playfully swayed its tail back and forth, alternately glancing at Mila and Priscilla.

Davi.

Crackle!

In response to Lennoks command, Davi emitted electricity from its body and released a massive surge of mana while nestled within Lennoks embrace.

Phenia was used, Priscilla, exiting the room, stated with a grim expression.

The chaotic scene within the house and the writings in the owners blood left little room for interpretation.

Lennok studied the characters on the wall and murmured, These characters I cant ascertain their exact meaning, but they abruptly stop in the upper right corner of the living room wall.

As if they were inscribed across the remaining space and then suddenly halted.

Were they attempting some sort of ritual here? Mila speculated.

That seems highly likely, Lennok agreed. They probably intended to carry out the ritual here in Phenias house but for some reason abandoned the idea and moved elsewhere.

If the conditions werent right to proceed with their plan here, the question remained: where did the culprit go next?

The answer wasnt difficult to surmise.

We need to return to the university, Lennok stated as he adjusted his glasses. Perhaps the ritual has never truly ceased from the beginning.

As the saying goes, the darkest place is under the candlestick. If the preparatory steps for the ritual were established within the school, it was highly probable that the perpetrator would reappear at the scene.

* * *

Drip, drip

The slow sound of water droplets echoed in the stillness.

Phenia, feeling her limbs growing stiff, quietly observed them. Suspended in mid-air, she spoke in a parched voice to the person standing with their back to her.

Lanfei

What?

Lets put an end to this.

Her involvement had begun out of curiosity, from the very first time she had received help.

The proposition had been for Phenia to assist in conducting a ritual in the Necromancy Departments lab, a request that piqued her curiosity due to the mention of a rare catalyst and the substantial expenses associated with the ceremonys preparation. However, as she learned the true nature of the necromantic ritual, there was no turning back.

People will die.

The concept of creating a massive altar for the Gido sect in the basement of the Necromancy Department was nothing short of madness.

Despite being a member of the Machine Order, Phenia had only undergone a couple of baptisms in her youth and hadnt been heavily influenced by its ideology. In contrast, Lanfei was as devout as they came, thoroughly indoctrinated into the doctrines of the Gido sect.

In response to Phenias words, Lanfei slowly turned his head.

Im actually sad too. My time as a student at Rabatenon was more enjoyable than I thought.

If you hadnt interfered back then, it wouldnt have come to this.

But thats

As a consequence of our capture during the ritual, we were both expelled from the school Its only right that someone takes responsibility, Lanfei asserted, gazing up at the suspended Phenia.

I dont want to die.

Neither do I.

Then you shouldnt have meddled with my work!!

With a forceful grip on Phenias collar, the sound of dripping water intensified.

The droplets falling from the knots binding Phenia glimmered with a vivid crimson hue.

If your interference hadnt disrupted the rituals preparation, we wouldnt have needed to go to such extremes, Lanfei gasped, his voice shaking.

After purging the unnecessary oil mixed in your blood, I will initiate the ritual. If thats insufficient, I will use someone elses blood to fulfill my duty.

Thanks to you, Phenia, youve helped me make a firm decision.

Releasing her collar, he stepped back.

I had hoped that as a fellow believer, even from a different order, you would understand my sentiments But it appears this city is still populated by the unenlightened.

Lanfei slowly turned his back and began rinsing his hands in the sink.

Just as Phenia was on the verge of resigning herself and closing her eyes, an eerie and distinctive voice reverberated.

[Control over the power room system established.]

And then,

[Commencing the operation.]

The surroundings plunged into darkness, a step ahead of the rest.

(To be Continued)

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