Chapter 51: Chapter51-The Destined One

Finally!

John reached the center of the light, with the shadow at his feet curling into a faint, trembling ball as he moved.

"I'm here. Where are you?"

"Your power is average, but your temper is quite fiery."

"You called me over here, and now you won't even show yourself. What's the deal?"

John retorted irritably, ready to turn and leave, when suddenly a figure appeared behind him.

"Hmm, your talent is decent, but your alchemy skills... why are they so poor?"

"What do you mean by that?" John asked.

"Such a waste of good talent."

John frowned, scrutinizing the beautiful woman who had appeared before him.

Even in his two lifetimes, having seen so many beautiful women, she stood out, able to outshine them all.

Her sky-blue eyes seemed to contain an endless expanse of stars, swirling within them.

Her fair skin was as smooth as cream, and even the slightly loose robe she wore couldn't hide her proud figure.

"Don't look at me like that. It's very offensive."

"You misunderstand. I'm just curious about what you are exactly. A ghost? Are you trying to possess me? I get the feeling you didn't want to meet me. You've been in the Eternal Alchemy Bible for so long; why didn't you show yourself earlier?"

"Because you were too weak. You hadn't even reached level 1000 in alchemy, and you wanted to meet me? But you're somewhat interesting. Reaching level 100 in alchemy was enough to awaken me."

The mysterious woman's words left John in shock.

Only a level 1000 Alchemist could meet her?

The highest level Alchemist in his previous life was only level 112.

Could this woman be stronger than a level 1000 Alchemist?

Still cautious, John pressed on with his questions.

"If you're so powerful, why are you hiding in a book?"

"Watch your tone! You are, after all, somewhat my disciple!"

John scoffed and sat down, continuing his questioning. "Disciple? I don't remember learning anything from you."

"The alchemy you know came from me! How can you not be my disciple?"

"Alchemy from you? That's a poor lie. All the alchemy I use is from the [Legendary Alchemist Orlando Barry's Notes]."

"Legendary Alchemist Orlando Barry?"

"You don't know him?"

"Oh, I remember now, the little blond kid from the Barry family? He wrote a book?"

"How old are you?" John was stunned.

"Don't concern yourself with a young lady's age."

"According to you, all the world's alchemy comes from you. So, tell me, can you bring the dead back to life?"

John rolled his eyes, not believing a word she said. He thought this question would expose her, but she actually started considering it seriously.

"Bringing the dead back... that's truly difficult. If the body is gone and the soul is missing, even alchemy can't create life from nothing. But it's not impossible. You would need to go to the [Abyss] to retrieve the soul. After that, I can help you.

But with your current power, going to the [Abyss] is a death sentence."

"It's already beyond my imagination..."

John pinched his forehead and took a deep breath.

"One last question—how can I bring you out of here?"

"I... I don't know. There might be a way, or perhaps there isn't. I have been stuck on this question for thousands of years without finding an answer. The solution might only be found by you, who has inherited everything from me.

Regarding alchemy, you can come to me anytime for guidance. I will train you to the best of my ability. Please, don't lose hope, and don't give up... on me."

"I understand. When the day comes that I create a new form of alchemy, maybe I can rescue you."

"I will eagerly await that day."

"And, take care of the girl by your side for me."

...

When John came to his senses, he found himself back in his room.

The woman hadn't given him a chance to ask more questions before ejecting him from that world.

Looking down at the Eternal Alchemy Bible at his feet, John sighed deeply and picked it up.

"Things are getting stranger and stranger. I should find some time to talk to the [Deception Apostle]. Maybe I can find a way to bring Qing back. After all, losing such a powerful ally will make the upcoming dungeons much harder."

Moreover, Qing's death was partly John's fault.

If he could bring Qing back to life, it would fulfill one of John's deepest wishes.

Just as he was contemplating logging out of the game to find the [Deception Apostle], a series of urgent knocks interrupted his thoughts.

'Bang, bang, bang!'

"John! Are you in there? If you can hear me, please respond, please!"

Helena's voice came from outside the door, and John realized that two hours had passed since they separated.

He hurriedly opened the door, looking at Helena and the others with an apologetic expression.

"I'm fine. Sorry to make you worry. Just now, I had a little accident with my alchemy. The magic device exploded and knocked me out..."

"You scared us to death! Do you know it's been two hours?"

Helena's eyes reddened as she saw that John was unharmed. Biting her lip, she rushed forward and pounded on his chest.

"Ow, ow, ow... I just woke up, do you want to knock me out again?"

"We couldn't reach you, I was so worried!"

"John, what were you working on that could knock you out like that? It won't hurt Grandpa Chief, will it?"

"I was thinking the same, so I decided to leave it at that. What I've made should be enough. Let's give these to Grandpa Chief and get going. I've already wasted too much time, and we can't afford any more delays."

...

Meanwhile, in the real world, in the [Abyss]!

The [Deception Apostle] gazed at the ethereal projection from Mount Olympus before him and sighed deeply.

"Master, you want me to help John kill the [Lust Apostle]? But he was your chosen one."

"The [Lust Apostle] has lost control and no longer possesses rationality. He has lost his purpose for me. His power will be a great asset to John."

"Knowing I'm just paving the way for another pawn, yet realizing that one day I too will be discarded, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth... But, I understand. I will follow your will and help John gather the power of the [Apostles] to resurrect that person."

"Does Mother really have a chance to be resurrected? A thousand years have passed. When I see her again, what should I say?

Never mind, I believe Mother will guide me from beyond."