Chapter 73: Chapter73-Signs of Awakening

"I think now is not the time for idle talk. [Lust] might awaken soon. I can feel its influence expanding. If this continues, the entire elven habitat will be affected."

"So what? You're a player. Do you have such deep feelings for NPCs?"

"Cut the crap. Tell me, is there any way to accelerate [Lust]'s awakening or counteract its authority?"

Hearing this, [Deception Apostle] spread his arms, a sinister smile appearing on his grotesque face.

"I've told you before, only authority can counter authority. I thought you were a smart man?"

"Are you saying I can counteract the negative effects brought by [Lust]?"

"Of course not. After all, [Lust] is a demi-god. You can't even touch the pinnacle of mortals, so how could you oppose a demi-god?"

"Then what do you mean?"

"I mean, although you can't, I can. Don't forget, I am also a demi-god."

As he spoke, [Deception Apostle] turned and looked in a certain direction.

"One condition. I'll help you once, fair and square. What do you say?"

"What condition?"

"I haven't decided yet. I'll let you know when I do."

"When can you act?"

"Please, you gave me a goblin as a vessel. Even if I wanted to help you, I need time to adapt to this body. Otherwise, how could I act?"

After all, being in the body of a completely different species, [Deception Apostle] had no fondness for this filthy little creature.

If it weren't for his master's orders, he would have already terminated the descent and returned to the real world.

"How much time do you need?"

"A day will suffice. In the meantime, find me a safe place where no one will disturb me."

"That's easy. I can take you back to Adela Village. No one will bother you there."

With the matter settled, John wasted no time.

He took [Deception Apostle] back to Adela Village. After some disguising, he successfully smuggled [Deception Apostle] into the village and returned to his residence.

As a player's safe house, the cabin was inaccessible to others without the owner's permission.

Naturally, once inside, leaving was also impossible. Locking [Deception Apostle] in here gave John some peace of mind.

However, [Deception Apostle] noticed John's cautious behavior and taunted, "I am your ally now. Isn't this level of mistrust a bit much?"

"Trust is earned, especially when you're not even human."

John cast a sideways glance at [Deception Apostle], pushed open the door, and motioned for him to enter.

"Aha, found you!"

One thing puzzled him, though.

Apostles could easily sense each other's presence. Since [Deception Apostle] could detect [Betrayal Apostle] now, why hadn't he noticed him?

"Is he hiding his identity or is there some other reason?"

This situation was clearly beyond [Deception Apostle]'s understanding, so he decided to investigate.

Quickly catching up, [Deception Apostle] reached out and grabbed S.'s shoulder. The latter turned around hurriedly, looking at [Deception Apostle] with a wary expression.

"What? Oh, it's you, Xu Quan. What do you want?"

"You... you don't recognize me?"

"What are you talking about? Of course, I recognize you. We even did a dungeon together. What's going on? Did you lose your mind?"

brushed off [Deception Apostle]'s hand and asked in confusion, "Forget it. I was just about to find you. I'm planning to run another dungeon and try to get an ornament. Wanna join?"

"Haha... Interesting, very interesting! So that's it?"

[Deception Apostle] suddenly began to laugh loudly, realizing something. Seeing this, S. stepped back, his brows furrowing.

"Are you crazy? What's so funny? Are you coming or not?"

"No need. It seems I've underestimated this world and the abilities of those [gods]. To achieve something like this... quite impressive."

[Deception Apostle] no longer paid attention to S.'s reaction and turned to leave.

Watching him walk away, S. became even more confused.

"What an idiot."

...

Leaving Calia City, [Deception Apostle] lost interest in wandering around and returned to the cabin.

After seeing [Betrayal Apostle], he confirmed some of his suspicions.

To be precise, [Betrayal Apostle] hadn't awakened. His entry into the game world wasn't intentional.

For reasons unknown, [Betrayal Apostle] and this player were brought back two years in a temporal regression.

This happened so suddenly that [Betrayal Apostle] didn't have time to escape and was forcibly sealed, falling back into slumber.

Because of this, [Deception Apostle] could sense [Betrayal Apostle]'s presence, albeit faintly.

"Now that this matter is resolved, I should report to my master. That [Betrayal Apostle] is unlikely to awaken again. Even if he does, he'll be noticed and eliminated immediately.

Or... I could seize his authority before he fully awakens and give it to John.

As long as John gains [god]-level power, the process doesn't matter much."