Chapter 153 153: Manipulation

Lucius stood in the distance with his hands behind his back. He had already sent his Sword back, leaving the rest of Castiel.

Even though he wanted to kill Zhang, now that Castiel had taken the lead, he let him do it. However, he was still somewhat surprised.

"Why is he using so many spells? He has Zhang in control. He can kill him if he wants. Why is he going so overboard?"

He didn't understand why Castiel was using his most powerful spells when he didn't need to. "Is he trying to show off?"

For a moment, he even wondered if Castiel was trying to show off. However, that also didn't seem to be the care. He knew Castiel didn't waste time, just for small things like showing off. He believed something was wrong.

"There is certainly a reason he is going all out. And it's related to his strange behavior today."

He didn't know that the one reason Castiel w was using his strongest spells, despite not needing them, was because he wanted to teach them to Atlas. Now that he had control of the body, it was the easiest way to teach Atlas some spells.

"Learn well, kid. Learn well. You might need the spells in the future. You are too weak right now. Let this experience make you stronger!" Castiel declared, assured that Atlas was hearing him.

"He is teaching me?" Atlas was also taken aback. At first, he thought it was a good coincidence that he could learn these spells, but now it was evident that Castiel was teaching him.

A formation twice the size that was on the earth appeared in the sky.

A blinding light flashed through the sky, followed by a thundering sound. For a moment, it became so bright that it was impossible to see anything.

After the light returned to normal, only a massive crater was left in the sight. There were scorching marks around that crater as if a massive lightning bolt had fallen there. It was also the exact spot where Zhang was trapped before. At the moment, but even a glimpse of Zhang could be seen as if he was disintegrated after the attack.

Castiel landed on the ground near the crater. Lucius also appeared beside him like a ghost.

"That was a bit overboard."

"A little bit, yeah." Castiel agreed with Lucius.

"So, may I ask why you went overboard?" Lucius asked. "And while we're on that topic, what help were you looking for?"

"The answer to both your questions is the same," Castiel answered. "I want you to give me your Key Fragment."

"Hmm?" Lucius frowned, hearing the sudden demand. What did he mean, he needed the Key Fragment?

"Sure. Give me yours, and I'll give you mine."

"No. I need yours and also need mine. To stop what's to come, I need all key Fragments. And I also need your help."

"I want to open that place again. Because that's the only place where we can find the solution."

"And what solution would that be? We've all been there before. I don't recall seeing anything there that can help us. What difference will there be this time? Also, if we can get answers while going there, why would I need to give you my key instead of coming with you?"

"Isn't that why we divided the keys? So none of us could open that place alone?"

"I know why we divided the keys. I was the one who suggested that. And now I'm suggesting that it's time to bring the keys back together."

"Sorry, not happening. It was nice catching up with you, but I'm not interested in giving you my key. If it's about one person having all the keys, you can give me the key and help me get the others. But my key stays with me..."

Against all expectations, Lucius didn't agree with Castiel. For some reason, he decided to keep the key fragment for himself only.

Unfortunately, Castiel couldn't let that happen either. He needed the key, and he needed it without the interference of Lucius. Even if he somewhat trusted Lucius, he didn't trust him enough to tell him about the transmigration of Atlas.

Since Atlas was going to be alone for the next one month, he didn't want to increase the risks for him by letting this news spread.

"You don't even have your key, do you?" Castiel asked, frowning. "That's why you're backing off. Did you lose the key?"

"I'm not a child." Lucius brought the small key fragment from his pocket, showing Castiel. "If you change your mind about working together, you'll know where to find me. Until then, I'll get back to what I was here for."

Initially, Lucius was interested in what solution Castiel had to solve the coming problem, but he was disappointed to see that Castiel still couldn't trust him. And until there was trust between them, he wasn't willing to work together. He left the decision to Castiel.

Lucius left, going back to the Franc Castle that was still intact because the spell was broken before. He honestly expected Castiel to stop him. Unfortunately, Castiel also let him walk away.

Castiel watched Lucius leave, looking quite unhappy. However, it was only after Lucius disappeared from his view that his frown turned to a smile.

"Sorry, old friend. But I had no choice," he lowered his gaze, looking at the key Fragment in his hand. It was the same key Fragment that was in Lucius' hands until minutes ago, and now it was in his hands.

As Atlas saw everything that took place, he was able to see the bigger picture. He was amazed that even Castiel could use schemes.

Just as Castiel cast the Vine Spell, he cast a bigger spell on the surroundings, which were still active. As for what that spell was, Atlas only found out now.

Castiel subconsciously manipulated Lucius to make him show his key fragment. That's also when the Formation activated, transferring the real key fragment into Castiel's hands while sending a fake key Fragment into Lucius's hands which he kept in his pocket without even checking.

"That makes it two. Little one, you got two key fragments now. You'll have to find the other two yourself. This was as far as I could help you."

"Remember, even I don't know how long it'll take before Lucius finds out that he got a fake, but when he does, he'll come after you. You'll have even more enemies now that I've made an appearance myself, enemies that you can't even imagine. If you thought your life was hard until now, remember, this wasn't even a fraction of what is to come."