Chapter 638: Encounter
As Charles and Jade continued their arduous journey through the Nightmare Land, the atmosphere remained shrouded in a peculiar gloominess despite the brightness of day. The towering trees cast long shadows, and dark, eerie clouds loomed overhead, intensifying the chilling and somber ambiance. Their trek became even more challenging when a sudden downpour drenched the surroundings, further adding to their difficulties.
As they continued their walk, Charles divulged some information about his true identity to Jade, revealing that he was once a member of Withering Shadows. However, he opted to keep his actual name concealed, only sharing his current alias.
Jade expressed her surprise, remarking, "Interesting. I didn't expect the Life Church to let you leave the organization. Based on my understanding, the higher-ups in our church rarely allow such departures." She voiced her thoughts while maintaining a steady pace.
In response, Charles emitted a cold snort before speaking.
"They have nothing to gain by eliminating me. They failed to uphold their promises and went so far as to seize my family's property under the guise of an agreement. Though it doesn't bother me much, I will return one day and deal with all those schemers."
Jade halted in her tracks, a realization dawning upon her. "Hmm? Why did they confiscate your family property?" she questioned, her curiosity piqued. Then, a thought crossed her mind, and she inquired, "By any chance, are you a descendant of Eddie Nightwind?"
Jade's knowledge took Charles aback. "You knew about Eddie?" he asked, surprise evident.
"Of course. He was a legend," Jade replied, exhaling deeply. She continued, "The one who confiscated your family's property was Cardinal Albert of the Life Church. I heard about a large-scale expenditure in Riverdale City approximately two years ago. From the information I have gathered, more than 40 Rank-4 individuals, seven Rank-5 individuals, and even two Legendary powerhouses ventured into the Dreamworld to confront a formidable entity. Though the outcome remains unknown, Cardinal Albert significantly increased his power following that incident and is planning to participate in the upcoming election for the next Pope Candidate."
"Cardinal Albert? And why did he enter the Dreamworld? Why was he after my family's house?" Charles questioned, his brows furrowing. He knew their interest in his house must be connected to something else within the Dreamworld.
"That house is no ordinary abode, lad. It is a gateway to the Dreamworld known as the 'Dream House,' one of Eddie's creations," Jade explained. "From what I have gathered, Cardinal Albert had been preparing to obtain control over the Dream House for quite some time. As for why he ventured into the Dreamworld, you should seize an opportunity to inquire directly from him." A mysterious smile accompanied Jade's words.
A realization struck Charles. "So, he also entered the Star Tombs with you?" he asked solemnly.
"To be precise, Cardinal Albert is the leader of this expedition and has already attained a level of power where he can contend with a Demi-God-level powerhouse. Therefore, it's best not to provoke him without cause," Jade warned, her tone conveying the gravity of the situation.
Curiosity tinged Jade's final question as they ventured into a peculiar area filled with dilapidated buildings, ancient trees, slithering vines, and murky wetlands. The surroundings exuded an eerie atmosphere as they continued their walk.
"So, what is your goal? Are you planning to join our team?"
"I don't believe the other Life Church members would welcome me as warmly as you do, ma'am. I should part ways once we reach a safe location," Charles responded, aware of potential complications.
"I agree. And if you intend to seek revenge on Cardinal Albert, do it outside this Dungeon," Jade concurred, preparing to take a step forward. However, she abruptly halted, sensing that Charles had stopped moving.
Turning around in confusion, Jade questioned, "What happened?" She extended her wisdom power to survey the surroundings, cautiously searching for any lurking dangers.
Simultaneously, she retrieved a peculiar bluish coin adorned with an ancient symbol engraved on its surface from her space ring. Without hesitation, Jade hurled the coin toward a ruined building on the right side of their path.
Meanwhile, Charles focused on the future visions revealed by his 'Faceless Eye' skill, preparing to cast the defensive spell [Golden Shield] immediately.
"Although I don't sense any immediate presence, there is something dangerous lurking here," Charles stated, his gaze shifting towards the towering branches of the trees ahead, scrutinizing for any anomalies.
"Are you sure-?"
Before Jade could respond, her words were cut short by a deep gash across her neck. In an instant, her head was severed from her body!
Simultaneously, an eerie, blackish humanoid silhouette materialized before the decapitated Jade, emanating a sinister aura akin to a cursed presence. This creature stood approximately 7 feet tall, wrapped in tattered, black garments. Its emaciated figure featured skeletal limbs and a hunched posture. Despite the passage of time, its eyes emitted an eerie glow, piercing through the darkness. The creature's tattered clothes were stained with reddish blood, adorned with ancient symbols. It gripped an ancient longsword in its hand, exuding a formidable aura.
An unexpected turn occurred as the creature prepared to raise its weapon and cleave Jade's body in two.
Jade's decapitated head and body transmuted into a pool of water, splashing onto the humanoid creature in a bewildering transformation. However, the water swiftly crystallized, transforming into pure ice essences that ensnared and immobilized the creature completely.
In the meantime, Jade reappeared where she had tossed the bluish coin, summoning a giant orb of water and skillfully shaping it into a shield-like structure for protection.
Sensing the imminent danger, Charles quickly retreated, closing the distance between himself and Jade. He activated his [Accelerate Thoughts] skill, augmenting his mental processing speed while simultaneously activating his 'Rune Eye' to analyze the creature before them.
'I can only discern its Rank and class name. I cannot perceive its attributes and its abilities,' Charles understood that this creature was not one to be underestimated.
"Damn it, it's the Nightmare Guardian," Jade exclaimed, finally identifying the creature. She added, "It's impossible to defeat this creature with our current strength, kid. We should retreat."
Judging by Jade's words, Charles asked, "Is it truly that powerful?" He believed that with their combined efforts, they might have a chance at victory.
"You don't understand, kid. It would take more than ten Legend Rank Mystics to defeat it. Moreover, this place is more like its domain, and it will continue to revive endlessly," Jade explained, emphasizing the futility of their situation.
Realizing the futility of their predicament, Charles concurred with Jade's assessment. He swiftly retreated, watching the Nightmare Creature as it struggled to break free from the icy constraints.
After traversing for a few minutes, Charles and Jade retreated from the desolate, ruined land, finally stumbling upon a small cavern hidden beneath a cascading waterfall.
"We should rest here for a while and then decide on our next course of action," Jade suggested as she entered the dimly lit cavern, its walls damp and echoing with the sound of water.
Seizing the opportunity to bring light into their temporary refuge, Charles conjured a ball of fire, allowing its warm glow to illuminate the cave's interior.
Curiosity burning within him, he asked, "So, what was that creature we encountered? And how do you know it can endlessly revive?"
Rather than providing an immediate response, Jade retrieved a compact cot from her space ring, placing it gently on the cavern floor before taking a seat. Her actions spoke volumes about her desire for comfort and relaxation, a subtle indication that answers would not come freely.
"You shouldn't expect information without offering something in return, kid," Jade replied cryptically. "All I can disclose is that the creature will remain station in that ruined place, attacking any intruders who dare to trespass. Killing such a formidable being is no simple feat, even for a group of Legend Rank Powerhouses." Her words remained deliberately vague, withholding further details about the creature and its purpose.
Understanding her intent, Charles decided not to press for more information.
"Very well, I will also rest for a while," he acknowledged, settling into a decision.
Employing her adeptness in water magic, Jade cast a spell to create a protective forcefield-like structure around her cot formed from cascading water droplets. Contentedly, she reclined, finding solace in the sheltered respite.
Meanwhile, Charles retrieved a sturdy wooden chair from his space ring, positioning it near the cavern entrance. Taking a seat, he allowed himself a moment of contemplation.
Furrowing his brow, he pondered.
'Though unspoken, it is undeniable that the creature guards something of great importance. However, how can I hope to defeat a Magical Beast of Legend Rank that possesses the ability to revive endlessly?' His worry and frustration were palpable, amplified by the fact that he could not sense the creature's presence. It had managed to conceal its aura entirely, potentially possessing an invisible or teleportation-based ability.
Charles silently thanked his vision skill, as it had saved them from falling into a dangerous situation.
'I am still too weak to face that creature head-on,' he admitted, a sense of determination welling within him. 'Nevertheless, I refuse to surrender so easily.'
To restore his energy and nourish himself, Charles retrieved several pieces of dry meat and various vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes from his space ring. He procured a bottle of oil, a frying pan, and ground ginger and garlic, arranging them neatly on the cavern floor. With careful consideration, Charles began preparing a meal, the sizzling sounds and inviting aroma filling the cavern as he cooked.
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