Chapter 367: Chapter 367: The Cursed Divine Seat_1
In the evening, Aiden and Abigail sat across from each other around a tea table in Abigail’s summoning space.
"It’s rare for you to actively invite me for a chat, is there something on your mind?" Aiden inquired.
This summoning meeting had been initiated by Abigail’s side.
"Qiqimora has been in Gistas for quite some time now," Abigail replied, not directly addressing the question.
"She should have been in contact with you all along, right?" Aiden asked.
"Yes, but it seems there hasn’t been much progress since she arrived in Sunset City."
"That’s not surprising, searching for a specific person in a city takes time, and you need certain connections to manage it."
"Are you sure the information you dug up from the Smiling Scales is reliable?" Abigail asked.
"Not certain, but at least I can assure you she hasn’t lied to me," Aiden replied nonchalantly.
"Do you think she really has a chance to snatch the Hand of Obliteration from others?"
"Not likely. The power of the unique authority alone is above the saints, not to mention that the saint of ’Hatred’ authority is also pursuing the same goal," Aiden said slowly. "According to the information provided by the Smiling Scales, Mr. Blood Robe has known about the Hand of Obliteration for a long time from them but has failed to secure it for so long. You can imagine the difficulty."
"This is like snatching food from the jaws of a tiger—the holder of the unique authority is already dangerous enough, and the competitor is a saint with another unique authority," Abigail shook her head. "If Qiqimora forces the issue, she won’t have enough lives to spare."
"If you’re so concerned about her, why not go help her directly?"
"I have no obligation to do so. She will ask if she needs to, and I will see what I can do at the time," Abigail stated bluntly. "Besides, to be honest, I don’t think I would be much help. My power can resurrect the dead, but if she were dealt with by the ’Obliteration’ power, I wouldn’t be able to do anything."
As Aiden had surmised, the "Nothingness" authority’s "Obliteration" power could directly erase things from this world, thus preventing resurrection.
Mr. Blood Robe sought the Hand of Obliteration to kill him.
Abigail paused, then suddenly changed the subject: "On the other hand, recently you’ve been so close to Qiqimora and even provided crucial information, yet you let her go to Gistas alone?"
"She wants the authority, not me. Pursuing the authority is her own wish, and she voluntarily bears this risk. As I’ve said, if she asks for help, I’ll try to assist her as much as I can," Aiden replied calmly.
"You’re more open-minded than I imagined—not only do you do business with us, but now you’re even helping a witch approach an authority," Abigail commented meaningfully, lifting her teacup for a sip.
"What are you trying to say?" Aiden perceived the implied message in her words.
"Then I’ll be direct..." Abigail set down her teacup without hurry, "What exactly is your purpose now?"
"Haven’t I said? I suspect Mr. Blood Robe wants to obtain the Hand of Obliteration, and I want to stop him. Qiqimora also wants the Hand of Obliteration, so I plan to use her. She’s willing to be used by me—is there a problem?"
"And if Qiqimora gets the Hand of Obliteration, that’s fine with you? After all, you are a former Heretic Inquisitor, and your position hasn’t changed much, has it? Neither Qiqimora nor I am fugitives, but strictly speaking, we are still criminals in violation of The Covenant from your point of view," Abigail fixed her gaze on Aiden’s eyes. "Although we are now in a cooperative relationship, fundamentally, our stances are still opposed, aren’t they?"
"That’s a bit hurtful to say..." Aiden laughed, trying to brush it off.
"There is no need for false courtesies between us," Abigail’s voice grew heavier.
Aiden grew silent, and with her keen perception, Abigail realized he had other purposes behind guiding Qiqimora to seize the Hand of Obliteration.
"I recall you mentioned that you have a difficult opponent—is it related to that?" pressed Abigail.
"Hm." Aiden gave a short affirmative, then lifted his hand. "Alright, I admit I did consider owing Qiqimora a favor so she might help me in the future."
"Am I also a candidate for your assistant?" Abigail asked.
"Of course, that’s why I mentioned it to you," Aiden confessed.
"Are you still not willing to disclose information about your opponent?" Abigail pursued.
Aiden pondered for a moment, then said, "So I’ll say a bit—you remember the ’Goddess of Love’ Melindale mentioned in the diary you showed me before?"
"Of course I remember," Abigail nodded. "Hmm? Could it be... her?"
"Exactly."
"But wasn’t she..."
"Dead, and even her resurrection safety net failed to activate," Aiden continued. "But she still returned to this world by other means... Or to put it another way, a successor emerged, inheriting her power and memory. For some reason, she has set her sights on me."
"That’s odd—taking down a mortal should be child’s play for a ruler."
"That’s a long story because of certain reasons, I found myself forcibly entering into a wager with her. I’m trying to escape her dominion, and she has given me some time," Aiden chose his words carefully, describing the situation without revealing too much sensitive information. "So, I need support."
"To confront a ruler as an opponent, and even to manage such a gamble against ’Desire,’ your experiences seem... quite extensive," Abigail commented.
"I think so too," Aiden laughed.
"But to be honest, I have no desire for revenge," Abigail stated calmly. "Moreover, recklessly challenging a deity is not a wise choice."
"You’ve said as much," Aiden remarked. "And I understand."
"To confront a ruler, numbers are meaningless. There must be sufficient quality for parity," Abigail spread her hands.
"I remember you told me it has to be on equal terms," Aiden continued, deciding to lay all his cards on the table. "If I were to provide a clue to the unique authority of ’Life’..."
"You needn’t trouble yourself—I already know the whereabouts of the unique power of ’Life,’" Abigail interrupted him.
"You know?" Aiden was somewhat taken aback.
"Yes, I’ve actually known for some time, but I haven’t been able to obtain it yet," Abigail tapped her knuckles. "Because that unique power has been tampered with, cursed... or rather, contaminated."
