CHAPTER 249: [FREEDOM DOVE] - NERIO’S PART (1)

After two dungeons opened in succession, nearly half a month passed without a single dungeon appearing, granting humanity a precious period of peace.

During that time, Silvanus also had the chance to polish his skills. He tried seeking out Lucifer, but never caught a glimpse of him, so he gave up, knowing that, sooner or later, that man would come to him.

Besides, Silvanus had plenty of matters to deal with.

During this period, a new temple was erected, and a group of people calling themselves believers of Degenerate began to emerge, led by a mysterious masked figure. At the same time, Asta was spending lavishly in bars and nightclubs, as if trying to prove that he had no part in the crowd of self-proclaimed believers of Degenerate.

Silvanus watched Asta’s faith points continuously rise, stall, suddenly surge again, and was left at a loss for words. How many nights had he dreamt of Asta angrily screaming in his ear with resentment and accusation?

Silvanus knew it wasn’t simply a dream—it was Asta’s unending wish. Perhaps he longed to tear Degenerate apart for deceiving him, and so ceaselessly prayed for Degenerate’s return.

Unfortunately, because of the plan involving Layla, the next dungeon’s appearance could not possibly involve Degenerate.

"Lilith, good morning." Silvanus appeared in the Director’s Space, where Lilith looked like a beautiful doll within a fairytale garden.

To help Lilith adapt to this place, Silvanus had transformed the space into a sunflower field, restoring Lilith’s candy house as well.

Hearing Silvanus’s voice, Lilith leapt off the swing and skipped over joyfully, her face brimming with happiness: "Big brother, I missed you so much!"

Silvanus gently patted her head.

Those invited to become actors would wholly belong under Silvanus’s command. He could assign them any role, and they would perform it flawlessly.

Lilith was Lilith now, but not entirely Lilith.

At the very least, she no longer carried hatred or pain—she was simply one of Silvanus’s actors.

After all, what god could be without loyal servants?

Silvanus sat beside Lilith and began sketching. The wind swayed the sunflowers, carrying with it the scent of sunlight. The scene was peaceful, and the days were tranquil and beautiful.

"A new dungeon has appeared!"

Layla received the report from her subordinates with a calm expression.

She adjusted her glasses and looked at the outside situation on her computer screen.

This dungeon had been brewing for two days, dark clouds churning across the sky. The Association of Espers had already evacuated civilians early on. Finally, today, the dungeon erupted.

A gate tore open the gloomy heavens, revealing a dangerous glow within. Lightning crackled violently around the gate’s edges, and simultaneously, a countdown appeared.

[23:59:59]

This time, the countdown stretched to twenty-four hours—at least enough preparation time.

"Let’s hope not too many people get pulled in."

Every fallen esper was a massive loss to humanity. Layla never wanted to see that happen.

"Don’t worry. This time, the casualties won’t be nearly as high."

Frank’s voice suddenly rang out beside her at that moment, startling Layla slightly.

She looked over and saw Frank smiling at her, his eyes blood-red as always.

Layla knew—the government’s project had already entered the testing phase, and not only that, it had yielded no small success. Yet because it was tested on humans, built upon the bones and blood of the victims wronged by the Curtis family, it had not been made public.

They needed proof that their research held value and would become a new star in the mission to save the world. This dungeon would be their chance.

Layla looked away, saying nothing.

The corner of Frank’s mouth twitched, as if he wanted to say more, but in the end, he only said: "You’ll see this path is the right one, Layla."

Only after Frank’s footsteps faded did Layla curve her lips. This path was the right one—sending artificial espers into the dungeon. Layla was sure: they would be crushed!

Beams of light spread across the continent, stretching into the dungeon’s gate. After half a month of peace, humanity was ready for a new battle.

[Dove High School, year after year, sends off outstanding students. The acceptance rate into prestigious universities reaches 100%! No matter how poor your grades are, they rise without end once you enter Dove High School! Dove High School is the best choice for parents, students, and our future!]

A slogan written in gold lit up the sky, as doves carrying flower petals fluttered about, scattering brilliant light across the gloomy weather.

A crowd of humans stood before the gates of a high school, gazing up at the dazzling words in the air.

At the same time, pop-ups appeared in the sky and in their Profile Interfaces, explaining the dungeon.

[Dungeon "Freedom Dove" has opened. Dove High School—a renowned institution, recently gaining government attention due to a troubling rise in student suicides. Although investigations have concluded these were mere accidents, the police’s eyes still sense something amiss! You are young agents disguised as failing students who have transferred to this school for a chance to change! Please uncover the secrets of Dove High School and pass the exam!]

A mist blanketed everything, leaving only the towering black school gates and the humans in clear view.

Leonard cautiously glanced around. His bangs were so long they obscured his vision, making it difficult to see clearly—but at the very least, it made him feel safe.

Outside, Layla was also slightly surprised, muttering to herself: "Leonard just left a dungeon, that’s all."

"Cowards are often unluckier, aren’t they?"

Someone joked lightly.

Finally, when the live broadcast screens reached twenty-one, the massive gates before them rumbled open.

The booming sound was so loud that it made people want to cover their ears.

In the end, the group exchanged looks and stepped into this bizarre school.

Leonard, timid and reserved in appearance, did not stand out much—but in truth, more than a few eyes had already turned toward him.

A new human had risen to prominence—first as the top-ranked believer of Nerio, then, after the previous dungeon, his name was blown up by the press with titles such as "Supernova," "The one who can PK against the strongest on the continent," or even "The heir to the No.1 position."

Leonard’s clash with Drake had drawn tremendous attention.

Leonard was somewhat at a disadvantage at the time, but the battle never concluded. Even if he had been on the weaker side, it was against Drake. His strength was already proven—undeniable.

A group of people walking behind him cast contemplative looks his way, as though they had found their chance.

The higher-ups wanted them to prove their strength to the public. And what better proof than defeating Leonard?

Wasn’t that, in itself, a perfect demonstration of their power?

The squad of artificial espers suddenly found themselves sharing the same thought—a thought that pushed them more complex than even the will to clear the dungeon.

Sensing something, Leonard hunched his shoulders slightly and quickened his pace.

"Hello, please present your admission letter."

The guard stood inside his booth, his figure hidden from view. Only a pair of gloved hands could be seen through a small opening, along with a hoarse voice.

The humans quickly searched themselves and, fortunately, each found an admission letter. On it were their names and ages—all listed as seventeen—and the reason for and their desire to transfer to this school.

Leonard noticed that his reason for transferring was that he had been bullied at his previous school, while his wish was for a peaceful environment to study and make friends.

Clearly, he had not written these words himself, yet they matched him in a strangely uncanny way...