Whether in battle or in daily life.

    Although it''s unclear why this happens, Taya''s intuition is usually very accurate.

    For example, when Lis and Taya met again before, Taya quickly recognized Lis.

    Even though at the time Lis had used the [Transformer''s Mask] to change his appearance and concealed his presence through stealth skills.

    Even for a Legend, it wouldn''t be possible to recognize Lis so quickly, but Taya did.

    And during the sparring process afterward between Lis and Taya, this feeling became more apparent.

    Even if Lis used stealth skills, Taya could sense his presence and lock onto him, almost able to dodge and parry all of Lis''s attacks.

    If Lis didn''t use spells and just fought Taya in melee, although he wouldn''t be defeated, he would be suppressed embarrassingly.

    There is a low-level spell called [Combat Magic Warning], which can predict the direction of enemy attacks to some extent, and a high-level specialty called [Combat Intuition], which can have some foresight into the development of a battle, but neither effect is as strong as what Taya demonstrates.

    Lis had previously asked Taya how she did it, but Taya wasn''t sure; it was just something her body did instinctively.

    With such an intuitive talent, Taya would have a significant advantage in battle.

    But can this intuition also make Taya actively approach Jue, the core character of the secret realm?

    Isn''t that a bit too strong?

    Is this the kind of aura that allows the protagonist to overcome obstacles and succeed?

    Lis didn''t know if this was the typical luck aura effect for a protagonist, but it was indeed remarkable.

    Taya noticed Lis''s peculiar gaze and curiously glanced down at herself.

    Nothing strange stuck to her, right?

    Could it be that she got some jam on her while eating snacks earlier?

    "Can''t go out, Lis? Do I need to stay in the room all the time?"

    Taya thought for a moment and asked Lis.

    Though it would be somewhat regrettable, Taya wasn''t particularly concerned.

    If Lis wanted her to do so, Taya wouldn''t mind.

    Besides, she could still invite Jue to the room as a guest, and at other times continue training, seeking a chance to break through to Legend.

    "There''s no need for that."

    Lis came back to himself, shook his head, and said.

    Taya wasn''t his subordinate, and Lis couldn''t have her stay in the room just because of his affairs.

    He was silent earlier because he remembered the relationship between Taya and Jue.

    Taya getting along with Jue didn''t seem to provoke hostility from the Legendary Strongman hiding in the shadows; if possible, Taya could completely continue contacting Jue to see if she could glean useful clues.

    After all, Lis was sure there were significant problems in this small town, and the root of the issue might very well be the girl named Jue.

    Taya being close to Jue, continuing their relationship might bring unexpected surprises.

    If Lis didn''t tell Taya about Jue''s reality, it could result in more useful information, but that would be tantamount to deceiving and using Taya.

    Lis hesitated for a moment before abandoning this thought.

    Whether for Taya''s good or not, Lis didn''t want to deceive Taya on such matters.

    Their days together had deepened their feelings, and Taya had become increasingly reliant on Lis.

    "Come over, Ya''er."

    Lis held Taya in his arms, sitting in the chair, chin resting on Taya''s smooth, fair shoulder.

    "I have something to tell you."

    "Mm-hmm."

    Taya obediently leaned into Lis''s arms, blinked her gray-purple eyes, and looked at Lis with a hint of curiosity.

    Lis seemed very serious; had something happened?

    Then, holding Taya, Lis shared today''s discoveries with her.

    Including that all the town''s residents were undead creatures, that a Legendary Undead Mage named Iheles was hidden in the town, and the uniqueness of the girl Jue.

    Taya quietly listened, not interrupting Lis.

    However, a trace of sadness appeared on her beautiful face.

    When Lis finished speaking, Taya softly said after a brief silence:

    "So... Jue is just like the others, no longer alive, right?"

    "Yes."

    Lis nodded, gently stroked the girl''s head, and said:

    "Their current situation is unique; I speculate they must have reconstructed their bodies through some special undead magic, but their souls weren''t affected and they haven''t realized they''ve died, continuing their previous lives.

    "It''s likely the effect of a special illusion placed in this small town."

    "I understand."

    Taya''s mood was a bit down, after all, having just befriended someone and then learning they''ve been lost.

    It was indeed a bit sudden for Taya, leaving her unsure of what to do.

    To continue facing Jue?

    But under those circumstances, her soul would likely be very distressed, right?

    Faced with Taya''s question, Lis couldn''t provide a proper answer.

    "What I know now is that this small town and its residents have likely existed for a very long time."

    "Meaning, Jue and the others have died long ago, except their souls were forcibly retained."

    "Perhaps they themselves aren''t aware, but ultimately, they''re only sustaining the life they had before without any changes."

    Lis didn''t know how the residents of this small town felt, but for him, he''d rather choose death than gain eternity through such means.

    Lives without hope or future are the greatest torment.

    Maybe because of the influence of the illusion, the residents here haven''t noticed anything amiss.

    "So Ya''er, do you wish to stay here, or wait for me outside the town?"

    Lis looked at Taya, giving her the choice.

    "I want to stay."

    Taya didn''t hesitate and directly told Lis affirmatively: Sёar?h the N?vel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I hope I can help too. If I can unbind the curse of this small town, it should help Jue find relief, right?"

    To Taya, this was a painful and evil curse.

    This life as undead surely isn''t what Jue wishes for; she wants to help her newly acquainted friend find peace for her soul.

    "I understand."

    Lis inhaled Taya''s scent, nodding as he spoke.

    "Then, Taya, go about with Jue as usual, don''t draw the Legendary Crown''s attention."

    "Mm."

    Taya nodded, speaking softly.

    After hearing Lis''s description, her heart was also heavy, urgently wanting to uncover the truth of this small town.

    "By the way, Lis."

    Taya suddenly remembered something and said to Lis:

    "What''s up?"

    Lis asked curiously:

    "If Jue is a very special presence in this secret realm, does she know the Legendary Crown who created this secret realm?"

    "While chatting with her, she told me she''s actually an orphan taken in and raised by Old Milo at the tavern, with no other family."

    "But Jue seems to have someone she likes, a boy named Kazeri, though he''s now left the town with a passing caravan."

    "Kazeri, huh? I see."

    "Ya''er, you''ve been a great help."

    Lis nodded as he spoke.

    The name Kazeri was one Lis had never heard within this city.

    If what Taya said is true, it was very likely the name was that of the Legendary Mage Iheles.

    After all, if Iheles created this illusion specifically for Jue, then the most likely person would be Kazeri.

    From the task system''s description, Iheles and Jue being lovers was the most plausible possibility.

    Kazeri Iheles?

    The true name of the Legendary Undead Mage who created this secret realm?