CHAPTER 93: CHAPTER 92: THE SLAIN LAMB

The gaze of Evil God Bajatos did not vanish, even after Rowena had left for quite some time, Ethan still couldn’t figure out what exactly this skill was used for.

However, compared to Bajatos’ gaze, he found Teacher Cat’s stare to be even more unsettling.

They remained in the desolate open field, ever since Lindong rushed out from Old Sen Magic Technology Store upon hearing the news, she had been studying him with an inquisitive gaze. Perhaps due to lingering feline traits, Lindong occasionally tilted her head and opened her eyes wide when pondering in her human form.

Ethan, covered in goosebumps from being stared at, had to ask, "Uh, is there something odd about me?"

Lindong suddenly clasped her hands together, lowered her eyelids in a prayer-like manner, and said, "May the blessings of the gods fall upon everyone."

She obviously was an unqualified believer, not only was her tone devoid of reverence, but her demeanor was also unpious. After uttering the words in a chanting manner, Lindong flashed a mischievous smile typical of a witch.

This was a textbook atheist, forced into a neutral yet slightly evil stance by the persecution of the church!

Seeing Ethan frozen in place, Lindong laughed in satisfaction; she had said it deliberately because she found Ethan’s earlier expression amusing.

Observing her student and young boyfriend, apart from his apparent interest in her feet, Ethan was generally quite proper. Each time she teased him, he would exhibit highly amusing expressions.

Just as it is in many people’s nature to tease cats, she thoroughly enjoyed the sensation of teasing Ethan.

However, there seemed to be a subtle difference between Ethan’s elemental ascension and her proposed theory, a sacred sensation that could not be described was not feigned. Lindong believed that if Ethan stood in the Imperial City Church Square, bathed in golden light, raised his arms and declared himself as the true god’s descent, he would instantly gain numerous followers.

For unknown elemental knowledge, Lindong always possessed a strong desire for inquiry, her interest in Ethan grew increasingly intense, wanting to delve deeper into studying him.

Her eyes swept across the cumbersome winter clothing, a trace of displeasure flashed in her expression — her only dissatisfaction with Ethan was in his attire, wrapping himself up like a dumpling, bulky and with a somewhat uniquely rural tackiness. Although winter had arrived, Ethan was quite adept in the realm of the ice element and logically should not fear the cold.

"What do you think, Teacher?"

Ethan noticed Lindong’s gaze becoming increasingly strange and shivered slightly.

He summoned Teacher Cat to the wilderness outside Ximu Town at night to discuss the Blood and Flesh Giant and the rift, coupled with the suddenly emerging mysterious skill, he realized he had been entangled in a deeper conspiracy.

The knowledgeable Teacher Cat might have some insights into these matters.

"Your judgment is correct, the rift was indeed artificially created, it disappeared due to the lack of sufficient souls here to maintain it."

Lindong revealed her judgment, "The maintenance of a pollution zone requires souls as fuel, which is why Bajatos’ followers are keen on sacrifices. If one intends to tear open a rift in the physical realm, it requires burning one’s own magic power as a supply... with my current magic power reserve, I can maintain the rift for about half an hour."

No wonder Teacher Cat is so knowledgeable!

In comparison, Rowena, who was with her, was completely outmatched; as the first witness on the scene, she was clueless, not even seeing the shadow of the Caster.

"But if you wish to further understand Bajatos, I do know a place."

"... You wouldn’t be suggesting I sneak a peek at forbidden books, would you?"

The suggestive tone made Ethan uneasy, Teacher Cat possessed the traits of a bad teacher, seemingly keen on instructing students to engage in mischievous acts.

According to Empire laws, any book related to the Evil God was collectively termed as cult classics, anyone reading such books, whether or not they studied the magic within, would be regarded as Evil God’s Followers and could claim a barbecue package in any major city.

"A life without peeking at forbidden books is incomplete, you can examine them with a critical eye."

Lindong said, "My stance has always been that to deal with an enemy, you must first understand your enemy. Only by comprehending their magic and combat tactics can you better implement various precautionary measures, for example, the one who summoned the Blood and Flesh Giant should be a wizard proficient in the ’Summoning’ school."

"Alright." Ethan found Teacher Cat’s argument reasonable, took a deep breath, "What preparations do we need before that?"

"None, you simply need to follow me."

...

Lindong donned that seasonally inappropriate lightweight cloak again, as well as her signature vortex mask, the destination remained Fireplace Bay. After completing teleportation magic, she led Ethan along the black sea’s shore, walking a long distance until the town’s outline was barely visible, only then did a solitary wooden hut come into view.

Torches burned brightly in front of the hut, sounding quite lively inside.

A blood-red sign hung above.

"The Slaughtered Lamb".

Blood appeared to seep from the sign, leaving dark red streaks on the wooden placard.

Ethan had traveled in and out of Fireplace Bay many times, discovering for the first time that a tavern was nestled here.

Lindong pushed open the door, the gaze inside the tavern collectively focused on her almost simultaneously, a tall stature, and crystal high heels possessing a noble air. The atmosphere should have been more fervent, yet upon encountering her vortex mask and red pupils, these seemingly fierce patrons quickly averted their gaze in fear.

Only one seemingly intoxicated drunkard inappropriately whistled.

But was swiftly stopped — the burly man sitting across from the drunkard suddenly erupted, seized a cup filled with unknown dark red liquid, and smashed it upon the drunkard’s head; shattered glass splattered everywhere, the unconscious drunkard slumped over the table, blood trickling from the wound and slowly spreading across the table.

Ethan followed Lindong; she walked towards the bartender standing behind the bar without looking sideways, "Two people, dine-in."

The waiter appeared much calmer, staring at Ethan for a long time, "Newcomer?"

"A very talented young man."

"Is that so? But rules are rules."

The waiter calmly wiped the plates, he also worked as a bartender, yet the bottles and jars contained nothing but unidentified liquids. Ethan even saw eyeballs floating in an open barrel behind the waiter, unclear what creature they belonged to.

He posed a question to Ethan, "How many people have you killed?"

For a moment, the tavern fell silent.

All the patrons held their breath, surreptitiously shifting their gaze here, waiting for an answer.