Vol-2: 125. The Bell Ringer

125. The Bell Ringer

The ridge slowly cracked open, and Youhelai raised his head. His armor was scorched and burned away, but snowflakes quietly fell, landing on his wounds, feeling like needles piercing him, followed by a soft, numbing sensation.

Even citizens of society can die.

He gently moved his body, opened his mouth wide, and breathed deeply. The ether blood inside him quickly activated, providing enough power for Youhelai to open his chest armor and take out an ether mixture, pouring it into his mouth.

"Gulp... gulp..."

The ether rapidly molecularized, merging with his cells that had been fully assimilated by society. As a reforged powerhouse, especially as a [White Knight] of jury rank, he would not be eliminated by mere mortal force.

As the ether gradually healed his wounds, Youhelai sensed something, a sudden stirring in his blood. He raised his head and immediately saw a middle-aged man dressed like a priest.

"What a sorry state, [White Knight]."

His coal-black buzz-cut hair and rugged features left a deep impression, not to mention the bulging muscles under his priest's robe, making him look like a hulking muscle monster.

The man had come to the Outer World alone, unfazed by the onslaught of icy blades and snow, without carrying any equipment, as if he were on a casual tour rather than in the harsh and brutal Outer World.

"[Bell Ringer] Horst, I didn't expect you to find me..."

Youhelai's tone showed a measure of respect for the fellow jury member [Bell Ringer].

He still remembered how this bearded priest turned him into a citizen of the Hidden Society, made Sonia into a 'social institution,' and casually turned a mountain into a sand dune.

For both personal and professional reasons, Youhelai had to show some respect to [Bell Ringer].

"[Death Knell Resonance] allows me to see your soul and mark it with a tracking imprint."

Horst stood with his hands behind his back, his expression cold:

"If it weren't for the ether blood, you would've died twice. The [White Knight]'s armor has no defensive capabilities; it's just bio-organic material that enhances physical fitness."

"Heh, it can still block a barbarian's weapon."

Youhelai slowly sat up and curiously asked:

"By the way, weren't you out looking for our [Tailor] councilor? Didn't you find her?"

"There was an issue."

Horst turned his head, looking at the plains and dunes beyond the snowy mountains:

"The traitors who have been fleeing have escaped into Star Abyss, scattered across the universe."

"I even suspect they're not just in the first layer, the 'Abyssal Layer.' They must have infiltrated narrative-level civilizations too. Not them directly, but perhaps their descendants. So far, they continue to defy Mother Gaia's will."

"I see, you mean someone cut us off!" Youhelai had a natural aversion to riddles and immediately waved his hand: "What's the big deal? With your skills, just summon a ghost to answer your questions."

"The councilor herself is a medium, and ghosts shield her presence... I don't know who intervened, but they did take our councilor."

Horst sneered:

"This won't stop the Hidden Society's progress. These traitors fled during the Speaker's War, but when the councilors and speakers gather and Mother Gaia descends, they'll pay the price sooner or later."

"Does every society have to do this to descend?" Youhelai asked curiously, "Invade civilizations using citizens, corrupt and assimilate, integrate locals into society, and then gather the councilors and speakers to bring about society's descent—isn't that too troublesome?"

"Infiltration always works this way. A direct approach would alert narrative-level civilizations, prompting them to sever ties and isolate you—not to mention that only through continual erosion can society gain a rich diversity, essential to completely devour a fully functional civilization."

Horst's words were always filled with bizarre events and metaphors, but he never got the details wrong.

"So, we're still looking for the councilor?" Youhelai asked.

"Yes, we keep looking. But the entire planet might be like this." Horst rubbed his forehead, "Sometimes, I really miss that planet... Haines, where it was full of C3 'Luka' type cosmic humans. Over thousands of years, they managed to form the Hidden Council completely. If it weren't for that one person..."

"That person?" Youhelai noticed the detail, "You've mentioned 'that person from Haines' several times, but you've never said who that person is. Can you just give me a straight answer?"

"[Will of Domination]—Murphidria's avatar, also known as the terrifying god known as the God of Reality."

Every time Horst spoke of 'that person,' his expression changed dramatically, showing fear and trepidation, unwilling to say more:

"That's a name better left unspoken, having dealt the Hidden Society its greatest blow. When that person was around, all societies were forced into fear and caution by their means."

"Is it really that frightening? It's just a god; haven't societies killed enough gods already?"

"No, this one is different, unlike other gods. If anything, that person… is society, a society among gods."

Horst shook his head, unwilling to discuss further:

"Let the past be. That history, even for Mother Gaia and the councilors, is a topic they would rather avoid—remember, keep harping on dark history, and you might become part of it."

Horst's warning left Youhelai surprised. He was silent for a moment before saying:

"This makes me even more curious, but I know my limits."

"As long as you understand."

"But since there are only a few C3 Luka types on this planet, why not look for a similar one?"

"We would, but the C3 Luka types in Star Abyss are too busy fighting, never congregating, so finding a candidate with councilor-level potential is like searching for a needle in a haystack."

"I'm really curious. As [White Knight] and [Bell Ringer] of the jury, we are already so powerful, so what are councilors and speakers like?"

"Far stronger than us."

Horst said:

"Just focus on your own business. Remember, your target is Gretorvo Nightsong."

"Whether to awaken him as [Black Knight], recruit him into the Hidden Society, or eliminate him and take his profession to recombine [Knight], it's crucial for the Hidden Society."

"Don't worry."

Youhelai pulled up his tattered hood, grabbed the cane made from Sonia's spine, and chuckled:

"I've already discussed with the Tianhuan people; dealing with Li Aozi is just a side quest... even if defeated by Li Aozi, with ether blood, I'm immortal, while he has all that power but can't wield it."

"…Don't mention that name anymore."

"What?"

"I don't like that man's name." Horst frowned, "That name always reminds me of some disgusting things."