Chapter 36: The Assault

Although Silas was certain that Bart was no ordinary person, he did not immediately report this matter to his superiors.

On one hand, Silas's way of thinking differed from others; in this black-and-white world, he had his own unique values.

Although the Green Flame Brotherhood was confirmed as a cult, Bart did not give him a bad impression.

On the other hand, Silas wanted to use these two days to further confirm Bart's intentions and character.

Of course, there was also the daily wage of 2 Crowns for these two days.

"Even if I get caught later, let me make a little profit first!" Silas thought to himself.

On the way back, passing by Mr. Parker's bakery, Silas looked down at the 1 Crown note in his hand, hesitated a moment, and decided to go inside.

"Priest Sotos? What a surprise to see you here! Thank you so much for your help earlier," Mr. Parker said with a smile as he arranged the bread.

Silas smiled back. "Don't mention it. We are all children of the Tri-Moon Goddesses. As a Priest of the Goddesses, it's only natural to help our brethren."

Parker sighed happily. "If all clergy were like you, this world would be infinitely better."

"Thank you for your kind words," Silas said, handing over the 1 Crown he had just received. "I'll take two cream breads, both large."

For Silas, cream bread was a luxury.

It was made from soft white bread sliced open and filled thickly with creamy, milky white frosting. The texture was soft and smooth, with a rich and delicious flavor.

Two large pieces of bread weighed about half a pound each and cost about 20 Bits apiece.

One piece of bread was already more expensive than a meal for three people.

Parker laughed brightly upon hearing this, wiped his hands, took the money, and expertly wrapped the two cream-filled breads in fine white paper boxes. He handed them to Silas with a smile. "I believe these breads will bring your girlfriend joy for several days."

Parker assumed Silas was buying the breads for a girlfriend.

Silas smiled but said nothing, accepting the two boxes and change. He noticed Parker had given him 65 Bits.

"Kind people always receive unexpected luck, Priest Sotos," Parker said with a round, friendly smile.

"Thank you!"

That evening, when Silas returned home, he found Ada just back and preparing dinner.

Silas smiled and greeted, "Ada, a gift for you."

"A gift?" Ada was surprised. She came over and opened the box, then was stunned.

"Silas, this is…"

Silas didn't dare tell the truth. "Today I helped Mr. Parker, the bakery owner, solve a crucial problem. He gave me a coupon so I could buy these two delicious cream breads for only 20 Bits."

Then Silas added, "And I was lucky today—I found a part-time translation job helping a merchant from the Allied Cantons Empire. The daily wage is 1 Crown."

Ada sniffed the cream bread and quietly swallowed. "Eating this is like eating money!"

She then turned and said, "I'll separate the cream and bread in the kitchen. The tasty white bread can be dinner, paired with some rye bread. I'll save the cream for making bacon later as a seasoning."

Silas opened his mouth to stop her but said nothing and let her handle it.

During the next two days of his break, Silas didn't rest. He accompanied Bart to stroll around Bayne City.

From Bart's behavior, Silas realized he was a true businessman.

His main focus was the financial district, docks, companies, factories, as well as the newspaper and post office. He even visited the city's transportation center because he wanted to invest in building a motorbike line.

In Bart's eyes, everywhere was full of business opportunities.

After two pleasant and relaxed days of interaction, the two built a good relationship. Although their professions differed, their shared thirst for knowledge gave them many common topics.

"All right, Bart. Our pleasant two days have come to an end. I have to go to work tomorrow," Silas said at dusk, bidding farewell.

Bart reluctantly replied, "I really hope you can quit and become my full-time translator. It would make things much easier for me here."

Silas smiled. "That idea is very tempting, but unfortunately, you're a bit late."

Bart smiled slyly. "For a businessman, there is no early or late timing, only the exchange of interests. When our needs align, I believe we will have a very pleasant cooperation."

"Ha ha, I look forward to that."

Bart nodded with narrowed eyes. "Be careful on the road. If you encounter any problems, you can come find me anytime."

Silas didn't think much and smiled, nodding as he left.

After parting ways, Silas walked home along Triumphal Way.

Feeling the two 1-Crown notes in his pocket, Silas thought happily, "This will make things easier for Ada."

Dong! Dong!…

Six bell tolls rang out. The sky had fully darkened, and the gas lamps along the street flickered on with sparks.

Under the three moons in the sky, large snowflakes slowly drifted down.

Silas stood at the street corner, watching the falling snow by the lamplight. Combined with the neat streets and Gothic buildings, it gave a profound and peaceful romantic feeling.

"This peaceful romance, I will protect with all my might," Silas smiled, heading to the edge of the city and then home along Hawthorn Alley.

Huff! Huff!

Suddenly, a sharp, piercing sound like a beast's breathing reached him.

Silas's heart jolted.

The sound was not heard by his ears but transmitted to his soul through Spiritual Energy.

What he heard was not a simple sound but pure hostility!

"Someone is attacking me!?" Silas felt his scalp tingle. This was his instinctive spiritual warning of danger.

The next second, without hesitation, Silas sprinted off, softly chanting, "Night nurtures light, the moonlight's radiance grants life and knowledge. Born from night, we gaze upon the bright moon. Great Moon Goddess beckons you, bathed in moonlight…"

This was a passage from The Lunar Codex, chanted through Spiritual Energy to calm and focus the mind — the effect of Mantra of Serenity.

But after only a few steps, Silas abruptly stopped. He realized that someone had appeared in front of him without his noticing.

The figure wore a black robe, his face hidden and completely unrecognizable.

"Who are you?" Silas tensed up, asking nervously.

The black-robed man slowly lifted his head, revealing a somewhat withered, pale face. "You are Bart's assistant here, right?"

"What!?" Silas was stunned.

The next second, the black-robed man suddenly produced a dagger shimmering with cold light and charged at Silas with incredible speed.

Silas's eyes widened immediately. His physical fitness and combat reflexes were no match for such a swift attack.

Thrust!

In a moment of horror, the dagger precisely pierced his left chest, right at the heart.