chsdbacks Chapter 78: Dividing the Spoils, The Agreement, The Artist
Chapter 78: Dividing the Spoils, The Agreement, The Artist
When the topic of dividing the spoils came up, Virant's eyes lit up.
"What aspects does this guy's authority extend to? I'd bet ten astral crystals that it includes flesh, corpses, and the living."
"Then you've made the wrong bet; it doesn't involve any corpses."
Modi stripped away his authority and displayed it.
Virant casually handed him the bet, then put on his glasses and examined the authority.
"Flesh and blood, animation, distortion, and the Red Death—what is the Red Death?"
"A disease like a bloody curse, the corresponding authority is a composite authority, formed by the combination of disease and flesh."
Modi explained.
He was in a great mood after getting ten Star Crystals for free.
These crystals can only be produced in the astral realm, a special plane that connects all realms.
It is also known as dimensional rift, outer heaven, void, and star layer.
Within the astral plane, most areas are nothingness, but a small portion contains matter.
For example, world debris, dimensional fragments, or the corpses of powerful beings.
Some of these substances are influenced by astral laws and gradually transform into special crystals.
This is the astral crystal.
It can serve as a medium for communicating with certain beings, assist in casting certain spells, and has many other wonderful uses.
"According to our agreement, half of the power belongs to me, and I need to activate and distort both of those parts."
"Vylant said."
He originally wanted the power of "flesh and blood".
But seeing that Modi was a good fit for him, he backed down and chose the two middle options.
Modi nodded.
"The flesh and blood, and the Red Death, are mine."
The "Red Death" was just an add-on; what he needed most was "flesh and blood."
He needs it to solidify the third mark.
Ideally, the third mark should interact with the first two marks.
If the first and second imprints are linked, the resulting River Styx can wash away the soul and cleanse the memories.
If the third mark is formed with the authority of "flesh and blood," it may enable him to advance further in his current position.
This should also enhance the Styx's ability to peel away flesh and blood.
Virant, having divided the power, looked again at the mountain of corpses.
This divine remains have lost most of their divine blood, and their power is far less than before.
Its instincts had been shattered, and it was now a large corpse.
"You were pretty ruthless; you barely left me with any blood."
He waved his hand, and the cobalt blue dome swallowed the mountain of corpses.
"Transaction complete."
He looked at Modi.
Modi understood and forced out a drop of blood that emitted a chilling aura.
"The complete legacy of the Frostbite Giant Spider is contained within."
Virant accepted the inherited blood, glanced at it, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Another satisfying deal, Mormontis, looking forward to our next collaboration."
"I'm looking forward to it just as much," Mordy replied with a smile.
He was about to see Modi off when he suddenly remembered something and stopped.
"By the way, Mormontis, you remember you were born on the Eternal Continent, right?"
"Yes, what would you like to ask?"
"When you left the Eternal Continent, in which era and at what time?" Virant asked.
Mordy replied, "Why do you ask about the year 961 of the Third Age?"
"No, I just wanted to confirm how long I've been away from my hometown."
A look of nostalgia crossed Vilant's face.
He said slowly:
"I left my homeland in the year 297 of the Third Age. I never imagined that so many years would have passed in the blink of an eye."
Have you ever thought about going back to the Eternal Continent to take a look?
"Go back? I don't have that idea for now."
He shook his head without hesitation.
"The Eternal Continent is shrouded in an etheric low tide, where I cannot ascend to immortality."
That's why he chose to step onto that teleportation array back then.
He left his homeland and devoted himself to the pursuit of truth.
After a moment of contemplation, Mordi said:
"The ether of the Eternal Continent is showing signs of recovery, and the ether tide will likely arrive soon."
If he could, he would like to take Vilantra back.
This might provide an extra ally when dealing with Audurian.
"Etheric revival?" Vilant was taken aback.
As a learned dimensional lord, he naturally knew what this meant.
This signifies that a world is emerging from decline.
He has visited many worlds, some of which are at the point of etheric resurgence.
Some worlds call it the resurgence of spiritual energy, while others call it the dawn of the extraordinary.
It will have an irreversible impact on the world.
The impact is even greater on some parts of the world that already have a rich history.
For example, the Eternal Continent.
"When the etheric tide truly arrives, I wonder how many immortals will return."
His mind raced, and he hesitated over a question.
Should he return to his hometown at this time?
"I am at a crucial juncture in my journey to becoming an immortal. Once I succeed, I might give it a try."
He made his decision after only a moment's thought.
He had heard a saying from a certain immortal realm.
It is said that "not returning home in wealth and honor is like wearing brocade at night."
He's already become an immortal, yet he can't go back. Wouldn't it be a waste for him to be an immortal?
"Mormontes, you should have a way back, shouldn't you?"
Vilant smiled.
Seeing that Modi nodded, he said:
"I am on the verge of advancement. Once I ascend to become an immortal, go back and summon me with the talisman, and I will answer your call."
He paused, then said:
In return, I'll do you a favor if I can.
Wow, I never expected such a good thing to happen.
Modi immediately agreed.
He has already made up his mind.
Once back, after I've made my preparations, I'll go and elbow Audurian.
Vilant was unaware of his sinister intentions.
With a wave of his hand, a passage to the outside world was erected.
"The dungeon has vanished along with the mountain of corpses. I'll send you out of the dungeon. Oh, and I've also sent your men away."
"Thank you for your trouble." Modi nodded to him and stepped into the passage.
When I opened my eyes again, I was in front of the Green House.
"Ah, boss, you're finally out."
He turned his head and saw Arken standing in front of an easel.
The Voodoo sorcerer was doing something that was out of character for his profession.
He was actually painting.
What triggered you?
Modi walked around to his side and glanced at his painting.
The painting depicts a familiar garden.
"Isn't this the third level of the dungeon?"
Upon closer inspection, he noticed something amiss.
"Did you use Voodoo magic up there?"
Rather than calling it a painting, it's more accurate to describe it as a fragment of a soul.
A fragment of Bonn's soul.
"You're right, I've gotten some inspiration from your work, and I can't resist the urge to try it myself."
Aken enthusiastically introduced the painting to him.
"I tore Bonn's soul apart, mixed a part of it with demon blood, and used it as paint."
This painting carries the memories of Bonn.
If the viewer stares at it for a long time, they will find that it is dynamic and changing.
It reflects Born's memories of the third dungeon.
Modi stared for a long time, watching the garden turn into a bloody mess.
"Won't cutting off Born's soul affect your ability to control the resurrected corpses?"
"It will have some impact, but compared to what I've gained, it's negligible."
Arken added the last few strokes and finished mounting the painting.
"This is my third piece, The Stitched Garden."
As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding environment distorted and changed.
Flesh and blood surged, and grafting plants sprouted from the ground.
"I learned how to set up barriers from Bazette."
The three paintings he had corresponded to the first to third levels of the dungeon, respectively.
It is the result of a combination of Voodoo witchcraft and demonic barriers.
"I call it dynamic image printing technology," Modi commented.
This technology is very interesting; perhaps he could make one himself.
Don't you think you're mentally unstable?
He offered a kind reminder.
Arken scratched his head in confusion.
I think I'm perfectly normal.
Well, he must be crazy.
Just like extreme people never think they are extreme.
Even a madman wouldn't think he's mad.
"One of them went mad on the next dungeon run. I wonder how the demons are doing."
Although Arken has mental problems, Moody feels that he is still under control.
It's just art, so it's a bit bloody.
He abandoned Arken to continue painting and went to check on the demons under his command.
With the laws in place, these demons didn't cause any trouble.
They obeyed the rules of hierarchy and status, and no one dared to disobey the class order.
Even uttering a single wrong word could result in having one's tongue cut off.
"My wicked master, thank you for your concern. I think we don't have any mental problems."
Bazett was very polite and everything seemed normal.
It gradually came to accept the laws and obey the class system established by Modi from the bottom of its heart.
For a demon, this is the greatest abnormality.
They defied the nature of chaos and evil, and sided with the neutral evil camp.
This is the change that Modigliani hoped to see.
"Bazett, take the other demons back to the Death Prison and continue recruiting. Once you've recruited a certain number, bring them to me."
"As you wish."
It bowed again, a hint of hesitation appearing on its face.
Modi sensed something and said:
"Speak up if you have any concerns."
If those in positions of authority don't speak up, those in positions of authority won't offer suggestions; they'll simply follow orders.
This is part of the law.
Only after receiving his permission did Bazett dare to speak:
"My master, if we go too far, we may attract the attention of the Lord of Death Prison."
"Ah, the Lord of Death Prison, that's a big shot comparable to Virant."
Although it is not a dimensional lord, it rules over the plane of Death Prison and is itself a mid-level demon.
Just one step away from reaching the level of a high-ranking demon, on par with the immortals.
These are all recorded in the Book of Demons.
Mordy didn't know who had compiled the Book of Demons.
One can only be certain that he was an important person.
Because the Book of Demons contains a lot of information and runes about high-ranking demons.
"In that case, you'd better be discreet. If you realize you're being noticed, contact me immediately."
"As you wish."
Bazett bowed again and led the remaining demons back to the Death Prison.
Modi returned to the old house and went down into the cellar again.
The distorted space inside has disappeared, and the cellar has returned to its original size.
There was only a dilapidated door embedded in the wall, and behind the door was just earth and stones, nothing else.
After thinking about it, he decided to remove the gate and move it to the ground.
It is, after all, the gate to the prison that sealed the ancient god. Even if it is already damaged, its material should still be worth studying.