Chapter 98 Lina's Mother (6k)
As the bell tolled, a flock of white doves startled from the castle's steep, lead-grey roof.
There were five days left until the trial of Tian Geng Beyond opened. During these five days, Mil needed to figure out how to disrupt the Golden Prophecy and how to ensure he obtained the enlightenment fruit.
For this, Mil decided to start with the examiners.
In the tiered lecture hall, which accommodated over a hundred people, magic chandeliers hung from the stone vaulted ceiling, casting a soft glow, like sunlight passing through a stream, creating rippling light and shadow on the riverbed.
At this moment, Professor Viktor, the lecturer for the Entangled Source class, was still discussing light and soul in the classroom:
The old professor's branch-like fingers were caressing a crystal skull teaching aid, the prominent knuckles a chalky white.
The theme of this class was to demonstrate the purity of the soul.
Essentially, it was still the 'man is born good' philosophy.
"Perhaps you might think that even infants can be mischievous and wicked? Indeed, greed and desire are inherent in everyone, but the evil of human nature I'm referring to here is the deliberate act after one can distinguish between good and evil."
As soon as he said this, there was an uproar below the podium. Professor Viktor forcefully tapped the desk with his teaching aid, signaling for everyone to quiet down.
"Stop! What we are discussing here is not objective evil, but rather demonstrating the initial purity of the soul, the subjective evil of the perpetrator."
Sunlight streamed through twelve Gothic lancet windows, illuminating the dark brown desks, and the blue-black liquid in the ink bottles shimmered.
Below the podium, Mil was reviewing his material—
Viktor, from the Duchy of Paradise, a renowned magical family—the Lumina Family;
It is said that before the fall of the Magical Guidance Country, they were one of the ruling families of the Arcane Court.
And the professor's daughter, Calista.
Like Lilith's grandfather, she tragically martyred herself in the Fourth Black Magic Crown War.
Mil shifted his gaze to Lilith beside him and asked,
"Do you know exactly how the professor's daughter died?"
"Excessive use of healing caused her body to become light-materialized and eventually dissipate."
"More specifically?"
"It was during the third round of the war. To allow the defending army to hold out until reinforcements arrived, White Magicians treated the army day and night. A total of 32 White Magicians martyred themselves as a result, and the professor's daughter was one of them. It's that simple."
Lilith raised her delicate eyebrows, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear with her fingertips, and shrugged, speaking casually, but Mil frowned deeply:
"It's not who they were fighting? Who was attacking the city? What was the purpose of the attack?"
"You know nothing about the black magic crown War?"
Lilith's expression was slightly odd; these contents were all in books and were mandatory examination material at Heinrich Seminary.
But Mil's expression was even stranger. In the game, there were only scattered mentions of the Fourth Black Magic Crown War:
Most of the content required players to infer by combining descriptions of in-game items and character backstories.
And Mil only knew that the legendary black magic crown was a crown forged by the Magical Guidance Country's founding monarch, the Chief Magical King;
The purpose of its creation was to gain the ability to fight against the Demon God's Child.
"It's normal not to know, right? Is this something everyone knows?"
Suddenly remembering the history class Mil had skipped, Lilith sighed helplessly. Sometimes this guy's knowledge base seemed to be all-encompassing, but other times, he seemed as if he had never read a book:
"Once the black magic crown appears, it will define a territory. The last person alive will obtain the black magic crown."
Mil was stunned after hearing this. What kind of large-scale battle royale? It didn't sound that cruel?
Then, Lilith suddenly leaned closer, the scent of hyacinths from her hair wafting over, and whispered in his ear:
"The key is that this territory has no restrictions. As long as a victor hasn't been decided, anyone who enters is eligible to contend for the black magic crown."
"Then let them fight for it? Isn't this just a game for the strong?"
Mil said indifferently, but Lilith was amused:
"But anyone who seizes the black magic crown can, by virtue of absolute power, break into the final diocese and easily snatch the chaos holy stone,
becoming the Demon God's Child—"
Indeed, the last black magic crown War was two years ago, and Mil only took office this year:
Although the chaos holy stone actively chooses a soul, if he has the black magic crown, he naturally has the corresponding means.
Mil frowned, still unable to understand:
"Then why was it created in the first place?"
"I don't know how much you understand, but in short, due to historical reasons, there were many changes—"
Saying that, Lilith sighed, her brows furrowing deeper:
"For the one who obtains the black magic crown, contending for the chaos holy stone is almost the only choice. And a Demon God's Child with the black magic crown is no different from a god. He will undoubtedly enslave the entire Atla Continent, acting as he pleases and wielding absolute power."
After hearing this introduction, Mil even felt a little tempted. No wonder in the game, when the demons obtained the black magic crown, they immediately declared victory.
"No wonder—if it were me, I'd snatch it too!"
"So humans, elves, orcs, dragon-kin, and even demons, none of them want anyone to obtain the black magic crown. But it is also the ultimate holy artifact that Black Magicians dream of. Can you understand the cruelty of this war now?"
Lilith raised an eyebrow; usually playful, her face was devoid of a smile this time.
After listening, Mil pondered for a while, muttering to himself:
"As long as there are people in the territory, no victor will be determined."
A word appeared in his mind—meat grinder.
"Then what happened in the end? How was it resolved?"
"Six months later, all factions had fought to exhaustion—finally, the Church created an 'artificial angel' to accept the black magic crown, and then the black magic crown disappeared."
As Lilith finished speaking, the bell for the end of class also rang.
Students left the classroom in groups of three or five. Mil and Lilith also stood up, gathering their textbooks;
Professor Viktor, however, walked over and took the initiative to ask:
"Miss Lilith, Mil, I noticed you two were quite silent during this class. Do you have any questions?"
"No, your lecture was wonderful, and I've always agreed with the theory of soul purity."
Lilith smiled sweetly and bowed politely. Mil also nodded:
"Indeed, Professor Viktor's class has greatly benefited me. It's an honor to know you."
"You flatter me. If anything is unclear in class, you can always ask me. I hear you two are getting engaged soon. I wish you happiness. Life is short, and finding a suitable partner is very important. I hope you cherish each other."
Professor Viktor's voice was always low, carrying a sense of vicissitude and helplessness. The three exchanged pleasantries and then left the classroom one after another.
However, shortly after leaving the classroom, Mil pulled Lilith along and quietly followed behind Viktor.
"We've strayed a bit—let's think about how to infiltrate the trial of Tian Geng Beyond."
"Hmph, it's not enough to drag me in to help, you also want to cheat? If we get caught—"
Lilith felt that Mil was being a bit condescending; there was no way she could lose to others in such a trial. But Mil patted his chest and confidently said:
"Don't worry, with my meticulous plan, everything will be under control!"
Hearts are made of flesh. Two red envelopes, two packs of cigarettes, a banquet with three glasses of wine—what can't be handled?
Of course, you have to cater to their preferences first.
Give them what they lack, and just make friends!
So, first, he needed to understand Viktor well enough.
As the chief examiner, Viktor would go to Tian Geng Beyond whenever he had free time to set up the examination hall and related trials;
The entrance to Tian Geng Beyond was hidden in the labyrinth of the Great Library's restricted area.
The two followed all the way, but could only stop at the door to the Great Library's restricted area.
"Don't even think about it, you can't get in—"
Lilith stood with her arms crossed, her snowy skin glowing coldly under the faint blue magic lamp, leaning against a tall bookshelf nearby;
Mil bit his lip tightly, his face full of unwillingness.
If they couldn't even get in, how could they investigate the internal situation? How could they understand how the Golden Prophecy worked?
The two stood on the second-floor corridor, looking down at the entrance to the restricted area, feeling a bit awkward.
At Mil's insistence, they waited for about two more hours, and the entrance to the restricted area finally opened again. This time, however, two people walked out.
"Father, all these trials you've set up are so difficult—can they really pass them?"
"Don't worry—. As long as they study hard, these won't be difficult for them."
"Mm, maybe I haven't learned enough yet—but I've memorized all the Consecration Prayers I learned today!"
"Mm, Lina is a good girl."
Viktor stroked the girl's head, his face full of doting affection as he smoothed her chestnut curls; his cracked lips rarely stretched into a gentle curve.
Seeing this, Mil's eyes widened suddenly:
"So he has another daughter?"
He definitely hadn't misjudged; this was the little nun who constantly disrupted his sleep, Alice's good friend, Lina!
Mil was overjoyed! Fate was indeed on his side!
Lilith, equally stunned, whispered, "She must be an illegitimate daughter, right? Viktor's wife passed away not long after giving birth to Calista."
If Calista were still alive, she would be 28 now. Lina is 14 this year, a difference of 14 years, so it's impossible for her to be born to the original wife.
Mil knew that Lina was also at this school, but he didn't know that her father was actually Viktor!
Previously, he had heard Alice say that Lina originally wanted to go to Heinrich Seminary, but her father wouldn't allow it. No wonder Lina admired martyrs so much; it turned out her older sister was one.
The father and daughter walked out, talking as they went, Lina muttering softly:
"Father, that—I want to participate too."
"Silly child, you've seen the trial content. If you participated, it wouldn't be fair to the others."
After saying that, Viktor pushed open the door of the Great Library and left with Lina.
Mil then called Lilith and continued to follow them:
"An illegitimate daughter? Why didn't he remarry instead of doing it secretly?"
"Is noble marriage that simple?"
Lilith sighed, feeling as if this guy was asking despite knowing the answer.
Actually, Mil just mentioned it casually, as a complaint, but his thoughts twisted, and suddenly a light bulb went off. He clapped his hands and said:
"Wait a minute, isn't this what Viktor needs most right now? Because of his family's restrictions, he can't be with his new love!"
"Even if that's true, what can you do?"
"Sis—you're the Duke's daughter, the Princess of Paradise. Isn't this kind of family issue easy to resolve?"
Watching Mil, who was beaming with joy, Lilith frowned tightly, feeling as if it were child's play, and said irritably:
"Political maneuvering? Just for an enlightenment fruit?"
"Whether he cheats or not is another matter. He is the manager of Tian Geng Beyond, and destroying Sibyl's golden prophecy is the most crucial part of the plan!"
As he spoke, the father and daughter walked towards the restaurant, and the content of their subsequent conversation was basically worthless.
Mil let out a long sigh, a wicked smile playing at the corner of his mouth:
"If Sibyl's golden prophecy cannot be conveyed, the Demon God's Child won't have to be in such a hurry to unseal the chaos holy stone."
The matter of revealing the Demon God's Child's identity three years later was actually only known to Mil himself;
After all, this was news obtained through game settings.
Lilith was stunned at first, then quickly reacted:
"Are you saying..."
"Shhh! I'm only telling you this out of trust, since you've helped so much."
Mil made a shushing gesture, intentionally revealing this information to her;
He could tell that Lilith truly cherished everything about Sibyl Magic Academy.
Upon hearing this news, Lilith's eyes widened, and her breathing became slightly rapid;
After hesitating for a moment, she spoke in a low voice, asking tentatively:
"Then, if it succeeds, is it possible to persuade the Demon God's Child to give up the chaos holy stone?"
"What are you thinking?"
Mil turned his head and rolled his eyes at her, but then changed the subject, saying:
"However, if conditions permit, it might be possible to consider resolving the issue in a relatively peaceful manner."
"Does what you say count?"
"What I say certainly doesn't count, but the Demon God's Child also knows that although he will inevitably rule Atla Continent, no rule can last forever. Instead of a tragic end, it's better to go through the motions according to the prophecy. We are all decent people."
As he spoke, Mil's mouth curved into a confident smile, but Lilith sneered disdainfully:
"Good idea, but the will of the abyss and the demon lords will not agree."
"Heh, no one understands power struggles better than me. My plan is flawless, so you don't need to worry about it!"
As he spoke, the two also walked into the restaurant and asked the waiter to arrange a private room.
The crystal chandelier in the restaurant illuminated the silver tableware brightly, and Mil forked a Paradise noodle roll into a messy tangle:
"Alright, next, we need to find out who Lina's mother is."
"How do you plan to find out?"
Lilith, however, had little appetite. She rested her hand on her cheek, boredly cutting the cod fillet with a dining knife, her mood somewhat complex. Mil, however, said confidently:
"I'll go to the church to find her this afternoon, and Lady Alice has a good relationship with her."
As a White Magician and nun, Lina worked until seven or eight in the evening. Although she wasn't the last to leave the church, she was the most diligent there.
As he spoke, he didn't forget to remind her:
"Oh, right! Tonight's matter—don't forget!"
"Heh, it's Fafner again. You wouldn't happen to have a special interest in this boy, would you?"
Lilith teased, her fingertip gently brushing Mil's Adam's apple.
However, she also knew Mil's purpose: to enhance Fafner's dragon heart through certain magic training methods.
"I'm only interested in his dragon heart."
"Staying up late often isn't good for your skin. How are you going to compensate me?"
"Whatever you want. Great people don't bother with trifles."
The setting sun dyed the stained-glass dome of Saint Bahari Cathedral amber, and the rainbow light cast by the colored windows wove a colorful carpet on the granite floor.
In front of Saint Bahari Cathedral was the spacious Saint Spega Square.
On both sides of the square were two semicircular colonnades, 40 meters high and 400 meters long, encircling it;
Like the two arms of the cathedral, embracing the entire square.
And usually at this time, Lina would be watering in the garden behind the cathedral.
"Lina!"
Mil quickly walked forward, a look of excited joy on his face;
Lina was standing, watering purple irises, water droplets rolling down the long spout of the silver pot, spreading dark marks in the cracks of the bluestone slabs.
Her movements were as slow as an old person's. She put down the watering can, slowly raised her head, and her round, almond eyes blinked three times before focusing on Mil's face, then she bowed and said:
"Mil! Are you here to pick up Lady Alice? It's still early!"
"Lina, I want to talk to you. Are you free now?"
"Mm, of course!"
Lina nodded vigorously, her chestnut curls lifted by the evening breeze, water droplets clinging to the ends of her hair; Mil put his hands on his hips and cleared his throat, saying:
"Then, may I ask about Lina's family background? For example—who is your father?"
"This—Father, he doesn't let me tell others."
Lina shook her head, her expression a little troubled, but Mil suddenly laughed:
"Hahaha! Lina is truly a good child. Professor Victor sent me to test you!"
"Ah? Are you saying, Mil—you—? You know?"
Lina's expression was very surprised, and she nervously fiddled with her fingers.
Seeing that things were going smoothly, Mil nodded, with a mischievous smile, and said confidently in a very seductive tone:
"Of course, I am Professor Victor, your father's favorite student!"
"Ah? Is, is that so?"
Lina blinked, her expression blank, while Mil's expression suddenly changed, sighing sadly:
"Alas, seeing my mentor, Professor Victor, living in constant pain, as his student, I am heartbroken and sleepless!"
"What happened?"
"Lina! Don't you want to help him with me?"
"Mm, of, of course—"
Lina nodded blankly, seemingly becoming nervous as well, while Mil said very seriously:
"Now, there are two things causing Professor to be deeply distressed: one is your sister Calista's martyrdom, and the other—do you know what it is?"
"I don't know."
Lina shook her head, seemingly not understanding the emotional and familial conflicts between adults;
Mil's eyes showed pity and sorrow. He squatted down, patted Lina's shoulder, and sighed hoarsely:
"Alas—you silly girl, Professor Victor has always been deeply in love with your mother!"
But as soon as he said this, Lina suddenly jumped in surprise:
"Ah? This—how could this be?"
"Hmm? Is that not right?"
Seeing her reaction, Mil was also stunned.
Lina lowered her head, her hands trembling, and she whispered timidly:
"So, Father adopted me because of this?"
"Ah?"
"Hmm?"
The two suddenly looked up, their clear eyes meeting.
Mil made up stories for three minutes, then the contradictions grew, and he couldn't continue, so he finally had no choice but to lay his cards on the table.
Lina, however, breathed a sigh of relief:
"That's great, it was just a misunderstanding."
"Please! Don't tell Professor—"
"No, Mil also wants to share Father's worries!"
"Yes, that's right—"
Mil nodded profusely, grateful for Lina's kindness. And Lina no longer hid anything, explaining:
"My mother passed away after giving birth to me; and my biological father was actually a Black Magician, who disappeared before I could remember. Professor Victor and my mother were classmates, so he took me in."
After listening, Mil sighed, also feeling the girl's pitiful situation:
"Alas—to be honest, as an adopted son of the Lyata Family, I also never saw my parents since birth."
In fact, Mil felt that he was even more miserable than her, having also never seen his parents in his previous life.
Lina, however, raised her hand and gently stroked Mil's head:
"It's okay, Lady Alice and Miss Lilith both love Mil!"
Hearing these two names, Mil awkwardly swallowed his saliva, feeling a bit speechless.
"Lina, what else do you know about Miss Calista? Or about your father, Victor?
"I forgot, Mil, you probably already noticed, I've been very slow since I was little, and my brain reacts very slowly, so many things I can't remember anymore..."
Lina shook her head regretfully, while Mil continued to ponder a breakthrough. "Oh, right, I overheard Professor mention this afternoon, it seems you also want to participate in the Tian Geng Beyond trial?"
"Mm, because I also want the enlightenment fruit, but I only kind of want it. I've studied White Magic for two years, but I haven't made any progress..."
As she spoke, Lina scratched her head, her expression a bit dejected, but Mil slapped his thigh and suggested:
"I can secretly take you to participate!"
"Let's not. Even if I participate, I won't get it, and it's not fair to others."
"It's okay, participation is what matters! You can team up with us then, the enlightenment fruit is a sure thing, and we'll share one with you!"
Mil spoke with conviction, but Lina was stunned, tilted her head, and asked in confusion:
"Ah? Isn't there only one enlightenment fruit?"
"Who told you that? The harvest is especially good this year, and several have grown! It's just that your father, for work reasons, couldn't tell you."
"R-really?"
"I'm the great hero of the Holy City, a Cardinal Deacon of the Tribunal, and Lady Alice's brother. How could I lie to you?"
Mil shrugged, an innocent expression on his face. Lina, however, lowered her head, hesitating slightly:
"I—I'll think about it. I just feel like this isn't quite right?"
Mil hadn't expected to succeed on the first try and was preparing to discuss it with Lady Alice, as her scheming skills were higher.
However, just as he was about to leave, Lina suddenly said:
"Oh, right! Mil and Prince Fafner seem to be on good terms, don't they? Could you help me give him a flower?"
Mil folded his arms, suddenly remembering this girl-killer from school, and seemed to understand something:
"Okay, but why don't you ask Lady Alice?"
"Because Lady Alice doesn't seem to like Prince Fafner, and I don't want to trouble her—"
The little nun put her hands behind her back, her face turning a little red. Mil thought for a moment and then had another flash of inspiration:
"How about... you come out to play tonight? Sneak out after 12 o'clock, don't tell your father; Fafner will also be there, and you can give him the flower yourself."
"How can I do that? What if I get caught?"
"It's fine! I'll pick you up, just don't sleep too soundly!"