"Using my real name..."
Her expression became somewhat subtle. Could it be that Dr. Fran used her own name for this identity?
Now, Vivian roughly guessed where her strange sense of unease had come from earlier.
Time gradually passed. The midday sun gradually sank in the west, becoming a crimson remnant of twilight. Fran glanced at the sky outside the clinic, then looked at the pocket watch in her sleeve.
"Vivian, if you want to contact the informant lady more securely, you can reveal your identity as a stand-in to her. However, it's not necessary; you can proceed according to your own habits."
"And also, remember to be careful when going to the First Perch. There are many high-ranking Raven-Feather High Priests there. If you accidentally get exposed... I might not be able to save you in time?"
Facing Fran's instructions, Vivian just felt the pressure growing a bit heavier for some reason. And upon carefully considering the content, thinking about having to maintain her disguise under the surveillance of several Raven-Feather High Priests... the pressure became even greater.
"...I'll do my best."
In the end, she agreed with considerable difficulty.
—
Moldway City Outskirts, a long-abandoned old-style monastery.
Although this place had been neglected for years, leaving the entire structure appearing gray and dilapidated, the Six-Eyed Crow disciples preferred such environments. Besides being remote and easy to conceal, it was also convenient to abandon at any time.
After all, the Perch locations rotated monthly, so even if it got raided, it wouldn't cause much loss.
For nearly a century, the relationships between the Stellar Abyss Society, the Gormouth Royal Court's law enforcement, and the Six-Eyed Crow cult could be described as clear-cut. The Raven-Feather disciples didn't receive official recognition but also didn't face much external interference.
However, due to the major case someone committed at the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower, the old landscape had undergone some subtle changes...
Now, in the courtyard of the First Perch, one could see several teams of armed Star-Tellers stationed on guard, each squad led by a Tide-Listener.
Moreover, each of their expressions was grave and solemn, causing the entire venue to be filled with an oppressive atmosphere.
"Ms. Vivian, the Stellar Abyss Society really came to assist with the defense. I've never seen them appear at a Full Moon Auction before..."
"As expected."
Vivian was currently rubbing her thin gray gauze gloves, imitating Fran's habitual tone and posture.
But in reality, she made this motion to curb the constant sweating of her palms and to ease her nervous tension. Although she had carried out many secret infiltration and investigation missions before, one of this weight... was still a first.
"By the way, Miss Detreka, after entering the First Perch, please address me by the name 'Hermit.' You wouldn't want others to know you're actually connected to 'Vivian,' would you?"
As she gave this warning, Vivian felt an unprecedented sense of bizarre absurdity.
Judging from the information she had gathered externally, Dr. Fran had probably left her own name after taking the Sea Ridge Palace from the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower. As a result, now all Tide-Listeners' manhunt target was herself...
Fortunately, she wasn't famous herself. Otherwise, the consequences would be unthinkable. She really didn't want to have to hide her identity every time she went out in the future.
Hearing Vivian's warning, Detreka lowered her eyes apologetically.
"Mm... I'm very sorry, Madam Hermit. I'll be careful."
Originally, Vivian wanted to follow Dr. Fran's instructions and reveal her "stand-in" identity to Detreka. But hearing this thief lady directly address her as Vivian, she somehow felt a stubborn unwillingness to admit she was a stand-in.
I am the real Vivian...
Adhering to the principle that "loose lips sink ships," she didn't engage in in-depth conversation with Detreka, being cautious to prevent giving herself away.
But the thief lady didn't know this. She simply felt that Ms. Vivian seemed more reticent lately. However, considering she was probably scheming something major right now, it was only reasonable for her demeanor and behavior to be out of the ordinary.
Arriving at the entrance of the ancient courtyard of the First Perch, one could see two masked Raven-Feather High Priests standing on either side.
One was Ash Scar, whom she had interacted with before, and the other's name was temporarily unknown.
However, judging by the figure beneath the feathered robes, it could roughly be determined she was female. Additionally, her High Priest robes were somewhat special, with a pure white ceremonial scarf tied at the collar visible.
"That one... is the High Priest in charge of the First Perch, 'White Neck.'"
Seeing the thoughtful expression on Vivian's face beside her, Detreka whispered a reminder in her ear.
"I see."
Vivian indicated she was already aware.
Her face was hidden beneath the veil of the moth-gauze robe, so outsiders couldn't glimpse her expression. Nor could they detect the flash of nervous expression that passed by.
Having two High Priest-rank cult disciples guarding outside the courtyard was enough to show the importance the Six-Eyed Crows placed on this Full Moon Auction. Fortunately, the information Dr. Fran provided mentioned she had contact with Ash Scar; otherwise, she would probably be discovered as soon as she opened her mouth...
Under the accumulating pressure, Vivian actually found a trace of strange calm instead.
She walked lightly and slowly towards the door, didn't take the initiative to speak, and simply calmly looked at Ash Scar with those amber eyes.
And he noticed Lady Hermit's arrival, immediately offering words of welcome.
"Lady Hermit, it's a pleasure to see you again. Welcome to the 'First Perch.' It is my great honor."
"No need for formalities, Mr. Ash Scar. I'm just here to see if there are any small items worth purchasing."
Imitating Fran's tone, Vivian responded cautiously.
She had never been so grateful for the patient teachings of her Confidential Division disguise course instructor back in the day and was glad she had indeed invested considerable effort into this skill.
"Please come in. A dedicated attendant will later guide you to the viewing booth on the second floor of the courtyard. Compared to the Third Perch, the auction process here is slightly more complex. I hope you can get accustomed to it."
Ash Scar respectfully stepped aside, ushering Vivian and Detreka into the courtyard.
Simultaneously, he didn't forget to explain.
"By the way, although there are many Stellar Abyss Society people around, they won't interfere with the normal auction process. And we will also protect the privacy of every honored guest, so please don't worry."
"Mm."
Vivian's gaze remained calm as she acknowledged indifferently.
After the two left, the White Neck High Priest standing on the other side of the door couldn't help but glance at Ash Scar and offered a teasing remark.
"Ash Scar, why so enthusiastic about this first-time guest patron? You just now looked like a real doorman, practically about to go serve them tea."
"Heh..."
In response, Ash Scar merely let out a low chuckle.
"She was introduced to the First Perch by me, and she's also the most qualified 'honored guest' I've encountered in my career. Although you don't know exactly what precious things she provided to the cult, you'd better instruct your subordinates... not to slight her."
"Oh? You say that, and now I'm a bit curious too."
White Neck gently touched her face, clearly interested in this special guest.
"Better rein in your ill-timed curiosity. People from the Veiled Assembly always dislike being spied on. When she comes to trouble you later, I won't plead for you."
Ash Scar warned with a serious expression.
He really didn't want the cult to lose a distinguished guest because a colleague did something stupid.
"Don't worry, I'll receive her properly."
"After all, nothing is more important than 'transactions.'"
Seeing Ash Scar's tone so serious, White Neck waved her hand, lightly skirting past the topic.
...
South of Moldway, Oak Forest.
Shrouded in mist, the figures of Fran and Haida gradually appeared within the towering, shadowy depths of the forest.
Aside from being the true headquarters of the Six-Eyed Crows, the Oak-Shadow Nest was also a secret realm left over from the Dust Order era. Therefore, the Stellar Abyss Society couldn't station people at the entrance; they could only disperse their ranks, surrounding parts of the oak forest's periphery.
In fact, most Raven-Feather High Priests expressed hostility towards the Stellar Abyss Society's measures, believing they were merely using the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower theft as an excuse to attempt to provoke a secret war.
It was only under the forceful insistence of the high-ranking High Priest "Remaining Eye" that the Six-Eyed Crow cult reluctantly agreed to the Stellar Abyss Society's assistance with patrols. However, this indeed constituted a defilement of the sacred ground; they needed to pay a hefty fee...
However, the Mist Within the Door could set exits in shadowy alley openings and various forms of doorways. Therefore, Fran directly entered the very center of the deep oak forest.
"Mm... 'At dawn or moonrise, come to the shadow of the tallest oak.' This should be the tallest oak."
Looking at a giant oak distinctly taller than other plants, Fran lightly touched her lower lip and uttered a whisper.
"Dr. Fran, won't we be discovered if we enter the Oak-Shadow Nest like this?"
Haida beside her inquired with some doubt.
After all, this was a secret realm the Raven-Feather disciples had operated for over a thousand years. Given the importance they placed on treasures, they would inevitably set up multiple layers of security measures. Entering rashly would likely directly expose their presence.
"Under normal circumstances, external intrusion would undoubtedly be discovered."
Fran spoke quite calmly, her eyes carrying a hint of mischievous, accomplished smile.
"However, if the Raven-Feather disciples used the 'The Deep Forest Where Crows Perch' that I provided to repair the increasingly fading Oak-Shadow Nest, it would leave a 'backdoor' for us to enter covertly."
As she spoke, she extended her left hand and lightly touched the deep, vertical shadow cast by the oak tree.
A prayer with a strange rhythm then came from her mouth.
"Where oak shadows converge, dark as dusk deep. All things shall be forgotten, like fate without cause. But, the crow's shadow here shall remember all."
In an instant, the oak tree's shadow became broad and deep, as if the path in a painting suddenly gained substance.
The entrance to the Oak-Shadow Nest had opened.
Looking at Fran's fair wrist with several black stitches, Haida suddenly noticed a detail she hadn't observed before.
"Dr. Fran, where is your bracelet, [Hand Reaches the Moon]?"
At this moment, the doctor's wrist was completely empty.
"This..."
Hearing Haida's question, Fran pressed her moist lips together, her eyes shifting slightly. Then she stuck out her tongue a little, showing a classic Peko-chan style smile.
"I left it where it was needed."
Hearing this, Haida slightly narrowed her ash-brown eyes.
She knew very well that this doctor only did this when trying to gloss over certain things...
—
If one were to enter the Oak-Shadow Nest through normal means, guests would arrive directly in the secret realm's main hall to participate in the Six-Eyed Crow cult's highest-grade Full Moon Auction.
Generally, only the highest-ranking members of Gormouth's secret cults were qualified to participate in this gathering.
However, since Fran and Haida intruded through the special passage left by "The Deep Forest Where Crows Perch," they would appear in an unknown crevice of the Oak-Shadow Nest. There was no risk of direct exposure.
At this moment, the two were concealed in the shadows cast by the oak trees, observing every high-ranking member entering the Oak-Shadow Nest.
The high-ranking High Priest of the Six-Eyed Crow decision-making level, "Remaining Eye."
The Elder Council Marquis of the moon-descendant Murdoch family, "Bernhard Murdoch."
The Stellar Abyss Society's Society President, "Melvis Rudolph."
The captain of the Leviathan, Honorary Professor of the White Cup, the living legend of the Abyssal Sea, "Nifel Germilton."
A gaunt old man bearing the scar-like characteristics of the Ant-Scale Door, name unknown.
In addition, there were several hooded attendees of unknown identity. Although their true identities were unknowable, the status they enjoyed should be basically similar to the previous few.
It could be asserted that the current Oak-Shadow Nest was almost equivalent to the core circle of Gormouth's entire secret cult forces. Rather than an auction for dumping spiritual materials and relics, it was more like a high-level meeting between various cults.
For a general cult gathering, a Fourth-Tier High Priest's identity was already sufficient to be the dominant figure controlling the overall situation. But here, a High Priest was just the most basic entry ticket, and not even qualified enough.
Looking at the situation before her, a hint of gravity couldn't help but appear in Haida's ash-brown eyes.
"Dr. Fran, are we really... not going to be discovered here?"
"In fact, we are currently in the 'interstice' between reality and the Oak-Shadow Nest. Unless they also enter the interstice, there is no possibility of being directly observed."
Fran's expression was relaxed and leisurely, completely not tense because of the gathering of "big shots." As if what was currently taking place wasn't a high-level meeting of significant weight, but some sort of relaxed evening tea party.
"While they haven't started the Full Moon Auction yet, we can first look for the location of the Oak-Shadow Nest's treasure vault."
As she spoke, she started strolling around as if taking a walk.
Haida followed closely behind, from time to time cautiously surveying her surroundings.
The "interstice" of the Oak-Shadow Nest gave her an indescribable sense of familiarity, as if she had seen it before and had some contact with it. As they gradually delved into the lightless reflection world, she finally clarified where this familiarity came from.
This place shared an essential similarity with the shadows beneath the Decapitation Throne's sickle blade, almost like they came from the same source.
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