Raphael hadn't expected that after advancing to Sequence 7 'Werewolf', the white jade pearl would be so generous as to provide him with potion formulas!
Still, the newly advanced 'Werewolf' reined in his joy, asking, "What exactly are you? Why did you choose me? And why do you have all the potion formulas for this Pathway?"
"Hehehe~" The pearl's voice laughed with a somewhat aged tone, "After you advance to Demigod, I'll tell you who I am. As for why I chose you, it's because you are more likely to become a qualified 'Demon', an outstanding 'Abomination'..."
After a brief pause, the pearl continued, "Your third question is essentially the same as the first. I not only know all the potion formulas for the 'Abyss' and 'Chained' Pathways, I know the potion formulas for all Pathways." Just as Raphael was about to ask more questions, the pearl interjected, "Alright, don't waste time. You don't need to worry about your safety right now because you are still too weak. I can't even be bothered to harm you."
It stated, "My second help to you is granting you a very advanced ability, allowing your Spirit Body to split into two... Hmm, actually, this shouldn't be too difficult for you. After all, when you were acting as a Lunatic, you enjoyed arguing with yourself. With this ability, you can exist simultaneously in this world and the world of the Shadow Cottage. Moreover, the consciousness in both worlds can be synchronized without interfering with each other."
Raphael's mouth fell open, "Was it because of you that I was summoned by Chen Qingzhi?"
"Correct," the pearl said, "Perhaps only I could easily bypass that fellow's seal." It then added, "You are still too fragile. We cannot converse for long. If you have questions, advance to Demigod quickly. Only then will your Spirit Body and Mind World be able to sustain prolonged conversation with me."
Immediately after, the pearl's voice vanished, but Knowledge of two potion formulas immediately appeared in Raphael's mind.
He quickly 'examined' the knowledge: Sequence 6: Zombie...
At that moment, he felt a sudden, intense headache, as if something were tearing him in half. Fortunately, the sensation lasted less than a second before disappearing.
Raphael took a deep breath, guessing this was the ability to split his Spirit Body, though he currently felt nothing unusual about his Spirit Body.
Confirming the jade pearl had entered dormancy again, he fetched a robe and put it on. Then he smiled, "Let's see what new abilities we've gained." His expression then turned serious, "I was thinking the same thing."
Using his spirituality, Raphael perceived the abilities of a 'Werewolf'. They matched his previous understanding. A 'Werewolf's' primary weapons were its claws, which were sharper and harder than daggers.
Overall, this Sequence possessed considerable combat prowess, agile speed, and excellent regenerative abilities.
There were two methods of transformation. The first was active initiation, which allowed one to retain most of their rationality.
However, there was a time limit. It was best to keep the transformation within 10 minutes. It wasn't that the transformation would end after 10 minutes, but rather rationality would gradually deteriorate thereafter.
If the 'Werewolf' state isn't ended, within 30 minutes at most, one would become a true werewolf, completely losing rationality.
After digesting the potion, the safe duration for the 'Werewolf' state could be extended to about 15 to 18 minutes.
The second method was passive transformation.
During every full moon, the Beyonder would uncontrollably transform into a werewolf, losing most rationality, becoming a thoroughly bloodthirsty and highly aggressive beast.
However, once the full moon ended, they could also voluntarily revert to their human form...
Raphael scratched his head. There was no good solution except to leave Backlund before the full moon and transform in a suburban forest.
As for whether he'd encounter high-level Beyonders or suffer harm, that depended entirely on luck.
At this thought, he couldn't help frowning. He could only digest the potion quickly and get through this stage as soon as possible.
Besides the crucial Werewolf Transformation ability, Raphael gained a Werewolf's Anti-Divination and three Spell-like abilities.
Anti-Divination... Regardless of whether or not the Beyonder has transformed, any Divinations or spiritual means below the Demigod can only reveal a figure covered in black hair, making it impossible to see their true appearance. Apparently, one can strengthen the Anti-Divination by igniting their fur.
Of the three Spell-like abilities, the first is called Werewolf Kin, whereby a 'Werewolf' uses their venom to infiltrate an ordinary person's body, transforming them into a puppet similar to a Werewolf for a period of time.
These puppets have combat strength comparable to a Sequence 9 Beyonder of a combat-oriented Pathway. However, these puppets could only exist for 24 hours.
The 'Werewolf' venom can also be used to concoct a poison that causes complete loss of rationality. This poison is effective against Beyonders as well, though its potency decreases with higher Sequences.
For example, a Sequence 9 Beyonder drinking the poison might lose rationality for five or six seconds, while at Sequence 7, it might only last two seconds at most. By Sequence 6, it would be like drinking a flavored beverage...
Next is Repel Light. A 'Werewolf' is also able to slightly deepen the surrounding Darkness, banishing faint light or the crimson Moonlight.
Then there is Darkness Encroachment. 'Werewolves' can make the Darkness grow heavier and condense like frost, slowly but firmly seeping into their target's skin, flesh, and bones.
This causes an uncontrollable fear to well up within a target's mind, making it hard for them to think straight or move rationally, this also causes a slight impairment...
Raphael inwardly lamented: 'The Werewolf Sequence's primarily power is the Werewolf Transformation. In the upcoming fight, the other abilities are won't be of much use against Beyonders of the same Pathway with higher Sequences. Then there's the Anti-Divination...'
This ability was somewhat redundant for Raphael. His own special nature already provided extremely high-level Anti-Divination. He didn't need the Werewolf's Anti-Divination.
After understanding his new abilities, he focused on stabilizing his spirituality. Once it was basically steady, he attempted an active transformation to practice his abilities.
It was around 10 p.m. when Raphael finally returned to his room to rest...
...
The next day, Raphael slept in. When he arrived at the Mafia headquarters, it was already noon.
As usual, there were people seeking his help. However, today Raphael didn't handle matters personally, instead delegating them to several capable subordinates.
Before meeting Sharron, he didn't plan to leave the Mafia headquarters...
By evening, just as Raphael was wondering why she hadn't arrived yet, his spiritual intuition stirred. He looked towards the glass cover of the wall clock.
Reflected clearly on it was a stern lady wearing a long court dress, with exquisite features and a small elegant hat.
The glass cover wasn't large, and the lady was only as tall as the cover, appearing like a delicate, vivid printed image.
The next second, the female figure vanished.
Only then did Raphael snap back to his senses.
'That must have been Miss Sharron greeting me.' he thought.