"Tell me, what do you want me to do?"
Zesshi Zetsumei returned to the entrance of the sanctuary, leaned against the wall, and took out the magic cube she had earlier, starting to play with it again.
Although Lock had obtained permission from the Priest Council, it didn't mean she would obey his orders. After all, in terms of seniority, all the high-ranking officials of Theocracy were her juniors.
The most important task Theocracy had given her was to guard the treasures left behind by the Six Gods, which were the foundation of Theocracy.
"Go to the Royal Capital and help me resist Ainz Ooal Gown's attack."
"I'm not interested. You can leave." Zesshi Zetsumei rotated the magic cube in her hand, quickly completing one side, but she couldn't match a second side with the same color, causing her to frown.
Lock shook his head and sighed.
He slowly walked in front of Zesshi Zetsumei, took the magic cube from her hand, and captured her attention.
He held the 3×3 magic cube with one hand, his fingers moving swiftly, completing the entire cube in just ten seconds with a series of quick, snapping movements.
Returning the six-sided, color-matched magic cube to Zesshi Zetsumei's hand, Lock said calmly, "There, you will meet a powerful monster, just like the Six Gods worshipped by Theocracy. If you want to protect this country in the future, it's best to come with me and see how far you are from the true peak. Believe me, the gap will be far greater than you can imagine! Then you will realize that the divine human bloodline you are so proud of, and yet also consider a disgrace, is not worth mentioning at all!"
When Lock mentioned the 'divine human' bloodline, Zesshi Zetsumei's heterochromatic eyes immediately fixed on his, carrying a hint of coldness.
But Lock remained unmoved, his reddish eyes calmly looking at her without flinching.
After a long stare, Zesshi Zetsumei finally averted her gaze, turned, and pushed open the sanctuary's door. "If I find out you've lied to me, I will kill you."
With that, she walked into the sanctuary. When she donned the divine artifacts left by the Six Gods, it meant that Theocracy's highest combat power was about to be deployed!
Zesshi Zetsumei's entire life had been burdened by the bloodline flowing within her; it was the most untouchable wound deep in her heart, and now, it seemed Lock had exposed it.
Lock smiled faintly, looking at Chief Priest Raymond behind him, as if saying, See, wasn't that easy to convince?
"…" Raymond felt he was playing with fire, but he had no proof.
Not long after, Zesshi Zetsumei emerged from the sanctuary, clad in the white full-body armor of the Wind God, with transparent, cicada-wing-like wings on her back—equipment that granted the wearer Flight.
"Let's go."
Her face, hidden beneath the helmet, was completely invisible. Zesshi Zetsumei, holding the Death God's scythe, departed through the passage.
"The Black Scripture will accompany her to assist you then," Raymond said to Lock, watching Zesshi Zetsumei's retreating figure.
"Is that necessary? It's not that I look down on them, but in front of that monster, the Black Scripture will just be a burden. You should be very clear about that," Lock said, putting the Golem Guardian No. 1, made of caloric stone, into hibernation and storing it in his backpack, glancing at Raymond.
Raymond's face was only serious as he earnestly stated, "She is one of Theocracy's Pillar Gods. Anyone else can die, but she cannot!"
Lock smiled noncommittally and followed Zesshi Zetsumei's steps.
"Remember, don't let her appear in the eyes of the True Dragon Lord!"
"Don't worry, I'll use a concealment item to ensure her identity isn't revealed!" Lock waved his hand backward, indicating that he understood.
Francia Palace in the dead of night.
The King sat in his private study, where he handled state affairs, with faint candlelight illuminating the entire room. Outside the window, a torrential downpour, accompanied by strong winds, violently battered the panes.
Ramposa III's mood at this moment was much like the weather—not at all pleasant.
The reason for his deep worry was, naturally, Lock.
In two days, it would be the Royal Tournament, but from Gazef and Blue Rose, he already knew how terrifyingly strong Lock's forces had become.
He had no hope of winning this wager.
Was he truly to hand over the long-standing royal power of the Vanself Family?
Ramposa III was unwilling to do so, but the current situation compelled him.
"Alas, must I truly, as Baron Lock said, place my hopes on the Vanself Family's bloodline becoming the king of this country again in the future?"
The Old King felt utterly ashamed; it was his incompetence that brought such humiliation upon his ancestors' glory!
On second thought, he felt a bit envious of Johnson of the Albert Family, who could give birth to two prodigies like Lock and Catherine. As for his own children, his two sons were a constant worry for him; their older father, and his two married daughters were living stable lives. His youngest daughter, Lana, was exceptionally intelligent, but alas, she was also destined to become someone else's wife.
The Vanself Family has no successor!
Thump thump thump!
A knock on the door interrupted Ramposa III's thoughts. "Come in."
After receiving his permission, the door to the room was gently pushed open, and his youngest daughter, with her golden hair, gracefully entered.
"Father, haven't you rested yet?"
"Oh, Lana." Ramposa III immediately broke into a smile, walked to his daughter, and gently stroked her soft hair. "I still have some matters to attend to. What about you? Why aren't you asleep yet?"
"The thunder outside is a bit loud, and I'm having a little trouble sleeping." Lana's small face immediately showed a troubled expression, like a child pouting to her father.
"Is that so? That's too bad!" Ramposa III smiled helplessly.
For a moment, the Old King even felt a sense of reluctance.
"Lana, will you resent your father for betrothing you to Baron Lock?" Ramposa III asked, his face filled with apprehension.
Lana seemed to instantly grasp the Old King's thoughts. She gently embraced her father, comforting him. "It's alright, Father. I know you had no choice. You will always be the one who loves me most."
Ramposa III was greatly comforted, his eyes welling with tears. He held his daughter in his arms even tighter. "Lana…"
After a long while, the Old King finally released his most precious treasure. Lana, ever so understanding, wiped away the tears from her old father's eyes.
"My daughter, now I have a matter concerning the future of the Vanself Family that I wish to ask of you."
"What is it, Father?" Lana asked curiously.
Ramposa III sighed and said, "As you know, after Baron Lock marries you, he will certainly make a move for the kingdom's throne. If I… no, perhaps your two brothers as well, if any of us should meet with an accident, please do not make any rash moves. At that time, I hope you will use every means possible to bear Baron Lock's child, so that the Vanself Family's bloodline may continue. You must remember, you are the Vanself Family's only hope!"
Lana first looked flustered, then her face flushed. After a long moment, under Ramposa III's pleading gaze, she nodded.
"I… I understand, Father."
"That's good." Ramposa III sighed with relief.
"After this Royal Tournament is concluded, I will entrust all of the royal family's secret treasures to your care."
"I will, Father."
"It's getting late. Go back and rest."
"Then, Father, good night!"
After bowing, Lana turned and left the room.
Ramposa III watched his daughter's retreating figure with a faint smile.
But he didn't know that on Lana's face, as she turned her back to him, was a terrifyingly evil smile.
What a pity, Father, you are also one of my bargaining chips!
—
On the commercial street of the Royal Capital, Lock was savoring a skewer of roasted meat.
"How about it? After not being out for decades, can you even recognize what year it is anymore?" Lock teased.
"So, what is your purpose in bringing me out?" Zesshi Zetsumei asked Lock.
Lock chuckled. "Nothing much… Besides, if a fight breaks out, you might even hold me back."
…
"That's good. If you ask me, those pieces of equipment left by the Six Gods, you should just get rid of them sooner! They're all just junk that lowers your combat power."
Lock said this mockingly—
—and was directly hit in the face with an omelet.
---
A/N: Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded. Please Check It Out. It will really help me out and will keep me motivated to continue.
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