"In the previous time node, I originally only intended to use memories to pause Elsa's actions, but because it involved her past, the memories turned into a kind of tangible ice, freezing her in place.
That is to say, I can use the power of memories to touch a person's past, and under the interference of memory, let the past turn into a kind of substantial interference to bind the person themselves. This is possible.
And this is not limited to a past with psychological trauma. Even if the past was very happy, it would still leave a deep impression, thereby binding them.
Like a happy childhood wrapped in honey, or a lonely past, or the pain left by severe psychological trauma, or the bewilderment of experiencing a sudden, drastic change in family, all of these can be substantially interfered with in this way. Only those with a mundane past can be immune to this ability's attack."
Caelus summarized the situation this time. Previously, he had simply used the power of memory to solidify the opponent and pause their thinking, but now he had accidentally discovered that the opponent's memories could also be turned into a tangible tool and force to attack the opponent themselves.
Moreover, after actively reading through the memories of the one named Elsa the Bowel Hunter this time, he had gained a lot of understanding about this world.
His targets, those Sin Archbishops, were all high-ranking members of a faction called the Witch Cult.
All members of this cult worshipped the strongest witch who had devoured the world long ago, the Witch of Envy, Satella. Their lifelong goal was to do everything in their power to make that deceased witch resurrect once again. For this reason, they had been constantly roaming across various countries on the continent, committing all sorts of horrifying crimes.
And the reason why the silver-haired half-elf was detested by people in this world was that the Witch of Envy possessed such facial features.
And the thing that Felt had stolen from Emilia was the Insignia of the Royal Selection of the Kingdom of Lugnica. More than a decade ago, the royal family of this country had inexplicably all died, and the Noble Council had ruled the country in place of the king.
But because this country was a nation blessed by the Dragon God, it also needed a monarch to receive the Dragon God's blessing in order to bring stability to the country.
And the Insignia of the Royal Selection was the tool for selection. One had to gather 5 people recognized by the Dragon God's insignia to initiate the Royal Selection ceremony.
And until now, only 4 candidates had appeared.
No, the 5th one actually already existed.
Caelus remembered that in the previous loop, when Felt took out the insignia, it had glowed in her palm. That seemed to be the insignia's recognition.
If a royal candidate's insignia were stolen, even if she had obtained recognition, her status as a candidate would absolutely have no possibility of competition.
Coupled with the fact that Emilia was a silver-haired half-elf, she had already lost a lot in terms of political correctness. Once this matter was exposed, all her threat would disappear, and she would become a foil to everyone else.
Caelus shook his head. He would not get involved in such political matters, nor did it have anything to do with him.
Previously, he had been willing to follow Subaru to see his story, but now he preferred to see the stories of others in this world, to search for the traces of those Witch Cult members, those Sin Archbishops.
Caelus was walking in the capital. Just as he was planning to find out what kind of people the other candidates chosen by the insignia were, he suddenly saw a red-haired young man ahead, gently crouching down to help up a child who had fallen on the road.
"A person beloved by the world?"
Caelus could feel many special powers on this person, and those powers were all inextricably linked to this world.
Reinhard turned around after returning the child to their parents and looked at the young man in strange clothes who had been following him since just now. He felt the Dragon Sword he was wearing trembling slightly. It was his sword telling him that the person in front of him was a powerful existence worthy of drawing the Dragon Sword.
"Hello, I am Reinhard van Astrea. My sword is telling me that you are a powerful swordsman. I wonder if I might have the honor of fighting you?"
Reinhard bowed very politely and then greeted him. He always maintained a humble and kind smile on his face. As soon as ordinary people saw this smile, they knew this was a good person, someone worth getting close to.
Caelus had not hidden his presence when he came out of the slums. He looked at Reinhard in front of him and asked, "What is your reason for wanting to fight me?"
"To fight a powerful swordsman, to improve my own swordsmanship, to meet a new friend, these are my purposes for wanting to fight you."
"Making friends, I see. Then you pick a place, and we'll have a fight."
The smile on Reinhard's face grew a little brighter. Then, he and Caelus walked side by side toward the outskirts of the city, chatting as they walked.
"My name is Caelus. I am a Traveler. I like to record stories, and I am currently collecting information about the Witch Cult."
"Information about the Witch Cult? These guys, apart from making a big commotion when they act, are usually hidden very deeply and are hard to find. However, as a friend, I will also use my family's influence to help you find some information."
"It is just a pity that the kingdom is still in turmoil. Currently, there are only four candidates. The last candidate has yet to appear, and I don't know when a new king will be selected to allow the turbulent country to stabilize."
"...If you are talking about someone who can make the Insignia of the Royal Selection glow, then I do know of someone you probably haven't found yet."
"What!"
Having arrived at a place relatively far from the royal capital, Reinhard, who was preparing to draw his sword to fight Caelus, suddenly sheathed his sword. He came before Caelus with an anxious expression and asked, "Is this news true or false? Do you really know who the last candidate is?!"
"Well, since you are willing to help me find the traces of the Witch Cult, and you also accept me as this new friend, then in return, I will tell you some information you want to know."
"That child is named Felt, a girl with blonde hair, oh, yellow hair, she hasn't washed her hair for a while. She lives in the slums and is a thief. The person she is closest to is called Old Man Rom, who runs a fence shop in the slums."
"Friend, thank you for the information. I have something I must confirm right now! If the information is true, I must thank you properly. Do you have a place to stay now? If not, you can come and stay at my house!"
"Good."
"Please follow me. I will take you to my house now. I am very sorry, but I might run a bit fast this time. Can you keep up with my speed? I must confirm this matter as soon as possible."
"I can keep up."
Just like that, Caelus moved into the Astrea house, and shortly after, watched as Reinhard rushed back like a kidnapper, with a comatose Felt tucked under his arm.
With that anxious and impatient look, I wonder if it would cause misunderstandings for those who saw it?
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)