https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-129-The-Strength-of-the-Lanchi-Tribe-is-Revealed/12584067/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-131-Lanchi-Starts-to-Play-Mind-Games/12584069/
Chapter 130: Lanchi Successfully Conceals Hyberrian's Race
Chapter 130: Lanchi Successfully Conceals Hyberrian's Race
At noon, eleven people gathered around a large writing desk in the library of Lichten's Castle, quiet and focused.
The subtle noise within the room seemed absorbed by the shelves upon shelves of books that lined the walls. From the expressions and body language of the challengers, it was clear that the discussion at hand was of utmost importance.
Their gazes were intense, each deep in thought.
After a moment of silence, the young master of the Camberlan Kingdom's Chamber of Commerce, seeing that the noble magician girl from the Krexe Empire had closed her book, could only turn to the others and ask, "Does anyone understand Demon Magic script?"
The three clerics from the Northern Continent shook their heads first. Clerics were not allowed to privately study the magic scripts of other races, much less Demon Magic, which was considered taboo for humans.
The young master knew that while his bodyguard siblings were intelligent and strong, they were completely clueless when it came to Demon Magic.
As for the trio from the Krexe Empire, the most magically inclined among them, the noble girl, didn't know it either, so there was no need to ask the knight or the junior priest.
That left only the black-haired, green-eyed lawyer and the silver-haired girl who always accompanied him with a glimmer of hope.
As for the missing detective... even if he knew, he wouldn't be back for a couple of days.
In the worst-case scenario, they would have to rely on other tools and books in the library to decipher the meaning of the Demon Magic script and speculate on the sealed magic book.
However, how long that would take, how much critical information they could decipher, and whether they would be ambushed by the betrayer during the lengthy deciphering process, was anyone's guess.
"I only know a little Demon Magic script," Hyberrian spoke up, looking at Lanchi with a hint of guilt, as if apologizing for not being of much use.
Logically, the person who should be able to read both magic scripts at this moment was her, a half-demon with mixed heritage. But since she could remember, her mother had left the Kingdom of Horton, so no one had ever taught her demon magic.
If the success of this crucial step in obtaining information depended on her inadequate abilities, she felt that she had let the team down again.
However, Hyberrian recalled Lanchi mentioning that he had studied Demon Magic before, so she couldn't help but cling to a slender thread of hope.
"It's alright, I know a little," Lanchi nodded with a smile, as calm and steady as always, just like when they were in the Level 3 painting class at the Demon Academy.
That familiar sense of reassurance made her feel that this shadow world was once again under control.
He truly was a jack-of-all-trades.
"Okay," Hyberrian quickly nodded and took quick steps to retrieve the book from the hands of the Krexe Empire's magician girl and handed it to Lanchi.
She knew that Lanchi was not suited to get too close to anyone, and tasks that involved danger needed to be carried out by her, who possessed numerous life-saving abilities.
Lanchi took the book from Hyberrian's hands, thanking her as they usually did when they studied together, and then began perusing the book without a word.
Unlike the young master and the imperial noble girl before him, Lanchi's brows remained relaxed as if he were leisurely reading a pastime story during the afternoon siesta.
Usually,
Such an abstruse and incomprehensible magic book would be impossible to read in this state.
Most likely, he couldn't understand a word and was quickly flipping through the pages aimlessly.
The psychological pressure on the group began to mount again. The glimmer of hope they had felt earlier seemed to be blocked by a brick wall.
Even if the detective returned and could identify the two traitors, completing [Task Objective 1: Find the Traitors 0/2], the truly challenging core task in this shadow world remained Task Objective 2.
Large shadow worlds often consisted of a clear main plotline and multiple hidden subplots.
While the challengers were busy progressing through the main plot, unknown subplots would also be quietly unfolding in the background, changing the situation without their knowledge.
Task Objective 2 was often related to these hidden subplots.
If they failed to uncover the content and latest developments of these subplots and seize the initiative, by the time they solved Task Objective 1 and unraveled the mystery, it might already be too late to prevent the shadow world from spiraling into an irreversible chaos.
"The power of the sun refers to performing the sealing during the day when the sun is out, although this ancient tome doesn't explicitly state it," Lanchi said, his eyes still on the book as he flipped through the pages. His sudden words surprised the group, and they turned to look at him in astonishment.
Could he really read it?
Were his words meant to comfort them, or was he just making things up to boost their morale?
That was everyone's first reaction.
"The power of the moon refers to werewolves, a rare race that has almost become extinct in this era," Lanchi continued slowly.
"Werewolves don't suffer any weakening during the day, but under moonlight, they gain enhancements along with their strong regenerative abilities. Even if they fight alone throughout the night, they may not necessarily lose to the vampire race."
"However, in the end, 'regeneration' is still no match for 'immortality'. Over time, the vampire race slaughtered the werewolves to near-extinction, becoming the undisputed rulers of the night."
The "werewolf race" mentioned by Lanchi was a race that had completely disappeared from the present world, rarely appearing even in ancient shadow worlds dating back thousands or tens of thousands of years. This unfamiliar race piqued the curiosity of all the challengers.
So, it was the vampire race that caused the extinction of the werewolves.
How ancient was this shadow world that still held records of the werewolves...?
Just successfully passing through this incredibly ancient shadow world would likely create huge waves in various academic circles, and the value of the intelligence contained in their [Shadow World Record Program] would be immeasurable.
"The stars refer to witches, the origin of human magic. It seems to be pointing towards demons, yet also towards humans. From my brief perusal, I believe the author of this book is a witch herself."
With that, Lanchi closed the book in his hands.
Within the ancient library, a palpable hush seemed to descend as all eyes fell upon Lanchi, the book of magic in his hands, and its mysterious contents. The challenging adventurers exchanged curious glances, their expressions shifting from confusion to comprehension, and finally, to astonishment, as if they could sense each other's quickening heartbeats.
Uncertainty hung in the air, and someone was about to voice their thoughts when Camberlan Kingdom's Chamber of Commerce young master blurted out, "Are you half-demon, brother?" His astonishment at Lanchi's abilities momentarily overriding any potential offense his question might cause.
The young master's bodyguard, standing behind him, quickly cleared his throat, aware that such an inquiry could be considered offensive, especially to those of Southern Continent descent.
Hyberrian, the true half-demon among them, felt a surge of embarrassment. She had always been questioned about her lineage, but since traveling with Lanchi, no one had even hinted at her mixed heritage. It was a novel and comforting feeling, as if Lanchi's presence alone shielded her from the judgment and scrutiny she had grown accustomed to.
"My human lineage is without question and can be verified by the clergy if need be," Lanchi replied with a calm smile, unperturbed by the suggestion. He believed that the truth would always prevail.
The young master's curiosity, however, was not so easily deterred. "Brother, you seem to know a little about everything. How is that possible?" he asked, his admiration for Lanchi's versatility evident.
"We trust you, Lawyer Lanchi," the clergyman interjected, offering a slight bow. The others nodded in agreement, recognizing Lanchi's skill not only in deciphering the ancient text but also in his ability to coordinate and reassure the group. His presence had undoubtedly increased their chances of success.
"But what is the connection between werewolves and witches? And why must we protect them?" the young master inquired, still seeking clarification.
"Werewolves and witches are clearly allies, crucial to either sealing or unsealing the vampire race. Our betrayers' true purpose in trapping us here is likely to identify the werewolf and witch among us. As for why they haven't summoned their vampire masters, there may be other factors at play," Lanchi explained, his tone reminiscent of a professor enlightening his students.
"Amazing, Lawyer Lanchi!" the young master exclaimed, his admiration for Lanchi's intellect and composure growing by the minute. Lanchi's aura and talent were something he, a wealthy but often ridiculed young master, had always desired but could never attain.
With a newfound understanding, the adventurers realized that one of their objectives was to uncover the traitors within their midst—the vampire race's minions. Conversely, the betrayers aimed to identify the werewolf and witch hidden among the non-betrayers! This psychological game had just escalated for both sides.
As the group prepared to leave the library and return to the baseline cathedral hall, the noonday sun shone through the library windows, casting a warm glow on Lanchi and Hyberrian.
Lanchi, sensing Hyberrian's unease, turned to her and nodded slightly, his gaze steady and reassuring. He didn't need to see her information panel to know what she was about to say.
"Lanchi..." Hyberrian began, her eyes meeting his, conveying her gratitude and concern.
Lanchi simply inclined his head, indicating that he understood her worries and that she had nothing to fear.
For Hyberrian was the witch, the one this shadow world endangered the most. Lanchi had chosen not to voice this aloud, but he had deduced it from the witch's self-description in the magic book:
> I am neither demon nor human, but I will aid and protect the kindhearted. So, fear me not.
In the era of Blood Moon Calamity, 'witch' referred to those with innate demon-human heritage, magic users who could wield immature human magic scripts without backlash.
This shadow world would not unravel day by day; Principal Lanchi would soon be exposing the traitors!
(End of Chapter)
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