https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-677-Unsealing-Lanchi-and-Thalia-s-Shadow-Weaving-Record-Part-2-/12585056/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-678-Lanchi-Encounters-the-Red-Haired-Youth-Once-More-Part-2-/12585058/
Chapter 678: Lanchi Encounters the Red-Haired Youth Once More (Part 1)
Chapter 678: Lanchi Encounters the Red-Haired Youth Once More (Part 1)
The following day.
Monday in Pallia.
In the evening, gazing up at the sky, the stars twinkled brightly.
"Autumn is approaching."
One of the perks of the open-air arena was the ability to gaze upon the starry sky whenever one desired.
Despite this, he didn't have any particular thoughts on the matter.
It was already the latter half of August.
This slightly sultry season would soon pass.
In the 6th district of the north shore of Pallia, the capital of the Bosean Kingdom, the Saint Silvervine Arena was not far from the bustling 4th district, where the Baptiste Castle was located.
Today, after finishing his work at the Baptiste Castle, Lanchi was summoned once more by the young lady of the house, Christina Baptiste, to come to this arena to participate in a proxy battle.
With the start of a new week, the treaty of "any family member can occupy the butler for a maximum of two additional hours per week" had also been refreshed, and Christina wasted no time in making use of it.
In her opinion, if luck was on their side, perhaps today they could pay Loki the butler enough in breach fees.
Unfortunately, reality was cruel.
Today, they had only fought in one commissioned match, and there were no more battles to be had.
It wasn't that no one was willing to hire Loki; it was that no opponents dared to face him, and Loki had easily won once more.
At least for this week, it seemed she wouldn't have the opportunity to fire this butler; she would have to let him continue working in the house for another week.
"Regardless, we've accumulated over thirty thousand pounds, and we'll be able to pay it off soon."
Christina waited at the spectator railing of the branch arena, glancing at the expression of the butler with brown hair and green eyes beside her.
Even at this moment, she still harbored some worries that the butler might be deceiving her.
When the time came for her to produce the fifty thousand pounds, the butler might still refuse to leave.
"Rest assured, miss. I always keep my word."
Lanchi sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in his smile as he spoke.
The two of them had been waiting in the Saint Silvervine Arena ever since their commissioned match had ended.
Christina had been hoping for another wealthy gentleman with a hooked nose like the one before to come and request their services.
She felt that if they left now, they might miss out on some opportunity.
And so, for now, she could only lean on the railing of the spectator stand in one corner of the arena, bored and gazing aimlessly at the sky.
The unique feature of this Saint Silvervine Arena was its retractable roof, which could be opened or closed as needed. Even if one grew tired of watching the matches, on clear nights, one could still gaze upon the starry sky in all its panoramic splendor.
The matches of other combatants continued around them, and the audience seats rose in tiers, layer upon layer, all the way up to the top of the arena, each level providing an optimal viewing angle. Even the cheers and shouts from just this one branch arena would occasionally reach deafening volumes.
Thus, they waited for a long while longer.
Aside from a reporter who approached to inquire about the Evil Young Lady, only to be professionally dealt with by Lanchi, no employers came to discuss business with Christina.
"Miss Christina, it seems no one else wants to fight us."
Lanchi stood to Christina's left, speaking up after a lengthy silence.
"Sigh, it's getting harder and harder to find opponents willing to challenge you."
Christina released her hold on the railing and finally shook her head, accepting reality.
Firstly, even if there were contestants willing to take on the ranking matches, it would be more of a challenging nature to test their mettle against Loki, and the odds would be heavily skewed. There would be no profit to be made from bets anymore.
Secondly, for proxy battles, if someone requested Loki's services, their opponents would back out.
Because at present, Loki's strength was more or less apparent.
Sending a sixth-rank combatant against him was as good as handing over money.
In truth, the fame of the Baptiste family's butler, Loki McCassy, had been spreading these past two days. Any serious combat requests would likely be sent directly to the castle during the day.
If they couldn't be found during the day, it would be even more difficult to chance upon a request during the one or two hours spent here at the arena.
"Loki, are you able to fight a seventh-rank opponent?"
Christina turned her head to look at the butler who had been waiting patiently behind her, and asked the question that had been on her mind for a long time.
She had actually been curious about this for a while, but she hadn't dared to ask.
Inquiring about a strong person's strength was akin to asking a woman's age; it could be considered offensive.
"I can fight, but I can't guarantee victory."
Lanchi replied after a moment's thought.
The output of his possessed state was already greatly reduced.
The main issue was that Tata wasn't a strong attacker, and he couldn't guarantee a victory within a minute or two.
"Then, what if you were to face an eighth-rank enemy..."
Christina's heart raced as she tentatively probed further, not expecting an answer.
Since she had already asked, she might as well be bold and ask outright, even if she didn't know if Loki would answer her.
"Run. Turn around and run."
Lanchi replied with a sincere smile.
"Oh!"
Then Christina understood.
Her family actually had a seventh-rank butler!
Seventh-rank wasn't a matter of price; it was simply impossible to hire one.
After all, there were only three eighth-rank combatants in the entire Bosean Kingdom at present.
Aside from them, seventh-rank combatants were invincible.
Normally, no strong combatant would enter a combat state in the core districts of Pallia, as it would trigger the full suppression of the city's defensive barrier, rendering their strength largely useless. However, Christina, who kept a close eye on the news, had a premonition that the Southern Continent was on the brink of turmoil.
Although it couldn't be felt in the floral capital of Pallia in the northern Bosean Kingdom, it was said that the southern borders were in a state of panic, with numerous notices being issued.
Consulates of various countries were also advising their citizens abroad to return home as soon as possible.
"Miss Christina returned to the Bosean Kingdom from the Yarloran Kingdom during the school holidays, partly because she wanted to come home, and partly because she was a little worried. I suggest that if you observe something amiss with the situation, you can also apply for a year-long leave of absence and stay in Pallia."
Lanchi observed Christina's expression and offered his advice.
Christina turned around in surprise, looking up at Lanchi as if he had read her thoughts.
"I don't know the specifics of the intelligence received by the United Parliament of Kingdoms, but I hope that things will remain calm for the time being."
She exhaled and replied honestly.
Whether it was the Chrix Empire's intelligence network within the various kingdoms or the United Parliament of Kingdoms' intelligence within the Chrix Empire, they certainly had their sources. Often, the intelligence received by the United Parliament of Kingdoms would not be too far off the mark, and it seemed that the Southern Continent was approaching some sort of critical point.
In a positive light, perhaps nothing truly eventful would happen in the next year or two.
Unrest is unpredictable, like a storm, and one can never know when it has truly begun.
Perhaps this autumn, the world will change.
It could be any day, any moment, or even any second.
Should chaos descend, having a loyal Seventh-Rank guardian in the family would be more useful than any amount of money.
"So, Miss, have you reconsidered firing me?"
Lanchi asked with a mischievous smile, his interest piqued.
He had overheard Cat Boss reading the newspaper, and the news seemed to worry the boss greatly.
However, Lanchi felt there was nothing to worry about. The Senate of the Bosean Kingdom had assured the safety of foreign invited guests like them.
As allied nations, Bose and Horton would look after each other's citizens in times of external turmoil, unless internal strife or regime change occurred, which could lead to a terrifying situation.
"No, our agreement stands. I don't want our family to be indebted to a Seventh-Rank powerhouse, and I won't take advantage of you."
Christina shook her head firmly.
"..."
Lanchi was left speechless.
"Hehe."
Talia giggled inside Lanchi's mind, clearly amused.
This little girl had rejected Lanchi's proposition at least three times, and his self-serving deal wasn't going as planned.
"Since there are no more commissions, I'll escort you home now."
Lanchi glanced at the time displayed on the crystal screen in the Saint Silvervine Arena and spoke to Christina.
Being mocked by Talia left Lanchi feeling rather dejected.
"Umm."
Christina nodded, then hesitated as she looked up at the sky and turned to glance at Lanchi.
"Is there something else on your mind, Miss?"
Lanchi inquired.
"Well, will you protect my safety?"
Christina asked, her eyes fixed on him.
"Of course. It's my duty to ensure the perfection of my work, and that is very important to me."
Lanchi replied calmly and confidently.
The shadowed Cat Boss agreed with this statement.
When it came to his job, Lanchi would even risk his life if necessary.
"Then, can you take me for a walk in the Bosean Demon Realm? I've never been there since I was little, and neither my father nor my brother would let me go."
Christina asked timidly yet eagerly, glancing up at Lanchi with anticipation.
"Well, that shouldn't be a problem..."
Lanchi felt that her request was a bit impolite.
It seemed like she didn't view him as a bodyguard but rather as some kind of lucky charm to ward off danger.
"Let's go, then. We'll take a quick tour and be back home within an hour."
Lanchi checked the time once more and agreed readily.
Neither he nor Talia had visited the Bosean Demon Realm since arriving in the Bosean Kingdom.
They had planned to go there after taking care of their main business.
However, since Christina had made the request, he decided to consider it part of his duty and visit the Demon Realm first.
"Yay!"
Christina pumped her fist, eager to set off.
She adjusted her skirt, motioning for Loki to follow, and then walked lightly toward the exit of the spectator stands.
Many Pallia citizens dared not venture into the 7th to 10th districts, which belonged to the Bosean Demon Realm.
Only daring souls like her brother, Karl Baptiste, had gone there with a demon bodyguard.
While theoretically, the Bosean Demon Realm wasn't that dangerous, the stark contrast in safety compared to the floral capital of Pallia made it seem like a place with poor security.
But with Loki by her side, she knew there would be no issues.
After all, he was exceptionally good at warding off evil spirits.
...
The Saint Silvervine Arena was located in Pallia's 6th district, just a kilometer away from the boundary of the 7th district of the Bosean Demon Realm.
Late at night in Pallia, as the city was bathed in the serene silver-white moonlight, Lanchi and Christina arrived at the entrance to the Bosean Demon Realm.
Weaving through the narrow alleys at the edge of the 6th district, they found a hidden door on the side of an ancient church, forgotten by time.
The door was made of weathered oak, its surface covered in delicate vines.
However, when they opened the door, their vision was suddenly flooded with brightness.
Before them lay a spacious station concourse filled with inspection gates.
"Miss, once we're in the Bosean Demon Realm, please don't wander off. Stay by my side at all times."
Lanchi reminded her.
"Okay, okay."
Christina replied, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took in her surroundings.
They completed the necessary procedures at the counter and passed through the gates.
As they stepped through the mirror-like portal, it glowed with a warm golden light, and beyond it, they could see a luminous corridor that seemed to lead to a completely different world.
The moment they fully crossed through the light gate, it felt as if they had traveled through space and time, arriving in a familiar yet foreign Pallia neighborhood.
Floating orbs of light drifted through the streets, illuminating the city in the night, and most of the passersby were demons.
Humans, on the other hand, tended to attract the attention of the demons.
They were now in Pallia's 7th district, and behind them loomed a massive copper clock tower that pierced the night sky, its chimes serving as a constant reminder that they were in a different jurisdiction, separate from their original world.
"Later, we'll meet back at this clock tower, and we can pass through the barrier and return to Pallia's 6th district."
Lanchi explained to Christina.
At that moment, she seemed a bit distracted, her attention captured by the sights of the Bosean Demon Realm, so close yet unexplored during her childhood.
"Quick, take me on a tour of the Bosean Demon Realm."
Christina glanced at the time on the clock tower and urged Lanchi.
The butler's working hours were limited, and she estimated they only had about an hour to explore.
"Alright."
Lanchi nodded and gestured for her to walk ahead toward the brighter, more bustling commercial district.
"The district we're currently in, the 7th, has relatively poor security. Accidents happen from time to time. In contrast, the 9th and 10th districts, which are governed by Eighth-Rank lords, have the best security."
He warned her.
Pallia's 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th districts were each under the jurisdiction of a demon lord.
Among them, two were Seventh-Rank demons, and two were Eighth-Rank demons.
"Oh, I see."
Christina listened intently and nodded cautiously, keeping close to the butler.
A century ago, when the Bosean Kingdom signed the acceptance contract with the demons, one of the Senate's major concessions to the demons was that they would not interfere with the demons' culture in the allotted territories and would not require them to conform to human societal norms.
"So, the difference between District 6 and District 7 might be quite significant, and once you enter the Bosean Demon Realm, it's no longer safe."
"But I think this division is actually good for both sides." Christina replied. "You can choose to follow the rules of either side, depending on the kind of life you want to lead."
Led by the butler, Christina wandered through the streets of the Demon Realm, filled with magical and wondrous sights.
In the skyline of Pallia's 7th District, bright skyscrapers, churches, and otherworldly floating courtyards blended together. The night sky was not only a deep blue, but it also occasionally reflected a faint golden glow, like a mirror reflecting the city's lights.
It was said that there was a city called Helrom in the Northern Continent that housed many sites with Demon Realm characteristics, bearing some resemblance to the Bosean Demon Realm in certain corners.
They were currently strolling along an avenue known as Illusion Boulevard.
The night sky of the Bosean Demon Realm was exceptionally beautiful due to the supernatural phenomena caused by the space magic barrier, and Illusion Boulevard was the best place to view this spectacle.
And in the 7th District, there was a famous Illusion Night Market located nearby.
As they walked, Christina bought various snacks and even shared some with Loki, the butler.
For example, there was the "Starlight Candy," said to contain a trace of starlight magic, which could make one feel as if they were floating in the night sky for a brief moment. There was also the "Ghost Bread," made from a unique transparent wheat found only in the Bosean Demon Realm, which tasted like a combination of clouds and cotton candy.
To Christina's surprise, Loki accepted all the treats she offered, not refusing any of her gestures of kindness.
Before they knew it, more than half an hour had passed.
Seeing the dwindling time, Christina felt a bit reluctant to end their fascinating tour of the Demon Realm.
She kept glancing up at the deep blue, mirror-like night sky and then back at the mechanical clock tower.
Meanwhile, Loki, the butler, seemed to be looking around the street with a keen eye.
"What are you looking at?" Christina asked.
"I heard that on Illusion Boulevard in the Bosean Demon Realm, there is a small probability of encountering a magical sweets cart at night," Loki explained, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "The cart is operated by a Demon confectionery master, and the ice cream he sells can instantly boost one's mood and temporarily enhance attributes. But the chances of encountering this magical sweets cart are extremely slim."
Lanci focused his gaze on the road ahead as he shared this information with Christina.
"Well, I guess it's all about luck then," Christina said, waving her hand dismissively.
The most incongruous thing about Loki, in Christina's opinion, was his apparent greed for food. He always seemed particularly interested in snacks, yet she had never actually seen him eat anything.
However, as long as he didn't eat children, she supposed it was fine.
After all, there hadn't been any missing person incidents reported near the Baptiste Earl's residence recently.
"Are you thinking something very rude?" Lanci asked, looking at her with a puzzled expression.
He felt that he was beginning to understand Talia's perspective.
How could there be such an impolite employer?
Questioning Tata, understanding Tata, becoming Tata.
It seemed like he was truly walking the path that Talia had once walked.
The two of them continued their leisurely stroll through the Demon Realm under the night sky.
They didn't linger too long, as they had promised to return at a specific time.
"Wait, Miss, do you hear some commotion in the distance?" Lanci narrowed his eyes and slowed his pace.
"Really?" Christina stopped and looked at him.
She had heard about the unique characteristics of the Demon Realm, where events like bank robberies, car accidents, and major disasters were common occurrences in the 7th District.
Boom!
Suddenly, as they were enjoying the peacefulness and beauty of the night, a loud crash shattered the quiet of the 7th District.
Then, a clamor of voices filled the air, sometimes intermittent and sometimes loud and agitated.
The two of them looked toward the source of the noise and saw numerous residents hurrying down the street, their faces filled with panic as they tried to avoid a dangerous area.
Lanci immediately signaled to Christina to move away from the potential danger.
"This is the Bosean Demon Realm, where such things are quite ordinary," Lanci said, hoping to calm Christina.
However, he noticed that Christina didn't seem overly alarmed. Driven by curiosity, her gaze followed some of the fleeing Demon citizens as they cautiously glanced back at the source of the disturbance.
The chaos grew louder, like a surround-sound effect, and they could now distinguish angry roars, the clanging of metal, and occasional bursts of flame and explosions.
The streetlights on Illusion Boulevard dimmed slightly, and only the hurried footsteps of the fleeing Demons could be heard.
"Well, Miss, do you want to stick around and watch the show?" Lanci asked, looking down at the blonde young lady by his side.
"No, no," she shook her head repeatedly, finally snapping out of her trance and turning to leave.
However...
Before she could react, a loud boom in the distance caused her to instinctively cover her head with her hands.
In the distance, two dark figures darted across the sky, chasing each other between the buildings. With each landing, they caused bricks to shatter and dust to swirl, making the entire city tremble.
The battle was intense, with the two figures intertwining and then separating.
The pursuer wielded a black longsword, and each swing of the blade unleashed a scorching crimson storm that illuminated the surrounding corridors.
The fleeing figure was hideous and misshapen, resembling a mutated giant.
"Nigel is here, run!" a passing Demon shouted in fear. It seemed that they feared the cursed Demon, who had gone berserk, even more than the executioner sergeant in his punitive corps uniform.
Lanci, who had been about to leave, hesitated and turned back, his gaze fixed on the battlefield.
He had heard a familiar name.
While humans in Flower City Pallia were not afraid of the executioner Nigel, the Demons saw him as a harbinger of doom.
"Do you know the executioner of the Tiffany family?" Christina asked, noticing Lanci's reaction.
Lanchi neither confirmed nor denied her question. He merely gestured for Christina to stay behind him.
The surrounding demon citizens kept running by, some unable to resist the urge to rubberneck, turning their heads every three steps.
"What's going on over there?"
Lanchi called out to a passing demon who seemed less hurried, a reporter perhaps, and asked.
"It looks like a human provoked the Square Gang, and they've been chasing her for two or three days in the 7th District of Pallia. Not only did the gang fail to kill her, but she also slaughtered quite a few of their members. When they finally cornered her, she almost killed their boss too. But who would've known, their boss is a cursed demon, and he went berserk at that moment, counter-killing her. If it weren't for Nigel arriving in time to save her, she probably would've died."
The demon reporter snapped a few shots of the tall buildings with his magic device and quickly filled Lanchi in on the details. "But it's strange. Her head was almost bashed in, yet she didn't die. Is this really the resilience of humans...?"
The demon reporter muttered as he aimed his device at the distance, feeling that standing next to this human was a safe spot to capture some shots.
However, it wasn't wise to linger, and soon the demon reporter bid a simple farewell and ran off.
Upon hearing this, Lanchi looked once more toward the direction where the battle was intensifying.
Taking a closer look, he saw Nigel holding a black longsword in his right hand, while his left hand grasped a magic conductor chain that wrapped around a bloodied figure, protecting them.
The berserk cursed demon they faced this time didn't seem to be a fourth-rank like Lysandra but rather a powerful sixth-rank demon in its base form.
Nigel wanted to capture him rather than kill him outright, so he had to be careful not to harm the surrounding demon citizens while also dealing with the berserk demon.
"Roar!!!"
The berserk cursed demon was covered in wounds, and its endless rage and power kept manifesting in violent magic, attempting to overwhelm Nigel with sheer ferocity.
(End of Chapter)
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