https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-841-Houbelia-s-Search-for-Her-Father-Concludes-Part-1-/12937105/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-842-Migaya-s-Angelic-Disposition/12937107/
Chapter 841: Houbelia's Search for Her Father Concludes (Part 2)
Chapter 841: Houbelia's Search for Her Father Concludes (Part 2)
"..."
At the same time, Nedochika also seemed to have learned something through the vampires' communication.
Nedochika's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and a look of confusion and bewilderment flashed across her face.
"It's impossible. How could my Withered Son betray me?"
Nedochika muttered, her vine magic still proving to be an intractable problem.
The entire courtyard was filled with intertwining ice and vines, while lightning and raging winds howled.
The Ice Maiden faintly sensed that Nedochika's thoughts were no longer focused on the battle. The news of the Withered Son's betrayal, like a stone thrown into the Withered Bishop's once calm heart, stirred up ripples of confusion, and her inner turmoil became increasingly apparent.
She mechanically waved her staff, her vine magic was splendid and precise, but lacked the previous passion and joy.
The Ice Maiden's attacks came one after another, but Nedochika only instinctively defended herself, her confusion growing deeper. She began to avoid the Ice Maiden.
"Wasn't the goal of his joining the Resurrection Church me, the Bishop herself?"
Nedochika, the Withered Bishop, was baffled as she covered her forehead and retreated, continuing to fight the Ice Maiden.
"..."
The Ice Maiden finally heard the Withered Bishop's murmur and twitched at the corner of her eye.
She was now questioning the Withered Bishop's character.
How could she be so love-struck?
Nedochika had calculated everything, except that her Withered Son's true intention was the wine itself.
...
Not far from the Abyssal Palace, in the Crimson Abyss.
Amidst the ruins of the collapsed structures, the life-and-death battle between Houbelia and Ulysses had reached its most intense stage.
The entire battlefield was shrouded in a bloody, violent storm.
Ulysses had completely entered a state of frenzy.
His body was enveloped in a vortex of crimson mana, emitting a chilling killing intent from every pore.
As Ulysses recalled the power of the Blood Eagle and Blood Bear, his blood energy transformed into sharp blades, slicing towards Houbelia with the force of a storm.
Houbelia's movements were ghostly, dodging Ulysses' attacks and countering with a claw strike aimed directly at the ancestor's throat, determined to fight to the death.
"Damn it!"
Ulysses used a psychic force spell to shake Houbelia off, but her dagger still managed to draw a bloody line across his neck.
Bright red blood gushed out, stark against his pale skin.
The news of the Abyssal Palace's fall and the Withered Son's betrayal infuriated Ulysses, who was already on the verge of losing control.
His scarlet eyes burned with madness, and invisible mana surged around him.
"I'll make you pay with your life!"
Since he no longer needed to worry about the Abyssal Palace, Ulysses unleashed his full power, determined to kill this damned Scorpion-Tailed Succubus! Ulysses roared, and his psychic power expanded into a circle of light, causing the ground to shake and numerous floating structures to collapse into dust.
"Duchess, you've succeeded, but you'll die here as you wished!"
Ulysses' voice was hoarse and shrill, teetering on the brink of a frenzied madness.
He recalled all the power he had given to the Blood Serpent, and as the blood bead tore through the void and returned to his body, Ulysses' magic power surged, and his blood mana, like a substantial blade, slashed towards Houbelia with the force of a raging storm.
Wherever the mana passed, the void distorted, matter shattered, and a terrifying oppressive force that could destroy everything emanated.
At this moment, Houbelia had reached her limits, like a lamp about to go out.
Her body was covered in wounds, black toxic blood flowing from the corners of her mouth. She struggled to support her swaying body, clenching the scorpion-tail dagger tightly, desperately dodging Ulysses' ferocious attacks.
"Huxuwongwong..."
She could barely hear what Abigail was saying through the communication.
But none of that mattered anymore.
She knew she had successfully held Ulysses back and prevented him from returning to the Abyssal Palace.
As long as she could continue to stall him for a little longer, they would win.
In the face of Ulysses' rapidly rising magic power, Houbelia felt like a tiny boat in the midst of a terrifying storm, swaying and tottering, on the verge of collapse.
She soon couldn't hold on any longer and was hit by the aftermath of Ulysses' mana, flying out and slamming heavily into the ruins of a floating castle.
"Cough, cough."
Houbelia felt as if all her internal organs were violently displaced and in disarray. The black blood she coughed up corroded the ground, and her consciousness began to blur.
"Hahaha... You've reached your limit, haven't you?"
Ulysses laughed maniacally, a cruel light flashing in his eyes.
"But I haven't even reached my full power yet."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ulysses pushed his hands forward with great force, and his blood mana transformed into a blood-red hand that blotted out the sky, reaching towards the weakened Houbelia, aiming to crush her entire body into a pulp.
Houbelia struggled to get up, but she found that all her strength had been drained, and she didn't know if her bones were broken or if Merogas' toxins had reached their limit. She didn't know if she could dodge the attack, and she desperately tried to move the muscles in her body that still had sensation.
Everything became quiet at this moment.
It was a blank space.
Only intense light and darkness remained.
Would it all end in the next second? She didn't know.
But she wanted to stall for a little longer. The longer she could hold Ulysses back, the greater the chance of victory for her companions.
This time, she had already decided to risk everything to protect them.
This was the meaning of her survival until this day.
However, the expected tearing pain from forcing her limbs to move didn't come.
In her blurred vision, a tall and slender figure appeared before her, blocking Ulysses' unstoppable blood hand. It was like an unshakeable fortress.
"..."
Houbelia suddenly widened her eyes, and she saw pure dark currents forming a barrier around her, transforming into an immortal shield.
Staring at this darkness, she realized it wasn't merely dull and obscure. Instead, it contained extreme beauty, pure and ethereal, sacred and flawless, like the first ray of light in the primordial world, carrying the mystery of chaos and the potential for thriving life. In the depths of the darkness, a galaxy twinkled, a faint light from millions of light-years away falling into the mortal world.
This pure divine darkness was like a gentle and caring mother, embracing all things, nurturing all life, allowing everything to ferment and mature in a dream, and when the time was right, it would reveal its fragrance and brilliance. This was the foundation of creation, the embrace that nurtured all.
"Primordial Slate of Darkness..."
Houbelia stared blankly at the dark barrier around her, her heart filled with an indescribable emotion.
The radiance made her eyes sting, gradually turning red, and finally, uncontrollable clear tears replaced the black-corroded tears, flowing down her cheeks.
"Houbelia, you've actually made it this far..."
The man slowly turned his head, his face gaunt, gazing at Houbelia on the ground with a hint of indulgent apology. His expression was half-joy and half-sadness.
"Ah..."
Houbelia looked at the man before her, tears welling up in her eyes, her lips trembling. It took her a long time before she could choke out a response.
That familiar magic power, and the familiar radiance of the Primordial Slate of Darkness... She hadn't seen them in a long time.
She had thought she might never see them again in her lifetime, but today, she had truly seen her father, freed from his entrapment.
"..."
On the other side, Ulysses glared at the suddenly appearing shadow, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes, quickly replaced by overwhelming rage.
Ulysses' face turned dark with fury, his fists clenched so tightly they made a cracking sound, his nails digging into his palms.
This Cardinal, who had broken free of his seal, had blocked Ulysses' chance to kill Houbelia and find relief.
Above the ruins of the void.
The dark threads had transformed into a warm and abundant magic power, enveloping Houbelia, easing the feeling of her bones shattering, and her injuries began to slowly heal.
This was Migaya's dark puppet repair, a healing-type dark attribute magic.
Duke Migaya not only mastered all attributes, but he could also transform various magics into his unique dark magic, gaining the enhancement of the Primordial Slate of Darkness.
The girl trembled, her mind filled with longing and a sense of grievance, turning into tears.
After such a long dream, as it finally became a reality, she still felt it wasn't real.
Perhaps it was the pain in her body, or perhaps her spirit and will had already reached their limit, her vision blurred, only seeing the faint light in Blood Moon City.
In an instant, she seemed to see many things.
"Don't worry, I, the law-abiding little pioneer, won't play your game."
"That was at the top of Ekkrite Academy, where he cheerfully told me that if I failed that exam, I might end up dead on the streets outside the school."
...
"If we don't leave now, we'll never set sail! So trust me, let's go."
In the classroom, his voice was clear and eager, as if he couldn't wait to take her on a magical journey.
...
"Let's not talk about whether it's dangerous to provoke the Demonic Beings. They might have some good guys too, Houbelia. Don't discriminate against them."
The earnest advice echoed through the corridors of Infernal Corridor Academy.
...
"If I can find your father, I'll have a powerful ally."
On an ordinary morning, after attending a class on the Primordial Slate, he decided to help her find her father.
...
"Houbelia, rest assured. With us, a detective and a lawyer, by your side, those thugs won't be able to harm you."
At the cathedral's banquet, these two always offered help when they saw their companion in need.
...
"Do you think you can hurt her?"
In the log cabin restaurant, facing the assassin sent by the Destruction Branch, the gray-haired witch embraced her and spoke to the assassin, her words sounding like a scolding.
...
"No matter what happens in a month, when I see you again, I'll arrange for your return to the Southern Continent. So, come back safely, and may the Goddess bless you."
In the Northern Continent's temple, the Ice Maiden's sincere prayer could be heard.
...
"How will you take responsibility if Milford Count's crucial vote causes Askasan to lose the election?"
At the Rock Junction Station, the Extinction Priest's challenge was countered by her invisible guardian.
...
"I love you to death! I'm friends with a Duke's daughter, and even a noble young master from the Herton Kingdom dared to bully you. Next time we meet him, I'll make sure Sinora and I teach him a lesson."
On the journey back to the Southern Continent, she made more and more friends.
...
"Miss Houbelia, leave it to me. Rest assured."
On the night of the Fall in South Vantine, Butler Hans bowed and assured her.
The old man believed in her and was willing to let her follow her own judgment to do the right thing.
...
"Why did you come back?"
The two of them shared a difficult journey, and they were about to die together.
Talia wanted to shout at Houbelia, to push her away, but she couldn't make a sound, as if she were choking.
...
"Today, Princess Houbelia belongs to the Great Demonic Being, Makasi. Even if the First Ancestor comes, it won't matter."
Falldown Quakiera resolutely shielded Houbelia, who was sitting on the throne, ready to fight personally.
...
"But have you noticed? Reality is getting closer to your ideal world, which means it's still possible."
During the night in Nekaris, Ran Chi suddenly asked her,
"Look, even in the Herton Kingdom, there aren't many who would dare to bully you. We have a lead on Duke Migaya, and Antonas might be able to help us find Miss Ifatia. In any case, no matter what your dream is, I'll help you make it come true."
Ran Chi looked at her, raised her glass, and smiled reassuringly.
...
"Do the Vampires really lose?"
Sigrid, with her petite figure, lay in Houbelia's lap, looking up at her, as if both seeking and offering comfort.
She used to read the newspaper every day, trying to understand and find hope, just like Houbelia's clumsy efforts.
...
"Don't you dare hurt her—"
In the final moments of Dream Return to Eternity, as Merogas' terrifying poison stinger struck again, silver starlight scattered in the night, and the enchanting spirit-like witch appeared in mid-air. She wore a white dress, graceful and elegant, with an angelic face devoid of a smile. Her blue veins stood out as she grabbed Merogas' scorpion tail.
...
"..."
The Principal's shadow, reflected on the glass, remained silent.
Even with the dim stars outside, the shadows of the young boy and girl on the glass were still clear, reflecting the historical wraiths.
It was as if they had returned to the moment when they challenged Infernal Corridor Academy together.
...
"Hou, Houbelia, you called me mom...? Don't you hate me?"
When she met her mother again, Ifatia mechanically hugged her back, and tears uncontrollably wet her hair.
"I... I..."
Ifatia choked, unable to catch her breath, let alone speak clearly.
Every time she recalled those words from Ekkrite Academy, she reached out to the past, to the happiness she once had but couldn't find again.
Alone, some words were difficult to comprehend, and this longing was beyond words, filled with both fear and pity.
...
The once unimaginable sweet dreams came true, one by one.
"Houbelia."
"Houbelia meow."
"Houbelia!"
Her mind was filled with the voices of her friends calling her name.
From one to many.
Until the very end.
At this moment, in front of her eyes, under the radiant light of the Primordial Slate.
Her father's clear voice calling her name.
"Houbelia."
Duke Migaya's eyes were filled with guilt and relief, and even if he had a thousand words to say, he couldn't express them to his daughter in a short time.
"Yes, I've found you."
She closed her eyes, and tears of excitement flowed down her scarred face, and she choked up in a dreamlike state.
Until now, the long journey had condensed into this one sentence, and Houbelia's tears of her dream coming true continued to fall.
(End of Chapter)
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