Chapter 868: The Favorability Factor
Chapter 868: The Favorability Factor
Lin Sai despised a particular theory, known as the 'Weakness Guilt Theory'. It suggested that the weak were to blame when bullied by the strong, a notion he found utterly repulsive. Only those incapable of controlling their fate or those who commit genocide or mass murder might use such an excuse to absolve themselves.
Unfortunately, the current situation with Alice had her trapped in this very mindset.
Alice, with her strong sense of responsibility, tended to blame herself for failures, especially as a Righteous Maiden who was prone to overthinking.
Fortunately, Lin Sai and Alice had shared adventures, witnessing each other's capabilities. His advice, therefore, carried weight with her.
So, when Lin Sai created a hole in the south-facing wall, Alice peered through it, and a realization dawned on her.
"Lin Sai, I..."
"The Royal Artifact is crucial. I shouldn't betray the trust of the White Steel Sword. But... but... what truly matters are the lives of those living in this world, each one a vibrant, precious being."
Alice's voice trailed off as the heavy rain made her words somewhat indistinct.
However, Lin Sai activated his Atmospheric Sense, ensuring he heard every word with perfect clarity.
He placed a hand on Alice's shoulder, "Since you've figured it out, tell me now."
"In this situation, what should we do?"
"..."
"Ah—"
The Righteous Maiden suddenly let out a loud roar.
Lin Sai had expected Alice to redirect her focus and regain her spirit. But what unfolded exceeded his expectations.
The once steadfast will of the Righteous One was rapidly transforming, twisting her determination into a different realm of power.
Coincidentally, Lin Sai had the Puzzle Game module open.
With such proximity, the clues illuminated Alice's changes, presenting them clearly to Lin Sai.
[First Stage: The Desiring Vessel - The Desirer intensely craves a goal, and all their abilities are enhanced when their actions align with this desire.]
[Second Stage: The Greedy Heart - The Desirer's greedy desires manifest outwardly. Their powerful will can shape reality, influencing the physical world.]
[Third Stage: The Bottomless Belly - After achieving their goal, the Desirer's Essence Art is permanently enhanced based on the difficulty of the task.]
[Fourth Stage: The Indulgent Mind - Within the Desirer's mental range, nothing escapes their notice, detecting even the slightest changes.]
[Fifth Stage: The Flame of Desire - The Desirer's desires extend outward, influencing the minds of others.]
[Sixth Stage: The Collapse - The Desirer's will erupts boundlessly, destroying any obstacle in their path.]
"..."
Lin Sai was stunned.
From the first to the sixth stage, every Essence Art of the Righteous One had undergone a complete transformation.
The once Righteous Maiden now resembled a terrifying boss, indulging in her desires.
Pat-a-tap—
Lin Sai stood up from the muddy riverbank and took a step back. "Did I just do something incredible...?"
Before Lin Sai could finish his sentence, Alice rushed to him and hugged him tightly. "Lin Sai, I'm so grateful."
Her voice whispered in his ear, and he silently pulled out the map to check. Seeing that Alice's marker remained a benevolent green, he refrained from pushing her away.
Alice continued expressing her gratitude, "If not for you, I would have given up and let myself wither until death."
"That's definitely not what I should do!"
Lin Sai tentatively asked, "Are you planning to abandon your once-cherished principles?"
Alice's voice, unconcealed, rang in Lindsey's ear:
"No, I will never waver from what I believe in!"
"But the true self should not be born in constraints. I should embrace my heart's true desires and find my own path."
Lindsey slowly pushed Alice away.
Amidst the rain curtain, he saw her eyes through the downpour.
The once resolute gray irises had deepened.
Lindsey understood Alice's thoughts.
She still held on to her beliefs, but the self-imposed restraints within her heart had completely loosened.
Reaching Stage 6.
The will of the Righteous One and her own were almost one.
It was hard to tell what was going on in Alice's mind after such a transformation.
And at that moment—
An untimely notification from the attribute panel sounded in Lindsey's ear.
[Quest Completed]
[Galgame Module Level: 1→2]
[Affinity: You can observe the affinity other beings have for you and see their corresponding evaluations.
Note: It is recommended to initiate a confession when affinity is above 85.]
Startled, Lindsey almost jumped at the sight of a skill he had nearly forgotten.
He realized something unnecessary was happening before him, but standing on the land of his vanished homeland, Lindsey had no heart to ponder such peculiar matters.
Thus, he refocused his thoughts.
Considering the current situation, Lindsey asked Alice: "Can you tell me a story?"
"The story of a Righteous One whose will crumbled but found strength again?"
Alice nodded naturally: "That was a very famous Righteous One named Edmond. He was dedicated to protecting his homeland and lover, but in a volcanic disaster, he lost everything he cherished, even being framed as the culprit of the calamity and imprisoned..."
As Alice narrated, Lindsey also activated his new skill.
Swipe—
Indeed, a new text box floated above the girl's head, on the right side.
At the very end, a red heart symbolizing affinity was almost completely filled.
[Alice - 90/100]
[She considers you her best friend, a like-minded companion, and is even willing to sacrifice her life for you. But within her heart, she is still unclear about the feelings that have blossomed.]
Lindsey was about to close the skill immediately.
But upon seeing the first skill of [Galgame], [Text Record], he suddenly thought of something.
This skill had been objectively recording everything that happened around him, occasionally describing the scenery as well.
Due to Lindsey's comprehensive perception, he didn't need to rely on this skill's effects in the past.
However, not long ago, at the bottom of the [Great Rift World], Lindsey encountered an invisible creature.
No matter how hard he pondered, he couldn't investigate the creature's details.
But did the [Galgame]'s text record describe the creature?
Because it was too marginalized.
He hadn't checked the text record on [Galgame]!
With this in mind, Lindsey opened [Text Record] and scrolled up through the text.
[...]
[He... discovered me?]
[He discovered me!!!]
[Whether it's slaughter or humiliation, bring it on! Do whatever you want!]
[I won't disappear!]
[That's right, this person, he's my hope!]
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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