"Let's make a bet, Rover. I know you've been searching for clues about your identity and past. As for what I can tell you—"
Scar paused, the corners of his lips curling up. A red card with a ram's head pattern appeared in his bound hands.
Sanhua gasped, "Be careful—!"
With a flick of his fingers, Scar sent the card flying toward Rover's feet.
Lucian was startled—was Scar still trying to escape at this point?
But contrary to Lucian's expectations, Scar made no move to flee. Instead, he continued speaking calmly:
"You are the 'Black Sheep' who can stand alongside us. You have the right to step into this new world with us… even the power to change it."
"When the day comes that you uncover the truth about yourself, you will join us without hesitation."
"The Fractsidus will always reserve a seat for you."
"And I… sincerely look forward to that day."
Scar's laughter cut off abruptly—because Lucian had clamped a hand over his mouth.
Scar stared at him in confusion. Lucian's expression remained cold as he spoke:
"Did I allow you to laugh?"
After asking, he forcibly shook Scar's head for him.
"And yet you laughed anyway!"
Lucian smacked the back of Scar's head.
Scar looked utterly bewildered before glaring at Lucian with murderous fury. If looks could kill, Lucian would have died a hundred times over. This text is hosted at N0velFire.ɴet
Now, he finally understood how Rover must have felt when beating him up—and damn, it felt good.
Lucian shook his wrist—hitting him had been tiring.
"You'll behave once you're in prison. Take him away."
At his command, two Midnight Rangers appeared and escorted Scar to the dungeons.
Rover shrugged, paying no mind to Scar's final words. She turned to Jinhsi:
"What did Scar say to you?"
Jinhsi's face was tinged with worry—clearly, his words had affected her.
"My apologies, Rover. What Scar said… regarding 'Jué'… it may concern Jinzhou's lifeline. For now, I cannot disclose it to you."
"Whether it's a trick to sow discord or… the truth, I must first find 'Jué' and confirm it myself."
Lucian pondered for a moment before asking, "How important is 'Jué' to Jinzhou?"
Lucian had no concept of "gods." In his past life, he might have heard myths and legends, but he didn't put much stock in them.
After their journey these past few days, he had learned that the Sentinel 'Jué' was something of a "guardian deity" to Jinzhou.
His lack of understanding stemmed from not knowing the extent of Jué's power—nor what Jué truly meant to the people of Jinzhou.
Jinhsi explained: "'Jué' is Jinzhou's guardian Sentinel, entrusted with assisting the Magistrate in governance."
"Though the final decision still lies with the Magistrate, without 'Jué,' I dare not guarantee that my judgments alone would always be sound."
Lucian frowned. "And 'Jué's' judgment is always correct?"
Suddenly, he clapped his hands together. "Wait—didn't Scar say 'Jué' has the power to foresee the future?"
Jinhsi nodded. "Yes. Thus far, everything has unfolded exactly as Jué foresaw."
"Their decisions may not always be 'right,' but they are invariably the most beneficial for Huanglong."
Lucian yawned. "Alright, alright. If you all trust 'Jué,' I won't say more. So, where to next?"
Jinhsi: "Jué once instructed me: 'When the rain flows backward, the awakened one must go to Norfall Barrens and seek the general who returns at night—Jiyan.'"
Lucian's expression darkened. "Jiyan? The man from the earlier hallucination? Norfall Barrens… isn't that even closer to the battlefield than Rearguard Base? Or rather, isn't it already the battlefield itself?"
Jinhsi: "Correct. General Jiyan is leading the defense against the Tacet Discord tide at Norfall Barrens—the front line of our war against the Threnodians."
"Precisely because of that, Norfall Barrens is far too dangerous."
"Since 'Jué' specifically mentioned 'when the rain flows backward'… the time to go to Norfall Barrens is not yet upon us."
She turned to Rover. "I understand that finding clues about your identity is your primary goal. I don't wish for you to leave empty-handed…"
Jinhsi then asked, "Have either of you heard of an organization called the 'Black Shores'?"
Lucian raised his hand. "I have!"
Jinhsi looked at him curiously. Lucian continued:
"I ran into Aalto and Encore earlier. Encore even invited me to join the Black Shores."
Jinhsi frowned slightly. "They invited you?"
Lucian: "Is that a problem?"
Jinhsi: "They are one of the most secretive organizations in the world, with an extremely unique selection process for members. They rarely reveal their identities so casually… What exactly did you do at the time?"
Lucian thought back. "Not much, really. Just put on a big show and… scammed—er, earned two million from Aalto."
Jinhsi nodded. "Perhaps they had their reasons. The Black Shores doesn't recruit solely based on strength—each member possesses unique qualities."
"Their invitation isn't entirely surprising. After all, Mr. Lucian, you are quite special to Jinzhou."
Lucian sighed dramatically. "Someone as outstanding as me was meant to shine through life~ So why, after twenty-odd years, am I still drifting in the sea of mediocrity~ ♫"
Rover, who had an ear for music, deadpanned: "Your singing is terrible."
Jinhsi covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. She then addressed Rover:
"On the day you awoke, members of the Black Shores contacted me in secret, inquiring about you."
"But rest assured—the Black Shores possesses a system capable of predicting the patterns of The Lament. They've established crucial cooperative relationships with many nations."
"Though enigmatic, they are not an extremist group like the Fractsidus…"
As she spoke, she noticed Lucian's regretful expression.
"Is something wrong?"
Lucian: "Just lost another way to make money."
Jinhsi blinked. "Make money? What does that have to do with the Black Shores?"
Lucian: "I once considered taking over both the Fractsidus and the Black Shores."
Jinhsi's lips parted slightly as she stared at him in stunned silence. She hadn't expected that.
"If you're in need of money, I could find you a job."
Lucian perked up. "Is it the 'personal bodyguard' position?"
Jinhsi smiled faintly. "It is. But upon reflection, I don't think it would suit you."
Truthfully, ever since meeting Jinhsi in person, he hadn't been opposed to the idea.
After all, who could refuse being a beautiful girl's personal bodyguard?