When Aiwass closed the "Nurturing Secret Sequel," the black leather-bound book no longer conveyed that warm and delicate feeling akin to human skin.
It became quiet, as if everything before had been but an illusion.
And at this time, Aiwass finally understood why he had not seen this book in the original history.
Because, if someone could indeed open this tome correctly, they would most likely destroy it immediately.
—The knowledge recorded in it was far too dangerous.
It resolved a core issue with the Path of Transcendence—Transcendence could not make others apart from oneself stronger.
The nature of the Path of Transcendence is to rebel against the higher-ups, to pursue surpassing and seek elevation, it is an extremely selfish path.
Reliant solely on the power of Transcendence, one cannot bring profit to others. This has led to Demon Scholars often gathering together, yet their strength never uniting as one.
And the "Art of Herding" integrated the characteristics of the Path of Devotion. It allows one to benefit others by sacrificing oneself.
Feeding one's own flesh and blood to a demon, then bestowing demonic power upon mortals—this logic conformed to the criteria of the Path of Devotion because in this logical chain, the demon is merely a symbol. It's like earning money and then sharing it with the poor.
Similarly, using humans as sacrifices to nurture demons, supplying these Phantom Demons with strength for growth, without taking any kickbacks or demanding any return also meets the criteria of the Path of Devotion—The 'altruism' of the Devotional Path is not limited to humans or kin, as Phantom Demons are certainly considered 'others' too.
And when demons want to reciprocate the nurturing with strength, one still takes nothing for oneself, giving it all to others. Thus, no 'trade' is formed, also in accordance with the standards of the Devotional Path.
The entire act is filled with ambitious demonic traces; from the motive, one can discern the unmasked 'desire to ascend'—at any cost, to become stronger. Yet it does hold a divine compassion, always adhering to the sole principle of 'helping others gain strength to fulfill their wishes.'
What the Shepherd does is not a trade, but an unconditional charity.
But in the end, the Shepherd still gets everything desired, achieving an almost perpetual cycle.
"—This book must not be left behind."
A very clear thought emerged in Aiwass's mind.
If someone other than himself reads this book, they might see the Great Beasts of the "Master of Beasts" as the Shepherd's flock.
Moreover, if this book were purely a Devotional Path tome, then it could not possibly become a "forbidden book" kept by the Supervisory Bureau.
The fact that it could be taken away by the inspectors is enough to show that the book is not so clean-cut.
Of course, having been given the book by the Supervisory Bureau, it was legal for Aiwass to peruse it. As long as he did not teach the knowledge within to others, the Supervisory Bureau would not trouble him but would turn a blind eye.
That is not the issue.
The real issue is... where did the Supervisory Bureau acquire this book from?
This is the original tome. As long as someone can correctly open this book, they can acquire its knowledge and inherit the legacy of the Shepherd.
Does that mean someone has become the "Shepherd"?
If someone knows of the "Nurturing Secret Sequel" and traces it back to being taken by the Supervisory Bureau on Glass Island, that person might eventually find Aiwass following this clue.
This unknown enemy made Aiwass tense.
He did not know who the adversary was—whether the heir of the "Shepherd" or someone else coming to hunt down the "Shepherd." He did not know when these people might come or even if the hypothetical enemy truly existed.
Aiwass needed to gain stronger influence in Avalon to drive the Supervisory Bureau to track the potential "Shepherd" in reverse.
At the same time, Aiwass indeed possessed the "Shepherd's Nurturing" skill...
After Aiwass finished reading the book, a new skill had silently been added behind his Priest and Demon Scholar professions.
Now, Aiwass's complete panel looked :
Priest LV6: [Basic Prayer-2nd level (3%)],[Rite of Fire-1st level (5%)],[Illumination-1st level (15%)],[Blessing-1st level (0%)],[Shepherd's Nurturing (Flesh)-1st level (0%)]
Demon Scholar LV5: [Demonology Knowledge-1st level (16%)],[Basic Ritual-1st level (5%)],[Demonic Pact-2nd level (3%)],[Shepherd's Nurturing (Essence)-1st level (0%)]
Unlocked Paths: Dedication-First Layer; Transcendence-First Layer
Mana Pool: 2/5 (Light), 4/5 (Darkness), 11/15 (Fire)
Transcendence-Shadow Affinity LV1: You have signed a life pact with a Shadow Demon and can freely use first-level shadow abilities.
Dedication-Flame Container Lv1: You have consumed the Blood of Candle Master, expanding your soul. Your Mana Pool (Fire) maximum capacity has increased by 14
Authority-Silver Scale: With this mark as a token, the Silver-Crowned Dragon watches over you; a certain vow you have made must not be broken. When you attack any who break their vow, you gain a +1 advantage (Divine)
—As the selected heir, the perfect inheritor of the "Shepherd," Aiwass indeed received the complete transfer of the "Shepherd's Nurturing" skill.
This taboo skill was indeed very useful to Aiwass.
Because when the "Nurturing Secret Sequel" mentioned using "flesh to let Phantom Demons grow," Aiwass realized he had previously overlooked something vital—
In the game, Great Sin Scholars and Masters of Beasts leveled up "Great Beasts" by repeatedly farming Phantom Demons of the same attribute. Just by setting up a boss as the designated attribute Phantom Demon, they could immediately challenge and defeat it. The Great Beasts would then grow by devouring the remains.