"What do you intend to do, Madam Hermit..."
Inchworm instinctively wanted to retreat, but discovered the oddly shaped jet-black tail vertebra had already encircled him, blocking off his escape routes.
The close-at-hand steel spine gave him an indescribable sense of pressure, as if it were the spirituality of a higher-ranked Moth phase. Even though he couldn't sense its existence at all, the flow of his own power had already become sluggish and timid.
An intangible and formless aura of intimidation suffused the surroundings. Inchworm knew that choosing to force a breakthrough would only result in him being strangled into a pile of minced meat.
Under the oppressive threat of death, he finally slowly extended his hands in surrender.
"Madam, I'm just here to gather information; I'm of no consequence. Even if you kill me, the Veiled Assembly would just send someone new..."
Hearing this, Fran's expression showed no change. She merely extended the torso and blade limbs of the "Chimera Spine" Sphinx one after another until they completely separated from her body.
"Mr. Inchworm, you belittle yourself too much. As a Third-Rank Deacon with rich spirituality, your potential for advancement is much greater than that discarded pawn Louisa. Who would readily use such a person as a mere scout?"
Having his true circumstances laid bare by the other party, Inchworm was momentarily startled and suspicious, his expression turning somewhat odd. It was just concealed by the mask.
My disguise was meticulously handled; even a veteran hunter shouldn't be able to see through it at a glance. But she knows my circumstances almost inside out...
With such deep understanding of the Moth, she must truly be an ancient Unified Faction adherent upholding dual faiths.
"Madam Hermit, even if my identity holds some value, it's only relative. An ordinary person who hasn't yet begun to shed their mortal shell, no matter how talented... is just a piece of expendable material that needs to be used sparingly in the eyes of the Assembly's Clerics."
"I am just a tool; it's the same no matter who uses it."
While saying this, his tone gradually regained calmness. But upon closer observation, one could see his fingers were still trembling slightly.
"I can work for the Veiled Assembly, and I can also work for you. If you are willing not to take my life, I will repay you with corresponding value..."
Facing Inchworm's plea, Fran did not express agreement or refusal.
Moth disciples' words never contain truth; all his guarantees and oaths can be considered irresponsible expedient measures.
Lies are an ancient craft. They change their form with the tide of the times. Nine truths with one lie, or nine lies with one truth, there's actually no fixed rule... it's all about going with the flow.
If the deception is woven skillfully enough, even pure truths can deceive.
"Oh... Mr. Inchworm, you seem very nervous. But actually, I don't intend to do anything to you. This is just a bit of a friendly warning."
"Trying to climb higher on the ladder through Carapace Kind remnants will have no outcome other than causing disaster. Carcasses become tainted immediately upon death. Without processing, just 'transplanting' them into an advancement ritual... Hah, a dangerous and foolish futile effort."
The reason Fran showed the "Chimera Spine" Sphinx to a Moth disciple was simply to verify some suspicions she had discovered while treating Louisa.
It seems, followers of the Moth would consider this living-metal-made spine as a symbol of molting/metamorphosis.
"Warning? Hmm... I understand. I will conceal the content of this investigation. I won't report your information or the whereabouts of that Sacred Remains..."
Inchworm carefully gauged Fran's attitude, racking his brains to think of how to minimize his own risks.
Madam Hermit's metamorphosed form is nearly perfect, having almost completely shed its human traces and transformed into a pure mythical creature. This is something those young High Priests just getting started can't achieve...
Even a high-ranking High Priest who has stepped into the Fifth Rank may not reach this level. Perhaps, it's the even higher "Apostle".
"Keep thinking, Mr. Inchworm. Do I really need your help to conceal? If I wanted to maintain concealment, why would I tell you all this?"
"Or do you think your own ability is sufficient to find my traces?"
Fran lightly shook her index finger with a hint of regret, seeming dissatisfied with his answer.
Without any hesitation, Inchworm immediately changed his response.
"Madam Hermit, since this is your will, then please tell me... what should I say to the Assembly? Is there anything that needs to be omitted?"
He guessed Fran's intention, wanting to know if she hoped to use him to mislead the Veiled Assembly.
As long as he could demonstrate value, he wouldn't be casually discarded. In a cruel, chaotic land without law like Gormouth, fools either end up buried in the dirt, or sunk in the bay.
"Report truthfully is fine, no need for reservations. Tell them everything you know."
Fran did not mention anything that needed concealment, and this almost brazenly fearless attitude instead aroused Inchworm's alertness.
Madam Hermit doesn't care about exposing herself?
Combined with her initial statement "this is just a bit of friendly warning"... That is to say, the object of her warning wasn't herself, but the Veiled Assembly? If she is indeed an Apostle, holding such an arrogant attitude is not strange.
"Alright... as you wish."
Inchworm responded cautiously, and secretly sized up the spine construct that had already completely separated from Fran's body.
No mutation or erosion, nor any feeling of bloatedness from parasites. The spirituality was also extremely restrained and contained within. Such a wonderful molted form... For someone like this to come to the Third Perch was like a mythical creature charging into a flock of sheep.
And that Six-Eyed Crows High Priest Ash Scar, in comparison, could only be considered a somewhat stronger sheepdog.
Could it be that Madam Hermit herself also held a position within the Veiled Assembly? Or perhaps, her existence itself was even more ancient than the Assembly?
"Go now, Mr. Inchworm. If we delay any longer, the free trading segment will end."
Inchworm's reaction to the intimidation was not too different from what Fran had envisaged. She also retracted the separated chimera spine back into her body, quite satisfactorily preparing to end this contact.
It seems, the "Chimera Spine" Sphinx indeed has extremely high similarity with the completely molted form of Moth Apostles.
Inchworm promptly agreed.
"Yes, Madam Hermit."
His expression was humble and respectful. This was the most basic courtesy when facing a high-ranking disciple of the same worshipped deity.
Compared to completing the investigation task assigned by the Veiled Assembly, he now wanted to try to establish a connection with the lady before him. Doing the same work, rather than being casually ordered about by those old but not dead bugs of the Veiled Assembly... it would be better to serve a true Moth Apostle.
Advancement from a higher existence is always far more efficient than blindly groping on one's own...
As the two prepared to leave the meeting room, Inchworm suddenly remembered the check he had placed on the table earlier hadn't been taken.
He looked back, only to see an empty desk; the things placed on it seemed to have already been taken away.
Inchworm did not develop any other emotions, only feeling that Madam Hermit indeed had the consistent style of the ancient Unified Faction... namely, "meticulous contractual spirit".
...
Seeing that Ms. Vivian had not returned for a long time, Detreka, who had waited a while, maintained surface composure, but internally was already extremely flustered.
She lightly rubbed her pant legs with her palm, wiping away the somewhat fine sweat that had seeped out.
Ms. Vivian was the patron she brought. If any violent conflict occurred, she would be the directly responsible person. As an unknown, insignificant peripheral member like her, being dragged to the docks to do hard labor carrying bags for a lifetime would be considered the cult showing mercy if it happened.
Just as her sense of unease was gradually accumulating, Fran, led by the server, returned to her seat.
"Ms. Vivian, you're finally back..."
"Don't worry, Detreka. It was just completing a relaxed and friendly transaction."
She lifted her gauze skirt and slowly sat down, then soothed the somewhat uneasy thief lady.
High Priest Ash Scar watched as Fran and Inchworm returned to the sales area. His eyes flickered obscurely within the mask's shadow, deep in thought.
As the deity who masters the principle of observation, the Six-Eyed Crows' disciples could also meticulously observe changes in others. Even through masks and robes, some people's unique characteristics could be discerned.
Compared to the confident and upright posture before entering the meeting room, Inchworm's upper body now slightly leaned forward and hunched, carrying a sense of humility.
Though not exactly fawning, he indeed maintained a common posture of a server.
Besides, this fellow continuously and cautiously walked behind Madam Hermit, maintaining the distance between them neither too far nor too close. He seemed daring not to overstep even a bit.
Hmm... It seems that lady from the Lamp Moth Unified Faction is even more mysterious than I imagined. Heh, really curious what these two said. Had I known earlier, I should have gone to listen myself.
As this thought flashed by, Ash Scar continued presiding over the free trading segment.
...
Back in her seat, Fran's mood was rather good; her amber eyes also no longer carried a sense of laziness.
The 600 Norlington silver from Inchworm, plus the 800 standard silver appearance fee from the White Cup academic symposium and the Secrets-Hunters' consultation fees, meant she likely wouldn't be troubled by economic problems for a long time.
Though accumulating wealth quickly wasn't difficult for Fran, that was somewhat too deliberate. Her habit was to only collect deserved payment through house calls.
Recalling her earlier conversation with Inchworm, Fran strangely felt some emotion.
Cult followers in Gormouth all seem to possess a decisive trait. How to specifically describe it? Hmm... they show not the slightest hesitation when begging for mercy.
Whether it was Detreka, Louisa, or Inchworm. When deciding to beg for mercy, they adopted a low posture almost immediately, like a piece of tough, unyielding meat, showing no desire to resist. Louisa's final violent outburst was mainly because she refused to accept treatment.
Clearly, compared to the Burial Court's fanatics and those extremely devout zealots, they value their lives much more.
"Ms. Vivian, um... Did you really know about that information broker Louisa?"
While Fran was still immersed in her own thoughts, Detreka beside her quietly asked about the matter from earlier.
"Of course."
While speaking, she lightly stroked her brass pocket watch with her fingertips.
This relic's effects are more manifested in "mental interference", unable to conveniently establish a boundary that cannot be spied on like the White Cup secret art [Virtual Assembly]. But it could greatly eliminate the existence of the conversation, preventing possible eavesdropping.
Without taking precautions in this aspect, the codename "The Hermit" would have no meaning. Everyone who overheard Detreka's conversation would know her real name was Vivian...
"What's the matter? Do you know Louisa?"
"Yes. Louisa's information is indeed well-informed, but her prices are high, and she is harsh and mean. She is jealous of young people, sometimes tricking some inexperienced scouts into going to dangerous places to die..."
When saying this, Detreka bit her silvery teeth lightly, seeming indignant.
"The senior who introduced me to the cult was tricked by her with a high price to the fallen city 'Morien'. It's been five years now, with no further news."
"Fallen city?"
Fran usually pays little attention to such recent events. Hearing Detreka bring it up, she felt somewhat curious.
"Morien is Gormouth's smallest coastal city. It also has a port, but the location is remote, and it freezes over for several months each year. So it's usually not paid attention to."
"Until a catastrophe broke out in that city. Massive amounts of Abyssal Sea evil entities appeared in the city, accompanied by tsunamis, torrential rain, and unknown malignant diseases. After that... complete fall.."
Detreka's tone carried a hint of certainty, while her gaze wavered slightly, hiding some fear.
Though Foy's geographic location is relatively safe, and there have been no large-scale disasters for a thousand years... but catastrophes descend always without a trace. It only suddenly appears without warning, then crushes everything with irresistible might.
"By the way, Norlington seems to have withstood a catastrophe once. According to some knowledgeable people, it was a great plague that swept through the entire city. Catching it equaled being kissed on the forehead by the god of death."
"Even in that situation it wasn't destroyed. No wonder so many cults want to establish branches in Norlington."
"Heh."
Hearing Detreka suddenly talk about something she herself was familiar with, Fran couldn't help but lightly stroke her veil, her lips curling into a smile with an elusive meaning.
"That indeed was a memorable catastrophe... Twenty years ago is like yesterday."
Her tone remained devoid of ripples as usual, but it also seemed like a sigh.
Detreka sensed the change in Ms. Vivian's mood, lightly pursed her lips and then tactfully did not continue the topic.
Oh... She is a hunter from Norlington, and might even be a witness of that plague. Did this topic make her recall unpleasant memories? Why did I suddenly say this? How stupid...
"Um, Ms. Vivian, I sometimes easily say whatever comes to mind..."
Seeing Detreka's awkward and restrained state, Fran raised a knuckle and lightly tapped her forehead, putting this small interlude aside.
"It's just some past events, Detreka, no need to mind. The Great Plague isn't some forbidden topic."
During their conversation, the free trading segment had already announced its end. The formal sale of Six-Eyed Crows goods was about to begin.
Many regular customers who had remained silent now slightly straightened their bodies, focusing their attention on Ash Scar, who was about to display the auction items.
—
Ash Scar rapped the display table for goods for sale, signaling the formal entry into the second phase.
"I believe none of you wish to hear me prattle on with those meaningless drivel anymore... Let's officially begin this 'Full Moon Auction'."
Saying this, he placed the Crow's Eye Stone obtained from the ritual earlier in the most prominent spot, as the first auction item to be presented.
"According to convention, we first sell the 'gift' obtained from this ritual."
"'Crow's Eye Stone'. It can assist secret art model construction, and can also serve as spiritual material for certain rituals, providing illuminating spiritual elements of an observational nature. Of course, some disciples at the Deacon rank also use it to help advancement..."
"Starting bid 300 Gormouth silver. Minimum increment 50 Gormouth silver."
Before Ash Scar's words fell, participants already began bidding.
"400 Gormouth silver."
The speaker was Zarick, who had earlier guarded the courtyard door. He was also a Six-Eyed Crows disciple. Though his financial situation isn't great, he also seems unwilling to give up this item that could help advancement as spiritual material.
"You are all so young; even without relying on such things, you can gradually advance by stealing spiritual elements from lost items. But an old man like me lives one day less each day. Even climbing one more step can let me eke out a living many more years."
"This money is almost exhausting my meager savings. Please be considerate, don't bid too high..."
Seeing Fran watching the auction process with interest, Detreka beside her quietly reminded her.
"Ms. Vivian, that old fellow Zarick is a shill. Every Plum Moon Ritual when there's a Crow's Eye Stone, he pulls this trick to raise the starting price. Probably he has signed some agreement and gets a little kickback."
+++
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