It was quiet in the library, but very noisy in front of the door. "Look who's back." The fingers flew around him, "Uriel." The great tower messenger. When you delivered the message to the Black City, were you beaten?』
Uriel pretended not to hear: "I'm here to return a book."
"That book "The Ballad of Red Valley"? I dictated it to Sabina and she made up a new version. Just keep the old manuscript to yourself.』
Oral? Copy? Uriel silently stuffed the book into his pocket. Whether it was memorizing the entire book or copying the entire book, it was unimaginable for him. It seems that it makes sense for the tower to assign apprentices to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and astrologers. The two cannot be generalized. "How are you doing? Working part-time in the library?"
The rune flashed. "Watch your words, boy!" I'm doing my job, updating the database. New mysterious places, new research results, topographic maps, biological catalogs, alchemical products...all need to be sorted out. The next time you go out and can’t find the north, you’ll miss my intelligence.」
"I will remember it next time." If you don't go to the Black City, it doesn't hurt to take Sauron with you. But if it knew I was leaving the tower, it was unlikely to come with me. Maybe it won't let me leave at all.
Uriel wanted to tell Sauron the secret, but the consequences would be very serious. Whether the ring himself wants it or not, all the secrets will be revealed when it connects to the tower database. He had long since ceased to be a traveling companion with Sauron the Ring.
But he will never forget the help the ring has brought. "I brought back some specialties." He started to dig into his pockets.
"Materials from the Oath Keepers Alliance" Sauron recognized it at a glance, "Is this the reward for guarding the envoy caravan?"
and the legacy of the psychic de la Cincena. Uriel didn't know if they knew about her existence, so he took her through the lake. "Is it enough to make up for your loss from the vampire?"
"Just do it"
"As long as you're satisfied." Uriel sighed. The so-called "gifts" on the ground probably only include metals and various weird crystals. Alliance merchants say that they have mysterious power and are often condensed elements or carriers of magic power, used to set up rituals and repair alchemical creations. Sauron's obsession with mysterious metals is probably for this reason.
"What did you bring for your little friend?" Zinghuan asked.
"Roma? No. She didn't mention it. I also...I saw her yesterday, but...well, I don't have anything valuable." The apprentice thought of the debt he owed at Byrne.
"So, if you hadn't gone to Bulles, you wouldn't have even this."
That's right. Without you, I would be completely impoverished. Uriel thought to himself. But Sauron's concern at this time is unlikely to be money. "I took the risk just to make amends to you."
"It's really surprising that you still remember the debt you owed," the ring wrote in a nonchalant tone, "It's an apology and a return of a book, eh?" You've become more careful, Uriel"
"I've always been like this." Apprentice Digu said.
"Save it," Sauron sneered, "I don't know you yet!" Uriel, tower messenger, great adventurer, leader of church reform, people say you have continued the legend of your mentor, but I don’t think that’s the case.』
"Did they really say that?"
The "fake" ring quickly changed its face.
Uriel blinked. Mr. Ring's ridicule may not be taken to heart by him alone, but Agatha Poirot, Count Delphine, and even the demon lord Byrne know his experience, and the apprentice suddenly realizes that he has made a statement. That’s all, what else am I not satisfied with? At least it's not all bad reputation.
"Time flies so fast." What can you say at this time.
"You have only lived a few years," the ring sneered, "The total number of fingers on your body is enough for you to finish the calculation." Your life has just begun, your hair hasn’t grown yet, and now you want to graduate early? Stop dreaming'
[In view of the general environment,
"You misunderstood, I never thought about this." Of course it's impossible. "I'm really here to return the book." This is true.
"I thought you had trouble with Bai Zhishi again, so you had no choice but to come here."
Please." This guy looked quite disappointed.
Uriel actually hopes so too. Become a normal tower apprentice, forget about the troubles far away, and from now on, be a patrol envoy to maintain the peace of the vassal country as your lifelong goal. After all, what did the outcome of the Secret Society have to do with me? Even if the unknown person needs to cover up his fire, Qiao Yin can help him get rid of all the troubles, just do it.
"Or for the law enforcement team"
Uriel frowned: "I heard there was some trouble in the city."
"City" Ring repeated dully.
"It started as a review of the Hokolin incident. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled a large number of garrison personnel, and the astrologers at the detection station had to work overtime every night, until today. It seems that many people were secretly taken away for interrogation, but the Public Security Bureau had no right to intervene. "
"The Public Security Bureau is under the Affairs Department, and the boss of the law enforcement team is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
Might as well just say it. Their boss is Dean Rubin. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. "How could your Excellency, the Blue Envoy, allow this to happen?"
"This was not his intention. The person who ordered the arrest was a torture officer, known as "Long Axe" Guan Peng. He personally led the team to sweep and turned over all the harvest.』
What a dedicated law enforcement officer. "How come I haven't heard of this person before?"
"He's not famous at all. As far as I know, he was originally working in the Affairs Department and was one of the members assigned by the commander-in-chief to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist in the investigation of the air island incident. Your neighbor Agatha Poirot is his counterpart. Later he changed jobs and became Mr. Rubin’s right-hand man.」
"Guan Peng is also a police officer of the Public Security Bureau?"
"No. Agatha was different from him. This woman is so keen that she avoids her as soon as she hears about the scope of the law enforcement team's business, and "Long Axe"... this person is not looking for wealth, let alone being famous in front of a young envoy. As far as I know, he is a demon hunter who enjoys the process more than maintaining order. There is no doubt that he is a dangerous person. I bet you won’t like him."
The evil hunter, the dangerous law enforcement captain, and the imminent fire ceremony. Uriel thought over and over again and couldn't help but feel tired. Just tired. Despair and sadness were out of the question, his heart was empty. This is the path I have chosen. He would rather regard himself as a letter, and after reading it, let them burn it. My life has not just begun, he wanted to say to Sauron, it is about to end.
"What did Bai Zhizhi do?" He asked quietly, "Let him live in seclusion?"
"It seems you inquired very clearly"
"Why?"
"This is a decision made by fate. Even if the law enforcement team does these things, it should be within the predictions of astrologers." Since none of them objected, it means that compared to the results, the cost is not unbearable.』
But in the end, is it Destiny or Blumnot who bears the price? "Many people are missing," he told it.
"That's it. They finally signed a confession."
Do they have other options? Uriel could imagine what happened to these people. In Silverdome City, the church and wizards did not dare to take action against him until the news that the messenger's whereabouts was unknown came from Six Finger Castle. The monks began to treat him like a match. "What does this mean?" the apprentice asked, "Could every missing person be a spy, a nightingale, and must die? Are they unknown persons?"
"Most people are just suspected or have inadvertently come into contact with demons... However, whether a person is guilty or not, he himself cannot prove."
"Then in my opinion, the end result of doing this is to be despised by everyone."
""Everyone" can't change anything"
"The worst outcome is that Blumnot will become the next Winnie Watts."
Ring was unimpressed. "It won't be like that. In the final analysis, Winnie Watts has no power to stop the Holy Knights, but the tower is different. The law enforcement team of Blue Envoy Dean Rubin will be responsible for this," Sauron wrote lightly.
Uriel frowned: "This is your plan." This is also the reason why *** chose "Long Axe". He will be discarded, having developed his full value in the specific position someone has gifted him with. "Does Bai Zhizhi also agree? Why are you going through so much trouble?"
"Maybe just to express my opinion"
「
Take a stand? "
"Seven Fulcrums are hunting demons, what do you think?" The confrontation on the frontal battlefield is only part of the story. The undercurrent in the mysterious realm is equally turbulent and a hundred times more dangerous." The ring told him, "Not long ago, the "Lord of Hell" was confirmed to be a fog elf named Xing'e, and Faf Tanner's Earl Honggu is inseparable and is even a member of the staff! This is appalling"
"I heard." The turmoil caused by this incident almost overshadowed the cheers of victory. It can be referred to the fact that Cardinal Alini of the Holy Council of Light was discovered to be the Glimmer Lord of the "Starless Night". Of course, what Uriel heard in the secret society before leaving was another version. "But the tower is different."
"The situation is different. It is said that astrologers are the nemesis of nightingales. However, in Hokolin, in our vassal country, a great astrologer in the astronomy room was assassinated and was almost succeeded by the other party. The experience of the Witch of Destiny is strong evidence. Uriel was silent.
Ring softened his tone. "Whether it is the demon lord or the assassin of Sky Island, they will pose a great threat to the astronomy room... Look, this is the root cause. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must take action, otherwise our existence will be a joke"
If there is no threat, then the Tower does not need a Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Who would think so? On the other hand, if the danger is imminent and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is indifferent, it may be even worse. Behind the seemingly unreasonable decision, the reasons are actually complicated. Uriel wanted to refute, but couldn't come up with a new plan. After all, the law enforcement team is a sharp knife aimed at the inside, and in war, people need sharp knives.
After a brief silence, Uriel said: "I went to see Your Excellency Helen."
"She's doing very well"
"Gods bless her," Uriel agreed dryly.
But Ring understood what he meant. "Helen doesn't know much about the enemy. In fact, that guy was so cunning and well versed in the ways of an assassin that he would disappear as soon as he missed a hit - a true disappearance. If the astronomy laboratory had not cracked the suspicion he had laid in Hokolin, we would not even be able to remember his existence, let alone discuss it here.』
These descriptions gave Uriel something to think about. "what happened?"
The ring no longer draws words, but a certain corner rune rotates slightly, projecting the cause and effect of the event on the wall in the form of a beam of light. The moment he saw the description of "Human Skin", Uriel immediately confirmed that the nightingale who attacked Helen was the assassin Stix who guarded the king in the palace during the "Starless Night".
Even more than that. This person's assassination targets include descendants of the "Victor" lineage, he can use the magic of the fog elves, and he claims to be a bard, not a warrior... Many clues reveal his identity.
On the way to pursue the past of Black City, the apprentice heard many stories. One of them connects them: Stix, a member of Alanwo's association, and the water fairy Gopher, as well as the beginning of this story, the imperial princess Helen, who is the ancestor of the "Witch of Destiny".
"I remember that there was no foreign ministry in the tower, only messengers." As early as a thousand years ago, astrologers learned not to take personal risks.
"This is an ancient and honorary position that can be traced back to the Blue Prophecy period. If you ask me, it shouldn't be given to an apprentice."
"Honour?" Uriel asked, "What is the difference between a messenger and an envoy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"
"Except for function, there are almost no similarities," Sauron told him. "First of all, quantity." There are hundreds of times as many messengers as messengers, or even less! Before the Holly Agreement, there were only a dozen messengers in the Sky Tower Croyin.』
"so little?"
"There is less information to be conveyed. Some prophecies tell the emperor that after he makes the decision, someone will give orders step by step. They are more like leaders, not like the current defenders." The ring explained.
For some reason, his heart beat faster. "Was there a messenger named Winona?"
"There is indeed a person," the ring admitted, "I know what you want to ask, Uriel." Don't take your dreams seriously, this is advice. I hope you can recognize the reality.』
"She once solved the divine descending ritual in Mortus and was recorded by writers. Look for her traces for me, Sauron, this is very important to me."
"God descends?" This is not common." It only took a moment for the ring to find the relevant records. "The Eternal Life Doctrine Incident in Compass Heights"
wrote.
"Are there any details? I mean ritual materials, doctrinal content, etc."
"You do not currently have access to this part of the report," the ring warned, "However, the life record of this messenger is not a secret. Wynonna Sainsbury was the messenger of Croyin in the Sky Tower during the Aurenia Empire. She served for sixty-one years. In the Frost Moon of the Year of the Bee, she followed the omen and headed to Blackwood County to deal with the local cult... …Mission completed, hereby commended”
"That's all?" Uriel was disappointed.
"Here, her name is included in the "dual employment" project at the same time."
The apprentice perked up and said, "Tell me carefully."
"The "Double Star" project, research on the apparent differences between isolated stars and integrated multi-stars...including the optimal design of ignition methods...Participants: Winona Sainsbury, Bernard Sturt Lin...wait, this name" Sauron is stuck.
"The second truth." Uriel was surprised. Unexpectedly, these two seemingly unrelated people had ever collaborated. "What's behind?"
"No follow-up. It’s such a long-term research topic, and the situation... Let’s put it this way, the Tower and the Mercury Temple worked closely together in the Ancestors era, but it’s completely different now. Astrologers’ exploration methods are very different from wizards, and the information is not very detailed.』
Uriel had no choice but to give up, but... "Double inauguration. Double star. What does that mean?"
"What else can it be like a little record of the exploration of the mysterious road by our ancestors? As for "double star", it refers to the original source.』
Shocking. "The Nameless One?"
"Only the Nameless Ones have dual careers. They are born with the magic given by the fire. If they fail to awaken before igniting the fire, they will also get a profession if they change jobs step by step," Sauron told him. It seems that after experiencing the "Confessions" dream, it also had doubts about the common sense of the current mysterious field, so it took the initiative to investigate the relevant information.
Now it comes to a conclusion. "This is also one of the evidences that the Nameless One is possessed by a demon. Think about it, a person has only one soul. The soul is ignited and turned into fire. The fire is thrown into a path. This is the right path. The nameless man’s second career can only come from the devil”
Uriel could not refute. The Ring of Sauron is the identity symbol of the Destiny. To compete with it, one has to deny the three thousand years of mystical achievements of Croyin Tower. He asked himself that he didn't have the ability.
Seeing his silence, Sauron stopped pressing him. "Don't always think about things that you have and don't have, okay?" Yes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in a lot of trouble recently, but it has nothing to do with you. Anyone with normal intelligence would not be able to find someone on your head. You know what to do, right?"
Uriel didn't know: "What am I going to do?"
"Take care of yourself and have a good sleep. You don't look energetic. No need to ask, it must be the reason for the long journey. I’m not sure if you have any regrets”
"I can't tell," the apprentice muttered. He planned to go find the Lord Prophet immediately.
... He made countless mental preparations, but in the end he was not allowed.
The door is closed tightly. Uriel still remembered that four hours ago, there was another group of people on the night watch, and the little lion Roma accompanied him until twenty minutes ago. "Witch of Destiny" Her Excellency Helen came personally and took her away.
"Come back tomorrow," Helen said. "Maybe he went to rest."
"It's still early, Your Excellency."
The witch snorted. "After all, the prophet doesn't have to go to work. Let's go. Don't worry, if you really have something urgent to tell him, he will know it."
Yeah? better not. "I do have something important to report, and I must see the Prophet."
"He locked himself away for two days. Only Larson has seen him, and it is said that they can communicate in dreams."
The apprentice couldn't help but start thinking about how to enter a dream. This is not difficult for him. "Sacred Word Evocation" can gain the power of the Dream Weaver, and with a few adjustments, it can communicate with the target in illusion. "I will try, Your Excellency." He expressed his gratitude and handed the gift to her. There are very few specialties in Wenworth. The rare books from the lord's library that record the rumors about the Ice Witch may be of interest to Her Excellency Helen.
"Larson is in the auditorium." The witch accepted it and left with Roma.
Uriel continued to wait for another hour. The number of people passing by the astronomy room gradually increased, which made him feel fearful. As for finding another way... the fire ceremony was held in the auditorium, and all the elements of the ceremony were naturally arranged. The apprentice asked himself that he did not dare to go to the "Eye of Iron" at this critical juncture and risk being exposed. Death is the inevitable outcome, but if the message is not delivered, then he will have no choice but to die.
So Uriel quietly left and returned to Bloomnot, preparing to fall asleep at home.
"You came back very late." The neighbor greeted me.
Uriel did not expect to meet her at this time. "Miss Poirot." He stopped, "Oh, I almost forgot, I have a parting gift for you."
"What?" The other party was really surprised.
certainly. Except for the messenger and Uriel himself, no one knew that he was going to change jobs. The detective's reaction was completely reasonable.
"Forgive me for my slip of the tongue, Miss Poirot. It's a gift from the trip. I forgot it last time. Here it is. A little souvenir." I hope you don't throw it away when people spurn me as a traitor. "Gardener's seeds are colder than most frost moon plants." The apprentice handed it to her.
The detective looked at him for a long time. "You are such a man who plays with people's hearts, Uriel."
"Do you mean to thank me?" The apprentice shrugged, "If so, then I will accept it."
"A wise man speaks conveniently."
Uriel was just about to take out the key and open the door in a polite manner, when the detective suddenly stopped him.
"You seem to be in trouble." She stood quietly behind the fence. "For the sake of a gift, what can I do for you?"
"Do nothing. I'm fine."
"Really? Your life-saving straw also bought you a ticket for tomorrow's boat to leave the area of influence of the fire ceremony?"
For a few heartbeats, there was silence all around. Uriel's movement stopped. He faced the door of the house, with hawthorn trees and privet behind him. The smell flowed through the lungs and nasal cavity with his breath, and finally blew away the floating dust on the paint. Uriel heard the rustle of leaves beside her skirt.
...This is the tower. He felt his heartbeat. If I speak, I will be heard.
"No one saves me." Uriel said calmly, "I don't need it either. I choose to come back at this time, so I won't run away anymore."
No matter how much Agatha knew or guessed, she did not reveal it at this moment. It's convenient for smart people to talk, eh? But Uriel was grateful for her silence. After all, wasn’t it me who leaked the news first?
"I hope so, Uriel. I understand. You are a good person who can solve other people's problems. You are used to playing this kind of role. But this opportunity is rare, so let me play the role today." She picked up the seed between her fingers and shook it, " What can I do for you?"
"you should not--"
"Oh, I insist."
"Looks like I have to find something for you to do, otherwise you'll be up all night."
The detective lady smiled. "why not?"
"Well, there is indeed such a thing." Uriel remembered what he saw in the Black City. If you think about it carefully, if anyone can solve the mysteries of the world, it is Agatha Poirot, the detective queen of the Cloud City. "This is a long story, related to a Lady Magdalena, a witch of the Lyre Seat, a little-known psychic of Bres, and an ancient legend in the Black City area that has been passed down from the ancestors. "
Agatha listened to the story quietly. Under the moonlight, her fingers were wrapped with silk threads, shining brightly. A carriage passed by, and behind them, night lights came on at the door of her house.
"What do you want to know?" asked the detective.
"Contact." Uriel replied, "Are there any clues in these stories that I haven't noticed that point to a truth?"
"This is not a murder, Uriel. Even if the inference is correct, no one has confirmed it. According to your statement, Ms. Magdalena, Ms. Della Sinsena, Ms. Winona and Sir Cohen are all dead. "
Uriel knew it too. "My story is their connection. Oh, maybe I just can't bear to do it."
"Why do you want to go to Bu
Les is looking for Ms. Magdalena? "
This was the only issue where he couldn't tell the truth. "She may have died for the secret of the Ghost Mansion. This matter involves a lot. I...I read the information about the tower messenger in the tower."
"out of curiosity."
"I've always had this problem."
"Me too." Agatha smiled, "Just because we have something in common, I will send you the answer - I hope it is the answer you want. Good night, Uriel."
"Good night, Agatha." Uriel knew she had made a promise. Even before falling asleep, he could still see the night lights on in front of his neighbor's door.
In the midst of his anxiety, this light strangely made him feel at peace. But the apprentice eventually draws back the curtains and begins constructing a dream.
