novelhk Chapter 356 Crown Prince Bell Craney
Chapter 356 Crown Prince Bell Craney
Chapter 356 Crown Prince Bell Craney
The news that Dionysus had "returned" to the heavens sent shockwaves through the entire city of Orario.
Upon learning that the other party was involved in the sabotage of the elevator, the gods and many adventurers were filled with sorrow.
The members of Dionysus's kin were taken away by the members of Ganesha's kin and interrogated by the gods themselves to ensure that everyone passed the test before they could regain their freedom.
The guild concluded that Dionysus, out of guilt, was sent back to the heavens, Philvis disappeared, and the Familia disbanded! But this matter was far from over.
The vast city is rife with undercurrents and lurking dangers.
The girls of the Astrea Familia were also on high alert, working alongside the members of the Ganesha Familia to protect Orario.
Roy was summoned to the guild headquarters by a transfer order, as he also needed to come over to take care of some business.
"What on earth is going on?!"
"Explain yourself!"
"Or I'll kill myself right now!"
The soundproofing in the meeting room was pretty good, but it couldn't withstand such a roar. Guild staff working outside looked at the room with its doors tightly shut and clicked their tongues in amazement. Every time the guild leader saw that "madman," his reaction was always this intense. There's always someone who can subdue another.
Roy covered his ears. "What else do you need to explain? It's all clearly written in the report."
"Huff! Huff!"
Royman, panting heavily, his eyes bloodshot, gritted his teeth and said, "What's the point of all that superficial stuff? I want your judgment, you madman!"
Since using the blood of the Demon King, Royman's personality seems to have become more timid, and he is terrified of anything that could potentially endanger the city.
"Dionysus, what exactly is he trying to do?" Royman's face was so dark it was almost explosive.
The report submitted by Roy and the Ganesha clan fully recounted the causes and consequences of this incident.
And Roy's sensational speculation.
The pillar of light from the sky scattered all the divine wine in the Dionysus clan's basement, effectively destroying the physical evidence, but the guild wasn't going to sit idly by.
Investigating the materials the other party purchased can also prove that they are suspected of brewing a holy wine.
To brew high-quality divine wine, the materials required must be crops specially bred by the Dimitri tribe or materials from the underground city; there's no way to hide it.
It is highly likely that Dionysus is still on Earth, plotting some unknown conspiracy.
In order not to cause panic among the public, this information was known to only a very small number of people.
Roy tapped his fingers lightly on the table, uttering a word that left the latter speechless: "Elevator!"
Royman's face immediately turned ugly.
Roy continued, "Dionysus may have used the divine wine to manipulate the engineers and blacksmiths, obtaining the complete blueprints for building the elevator. Even the Luan trio could be a smokescreen. We happened to be riding the elevator that day, and they were doing something to it, afraid of being discovered—"
Royman shuddered.
If you look at it from a conspiracy theory perspective, it's terrifying, but luck seems to be on their side.
Unfortunately, Roy and his group ran into them that day, forcing the other party to throw out a smoke bomb, which led to the trouble that followed. When Phil Weiss tried to kill someone to silence them, she ran into Shakti again.
If it weren't for a series of coincidences, Dionysus might have actually succeeded.
Roy said in a deep voice, "My suggestion is to temporarily shut down the elevator for a thorough inspection!"
Upon hearing this, Royman's facial muscles twitched visibly. "Is it that serious?"
Roy nodded emphatically.
"We'll consider it." In his mind, Royman cursed Dionysus a thousand times over.
Roy gave Royman a deep look. This statement was almost tantamount to a rejection. It seemed that the other party was still reluctant to give up the huge profits from the elevator.
However, objectively speaking, the elevator involves too many forces, and it's not something a guild can shut down at will.
The school district, various families, and chambers of commerce have invested so many resources and money; if it all goes to waste, someone has to take responsibility. Royman is undoubtedly the most suitable person to step down and lose power.
Even if it's for the sake of the chairman's position, Royman knows he's wrong, but he has to stick to his guns to the end.
People aren't stupid, but they can still feel helpless in the face of the relentless march of time.
In any case, Roy and his girl will no longer use that elevator, and he also wants to remind the Loki Familia and the Familias they are on good terms with.
If the other party insists on using it, then you can only put aside your desire to help others and respect their fate.
With the matter of Dionysus settled, Roy said, "President Royman, there's another matter I'd like to ask you for a favor during my visit today."
Royman's eyes immediately sharpened, and he said cautiously, "There's no such thing as convenient or inconvenient. Anything within my authority is fine."
Roy cursed under his breath. The other party was clearly implying that it was not allowed outside of his authority. Why didn't he mention authority when he was begging him earlier?
"Don't worry, it's nothing difficult."
Roy said, "I've been asked by a certain lady to retrieve her savings in the guild."
Upon hearing this, Royman relaxed. He had thought it was something serious that warranted Roy, a LV.7 adventurer, speaking up personally. "This is a small matter, so the guild reception can handle it. I'm very busy."
Roy chuckled inwardly. Busy gambling and indulging in pleasure? He said, "This amount is a bit too large; the girl at the front desk might not be able to handle it."
Royman asked curiously, "How much?"
Roy replied, "4.19 billion Faris!"
"Pfft!"
Royman spat out a mouthful of saliva, but luckily Roy reacted quickly and easily dodged it thanks to his LV.7 speed. Otherwise, being sprayed in the face would have been disgusting.
"That guy—did she send you?!" Royman's fat trembled uncontrollably.
Roy smiled and nodded.
For the sake of her sister Metaria, Alphia once placed her savings of 4.19 billion Fali into the guild's secret account.
Chardo even transferred all his savings, 2.14 billion fali, directly to the guild.
"President, you wouldn't want her to come to you in person, would you?" Roy said with a smile.
Royman got goosebumps all over; he never wanted to see that horrible witch again.
Thinking of this, Royman glared fiercely at Roy. It was all because of you that she was resurrected. Many people know about this, so how could it be kept from him?
"Take it!"
A moment later, Royman returned to the room and placed a specially made Supreme Gold Card on the table. Inside the card lay a cold 41 billion Fali!
Roy smiled, "Thank you for your trouble, President."
"snort!"
Royman snorted, enduring the stomach pain, but as Roy said, if he didn't give it to him, Alphia would be the one coming to find him tomorrow.
At Roy's level, no proof is needed to withdraw money; his face is the best proof.
Roy accepted the VIP Gold Card and walked outside.
"Tell that witch that the people of Orario don't welcome her!" Royman's voice rang out again.
"Know!"
A bright red sun hung high in the sky, casting its warm rays upon the earth.
It was a country lane outside Orario, stretching quietly through lush fields and low hills. The air was filled with a refreshing, slightly intoxicating scent of grass and wildflowers, broken only occasionally by the distant chirping of birds.
Beside the high ground with its expansive view, a simple, gray-white stone pavilion stands quietly, offering a refreshing shade to passing travelers.
There happened to be two figures resting inside the pavilion.
A woman in her mid-twenties stood quietly with her eyes closed. She had a delicate face, a refined nose, and soft, pink lips with a pale glow. Her skin was as white as snow. A well-tailored gray-black dress perfectly hugged her tall and graceful figure, with a cinched waist that accentuated her curves.
Her stunningly beautiful face remained calm and serene, as if she were completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Beside her was a boy of about twelve years old, with red eyes and white hair. His eyes were innocent and pure, like a cute rabbit, but it also made people worry that he might be deceived by someone with ill intentions.
"Alphia, is that Orario?"
"Wow, that's amazing! The Tower of Babel is so tall! It's the first time I've ever seen such a tall building!"
"We really should have brought Grandpa along!"
Little Bell looked towards Orario, where towering walls and the Tower of Babel, like pillars reaching to the heavens, filled him with wonder. Like a country bumpkin visiting a grand garden, he chattered excitedly.
If it were a gentle elder, they might answer his questions kindly and patiently.
But he was facing a witch who loved tranquility most, and was met with a sound-fast knocking.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Little Bell's head was tapped several times in succession, and a crisp sound rang out. He felt dizzy and everything in his vision was shaking wildly and doubled.
"If you dare make another sound, I'll bury you underground," Alphia said calmly.
Little Bell quickly covered her mouth with both of her little hands.
"I'm in a good mood right now, so you can ask me a question," Alphia said again.
Little Bell was on the verge of tears. Her mother, Alphia, was so unpredictable. Was this what her grandfather meant by "serving a ruler is like serving a tiger"?
But having finally gotten a chance to ask a question, little Bell asked curiously, "What kind of person is my mother?"
Alphia's body stiffened for a moment, and she said softly, "She's very gentle, loves sweets, and has a deep obsession with them—"
Little Bell listened intently to the other person's story.
Alfia stretched out her slender fingers and pinched little Bell's cute cheek. "You and Metaria are really alike. Your white hair, your face, and your smile are all just as good as your mother's."
Little Bell couldn't help but smile.
But then, Alphia changed the subject and said calmly, "There's only one thing: your eyes are inherited from your father—every time I see your blood-red eyes, I want to gouge them out."
Alphia’s tone was so calm, yet it gave off an air of unquestionable authority.
Little Bell was trembling.
To protect his eyes, he quickly changed the subject, "Mama Alphia, what are we doing here? Aren't we going into Orario?"
We are waiting for someone.
Alphia fell silent, a hint of reminiscence appearing in her bright heterochromatic eyes. "Besides, I did some terrible things to the people in that city. If I go in now, that 'Guild Pig' will summon all its members for a punitive expedition."
Bell's eyes hardened, giving rise to a second grand ambition besides becoming a hero: to make amends to the people of that city and allow Mother Alphia to go back in.
"They're here!" Alphia turned her head slightly.
"Transfer to a higher position!"
Using spatial magic, Roy, who had just left the guild headquarters, was instantly transported to this pavilion.
"Spatial magic." Alphia stared at Roy. No wonder he was so wildly admired by those fools (the gods). He was indeed remarkable.
"Is that the person Alphia's mother is waiting for?" Little Bell looked Roy up and down.
When Roy cast his gaze, Bell quickly lowered his head. His rabbit-like keen intuition told him that this young man possessed an extraordinary aura.
"Hello there."
Roy was also observing the "red-eyed white rabbit." Even though he didn't have Freya's ability to see souls, he could still sense the pure nature emanating from it, and a kind smile appeared on his handsome face.
"Hello," Little Bell replied politely.
The gray-haired witch next to her was far less polite, glancing at Orario and asking directly, "It seems quite lively inside. What's going on?"
Roy countered, "When has this city ever been peaceful?"
"That's true."
Alphia knows this all too well. Known as the "center of the world," it attracts all sorts of evil spirits and monsters, but it is also an excellent training ground. The path to becoming a hero is destined to be full of thorns.
Listening to the conversation between the two, Little Bell's eyes sparkled. She found it incredible. How amazing! Who exactly is this young man?
He remembered his grandfather asking a question.
After being told by Alphia's mother, "You're not allowed to answer questions with questions," and then blasted by a magical cannon, Grandpa was sent flying into a stinking ditch.
This young man was able to communicate with Alfia's mother on an equal footing, leaving a deep impression on little Bell.
Roy briefly recounted the recent events.
"You can't find your skill either?" Alphia asked, remembering Roy's amazing skill.
"The other party may have used some kind of magical item," Roy pondered. He had tried using "Netherworld Soul Chaser" to find Dionysus and Philweis, but his perception was too weak to pinpoint their location.
All we know is that the other party is definitely in the lower realm!
"Let's not talk about this anymore, here you go!" Roy tossed the guild's Supreme Gold Card to Alphia.
Alphia caught the card, gave Roy a deep look, and showed no greed for the 4.19 billion Fali. Her self-control and boldness were quite good.
"I heard you're pretty good at dealing with that guild pig. Since I can't enter Orario, go and get my savings back—4.19 billion Fali!"
Roy took back the request that Alphia had made, after being called over by Royman.
As a fallen hero and major villain during the Great Conflict, Alphia's appearance in Orario would definitely ignite public opinion.
With Alphia's incredible combat power, it doesn't matter at all; very few people can hurt her.
But Little Bell won't have to play in Orario anymore.
During the great struggle, countless civilians and adventurers' friends and family were killed, and countless hatreds will be gathered on this boy who is only twelve years old.
Assassination, poisoning, ambushes in dungeons, monsters will be easy prey—we'll get rid of this rabbit sooner or later.
Entrusting it to Roy is the best choice, and Alphia didn't waste any more words, "Consider it a favor I owe you."
"Hmm." Roy nodded. The favor from the strongest witch in the lower realm was still very useful.
"This is your living expenses from now on."
Alphia then tossed the guild-specially made Supreme Gold Card to Little Bell.
Little Bell accepted the Supreme Gold Card with a blank look in his eyes, clearly not yet realizing its value!
That's outrageously extravagant!
Roy looked at Bell with a hint of envy. Bell started with 4.19 billion fali, plus the strongest genius, who was LV.7 on the surface but actually LV.8, and had a top-level expert who could release magic and whose maximum firepower could surpass LV.9 to protect him. He was truly the protagonist's treatment!
A genuine prince!
Unlike him, who started with just a tent, found his wife by chance, and worked himself to the bone to get where he is now.
"Take him in and decide which clan to put him in." Alfia pushed little Bell toward Roy without any embarrassment. After all, she already owed him a favor, so there was no harm in owing him more debts.
Upon hearing that he would be separated from his loved ones, a look of reluctance appeared on Bell's face, but in order to become a hero for Alphia and to get the people of Orario to accept Alphia again, his eyes became resolute once more.
"How about joining the Astrea Familia?"
Roy tentatively inquired, "The original timeline has already proven that this rabbit has the potential to reach Lv.5 within six months and can quickly grow into a useful fighter."
"No!" Alphia said firmly.
"The Astrea Familia is too conspicuous." Alphia gently patted Bell's little head.
The Astrea Familia is a small, elite family, and every member is a highly regarded individual. Anyone who joins will have their personal history thoroughly investigated by various factions.
Then her relationship with Bell will be exposed. Don't underestimate those intelligence agencies; if they want to investigate, nothing in the world can be kept secret.
For example, Roy, after becoming famous, had his childhood bedwetting incidents brought up by those people.
Alphia preferred that Bell join an unknown clan so that he wouldn't be noticed by anyone before he grew up. Once he reached LV.3, his basic safety would be guaranteed.
Right now, Bell is just a twelve-year-old child with no favors and no fighting skills; an ordinary adult could kill him.
Even if Roy and the others provide the highest level of security, they may not be able to protect him. More importantly, in that situation, could Bell still develop in peace?
"This child wants to be a hero!"
"All right!"
Roy already knew which clan to send the red-eyed rabbit to.
"That's settled then, cough! cough!" Alphia turned and walked north, but before she had gone two steps, she began to cough violently.
"Are you still not better?"
Roy frowned. He thought that Alphia, upon seeing Bell, should awaken new skills through maternal love and overcome her innate incurable disease.
"Why do you think my illness will get better?" Alphia glanced at Roy with her heterochromatic eyes.
Roy casually replied, "Intuition, you know, my intuition is usually very accurate."
During the battle in the Underworld, Alphia also experienced Roy's precise yet hateful "intuition".
But Alphia couldn't believe that intuition could work to this extent. She had just entrusted Bell to him, and Roy refused to explain why, so there was nothing she could do.
"We made a promise with those guys that we would go to the underworld together." Alphia's heterochromatic eyes seemed to travel across mountains and rivers to see her companions in the underworld.
"I see."
Roy thought to himself that Alphia, who had died once, had ultimately undergone a change, and her will was no longer sufficient to awaken new skills.
As Bell listened to their conversation, it felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing his heart, a feeling of suffocation welled up inside him, and tears welled up in his eyes.
Bell knew that Alphia had a terminal illness, and this made him feel a little anxious.
He needs to grow up quickly!
Otherwise, the other party wouldn't see him become a hero. Little Bell wiped away the cowardly tears from the corner of his eyes.
Roy said, "I know of a miracle drug that might alleviate your symptoms."
Bell suddenly looked up at Roy.
Alphia also slowed her pace.
Before, Roy certainly wouldn't have dared to say such a thing, but after obtaining the antidote, the 2.0 version of the Heavenly Elixir is universal. He couldn't say it would completely cure the terminal illness, but it could definitely extend the person's lifespan.
Alphia's calm, unwavering eyes watched Roy intently. Since he hadn't directly mentioned the elixir, it meant there were conditions attached.
Roy said, "I need information about the Black Dragon."
This was Roy's true objective; Alphia, standing before him, was the only person in the world who knew about the Black Dragon.
"snort!"
Alphia scoffed, withdrew her gaze, and continued walking north without hesitation, even if it meant potentially obtaining a miraculous medicine to alleviate her terminal illness. "Right now, it's too early for you to want that information!"
"Once they know that information, even the bravest warrior in the world will feel despair, lose the will to fight, and become useless!"
That was intelligence obtained at the cost of the near annihilation of the two strongest clans.
Upon hearing this, Roy's brows furrowed even more deeply.
Watching Alphia's departing figure, Roy no longer hesitated, took out a bottle of legendary Heavenly Elixir 2.0 from his spatial ring, and tossed it to her.
Alphia caught it with her backhand, paused slightly, and then a beautiful smile curved her delicate lips.
"What a cute guy!"