Chapter 61

“Please sit down, Adelle.”

Evanna stretched out her right hand, palm facing up slightly, pointing towards the table in front of her.

“It’s Abal, doctor.”

“Alright, Anaer.”

“…You can call me Adelle.”

Xia’er sat at the back, her lips tight beneath the mask. She found it hard to believe how Evanna could remain composed and expressionless throughout their conversation.

“Don’t worry too much, the girl behind you is my assistant,” Evanna said, looking at Adelle sitting in front of her and asking, “What brings you here? Is the Redemption Society needing something from me?”

“No,” Adelle shook her head, “I… I’ve already left the Redemption Society.”

“Oh?” Evanna straightened up slightly, leaning forward a bit, and asked expressionlessly, “Why? Did they kick you out? Because of your teacher’s incident?”

Xia’er, observing from behind, realized that Evanna’s curiosity wasn’t about replicating the ritual; she was simply nosy. Her curiosity was even more intense than a cat’s.

“No, I left on my own.” Adelle shook her head again, glancing at the masked girl behind Evanna before continuing, “I came after seeing your promotional flyer at the Redemption Society.”

“Are you here for psychological counseling?” Evanna nodded slightly and said, “Sure, I’ll help you. This consultation is free.”

Evanna spoke calmly and confidently, like a seasoned counselor guiding countless others — if one ignored the fact that she had driven away all her patients.

Adelle took a deep breath, preparing to speak when she noticed the red-haired girl behind Evanna moving closer.

Unable to hold back any longer, she asked, “Is she from the Redemption Society? I remember seeing her yesterday…”

Not everyone in the Redemption Society knew each other, especially since many members came today to help with various tasks. Adelle mistook Xia’er for someone else due to her mask.

“No, she’s my friend. She got infected with Dehydration Syndrome, so I bought her a mask at the Redemption Society,” Evanna explained, “Don’t worry, she won’t tell anyone about your matters. You can trust her.”

Evanna didn’t add, “She might know more than you do,” as she had promised Xia’er to keep her secret.

Hearing Evanna’s words, Adelle finally relaxed and nodded, “I believe what the Listener says. Also, Miss, you can drink this; it’s the specific medicine for Dehydration Syndrome.”

Adelle took out a small bottle containing a translucent green capsule.

So the antidote is ready?

Xia’er accepted the medicine but didn’t take it immediately, instead putting the bottle away and continuing to listen to Adelle’s story.

“I came here because of Teacher Xie Lun’s matter.”

Adelle seemed lost in some memory and began to share her inner turmoil.

Adelle and Yulis grew up in the Church Orphanage after their parents disappeared without a trace. Five-year-old Yulis held her younger sister and braved the rain to bring them to the orphanage, saving their lives.

Yulis was smart and cunning, making friends easily and becoming a beloved child. Adelle, however, was always causing trouble, even when she started crawling around.

When it was time for Yulis to enter school, the Church would select children from the orphanage. Yulis was naturally chosen for the Theology School.

This selection process occurred annually, with the most talented children entering the Theology School, those less gifted going to the Church School to learn basic knowledge, and the least capable being sent to factories to learn survival skills. The Church regularly checked on these children.

After Yulis entered the Theology School, she disappeared from contact. Without her sister’s protection, Adelle became quieter and tried harder to study.

No matter how hard she tried, her talent seemed insufficient, and she was eventually selected for the Church School.

Without entering the Theology School, Adelle lost interest in learning and gave up.

After failing multiple exams, the nuns at the Church School evaluated her as “unsuitable for learning” and sent her to the Church Hospital to work.

It was then that she showed great interest and talent in medicine, quickly mastering basic bandaging techniques.

The priest at the Church Hospital noticed her talent and recommended her to the Redemption Medical College, which had good relations with the Church. There, she met her teacher Xie Lun and was personally mentored into the Redemption Society.

After joining the Redemption Society, she went to An Su, finally having the chance to see her sister again. She felt immense gratitude towards the priest and Xie Lun for their support.

In the following years, Adelle thrived in medicine, excelling both practically and theoretically. She helped Xie Lun publish numerous papers.

These papers helped Xie Lun obtain the “Plague Doctor” potion, breaking through the stalled Replication Ritual, and bringing Adelle into the Extraordinary Pathway of “Physician.”

Adelle took a deep breath, her hands trembling as she covered her face.

“I… I didn’t know his research was aimed at spreading ‘Contagious Dehydration Disease’… I only thought he wanted to start with simple infectious diseases and develop an antidote, completing the ‘Plague Doctor’ replication ritual…”

Hearing this, Evanna couldn’t help but turn slowly, catching Xia’er’s gaze.

She saw surprise in Xia’er’s eyes too.

This dehydration syndrome…

Was it really created by Adelle?

No wonder Xie Lun’s research notes only contained fragmented information about infectious diseases; it wasn’t his creation after all.

But his writings made it seem like he owned the contagious dehydration syndrome, which even fooled Xiaer and Evanna.

For some reason, Xiaer thought of her former graduate advisor and research assistants, feeling sorry for Adelle, who had been unknowingly used for years.

But the “contagious dehydration disease” that Xie Lun claimed as his own was, in Adelle’s eyes, just a simple infectious disease.

No wonder Xie Lun was stuck in the “Physician” path for 20 years. He might have realized he couldn’t progress further and chose another path that harmed countless lives.

Even if Xie Lun succeeded in the ritual, he would become like Crown Guard Nia, severely altered by the potion, likely ending his chances of advancing further.

Adelle no longer had her usual carefree demeanor or the cheeky, brave face she used to make at Xiaer from behind her sister.

She covered her face and sobbed softly, probably holding back since the previous night when she learned about this.

Adelle didn’t dare tell her sister or anyone else, burdened by the deceit of her beloved teacher and the guilt of nearly causing thousands of deaths.

Perhaps the potion’s influence was too strong, leading Adelle to confide in Evanna, who was neither part of any organization nor a Listener.

Xiaer and Evanna remained silent, letting Adelle cry on her own.

Xiaer hadn’t decided what to say, while Evanna feared that speaking might cause Adelle to be consumed by the potion.

After treating a few patients, Evanna gained some self-awareness about her abilities.

Gradually, Adelle’s shoulders stopped shaking. After wiping away her tears, she saw Evanna offering a handkerchief.

“Thank you…” Adelle took the handkerchief and wiped her tears, taking a deep breath, “I feel better now that I’ve said it.”

Seeing her composed demeanor, Xiaer couldn’t help but ask, “Where are you planning to go next?”

She started to worry if Adelle might do something drastic or go to the Redemption Society to confess.

In this situation, Adelle still had a high chance of being considered an accomplice.

If she confessed with guilt, she might end up in prison, where the potion would consume her.

Too much kindness leads to problems — Xiaer’s life experience taught her.

“I plan to go to Derton Manor,” Adelle sniffled and said.

“Derton Manor?” Evanna blinked, unable to understand Adelle’s reasoning.

She turned to look at Xiaer again, seeing the same confusion in her eyes.

Both were puzzled.

“I plan to use the money I saved to buy the ‘Plague Doctor’ potion,” Adelle took a deep breath and said seriously, “I want to save more people and stop more ‘Epidemic Messengers,’ to atone for my mistakes.”

Hearing Adelle, Xiaer and Evanna couldn’t help but admire her.

They had misunderstood her. Adelle’s resilience and kindness surpassed Xiaer’s expectations.

Though she seemed less serious in simulations, she was indeed a good person.

The guilt drove her out of the Redemption Society, but after crying, she decided to redeem herself with her own hands.

“Are you planning to go to Derton Manor now?” Evanna asked.

“Yes,” Adelle nodded, “I’m going now.”

“By the way, I’m also planning to go to Derton Manor to buy materials for the ‘Psychologist’ potion. Can we go together?” Evanna smiled faintly, extending her left hand under the table towards Xiaer, signaling her to come over.

Though Adelle couldn’t see Evanna’s gesture, it was noticeable to Xiaer.

She was planning to make Adelle her third recommendation?

Understanding Evanna’s intention, Xiaer asked, “Derton Manor?”

“Oh right, Xiaer, you haven’t been to Derton Manor yet, right?” Evanna pretended to think, mumbling, “But Niya and I only have two recommendations combined…”

“Sorry, Xiaer, you should go home and read books. There are plenty of books to keep you busy for days. Niya and I will go to Derton Manor since you need one more recommendation to join us,” Evanna sighed formulaically, glancing at Adelle discreetly.

Adelle hesitated, unsure if Xiaer, a commoner, should go to Derton Manor.

But hearing that she would be forced to read books for days, memories of her past days filled with reading flooded back to her.

No, she had to save her!

“I can be Xiaer’s third recommendation,” Adelle said, “If you don’t mind, it’s just a small favor.”

Plan successful!

“Good, thank you, Adelle,” Evanna instantly dropped her smile and turned to Xiaer, “Let’s go, get the money.”

“Miss Adelle, we need to go home to get the money. Can you wait here for a moment?” Evanna looked at Adelle again.

“Uh… Yes, sure,” Adelle nodded, not in a hurry.

Adelle sensed something was off but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what.

Once Evanna and Xiaer got on the carriage, Xiaer couldn’t help but ask, “Wouldn’t she agree if you just told her directly?”

“Then she’d be curious why you’re going,” Evanna tilted her head, seemingly satisfied with her approach.

This connection with Xiaer brought her joy.

“Fine,” Xiaer nodded, then asked, “How much is my share?”

“I’ve calculated it for you,” Evanna reached into her pocket and pulled out a notebook, flipping to a page and handing it to Xiaer.

Xiaer read the notebook while Evanna explained.

“Generally, a first-order potion without the replication ritual process costs around 800 Su Pounds. Due to the scarcity of the ‘Avenger’ potion, this price can increase by 50 pounds, but this bottle cannot be sold whole.

“I’ll send it to a friend who can break it down and sell the materials separately, reducing the price to around 500 Su Pounds, as the formula is required to recreate the potion.

“After deducting the 100 Su Pounds for protecting your sister and arranging work, you’ll receive 400 Su Pounds.

“As for Xie Lun’s side, second-order ‘Epidemic Messenger’ main material can sell for around 1150 pounds. These rituals are less popular, so the prices are lower due to low success rates and lack of buyers. A complete third-order potion ‘Source of Chaos’ without the ritual and notes costs around 6000 pounds fluctuating.

“After deducting my thirty percent cut and adding the 400 Su Pounds, your total amount will be…”

Before Evanna could finish, Xiaer had already read out the numbers.

“5405 Su Pounds…” Xiaer felt her breathing become difficult. For the first time, she felt the significance of this number.

If each first-order potion cost around 800 Su Pounds…

She could buy six bottles and still have some left!

Note that Su Pounds had high purchasing power, directly linked to gold!

“This sudden wealth has left me momentarily dazzled.”

So much money… What should I do with it…

Maybe buy a house…

The thought had barely formed when Xia’er dismissed it.

Accustomed to poverty, her mind hadn’t quite caught up yet.

This money could only be used to enhance her own strength; personal strength was her true capital.

“Even though it’s enough to buy a small villa with a garden in An Su for 3000 Su feet, it would be sufficient to purchase second or third-tier potions,” Aivana said calmly.

A 3000 Su foot villa with a garden costs around 5000 pounds… about 300 square meters…

To Aivana’s wealthy family, it was indeed a small house, but to Xia’er, it was something she couldn’t even dream of just days ago.

These capitalists really have a lot of money! They earn more than what you get from robbing an Extraordinary Person!

Given Aivana’s wealth, wouldn’t she have no obstacles in her ascent?

“How much for a fourth-tier potion?” Xia’er looked away from the number 5405 and asked Aivana, handing her the notebook.

“Priceless,” Aivana shook her head. “Third-tier potions are already rare, and anything beyond that cannot be measured by money.”

Indeed…

Otherwise, the path to becoming an Extraordinary Person would have been monopolized by capitalists long ago.

“Will many nobles become Extraordinary Persons?” Xia’er asked curiously.

“Some do, but not many. Once they reach a certain level of nobility or wealth, some learn secrets, but very few choose to become Extraordinary Persons,” Aivana explained. “The mortality rate is too high, and not everyone qualifies for any particular path. If things go out of control, it could spell disaster for the entire family.”

“Even if someone becomes a first-tier Extraordinary Person after great effort, they still face the risk of being shot and must endure the torment of delirium… not everyone can accept such a result.”

That made sense.

Too low a social status meant she couldn’t access these resources, and those in the middle tier were unwilling to take the risks. Families like Aivana’s, which involve Extraordinary matters, are few and far between.

As they conversed, the carriage arrived at Aivana’s home. Xia’er didn’t get off with her since she didn’t need to carry anything.

Her second-tier “Judge” potion and personal items were safely stored in the guest room, much safer than carrying them around.

After buying suitable potions at Derton Manor, Xia’er would have to start considering how to advance in the simulation.

Through previous simulations, Xia’er had roughly figured out the conditions to gain Mortality Points:

• Breaking through fatal outcomes is currently the most stable method.


• Overstepping to kill is another way.


• Completing Replication Rituals beyond requirements also helps.


• Exploring realms like the Other Realm.


• Lastly, doing nothing and receiving consolation points from the system.

To ensure she consistently gained more Mortality Points than needed for each simulation, Xia’er decided to focus on improving Replication Rituals.

Even first-tier rituals required grand arrangements to maximize Mortality Points.

In each simulation, she aimed to complete more of the second-tier “Judge” Replication Rituals, though she hadn’t opened the sealed letter regarding ritual requirements yet, planning to plan everything after purchasing supplies.

About five minutes later, after Xia’er had mentally mapped out her future plans, Aivana re-entered the carriage with a handbag, and Nia, the Crown Guard accompanying her, sat next to the coachman.

“Here you go,” Aivana handed Xia’er the black, exquisite handbag. “Though it has anti-theft features, be careful when holding it.”

“Okay.”

Xia’er received the bag, suppressing her excitement, and slowly unlocked the golden clasp, opening the small bag.

A neatly stacked bundle of hundred Su pound notes lay inside.

Xia’er slowly extended her right hand, grasping the stack of Su pounds, feeling their weight and thickness, a sense of immense satisfaction welling up within her.

So much money…

Xia’er resisted the urge to smell the bills, securely fastened the clasp, and protected the bag.

Aivana, sitting opposite Xia’er, observed her cradling the bag, expressionless but inwardly contemplating.

Xia’er seems very interested in money…

Too bad she’s wearing a mask; I can’t see her face now. She probably looks cute, like a protective kitten.

“Xia’er, let me see the potion Adelle gave you,” Aivana said to Xia’er.

“Sure.” Xia’er took out the potion from her pocket and handed it to Aivana.

Aivana checked it briefly, tested it with a tool, then returned it to Xia’er. “It’s safe to drink.”

Xia’er took the potion, slightly lifting her mask to drink it, then repositioned it.

“Take off your mask,” Aivana said helplessly. “Put the bag aside, come over, and I’ll help you disguise yourself.”

“Okay.” Xia’er held the bag and sat next to Aivana, removing her mask.

“Turn around.”

Aivana adjusted Xia’er’s position, then took out a crystal potion bottle and hair tie from her waist pouch.

The liquid inside was gray-blue, emitting a faint mist. She uncapped the bottle and poured the contents onto Xia’er’s head.

Xia’er felt a slight chill on her scalp and asked curiously, “What is this?”

“It’s dye,” Aivana replied. “Made with spiritual materials, it changes your hair color and gives you a hint of Extraordinary aura without damaging your hair.”

Xia’er wanted to ask about the cost, but remembering it was Aivana, she held back.

A true heiress wouldn’t care about money.

Things that can be solved with money aren’t real problems.

After dyeing Xia’er’s hair, Aivana continued to braid it, securing a small ponytail behind her ears with a black ribbon, and curling her hair with her fingers.

Xia’er looked at her reflection in the car window, noticing the subtle changes in her appearance, which completely altered her demeanor.

If Xia’er previously seemed mysterious and dangerous, now she appeared more refined and poised, like a true lady, albeit one on the verge of financial ruin.

“Done?”

“Done.”

Xia’er put on her mask and returned to her seat, leaving Aivana with a bewildered look, mumbling softly, “I didn’t even see it…”

But Aivana didn’t dwell on it, knowing they had time ahead. She planned to explain where they were going next.

“Xia’er, once you become a member and exchange chips with us, they will require you to participate in a game,” Aivana explained. “Just select a simple card game and lose 50 Su pounds worth of chips, and you’re done.”

“There are such regulations?” Xia’er felt a pang of sympathy hearing this.

50 Su pounds… something she never imagined spending casually before.

“We have the best options and the safest environment,” Aivana sighed. “If you really need something hard to find, you wouldn’t think their entry fees are expensive.”

Finally, Xia’er’s curiosity was piqued.

At this moment, the carriage returned to the private clinic, picked up Adelle, and headed towards Derton Manor.

The carriage drove away from the center of Borough City, eventually leaving the city and heading towards a forest along a stone-paved road.

This was Creek Mountain, which Xia’er recognized. Borough City is mainly flat with some hills nearby, making Creek Mountain the closest mountain.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of a large manor halfway up the hill. Two servants greeted Xia’er and the others as they got out.

“Welcome to Derton Manor… Could you please show us your membership credentials?” The lead servant bowed slightly, checking the cards of the other three before looking at Xia’er.

“We three are her sponsors,” Aivana explained. “Let’s get her credentials processed.”

“No problem, miss. Please follow me.” The servant made way for Xia’er to follow.

“Xia… that is, we’ll wait for you in the hall,” Adelle almost blurted out Xia’er’s name but corrected herself in time.

“Okay.”

Xia’er followed the servant into the manor, curious about its layout. It looked similar to Aivana’s home, not like a typical casino but more like a luxurious holiday resort.

Soon, Xia’er was led to the Drawing Room, where piles of chips were stacked, and a man with a cigar sat in the middle.

“Newcomer?” The man glanced at Xia’er and said, “Exchange 100 Su pounds for 80 chips. Your credentials are on the table. Just leave the amount you want and take the card to the room over there.”

Xia’er exchanged 100 Su pounds for eight 10-pound chips and took a credential card, heading to the room the man pointed at.

Xia’er examined the chips, noticing each had markings, dashing her hopes of exchanging a large bag of chips later.

Overall, she had a poor first impression, finding it somewhat shabby.

When she opened the door to the room, her brow furrowed slightly.

The room had no windows or doors, with a glass partition on the left side. On the other side of the glass was a table with a half-headless corpse lying on it, blood and brain matter spilling everywhere.

“Please follow me,” a sweet-voiced woman in a maid outfit and a bizarre red chip mask said, bowing. “Where would you like to go? The betting area? The poker room? VIP area or horse racing track?”

“Poker room,” Xia’er replied, following Aivana’s instructions.

“Please follow me.”

The maid opened another door, leading Xia’er inside. Suddenly, everything became expansive. The interior was as opulent as she had imagined, with elegantly dressed people moving about. A bell rang, drawing everyone’s attention to the central platform.

Inside the central platform was a sealed glass space.

Two men faced each other across a gambling table, with a dealer wearing a green chip mask loading bullets into a specially modified pistol. Even in the glass enclosure, the sound of loading was clear, suggesting special treatment for the glass.

Xia’er followed the maid through the crowd, glancing at the high platform.

“Three live rounds, two blanks,” the dealer said, putting down the gun. “Reveal your chips. The higher bet goes first.”

The boxes in front of both men were slowly opened. The bald man on the left clearly had more chips, and after a nervous pause, he grabbed the gun, aiming it at the other man, his face already showing signs of insanity.

“Three live rounds?! No chance for you! It’s my turn to rise!” The bald man laughed maniacally, reversing the gun and aiming it at his own forehead, pulling the trigger.

Click —

A hollow click came from the custom sealed magazine, indicating a blank round.

“Hahahaha!!!” The bald man burst into laughter, aiming the gun at the other man. “Die! You’re dead!”

He pulled the trigger again.

Click —

A crisp sound, and an empty shell was ejected.

The bald man’s eyes widened, disbelief evident. He roared, aiming at the other man and pulling the trigger again.

Bang —!

The bullet spat flames, but in the next second, it curved sharply, piercing the bald man’s forehead, creating a bloody hole.

“The fate you lost is immutable.”

The green chip-masked dealer elegantly swept the blood-stained chips in front of the bald man to the other side, asking, “Sir, your debt is 1410 pounds. Do you wish to continue?”

“Continue,” the man on the other side replied, his eyes bloodshot, breathing heavily.

Xia’er frowned slightly.

No wonder Aivana told her not to join other games… These are true gamblers.

But if she wanted to digest the “Gambler” potion or complete the promotion ritual…

If she had the first move earlier, she would have won for sure.

“Miss, we’ve arrived.”

The maid pushed open the door, revealing another spacious hall with eight card tables. She stopped beside an empty seat and said to Xia’er, “This is your first visit. Are you familiar with the rules?”

At this moment, people at other tables noticed Xia’er’s arrival and turned to look at her.

Among them were “Gamblers.”

“Not familiar,” Xia’er replied. She had no interest in these games and just wanted to lose 50 pounds quickly and meet others.

“Good, I’ll explain the rules first, then invite others to join the game.”

Without needing the maid’s invitation, the “Gamblers” had already gathered around the table, eager to welcome the new player.