Chapter 72

“How did I end up in bed?”

Reality:

[Sheng Year 741, June 20th, 16:05]

[Evaluation: Hehe, even sitting still you can get heads to eat, quite impressive^^]

[You’ve learned how to use the ‘Other Realm’ to effortlessly kill seven Extraordinary Persons, blasting through a Tier 2 Extraordinary Person’s head with a single shot… Unfortunately, this doesn’t count as a Tier jump battle.]

[However, your actions attracted the attention of many Other Realm creatures, which are very interested in you…]

[Accept it, this is what you deserve based on your performance]

[Reward: Mortality Points ×26, [Agility Lv.2], [Charisma Lv.2], [Spiritual Summoning Lv.1]]

[Mortality Points: 80]

[Spiritual Summoning: By sacrificing some items, you can attempt to summon a low-tier Spiritual Being from that world that is interested in you; they won’t be hostile towards the summoner, but their abilities are usually uncertain]

Xia’er slowly opened her eyes, her body instinctively curling up like a spasm.

The system screen displayed the results of this battle, but Xia’er seemed oblivious, taking her time to gradually relax her body.

The pain from piercing her heart and disembowelment seemed imprinted in her nerves. Even though she wasn’t currently hurt, she felt phantom pains.

It was like someone who had lost both arms for years still felt intense pain in those non-existent limbs.

To distract herself, Xia’er shifted to a more comfortable position, lying on the sofa and reading the words on the system panel.

Reward of 26 points… Not too much, slightly less than Xia’er expected.

It seems that the shot she gave Jiti didn’t really qualify as a true Tier jump kill.

Her agility improved.

After feeling a slight decrease in the pain in front of her, Xia’er tried lying face down on the sofa, using her arms to slowly support her body.

A standard push-up, effortless.

Next, Xia’er tried some more challenging movements, including one-handed push-ups and handstands, all completed easily.

Of course, this was also due to Xia’er’s weight and height; lighter weight and shorter stature made these movements simpler.

She felt her body coordination and strength had increased significantly, but she couldn’t test her flexibility yet.

Xia’er sat back on the sofa and looked at the remaining skill improvements.

[Charisma] reached Level 2, just like [Art of Conversation] or [Calm Thinking], there’s no way to see the improvement directly.

And according to the system’s previous description, the increase in [Charisma] has little impact on ordinary people, but it greatly affects humans with Extraordinary traits and some Spiritual Beings.

Xia’er looked at the last skill she obtained.

[Spiritual Summoning]

Can you summon low-tier Spiritual Beings to help you by sacrificing items?

What do you need to sacrifice? What are low-tier Spiritual Beings?

Perhaps sensing Xia’er’s doubts, a screen appeared in front of her.

[Any item with Extraordinary traits can be sacrificed, including but not limited to various spiritual materials, the physical remains or blood of Extraordinary Persons, or Sealed Objects]

[Spiritual Beings don’t have a specific appearance, so rest assured; only those with a good disposition towards the host and won’t harm the host will be summoned]

Sacrificing Extraordinary trait items or the blood and flesh of Extraordinary Persons…

Doesn’t sound very friendly.

“Is each summon random?”

Xia’er asked herself.

If each summoned Spiritual Being is random, then this skill would be somewhat useless.

Maybe the last summoned Spiritual Being had powerful abilities that helped Xia’er, but it wouldn’t necessarily appear again in the next battle.

Quite unstable.

[Low-tier Spiritual Beings have almost no thinking or memory capabilities, but most of them prefer different sacrifices. If the host understands their preferences and patterns, they can basically achieve directed summoning]

This sounds… like summoning an evil god.

Fixating on certain sacrifices to call them out for help.

Xia’er decided to try this ability during the next simulation, as in simulations, any sacrifices won’t result in real losses.

During the last simulation, with so many Extraordinary Person corpses, if Xia’er had this ability, she could have given it a try.

But she wasn’t sure what kind of creature would be summoned from the blood and flesh of so many Extraordinary Persons.

Xia’er glanced at the current time, around 4:00 PM.

At 5:00 PM, she made her first note in the simulation, recording that Aivana secretly sought out Adelle to conspire together.

Estimating that Aivana would soon come to discuss joining forces with Xia’er, Xia’er knew the situation was dangerous and would naturally prevent them from reporting it in reality.

Moreover, regardless of whether Aivana reported or not, two days later, a Tier 3 “Radiant Bishop” of the Salvation Goddess Religion would arrive at the outskirts of Bolen City to meet with Jiti at Derton Manor.

Xia’er didn’t know the purpose of the “Radiant Bishop” or their subsequent plans.

If things proceeded without Xia’er’s involvement, Jiti likely told the Bishop about using Adelle’s plan.

Jiti probably already investigated Adelle’s role in helping Xie Lun write papers, but Xia’er wasn’t sure how far the investigation had progressed. If left unchecked, Adelle would likely be caught at Derton Manor on the morning of the 22nd.

Xia’er had been in contact with Aivana and Adelle too frequently. If the “Radiant Bishop” thoroughly investigated, she would quickly uncover Xia’er’s frequent interactions with them.

Before the “Radiant Bishop” arrived, Xia’er must ensure Jiti keeps the secret.

Xia’er thought the best solution was to sacrifice Jiti’s blood and flesh to a Spiritual Being, effectively erasing Jiti from this world.

To ensure this plan succeeded, Xia’er needed enough power to match Jiti.

Even if she couldn’t achieve parity, she needed to gain a significant advantage in a surprise attack.

Therefore, she must conduct another simulation, advancing the “Avenger” to Tier 2 “Judge” and refining her plan.

If she gained Tier 2 transformation ability, she would have the confidence to approach Yulis in reality.

Ding-dong —

As Xia’er considered her next steps, someone knocked on her door.

Unsurprisingly, it was Aivana discussing a plan.

Xia’er got up, walked to the door, and opened it to see Aivana standing outside in plain black-gray dress with intricate gold lace, despite her efforts to keep it simple.

Although the dress was modest, the gold-embroidered black lace still highlighted its high quality.

“Xia’er,”

Aivana raised her hand, adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses, and said expressionlessly, “I have a plan to discuss with you.”

Xia’er pulled Aivana into the room, closed the door, and whispered in her ear, “Don’t go looking for Adelle.”

“Huh?”

Aivana was taken aback by Xia’er’s smooth moves. She held her breath, stepped back slightly, and asked calmly, “W-why?”

Xia’er: “I just received intelligence; any action now could be extremely dangerous.”

Xia’er thought better of telling Aivana about the “Radiant Bishop” returning on the 23rd.

She had more tasks to complete in future simulations and didn’t need Aivana complicating things.

“Very dangerous?”

Aivana was intimidated by Xia’er’s serious expression. She sobered up and asked, “Will I be in danger?”

“Yes,”

Xia’er nodded, “Nia might save you, but I advise against taking this risk.”

“What about Adelle?”

Aivana curiously asked, “She doesn’t have a bodyguard watching her.”

Aivana and Adelle weren’t close enough to risk their lives for each other, but if there was a chance to warn Adelle to run away, Aivana would do so.

“My intelligence network will handle this,”

Xia’er shook her head and said, “If necessary, they’ll inform Yulis of the Salvation Goddess Religion to protect Adelle.”

“Do you need my help?”

Aivana asked.

This matter was closely tied to her safety. If she didn’t participate at all and Xia’er and her intelligence network resolved everything, she’d owe Xia’er a huge favor.

Two lifesaving favors, she didn’t know how to repay.

Aivana didn’t realize she had already helped a lot, albeit in simulations.

“Not for now.”

Xia’er thought for a moment and added, “If I really need help, I’ll reach out to you.”

“…Alright.”

Aivana nodded thoughtfully and then said, “If there’s anything I can help with, please notify me immediately. Just knock on my door.”

With that, Aivana left Xia’er’s room.

Soon after, Xia’er sat back on the sofa and opened the simulation interface.

Now ready to complete the replication ritual, everything was in place except for timing.

She could only hope the simulation time would cooperate and not randomly select an abstract node.

Simulating past events was generally avoided since it was highly probable she wouldn’t have the “Judge” potion. Thus, simulation time was mostly set for the future, preferably before the 22nd.

The simulation interface unfolded before Xia’er’s eyes, and her gaze settled on the future simulation.

[Future: 12h (Sheng Year 741, June 21st, 4:05) (Consumes 10 Mortality Points)]

Twelve hours later?

Just right.

Xia’er breathed a sigh of relief.

However, she wasn’t too worried; if the simulation time was later, Xia’er could drink potions that had completed the replication ritual, such as the “Tempter.”

This wouldn’t waste simulation attempts, and she still had a re-roll dice, though she wouldn’t use it unless absolutely necessary.

Regarding past simulations, Xia’er briefly glanced at it; it was set for the 17th, three days ago.

That time point had Xia’er with no abilities, let alone the “Judge” potion. This option was naturally ignored.

“Future, No. 2.”

Xia’er silently repeated to herself.

With only twelve hours, she hadn’t used a notebook to give herself any tasks.

Contacting Yulis must be done as an “Avenger”.

“This is more complicated than I thought.”

I had imagined that being a Count would come with a respectable status and considerable wealth, but that was just a naive misunderstanding on my part.

“I don’t want to eat this!”

“Aida, there are many people outside who are starving and have even less than this. You shouldn’t complain.”

Aida, my younger sister, tossed the bread aside and burst into tears, while our father, Count Bradley Somerset, sternly scolded her.

I glanced at the food laid out before me, thinking that the dining scene in a noble household might resemble that of an ordinary family.

On the table was a thin, unidentifiable soup and bread as hard as rocks.

Certainly, these were not appetizing dishes even for a child.

Determined to eat, I tried dipping the bread into the soup, but just as I broke it apart—

Crack!

Was that the sound of wood splintering?

Identity, and I also need to bring the Radiant Bishop’s letter. Otherwise, if a regular person were to contact Yulis, and then I start simulating and become an “Avenger,” it would be difficult to explain clearly.

All the intelligence I needed to gather has already been obtained; now, I just need to ensure that my future self doesn’t do anything reckless.

A silvery light enveloped Xia’er’s vision, and her consciousness detached from her body…

[Future]

[Sheng Year 741, June 21st, 4:05 AM]

[Countdown – 23:59:59]

Xia’er slowly opened her eyes.

In front of her was pitch-black darkness. She could feel the soft mattress beneath her, and a faint familiar scent lingered around her nose.

Don’t investigate, and you directly lay down?

But Xia’er had no complaints. If it were her, she would probably do the same if she had nothing else to do.

The more you do, the more mistakes you make. It’s better to maintain the status quo.

Xia’er turned over, ready to push herself up using the mattress, but her hand touched something soft.

What is this?

“Hmm…”

A soft moan came from under Xia’er, startling her so much that she immediately let go and crawled back several steps, almost falling off the bed.

A chilling sound came from where Xia’er had touched, followed by a “click” as a small desk lamp was lit, illuminating Xia’er’s view.

This is…

In Xia’er’s stunned expression, Aivana was sitting beside the pillow.

She wore a pale yellow silk nightgown with white lace, her left hand supporting the soft mattress, and her right hand pulling the blanket up to cover her chest.

Aivana couldn’t keep her face expressionless anymore. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and she bit her lip lightly, staring intently at Xia’er in front of her.

“This… why are you in my bed?”

Xia’er realized something was wrong as soon as she spoke.

Although the light was very dim and soft, Xia’er could still vaguely see from the bed decorations that the decor here was much more exquisite than in her guest room.

It wasn’t that Aivana was on Xia’er’s bed; rather, Xia’er was currently lying on Aivana’s bed.

In an instant, Xia’er could roughly guess what had happened.

She must have been manipulated by the “simulated” version of herself.

So, what exactly is going on now?

Xia’er scanned the area around her, but saw no sign of her notebook—she hadn’t brought it along.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

Xia’er apologized instantly without hesitation. After a moment of silence, she still asked, “Why am I sleeping here?”

At this point, Aivana’s anger seemed to have subsided slightly. There was still a faint blush on her face, and after taking a shallow breath, she replied, “Did you forget?”

Aivana felt… that Xia’er seemed different somehow.

Not just her hair and clothes, although her face was still Xia’er’s face, the overall feeling was quite different.

The previous Xia’er seemed more introverted and spoke slowly and methodically.

But now, Xia’er not only looked more assertive, her actions were also much rougher, and her words always carried a hint of impatience.

If it weren’t for her still good-looking face, Aivana might have thought someone else had taken her place.

And most importantly, Xia’er… she actually forgot what she did?

This didn’t seem like the meticulous Xia’er to make such a mistake. They had only lain together for less than five hours.

To verify something, Aivana pulled the blanket up to cover most of her body, bent her knees, and hugged her own knees.

According to other “psychologists'” notes, this is a defensive posture.

At this moment, Xia’er saw Aivana suddenly tighten her body and remain silent, not answering her question, and felt a wave of confusion.

Even though the simulated version of herself might have some rebellious tendencies…

But it couldn’t have gone this far…

I… really did something to her…

A sense of guilt welled up in Xia’er’s heart. She crawled a few steps towards Aivana, raised her hand, and placed it on Aivana’s shoulder, saying, “I… I didn’t mean to.”

What did I do?

At this moment, Aivana slowly lifted her head. Her dark purple pupils emitted a faint glow. She looked at Xia’er, expressionless, and asked, “Who are you?”

“I…”

Xia’er’s vision blurred, and everything in front of her, including the bed, the light, and even Aivana herself, began to fade. The only thing that remained focused and continuously magnified in Xia’er’s eyes was Aivana’s dark purple pupils.

Suddenly, a cool sensation swept through Xia’er’s mind, akin to a mild electric shock. Xia’er’s originally somewhat scattered pupils instantly focused.

This is the ability of the “Listener”!

A shadow instantly emerged from behind Xia’er, directly lunging at Aivana in front of her. It grabbed Aivana from behind, covering her mouth tightly.

Xia’er stretched out her bandaged hand and rubbed her brow, feeling a strong dizziness surge from her mind.

The “Listener” is the opposite path of the “Tempter.” Just now, without any defense, Xia’er had already been hypnotized by Aivana.

This feeling made Xia’er a little scared.

If Aivana used this hypnosis ability on Xia’er, who was still an ordinary person in reality, as long as Aivana didn’t have harmful intentions toward Xia’er, she could completely ignore the restrictions of the Order Eye Pact and secretly hypnotize Xia’er, making her do anything.

Even if [Calm Thinking] allowed Xia’er to react, as long as she couldn’t control Aivana, she could continue trying to hypnotize Xia’er until Xia’er had no energy left to activate [Calm Thinking].

“Listen, Aivana.”

Xia’er tried to soothe her, “I am Xia’er, but the current situation is a bit hard to explain. I have no ill intentions.”

“Mmm…”

Aivana mumbled through the shadow covering her mouth, seemingly wanting to say something.

Xia’er controlled the shadow to loosen its grip slightly, allowing Aivana to make sounds.

“Then why can’t you remember how you ended up here?”

Aivana looked at Xia’er and asked, “Moreover, you are an Extraordinary Person… I’ve checked many times, Xia’er can’t be an Extraordinary Person.”

This question directly silenced Xia’er.

How should I respond? That I traveled back from the future to help Xia’er?

There are still tasks waiting for Xia’er to complete, and anxious emotions brewed in Xia’er’s mind, making her feel a rising flame in her chest.

Xia’er knew that this was the influence of the potion, but the more she wanted to suppress this feeling and calm down, the more indistinct murmurs echoed in her mind.

Xia’er crawled one step towards Aivana. Almost simultaneously, the black shadow restraining Aivana enveloped her back, forcefully pressing her down.

“Answer my question first.”

Xia’er took a deep breath, trying hard to control her emotions.

Even though Aivana was under control, she wasn’t particularly panicked.

Because she knew Nia was nearby and would arrive immediately if anything happened to her.

Aivana, lying on the bed unable to move, looked at Xia’er for a while before slowly saying, “I think our rooms are too far apart. If something happens to you, Nia might not make it in time.”

“So I asked you to sleep in my room, and you agreed…”

After glancing around, Xia’er called out, “Nia!”

After a moment, the servant’s room on the other side of the room opened, and Nia, clad in silver-white armor, walked out, witnessing the scene.

“Watch over Aivana; don’t let her wander around.”

After instructing Nia, Xia’er immediately released her control over Aivana, got off the bed, and headed toward the door.

Only after Xia’er closed the door and left did Aivana sit up against the bed, looking at each other with Nia standing not far away.

“Why did it take you so long to come out?”

Aivana asked Nia.

“I… didn’t sense any danger,”

Nia hesitated for a moment, and the metallic buzzing voice continued from inside her armor, “so I didn’t plan to interrupt your… good thing?”

“It’s fine, go back.”

Aivana shook her head and looked in the direction Xia’er had left.

Although I answered first, Xia’er didn’t answer my question and just left…

Aivana noticed Xia’er had changed greatly, especially becoming much stronger in character, and even touched her…

Aivana glanced down at her chest, a hint of confusion arising in her mind.

If it were the usual me, being touched in such private areas would definitely make me angry.

But for some reason, regarding Xia’er’s touch, she didn’t feel even a trace of repulsion.

Could it be that I like it this way?

Aivana sat there, beginning to doubt herself.

Looks like she won’t be able to sleep tonight.

Meanwhile, Xia’er had already returned to her room and picked up her “Judicator” Potion.

She exited Aivana’s manor and hurried toward the “Good Night Inn.”

After entering the central area, she leaped onto the roof and began moving between buildings.

[Agility Lv.2] made her body lighter and more reliable than she imagined, running across the rooftops without stopping. With the help of shadows, Xia’er could leap across distant houses effortlessly.

It was as if she had become a top-notch parkour expert overnight.

Xia’er estimated that if she upgraded one more level to Lv.3, her agility and strength would likely surpass the limits of ordinary people.

Soon, Xia’er reached her destination. She climbed down from the rooftop, descending along the window frame level by level until she clung outside Room 202.

She slowly pulled the window open and flipped into the room.

The candlelight in the room was still lit, and two white figures who had already heard the noise now stood on either side of Xia’er, blocking her path.

“Who’s there?”

On the inn’s bed, Yulis with her silver-white long hair gazed vigilantly toward the windowsill. She wore a pure white cotton nightgown, her expression somewhat confused, as if she had just been awakened.

“January 17, Year 739 of the Holy Era.”

Xia’er directly addressed the figure on the bed, “You told me that if someone mentioned this date, you would believe everything they said next.”

Upon hearing this date, High Priestess Yulis trembled slightly, her confusion deepening. She merely raised her hand, dismissing the two white figures, asking, “You…”

“I’ve seen you in the Oracle of the Goddess. This is the signal you gave me, the day you lost your light, High Priestess Yulis.”

Xia’er directly pulled out her tried-and-true trick—pretending to be the Holy Maiden.

Upon hearing this, Yulis finally stopped questioning. After a brief silence, she asked, “What happened?”

Xia’er immediately raised her hand, and a silvery light flashed, producing a letter in her hand. This letter, which she had used several times, came in handy once again.

“I need your help to destroy a hideout of the Arrival Sect and assist me in completing the ‘Replication’ Ritual for the Judicator.”

Xia’er calmly stated.