290 Dekan began to doubt the composition of the Rebirth Church.
“Referee!! Is there a referee? Shouldn’t someone be handling this?”
“Damn it, I really want to cheer for the Empire Sword Saint in the next match… No, dammit, those imperial bastards. On second thought, Dekan will be in the final, and that brings unexpected relief…”
“※! And the worst part is, I have to cheer for this bastard in the next match! How did our Kingdom produce a guy like him!”
Many spectators were cursing Dekan, even thinking of stepping in to uphold justice.
This time, Dekan really played too dirty.
Even though he defeated the Lord of Calamity, earning a great merit.
But the way he acted at the end…
Everyone thought he had already surrendered!
He deceived the feelings of all the spectators!
Why do you need to act so convincingly? You’re not an actor!
Many people finally understood the pain of the Rebirth Church.
Usually, it’s ordinary people who offend the Rebirth Church and cannot find peace.
But the Rebirth Church has been in constant unrest ever since they got into trouble with Dekan.
However, since Dekan won against Aljeer this way,
the final match against the Empire Sword Saint must not be lost.
If he loses, it would make him a laughingstock.
It would be like throwing the entire face of the Kingdom Union away.
Of course, Dekan also has the possibility to prove his true abilities in the final.
Let everyone be fully convinced.
After all, many people only heard about Dekan’s abilities; they have not witnessed them.
Thus, there is still an unclear perception of Dekan’s real combat strength.
Who can be sure if he can defeat the Empire Sword Saint?
In the arena, Dekan also exited from the Phantom Canyon.
Although the Phantom Canyon, as a Man-made Shadow World, prevents the contestants from being injured consecutively during elimination matches, which could significantly affect the next match.
Since all the injuries sustained won’t be brought out of the Phantom Canyon.
However, the Phantom Canyon has been mastered by Dekan, a researcher.
For him, the Phantom Canyon is like a home field.
And that card, [Broken Heart of Pain], was actually another deceit card by Dekan.
[Super Fake Card 5.0]
[Category: Equipment Card]
[Quality: Purple Rare]
[Class: 5]
[Effect: Can disguise as any magic card of Epic Quality (Red Light Epic) or lower at the fifth rank.]
[Note: What era are we in? Are you still playing traditional cards?]
This technique theoretically means that as long as it’s within Dekan’s understanding, the highest level of card quality and rank he can create is the upper limit of what his [Fake Card] series can imitate.
So when people saw that [Super Fake Card] disguised as [Broken Heart of Pain] appear,
everyone was convinced that Dekan had indeed created a Red Light Epic.
A cardmaker who hasn’t reached this level cannot possibly forge a Red Light Epic.
But they didn’t realize
that the true Red Light Epic that Dekan possesses is a thing they’ve never seen and will never see —— [Dekan’s Gospel].
From now on, he will always pretend to have a card named [Broken Heart of Pain].
Not only can it cover up the existence of [Dekan’s Gospel],
but it can also intimidate all opponents.
Nearby,
“…”
Aljeer clenched both fists, his head bowed.
It seemed like he felt utterly defeated.
In no aspect did he outperform Dekan.
Except for morality…
But comparing morality with Dekan somehow felt wrong.
Dekan slightly hesitated in his steps as he walked past Aljeer.
“Knight Commander Aljeer, if there is ever a chance, I indeed wish to fight you in a fair match. However, I apologize; I have reasons I must win this competition, and they are a hundred times more important than finding out the identity of the Lord of Calamity.”
Aljeer looked at Dekan with complicated expressions.
In fact, Aljeer could not tell when Dekan was telling the truth, and when he was just acting.
This guy’s acting was too effortless.
He now thought that nine out of ten things this person said were lies.
But Aljeer knew,
Dekan no longer had any reason to deceive him.
Aljeer paused for a moment, like he remembered something, and hesitantly asked,
“You’re planning to…”
“I want to propose a question about the Tenth Level Shadow World.”
Dekan seriously looked at Aljeer.
“…”
Aljeer originally thought Dekan was obsessed with winning the championship for personal benefit.
For example —— inquiries related to the making of legendary cards or information Dekan wanted to uncover.
After all, the value of the ninth-rank fortune-telling is hard to describe with words.
Of course, this kind of fortune-telling is not omnipotent and cannot surpass its limits.
The more complicated the question is, the fuzzier and almost useless the result will be.
Many powerful beings know about the Tenth Level Shadow World because the astrologer once used this ninth-rank epic card to divine the greatest crisis this world will face next.
With each fortune-telling, they can only piece together the guess that it will involve the Tenth Level Shadow World.
Due to the limitation of fortune-telling, it is impossible to divine more accurate information.
Unless more reliable intelligence is provided as a condition to pose the question.
But perhaps in this world, no one can provide more information about the Tenth Level Shadow World.
“You can ask about anything else, and I won’t hold a grudge against you.”
Aljeer shook his head and said.
After all, the astrologer has done her best to divine intelligence about the Tenth Level Shadow World, only to get repeated and fruitless results.
Therefore, even she is unwilling to waste precious chances in meaningless attempts anymore.
Even if Dekan’s intent is true, it is overwhelmingly likely to be futile.
“I swear to the Goddess that, if merely for gratitude, I will uncover the truth about the Tenth Level Shadow World.”
Dekan answered.
When Dekan mentioned the Goddess, his usual light tone became much more serious.
He knew about the dream of Delroyce and Klotidia.
And the gem amulet he obtained from the Temple of the Sun God.
It had an inevitable connection.
Whether Delroyce’s story, the history of the Holy Country and the Demon Realm, or his Master’s memories all had an inseparable connection.
And the ultimate conclusion was the Tenth Level Shadow World — Sky-piercing Annihilation Battlefield.
“…”
May the Goddess bless you,” Aljeer said accordingly.
Even though all of Dekan’s words and performances could be false,
Aljeer could not feel otherwise; Dekan’s gratitude and sincerity when he swore were not fake.
He noticed Dekan’s Sun God faith amulet. Clearly, Dekan cherished it and took good care of it.
“And, I wish you can defeat the Empire Sword Saint.”
Aljeer added.
No matter what personal views he had on Dekan,
he hoped Dekan would win.
Dekan stared at Aljeer for a while, then helplessly smiled.
After the match from 16 to 8,
when Aljeer openly challenged him, Dekan felt he had to play around with Aljeer to make it worth it.
But this guy is really temperate.
Too honest.
It made Dekan feel bored.
It seemed like he shouldn’t toy with him this way.
“You’re a good guy… but in order to defeat enemies like Fahim, you need to be more cunning. You should know how to deceive and attack from behind! If the Goddess’s Saint Commander is this honest, I bet she’d be troubled.”
Dekan extended his hand this time, but it was not for deceit; it was sincere.
Upon hearing this, Aljeer hesitated a moment.
Even though Dekan looked exceptionally sincere, Aljeer also felt Dekan’s words were particularly infuriating.
The honest and easy-to-deceive Knight Commander Dekan referred to wasn’t just Aljeer, but also Judith who was tricked into becoming an idol.
“Is that so?”
Then, Aljeer grabbed Dekan’s hand.
And he applied a bit of strength.
“Ouch Ouch Ouch!”
Dekan shouted while pulling his hand back.
Seeing Dekan’s condition, Aljeer couldn’t help but show a rare smile and released a minor healing spell onto Dekan.
The two exchanged smiles but did not exchange more words.
They parted after that.
…
A day later.
The other semifinal decisively ended with the victory of Empire Sword Saint Adair.
The final match, set for two days later, would pit Dekan against Adair.
Whoever wins
has become the most discussed topic in the entire Capital City.
However, during these two days of rest,
Dekan doesn’t intend to waste time preparing any tricks or maneuvers against the Empire Sword Saint.
But he has other things to do now.
So on the first rest day,
Dekan left early alone.
He arrived at the vast park within the Capital City, found a less crowded area, and casually sat down on a bench.
He began flipping through a book in hand as if just killing time.
He was waiting.
For a grand figure who was usually unseen.
It’s rumored that even the higher-ups of the Kingdom Union rarely get to see the true identity of the astrologer Shien.
Dekan expressed his intention to meet Shien upon his arrival in Filowen Kingdom.
However, that intention was merely conveyed,
and no reply was received.
But today, Shien eventually replied.
Dekan woke up early in the morning and saw a blue crystal on his windowsill. After analyzing it, he understood the message and signature Shien wanted to convey.
Shien asked Dekan to wait for her at a bench in Filowen Memorial Park.
She didn’t specify a particular location.
The implication was that Dekan could choose any bench, and the astrologer Shien would naturally find him.
Surprisingly informal.
Thus, today,
Dekan waited early in the park.
“Didn’t we meet before?”
At some point, a figure had already appeared beside Dekan.
She sat on the other side of the bench as if it were the most natural thing.
Dekan was slightly astonished.
Because he remembered this voice.
His fists unconsciously clenched.
At that time, after leaving the Shadow World Endless Pursuit Inferno, he met a girl journalist with light blue hair at the academy.
She asked him a few questions that left him speechless.
Later, Dekan read the report.
He finally confirmed that this reporter called Ludwig was a super black fan.
A great deal of the reason for his bad reputation had to do with her!
“You…”
Dekan thought.
If he ever met that reporter again one day, he would make her understand what it feels like to be a Bishop of Pain.
But now, Dekan didn’t know how to evaluate her.
You, a ninth rank astrologer, usually enjoy creating alternate accounts to troll people?
Dekan turned his head to look at this playful girl in overalls. No one knew how old she really was.
She was entirely a different style from the recorded image of the graceful astrologer.
What a strange person.
“Can’t fight you, can’t fight you.”
Dekan sighed.
Even though this was likely not her real self,
she was ninth rank, and Dekan could do nothing against her.
“You’re performance was truly spectacular. Now, you don’t even need to ask the identity of the Lord of Calamity even if you win.”
Ludwig smiled and said.
She seemed to know a lot, but always had this joking attitude.
“I don’t want to talk much to you; I loathe you. I’m here just to give this to you.”
Dekan handed over a file to Ludwig and sat farther away, filled with disdain.
Ludwig took the file, quietly unfolded a barrier spell,
quickly reviewed it,
and asked, “Do you think the Rebirth Church will attack Filowen Kingdom this time?”
Ludwig received the information seriously like a journalist.
Dekan: “The possibility is near zero, but I think it’s still good to be prepared. Even if not this time, it will be meaningful for some day in the future.”
Ludwig: “Hmm, noted.”
Dekan was slightly surprised by Ludwig’s attitude.
She didn’t dismiss Dekan’s comment as if from a lunatic.
Instead, she seriously considered it.
Could Ludwig have already detected some clue through some means? Or could this be divined?
“Are you wondering why I take your outrageous claims seriously?”
Ludwig watched Dekan’s expression and smiled, asking.
Dekan: “I’m just curious whether it’s a spell, or wisdom, or maybe luck?”
Ludwig: “I’ll tell you secretly. I do have an informant within the Rebirth Church.”
“Huh?”
Dekan frowned.
If the Rebirth Church were to cause trouble this time,
those who would get their hands on the information must be high-ranking church officials.
Even those involved in the action might find it hard to get the complete plan.
Therefore, if the astrologer can obtain some information,
her informant must be at an incredibly high level.
“Whose?”
Dekan asked.
“I can’t tell you! I must ensure the security of our top espionage agent.”
Ludwig glared at Dekan and said.
“Tsk.”
Dekan clicked his tongue, he shouldn’t talk too much with this annoying astrologer.
“However, if you ever find yourself in an absolute predicament, calling out his alias ‘Unicorn’ might help you.”
Ludwig closed her eyes and smiled.
“……?”
Help me?
Could he really be a Bishop?
Upon careful consideration,
Dekan suddenly began to find the organization of the Rebirth Church strange.
There’s a known spy who makes money within the church.
And another spy in Randir Kingdom secretly helped Dekan.
If there is also a spy in the Kingdom Union within the Rebirth Church,
and if the aforementioned spies are not the same,
then out of the nine existing Bishops of the Rebirth Church, how many of them could possibly be spies?!
