Chapter 761 – No Need to Worry, I’m Here 4k
The infiltration of the internal management system could cause immeasurable damage to the Free City.
The reason the Free City has reached its current state is due to the unity and dedication of its people.
The half-breeds regard this place as their home, pooling their efforts without any reservations. This has led to the creation of this vast and fortified city.
If this mutual trust were to falter, it would create fissures in the foundation of the Free City.
This must be avoided at all costs!
…
Montiel Farley quickly summarized the current situation of the Free City.
Dark and the others finally understood why the eastern gate had been sealed off.
As everyone pondered this news, Montiel Farley gently clapped her hands, and a servant wheeled in a meal cart, serving dishes of food onto the table.
The food was mostly meat, accompanied by bread and vegetable soup, with the specialty lemon tea from the Free City, making up the lunch spread.
Montiel Farley composed herself and smiled, saying, “Try some. These are edible meats carefully selected from magical beasts. We even borrowed priests skilled in purification magic from the Church to ensure all traces of mana are removed from the meat. Speaking of which, Aurora invented the cooking method that softens and refines the meat, now widely used in the Free City.”
“Magical beast meat?”
Transforming magical beasts into ingredients, turning hunters into the hunted, is indeed a good strategy.
But one wonders how the taste compares?
It was past noon, and while no one was starving, most were hungry. They stopped holding back and began cutting and tasting the meat.
“If it’s a method Aurora devised, it shouldn’t be bad.”
Dark picked up his knife and fork, speared a large piece of meat, cut a small slice, dipped it in sauce, and cautiously placed it in his mouth, chewing slowly.
“Hmm… This texture is somewhat similar to beef, and the taste is decent. The sauce is really good.”
While Dark savored each bite, Professor Jones had already eaten half the plate.
In fact, there were three giant half-breeds at the table. Both Montiel Farley and Professor Jones, judging by their demeanor, had a lot in reserve.
Aurora usually kept a low profile, but Dark knew she was a hidden powerhouse.
The chef at the manor seemed well-prepared, serving one dish after another of various magical beast meats, swiftly clearing away empty plates with great efficiency.
After fifteen minutes, the pace of serving slowed. Dark sipped some lemon tea, dispelling the greasy feeling, then casually asked, “Aunt Montiel Farley, have you identified what kind of demons they are?”
Montiel Farley put down her utensils, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said slowly, “So far, we’ve found at least three types.”
“Three?” Dark was surprised.
Montiel Farley glanced at Aurora beside him and said, “One is the Phantom Magi, skilled in mental magic, able to simulate appearances through illusions. But if one’s mental power surpasses theirs, the illusion can be broken.”
“Another is the Amilo Worm. These creatures burrow into living beings, consuming them from within, leaving only a husk. The Amilo Worm can wear the husk to change shape. Despite the transformation, the aura can still be simulated. However, beneath the husk lies the worm form. Once an opening is made in the husk, it can be exposed.”
“The third is the Shape Shifter Demon, the hardest to detect among the three. It can change its flesh and blood appearance entirely, showing no abnormalities. Detecting it requires observing differences in behavior and speech, which is very difficult.”
…
Professor Shylph was silent for a moment and said, “During wartime, these three types of demons should have been the main targets, presumably eradicated. The Shape Shifter Demon’s weakness is that it cannot use its abilities immediately after transforming. The Phantom Magi’s illusion doesn’t match the body outline and glitches during intense movement. The Amilo Worm fears salt; they can’t eat overly salty food. None of these demons can access brain memories, often revealing themselves through behavior. Are there more?”
“Professor Shylph is quite reliable,” Dark thought.
Montiel Farley said gravely, “Yes, but so far, they are extremely rare…”
Dark furrowed his brow. Unlike before, Montiel Farley lacked confidence when she spoke.
He hesitated and asked, “Brain Devourer Magi?”
Montiel Farley looked at him in surprise and said, “We found one.”
As the name suggests, the Brain Devourer Magi feeds on brains, hollowing out the skull to reside inside, gaining access to the brain’s memories, mimicking the original perfectly.
Compared to the Brain Fluid Demon, which is a parasitic type, the Brain Devourer Magi is like a well-behaved child.
Detecting a Brain Devourer Magi requires seeing through the skull and examining brain tissue.
Though simple in theory, few possess the ability to see through.
Moreover, the Brain Devourer Magi tends to stay in place after eating the brain, making detection difficult with just regular vision.
In this context, Montiel Farley’s “one” might mean they truly discovered only one, while countless others remain undiscovered.
…
With demons hiding within and clusters of magical beasts outside, the Free City is truly a crucible.
If residents were unaware of the details, order could be maintained. But once they learned of the potential presence of Brain Devourer Magi, panic would surely ensue.
To avoid suspicion, the Free City cannot fully seal itself off.
Only the eastern gate is closed; the southern, western, and northern gates have merely checkpoints.
However, these checkpoints alone are insufficient to detect anything.
The high-ranking officials in the city have been under immense pressure, walking through a quagmire daily.
“Of course, we aren’t just waiting. After discovering the infiltration, we started secretly seeking capable individuals. Recently, we found a mage skilled in透视法术, who helped uncover the Brain Fluid Demon.”
Montiel Farley continued, “One person’s strength is limited. Relying solely on that mage wouldn’t suffice to search the entire city. And, we are the Free City…”
The Free City, named for freedom, naturally attracts those who dislike constraints.
Built on this principle, the city must also bear the consequences.
Today, the Free City is a mix of various factions, many with criminal records, unlikely to cooperate fully.
Gathering everyone like Dark and Professor Kazel did in the academy is simply impossible.
…
Dark couldn’t help but ask, “Given how formidable these demons are, how were they prevented and caught during wartime?”
Montiel Farley replied, “Wartime mobilization capacity is incomparable to now. Moreover, we had experts dealing with such crises back then.”
She glanced at Ophelia and said, “For instance, the Bloodline can easily detect Phantom Magi and Amilo Worms hidden among the crowd.”
Ophelia, drinking tea, glanced at her briefly.
Montiel Farley wasn’t from the academy, but as a renowned hero, they naturally knew each other.
She didn’t know about Ophelia’s recent events, assuming she had died in the previous incident. Seeing her appear suddenly, she felt only joy.
Her curiosity would wait until the meeting ended; she would ask Aurora later.
She continued, “As for the Amilo Worm, there are bird-like humanoids among the beastfolk who are highly sensitive to the Amilo Worm’s scent. They can capture Amilo Worms within a hundred miles. Some bird-like humanoids are born with透视 ability. Another subhuman species relies on spiritual senses to visualize in their minds, easily detecting Brain Devourer Magi. But now isn’t wartime; the alliance of the hundred races has entered its latter phase, focusing only on non-aggression treaties. We are doing our best to find those with beastfolk blood…
The half-breed’s efforts have shown some results but are still insufficient.
In any case, quite a few measures were indeed taken within the Free City.
If they could survive this most difficult period, there might be a time in the future to eliminate the crisis and regain stability.
But precisely during this period, things were the hardest!
Speaking of which, just the other day, Montiel Farley was secretly relieved that she had managed to send Aurora away in time. She never expected that Aurora would return after only a few days…
Fortunately, fortunately, she also brought the professors from Saint Maryann Academy!
During the rapid development of mana technology, the professors from Saint Maryann Academy always bring methods that they don’t possess.
…
Professor Shylph said, “In short, we already have a general understanding of the situation. We will help with this matter. However, we have another important task to handle first, so we need time to arrange.”
Without Montiel Farley needing to ask, Professor Shylph took on the responsibility voluntarily.
Montiel Farley was pleasantly surprised and immediately said, “I’ve already asked someone to organize the documents, and they should be delivered to everyone around one o’clock. For now, you can stay at the mayor’s residence!”
“No problem,” Professor Shylph replied.
Montiel Farley looked at the meat dishes on the plate and glanced around at the others present, saying, “Well… Shall we continue eating?”
…
This lunch lasted until well past one o’clock. The documents organized by Montiel Farley were directly delivered to the dining table.
Professor Shylph distributed the documents very straightforwardly right there at the table.
Regardless of whether the professors were interested or not, they all picked up the documents and started reading.
Dark and Aurora leaned closer together, examining the documents carefully while discussing them.
The documents detailed events related to demons starting from last June.
Of course, many names and locations were naturally involved.
Mayor Montiel Farley specifically asked Tyger to find some people to explain things to the professors, while Dark directly questioned Aurora, quickly gaining a clear understanding of the entire situation.
Overall, the incident within the Free City was an expanded version of the 【Brain Fluid Demon】 incident at the academy.
With the help of the 【Magical Beast: Goddess of Heartful Eyes】, it would be very easy to pull out demons like the 【Brain Devourer Magi】 and the 【Shape Shifter Demon】 from the crowd.
In fact, although the 【Brain Devourer Magi】 posed a greater threat than the 【Brain Fluid Demon】, it was less covert compared to the 【Brain Devourer Magi】.
If a 【Brain Devourer Magi】 stood before her, the 【Magical Beast: Goddess of Heartful Eyes】 could even spot it with a single glance.
However, the current situation was not that simple.
Because Dark and the others knew why these demons, which should have been eradicated, reappeared.
And since so many special demons had appeared, how could there possibly be no 【Brain Fluid Demon】?
“There should be, but they haven’t been discovered yet,” Dark almost confirmed.
He discussed with Aurora in a low voice. Finally, he sadly realized that among the thirteen-person team from the academy, he was the most suitable person to handle this matter.
He didn’t want to help, but if he did, his journey as a spectator would be tied to this city!
After thinking for a moment, he didn’t show his slight frustration in front of Aurora but instead said, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
…
After spending two hours understanding the details, they did not make immediate arrangements in the conference hall.
Mayor Montiel Farley left midway, while the mixed-race tiger man Tyger was left behind.
Around three o’clock, Dark and the others put away their documents and, led by Tyger, went to the guest rooms for temporary rest.
Then, at half past three, they gathered in Professor Shylph’s room for an internal meeting.
Professor Shylph opened a barrier and began, “Everyone knows the details. The situation seems stable, but according to my observations, the infiltration of demons is very serious. How we handle this cannot wait. We need to divide our forces. One group stays here to deal with the demons inside the city, while the other continues searching for Number Two. Only by capturing Number Two can we address the root cause!”
“Agreed.”
“I feel the same.”
“It’s possible.”
…
Professor Shylph continued, “Good. Since there are no questions, let’s start arranging tasks.”
Chapter 762
At this point, Professor Shylph suddenly changed her tone and said, “Of course, before that, we need to confirm the location of Number Two first.”
In fact, they should have confirmed the Demon King’s location upon entering the city, but they had no opportunity along the way, thus delaying it until now.
Regardless, capturing or sealing the Demon King is the primary solution to the problem.
One must not lose sight of the bigger picture.
“The 【Phantom Magi】, the 【Amilo Worm】, the 【Shape Shifter Demon】, the 【Brain Devourer Magi】… These demons that should have been eradicated are reappearing, undoubtedly due to the Demon King.”
“If we can’t capture the Demon King, such special demons will continue to appear.”
“But this also indicates that the location of Number Two is likely not far from here.”
“Wit.”
…
Wit Gold stepped forward reluctantly, knowing it was time for him to play the role of a human radar.
Even though he understood the necessity of doing so, he still found it hard to adapt, as no one wants their body to be used like a puppet.
Unlike before, now that he was aware of the crisis facing the Free City, he felt a strong sense of responsibility.
“Thinking about it, perhaps being a human radar isn’t too bad… At least, I’m still useful, right?”
He thought despondently, feeling his feet become heavier—not because of the Gravity Boots.
As usual, the professors quickly spread out in a circle, surrounding him.
Professor Shylph then took out a switch and pressed the red button on it.
“Beeep—”
In the next second, Wit felt the heavy burden disappear, becoming light and airy.
His vision transformed, becoming akin to a “pilot” within a machine.
His second consciousness—the Demon King Number One—once again took control of the body.
This time, Number One did not cover its ears.
It suddenly opened its eyes, directing its gaze toward the west with lightning speed.
The connection with Number Two was unprecedentedly clear!
So close!
So close!
So close!
Save me!
Save me!
Save me!
…
Number One roared internally, impatiently sending out a distress signal.
It was very clear that the connection between itself and Number Two was bidirectional.
When it sensed Number Two’s presence so clearly, Number Two would inevitably sense its presence just as clearly.
As a comrade sharing the same fate, the one receiving the distress signal would surely come to save it, right?
“What did you sense?”
Suddenly, the terrifying half-elf professor’s voice pierced through his ear like a shuttle.
Number One’s expression froze, stopping its plea for help.
Then, trembling, it turned to face the 【Goddess of Heartful Eyes】.
The bangs of the 【Magical Beast: Goddess of Heartful Eyes】 fluttered, and its third eye in the middle of its forehead opened silently, revealing a subtle smile.
Exposed!
Done for!
The sudden clarity of the connection exposed Number One’s hidden intent to seek help from a comrade.
Of course, this wasn’t a particularly hidden idea. Dark and the others had long predicted it.
Therefore, even when the 【Goddess of Heartful Eyes】 saw through its thoughts, there was no trace of surprise on its face.
Number One’s heart sank to the bottom.
After pulling the distance to this extent, the connection with Number Two became extremely clear, and many subtle things could also be sensed.
It knew that Number Two’s power was stronger than its own.
If there was no defense, Number Two could potentially rescue it with a sudden attack.
But it had been exposed!
Although it had been exposed long ago.
But it believed it hadn’t been exposed.
“What did you sense?” Professor Shylph frowned and asked again.
Number One suddenly felt a notion of “giving up” and resisted for the first time.
But as soon as it formed this thought, it heard the 【Goddess of Heartful Eyes】 say indifferently, “It’s very close. They have formed a clear connection. Judging from the situation, they might even be able to transmit some fragmentary information. However, up to now, only it has been sending out distress signals, and there has been no response. Therefore, we cannot determine if the information transmission was successful.”
Number One’s expression solidified.
But at this moment, no one cared about its thoughts.
Professor Shylph pressed further, “Very close, how close?”
The 【Goddess of Heartful Eyes】 looked at Number One and said, “No more than half an hour’s journey… If my calculations are correct, it’s at the West City Gate!”
Professor Shylph abruptly turned around, focusing her gaze on the West City Gate.
“Aurora, call the mayor here.”
As she spoke, she casually pressed the green button on the switch.
Wit’s hat instantly turned back to green, Number One remained silent after the consciousness shift and was locked away again in the small black room.
With the body control regained, Wit Gold immediately said, “Professor, the Magic… Number Two is much stronger than Number One. I can feel its excitement when it clearly sensed Number One!”
Professor Shylph nodded quickly, and Aurora had already left the room.
Ophelia walked up beside Wit, and Professor Steven Harvey’s eyes shone with excitement.
Professor Jones’ expression turned grave, and Professor Lily’s wings fluttered faster.
Professor Metia Bartholomew put her hands on her chest and said, “We’ve alerted them.”
Professor Shylph narrowed her eyes and said, “We need to act swiftly; it might escape. Goddess of Heartful Eyes, do you have a third one?”
The Goddess of Heartful Eyes replied in a very measured tone, “There is only one sensing line.”
“This is good news,” Professor Shylph said with a slight smile at the corners of her mouth.
Professor Jones asked, “Shall we start acting now?”
Professor Shylph nodded, “Quickly and decisively.”
Professor Jones asked, “Beheading tactics?”
Professor Shylph nodded, “If possible.”
Then she turned around and quickly said, “The situation has changed, let’s form temporary groups.”
“Ophelia, Wit, and Sister Carrian in one group, make sure he doesn’t get close to Number Two. Number Two might send Demons over, Ophelia remember to protect your child, communicate with me through the Wind Elemental if necessary, guiding the direction.”
“Dark, Olivia, Angrey, Eve in another group, find and deal with the Demons infiltrating the management layer.”
“Pava, Lily, Professor Harvey, join me, locate Number Two and seal it.”
“Metia, bring Aurora along, handle central control, oversee the overall situation.”
“Any questions?”
…
“No problem.”
“I concur.”
“For now, let’s leave it like this.”
…
“Good, wait for the mayor.” At that moment, Professor Shylph seemed extremely reliable.
While waiting for the mayor to arrive, everyone adjusted their magical cards and quickly exchanged their opinions.
Primarily, they discussed two issues: why Number Two appeared at the city gate and how Number Two would react upon receiving Number One’s distress signal.
There were many reasons for the first issue, but the main ones could be:
First, Number Two sensed Number One’s presence and came to investigate.
Second, Number Two had plans to do something to the Free City!
These two reasons were not contradictory. Unlike Number One, Number Two was always aware of Number One’s existence—it was uncertain whether Number Two could still sense Number One after it was locked away in the small black room.
In any case, Number Two’s sensing of Number One was definitely more intense.
After sensing Number One’s approach, Number Two would certainly take action.
This might even accelerate its plan against the Free City.
As for what Number Two wanted to do to the Free City?
It wasn’t hard to guess—perhaps it intended to replace the current rulers with Demons such as the Phantom Magi, Amilo Worms, Shape Shifter Demons, and Brain Devourers.
By replacing the entire management layer of the human city isolated within Demon territory, it could take control.
If Number Two was indeed the Demon King and had complete memories, this would likely be its move.
However, the power of the Free City might be stronger than many imagined. Number Two’s plans might have been leaked, but this could also become a catalyst for Number Two to act more quickly.
…
Regarding how Number Two would react after receiving Number One’s distress signal:
Considering Number Two’s cognitive limitations, it didn’t know what Number One was.
Number Two had complete memories and knew it was the Demon King.
Therefore, unlike Number One, it wouldn’t assume Number One was an ally.
After sensing a familiar aura from Number One, Number Two would likely be suspicious rather than thinking there was another version of itself.
Thus, Number One’s rapid approach might make it fearful.
But being the Demon King, it wouldn’t flee at the sight of Number One.
Even if defeated, it should still possess the aura of a Demon King.
So, its most likely course would be to prepare thoroughly for Number One’s arrival.
Regardless of what accompanied Number One, it would try to engage and gain basic understanding.
—All of this might change after Number One sent out the distress signal!
Pride couldn’t fill the stomach.
The Demon King was ultimately a defeated entity, and the current environment was vastly different from the past.
To rebuild and revive the Demons, it needed to be patient.
Once it realized it was at a disadvantage, it would become increasingly suspicious.
It might suspect that Number One’s distress signal was a trap.
Even if it wasn’t a trap, an individual with a similar aura seeking help would make it think that person was captured, and the captor was planning to capture it too!
Could such a powerful figure exist?
Perhaps not in the past, but who knows now.
So, it would flee.
…
The “Undying Demon King” wouldn’t consider fleeing shameful.
It called it a “strategic retreat.”
…
However, things returned to the first point.
Number Two had invested heavily in the Free City. If it chose to flee, it would have to abandon everything gained in the past six months.
Abandoning long-term plans without knowing who the opponent was—very few could do that.
“It will think, at least it needs to see who the opponent is!”
“Of course, it won’t seek us out directly, it will send minions to test.”
“And as long as it doesn’t choose to flee immediately, we have a chance to catch it.”
“We must act fast! Before it mobilizes its forces and causes widespread damage, eliminate it!”
…
Footsteps approached quickly, and Dark and the others paused their discussion.
Aurora brought Mayor Montiel Farley in through the door.
Mayor Montiel Farley asked directly, “What happened?”
The group looked at each other, and Professor Shylph said, “There is the leader of the remaining Demons outside the West City Gate, be cautious.”
Mayor Montiel Farley’s face changed, “What do you mean?”
“If they don’t want to enter the city for shopping,” Professor Shylph said, “those remaining Demons infiltrating the Free City’s management are about to act.”
She waved her hand, and everyone stood up.
Mayor Montiel Farley’s heart stirred, quickly suppressing his doubts and asking, “What should I do?”
Professor Shylph walked to the door and said, “Two points. First, send messages, investigate the West City Gate, watch for signs of monsters. Second, gather the management, clear out the bugs.”
Mayor Montiel Farley frowned deeply, “Can it be done?”
Dark looked up and said, “Aunt Montiel Farley, I’ll handle it.”
Mayor Montiel Farley gave him a deep look and immediately turned to Aurora for confirmation.
Aurora nodded forcefully.
Mayor Montiel Farley then decisively said, “Alright, I’ll call an emergency meeting immediately. Where should it be held?”
Dark glanced westward and said, “West City. Start from the frontline management, proceed gradually.”
“No problem,” Mayor Montiel Farley said, “There’s a meeting place in the West City, close to the gate. Should we send a citywide alert?”
Dark said, “After clearing the bugs, try to avoid large-scale conflicts.”
Professor Shylph said, “I, Pava, Lily, and Professor Harvey will go ahead, we need four dragons.”
Dark nodded, “Then the last one can be handled by Professor Metia.”
Professor Metia shook her head, “Take a spare one, I have a vehicle. Besides, Ophelia and Wit will be with me, hiding our presence. Sister Carrian will join Dark’s group.”
Sister Carrian nodded, “No problem.”
The group continued talking as they moved out of the room and hurried down the corridor.
Once out of the corridor, the thirteen people split up immediately.
Professor Shylph’s group of four headed to the square to ride the dragons.
Professor Metia took off her hat, blew a breath, and the pumpkin carriage pulled by a black beast flew out from her hat, landing and expanding in the wind.
“Aurora, come with me, we need your identity,” Professor Metia said with a smile.
Aurora looked at Dark, who nodded at her, and she responded, following Professor Metia onto the carriage, flying toward the western part of the city.
In no time, only three maidservants remained by Dark’s side.
He quickly instructed, “Angrey, go fetch the dragons.”
When Angrey brought the dragons, the half-tiger man Tyger, leading a mixed team of city guards, rushed over urgently.
The group dispersed rapidly, each heading towards their respective tasks.
