Endless Debt

Chapter 1207: Chapter 41: Extraordinary Extinction (Part 2)

"It’s no longer just a gate, but the ’impact point’ from the overlap of two worlds."

Mamo’s voice turned somber, "Even if we know this information, so what? We still don’t have the ability to close that gate or push back the impact from the Ethereal Realm."

Bologue fell silent, even more shocked by Mamo’s next words.

"More importantly... assuming we have the ability to close the Gate of Origin and push the Ethereal Realm away from this world, do you know what kind of price we’d have to pay?"

Mamo stared intently at Bologue. Despite his aging appearance, the strength in his gaze held Bologue in place, instilling a chilling coldness.

Several answers immediately surfaced in Bologue’s mind, but just as he prepared to voice them, he realized that if the answer were that simple, Mamo wouldn’t have such an attitude.

An answer Bologue had never considered flashed into his mind.

Bologue murmured, "Supernatural extinction..."

As if a naive child suddenly realizing the cruelty of the world, Bologue became acutely aware of his previous blind spots.

"Closing the Gate of Origin, solving the impact point, perhaps we could truly sever the connection between the Devil and the human world, but that would also undoubtedly sever the connection between the Ether and the world... The entire world would return to normalcy; the Extraordinary would cease to exist."

Mamo sat back in his chair, his eyes filled with deep sorrow, "The current Extraordinary System would completely collapse; centuries of our accumulation would be wiped away. But those aren’t the most lethal consequences. The truly fatal result is that all Condensers would become mere mortals."

The atmosphere plunged into dead silence, and Bologue felt an immense oppression, almost suffocating him.

"No wonder Leviathan is indifferent to this. Even if it severs the connection between the Devil and the Material Realm, can we genuinely forgo the Extraordinary Power?"

Bologue spoke to himself, "Even if we can let go, what then? There will always be those who cannot, and those who can’t will naturally come to stop us. In their eyes, we will become more detestable than the Devil.

The conflict stirred up by the Devil merely harvests countless souls, but our actions would utterly destroy everything."

Mamo sighed deeply and said no more.

Although all of this is based on various conjectures, if the predictions are correct, Bologue’s actions will inevitably provoke the entire Extraordinary World’s conflicts.

In the face of larger threats, the existence of the Devil is not unacceptable to many; it can even be considered an ally.

Condensers, while human, possess Extraordinary Power, placing them in another category entirely, different from ordinary people. If not for the vows and agreements between factions, many Condensers would attempt to step out of the shadows and establish an Extraordinary Empire under the sun.

Are Condensers not another form of the Night Race?

"Come with me, Bologue."

Mamo rested momentarily, then stood up again, leading Bologue into the shadows.

"Within the Order Bureau, we don’t like discussing the Gate of Origin," Mamo said, "The human heart is the most unreliable thing."

Bologue followed closely behind Mamo, "And the stance of the Decision Room?"

"Silence. I have asked them, but the Decision Room has not responded. Presumably, the collective is still calculating."

As the first generation minister, the existence of the collective is no secret to Mamo.

"We are intentionally ignoring this point. It’s not a problem if information about the Gate of Origin leaks out, but if other forces believe the Order Bureau intends to close the Gate... we will be enemies with the world," Mamo’s voice was devoid of emotion, "It might even mean that the Order Bureau will split apart."

This concerns the interests of all Condensers, the essence of each individual.

Bologue said nothing. He realized he had oversimplified everything, too idealistically.

By that time, the members of the Undying Club might even attempt to stop him since they are cowardly, fearing death. Closing the Gate of Origin, cutting off the Extraordinary Power threatens their very survival.

Mamo consoled, "Don’t think too much; it’s just speculation. We don’t currently have the power to close the Gate of Origin, moreover, is it truly the Gate of Origin?"

"Sometimes, merely having such thoughts could be considered a sin," Bologue said.

Mamo smiled slightly, leading Bologue through a long tunnel until they arrived at an open space.

The view gradually cleared, first catching Bologue’s eyes was the massive high platform at the center of the space, interconnected by hundreds of luminous cables, surrounded by various steel frames and panels, appearing very heavy and sturdy.

At each corner of the platform were many control panels and sensors, neatly arranged, resembling a massive iron-forged nest.

The workers were busy; some were checking and repairing cables, others were testing if transmitters and receivers were functioning normally. A group of technicians was maintaining the control panels and data channels, working swiftly and skillfully.

"What is this?"

Bologue asked, it seemed the Scholars’ Hall was secretly constructing something unknown to many.

"This is a detection platform we built, imitating the Observation Tower, and of course, its detection target is the Ethereal Realm."

Mamo explained to Bologue, "Your ascensions are limited and extremely dangerous, we can’t rely on you every time."

"So you’re finding a way to explore the Ethereal Realm without my Ascension ritual?" Bologue asked.

"Yes, we are currently experimenting with an exploration process."

Mamo led Bologue onto the platform, the setup was very familiar to Bologue, two complex mechanical chairs like those used for his Ascension ritual were mounted on it.

"When an individual undergoes the Ascension ritual, his connection with the Ethereal Realm becomes stronger, and perhaps during this time, using this close connection, we may take the opportunity to send another individual’s consciousness into the Ethereal Realm."

"I guess that person is me," Bologue said.

"Yes, you are the only one among us with experience in exploring the Ethereal Realm," Mamo affirmed.

"What about the person responsible for the Ascension ritual? Are you treating a Condenser’s ascension as a consumable?" Bologue frowned.

For Condensers, the Ascension ritual is extremely important and perilous; this method of exploration undeniably treats Condensers as expendables.

Mamo glanced at the nearby darkness while speaking, "Regarding this, you needn’t worry; we have our solutions."

Bologue followed Mamo’s gaze, vaguely distinguishing numerous iron coffins in the shadows.

"When will it begin?" Bologue asked.

"Don’t be hasty, this setup has just been completed, we still need a significant amount of time for testing." freēwēbnovel.com

Mamo’s face appeared somewhat strained, he found a nearby chair to sit down, his stamina waning, uncertain how much longer he could last.

"More importantly, there’s another matter I need to entrust to you," Mamo said breathlessly, his voice laced with fatigue.

"I’m listening."

Bologue nodded lightly, feeling an indescribable emotion for the elder burning his life force.

"Concerning the exploration of the Holy City."

Mamo’s expression became serious, "The last glow is about to fade, this will be our final opportunity to explore the Holy City and dig out King Solomon’s heritage."

Bologue had guessed it long ago; the Decision Room had informed him way beforehand.

"It seems the Order Bureau is ready for this part of the operation?"

Mamo nodded earnestly, his eyes showing a trace of fervor. For someone of his venerable age, being able to glimpse King Solomon’s knowledge once again is an immense honor.