Chapter 505: Chapter 247: Raw Stone, Fire of Plunder (Part 2)
Soon, the three reached the fourth floor.
The space on the fourth floor was much smaller than the layers below, but the layout was more exquisite and elegant, with faint traces of the Elf scholars who once meditated and researched here, now all covered by thick dust and the passage of time.
’Eh? What’s this.’
Ye Mingqiu walked straight to the center of the room, where there was an oddly shaped device, somewhat similar to the telescopes of the present world.
Out of curiosity, he carefully dusted off the telescope tube and base, made some simple adjustments, then bent down to peer into the observation port, trying to see the scene behind the device.
Although there are various atlases in the world depicting the appearance of the starry sky, he had never seen it with his own eyes; experiencing such a thing personally is always different.
’A bit blurry.’
’Adjust the focus again.’
’Too much, just slightly less.’
’Oh, just like that!’
’Perfect!’
Ye Mingqiu’s face broke into a smile as his vision pierced through the dome of the ruins, casting toward the boundless starry sky.
Magnificent nebulae, twinkling stars, dead planets... the majestic canvas of the universe unfolded before him. However, in the deep backdrop of the starry sky, he vaguely sensed some kind of discordance.
This is...
Why does it look a bit off, the Other Shore of the starry sky seems to have some kind of boundary, is it because the scale of the world itself is limited, or is there some special condition?
Ye Mingqiu tended toward the former answer, a Tier One World itself is not strong enough, the Laws are not complete, having a boundary limit is quite normal, perhaps entering a High Tier World in the future will reveal a more complete starry sky.
Meanwhile, Adira found several documents on a decayed desk, preserved by a special Magic Silk Thread.
He excitedly blew away the dust, quickly browsed through, and began to read aloud: "...Flawless Raw Stone, the crystallization of fragments of World Origin Law, its nature pure and orderly, starkly contrasts the polluted Life and the chaotic ’Black Tide,’ and thus can be the foundation of Suppression...."
"The achievement of ancient Rune Mages and craftsmen lies in forging devices like the Stabilizing Stone that amplify and stably release its power of order and inscribe Rune Arrays to guide its force field, rather than creating the great power itself...."
He paused for a moment, continuing: "...Our race’s research on the Raw Stone has lasted long, but besides countering the Black Tide, it seems to have no other use, its Energy inert and difficult to drive, also unable to be converted into conventional energy.... truly a wonder born solely to balance the Black Tide, so it is sealed here, left for future needs...."
After reading, Adira gazed deeply at Ye Mingqiu, his eyes full of inquiry.
He began to doubt the purpose behind the Blood Erosion Tyrant’s search for the Raw Stone; according to his knowledge and the conclusions of the Ancient Elf Race’s documents, the Raw Stone seems to have no special use, and this guy’s claims appear unconvincing.
The Blood Erosion Tyrant might be searching for the Raw Stone with the intent to save the world, but the Blood Erosion Tyrant saving the world seems unlikely.
Yet, the probability is not zero.
This guy can wield the Holy Sword, possessing Holy Attribute Power, although the Blood Erosion Tyrant is dubbed a Tyrant, his essence is undeniably a Hero, his desire to save the world and hide his true intentions is quite normal.
After all, heroes in this world are often some twisted, pitiful people.
"No value here, let’s go."
Ye Mingqiu straightened up from the observational device, his tone without any fluctuation.
After all, the Raw Stone carries the World Origin of the Hemos World, specifically meant to counter the Black Tide; if the Raw Stone could be easily used, then the World Will of the Hemos World would seem somewhat idiotic.
How could the World Origin meant to save the world be easily obtained for use by the beings of this world? If they could use the Raw Stone and gain great benefits, would they still be willing to use the Raw Stone to save the world?
In other worlds, perhaps yes, but in Hemos.... the likelihood is very low.
....
After the exploration ended, the three left Frost Speech Forest and returned to Forest Edge Town.
However, before getting close, they saw thick smoke rising from the direction of the town in the distance, a burnt smell drifting with the wind, along with faint cries.
Drawing nearer, the decayed town was already engulfed in a sea of fire, wooden houses crackled in the blaze, the sound of collapse constant.
Within the town came the clashing of weapons, rampant cursing and laughing, civilians’ dying screams, and the hopeless cries of women and children.
"What’s the situation."
Ye Mingqiu furrowed his brows slightly.
Not long ago, a disciple of the Lord of Light and Shadow was just born in town, that boy’s initial strength was very weak, though having some special potential, it was hard to manifest quickly.
He did not wish for his disciple to perish prematurely, otherwise, it would make his scheme seem quite ridiculous.
"Oh, nothing, it’s just the bandits entrenched in the nearby mountains robbing."
Adira smiled naturally, an unsurprised smile, speaking in a usual tone: "It’s very normal for a poor and remote town lacking protection to often encounter such things, nothing odd about it."
Afterward, he paused, curious instead, and asked Ye Mingqiu: "What? Was the era you were in... very peaceful?"
"What about the nobles and lords? Don’t they care? With civilians being plundered completely, I reckon they won’t collect much tax."
Ye Mingqiu did not answer, merely posing a question quietly.
Adira shrugged, his tone carrying customary sarcasm: "Well... it depends on the lord’s conscience."
"Obviously, the lord ruling this area only wants to collect his taxes, as for the lives and security of the civilians? That’s not within his concern."
"So, the civilians here are unlucky, after being squeezed of their last penny by the officials, they still have to be plundered of their last grain by bandits.... This should also be the main reason for the town’s decay."
"This world is rotten through."
Modus’s voice was low and oppressive, the veins bulging on the back of his hand gripping the sword hilt, he recalled his tragically deceased relatives.
"Indeed."
Ye Mingqiu nodded slightly in agreement.
He hadn’t expected that, having just left earlier, this transient resting place would already suffer disaster.
Moreover, judging by the reactions of Adira and Modus, such tragedy is not a coincidence, but a common occurrence on this land.
It’s no wonder Modus, being a Hero, shows no interest in saving the world; a world so rife with decay, oppression, and despair truly makes one reluctant to feel the urge to rescue.
"Let’s go." Ye Mingqiu said, stepping toward the burning town.
"Oh? Oh! Are we finally going to act heroically and save those poor people?"
Adira’s eyes lit up, his tone carrying excitement, as if he’s about to witness a splendid performance.
"Not at all."
Ye Mingqiu did not pause, glancing sideways at Adira, a cold arc curling his lips: "I only kill, it’s simpler than saving, and much more straightforward."
His gaze inadvertently swept past the silent Modus beside him, his voice not loud, yet carrying a peculiar penetrating force, like stating a simple truth:
"If doing good is hard, committing evil is also hard, then pick up your weapon and kill those who make you uncomfortable, such a feeling... might be quite nice."
’Direct slaughter?’
’Is this the choice of the Blood Erosion Tyrant, the origin of the Blood Erosion Tyrant?’
Modus’s body slightly shook, gradually deepening his understanding of the Blood Erosion Tyrant.
He hung his head low, his eyes flickering intensely in the reflection of the flames, deep within, some solid things seemed to be cracking, turbulent thoughts surging like magma.
Ye Mingqiu’s silhouette gradually receded, he unhesitantly walked toward bloodshed and the sea of fire, the Blood Spear symbolizing slaughter reappeared in his hand, the killing aura on him grew increasingly terrifying, the crimson fire of slaughter also seemed to burn along.
Modus looked at the Holy Sword in his hand, murmuring: "This might be a good path."
"The future seems bright."
"Hahaha, hahahahaha..."
He suddenly laughed, laughed happily, his laughter grew louder and more wanton as if using all his strength, his expression growing increasingly delirious.
It seemed like anger towards the world, a release of his inner self, as if rejoicing after finding the final answer after countless pains and struggles.
Modus also advanced at a quicker pace, the Holy Sword slicing a long trail in the snow.
The Hero finally stepped into the sea of despair.
The Holy Sword draw again.
...
PS: In the previous Chapter, I saw comments saying my writing feels very full; it suddenly made me feel a bit happy. I will do my best to write well.