Arcane: Begging for Help in a Parallel Universe!

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"Nom nom nom..."

Neeko, with one hand held by Link and the other clutching a piece of cheesecake, was devouring the treat with a ferocity that made it seem like the cake was her mortal enemy. Every bite was taken with such force that Link could even hear the faint grinding of her teeth.

Once the cheesecake was gone, Neeko licked her fingers clean, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

"Cheesecake is the best!"

"Yeah, yeah—" Link tugged gently on Neeko's hand. The little Vastaya had a habit of walking on all fours, and even when walking upright, she often stretched her arms forward, resembling a velociraptor from the Jurassic Park movies Link had seen in his past life.

"But even if it's delicious, you should eat in moderation," Link said, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe Neeko's mouth, cheeks, and fingers. He also adjusted her posture slightly.

Because Link was holding her hand, most of Neeko's weight was leaning on him, causing her to walk at a tilt.

"No!" Neeko protested, her voice as crisp and stubborn as a spoiled child's.

"What if you eat so much now that you don't want any later? What will you do then?" Link countered.

Neeko didn't hesitate. "Impossible! Neeko loves cheesecake too much!"

"Alright, alright. You're cute, so you're right!"

Link led Neeko down from the airship dock to the bustling harbor below.

The merchant ship Koret had been on had departed the day before. The Serpent Isles weren't limited to just Bilgewater; there were other settlements as well.

Experienced captains who had connections would quickly finish their business in Bilgewater and head to their preferred locations rather than staying in the city, especially as the Harrowing approached.

Why?

Because Bilgewater was the most dangerous place in the Serpent Isles during the Harrowing—bar none.

The reason?

The power of Nagakabouros couldn't reach here.

Followers of Nagakabouros could summon the god's children—massive sea beasts—to protect them. However, these sea beasts had their own preferences and only appeared in clean waters.

And the waters around Bilgewater?

Filthy beyond belief.

It was almost ironic. The people of Bilgewater, who relied on the sea for their livelihood, had turned the city's harbor into a place so polluted that even the sea beasts avoided it.

The "Blood Harbor" in Pyke's title, "Bloodharbor Ripper," referred to a port in Bilgewater where years of slaughter had left the waters stained with blood. No amount of tidal waves could wash it clean.

Because of this, the sea beasts had marked Bilgewater as a no-go zone. Only the youngest and most desperate sea monsters would venture near the city.

This was mentioned in the short story The Burden, related to Illaoi's background, where a serpent caller of Nagakabouros explained that the sea beasts couldn't come to Bilgewater due to the Blood Harbor. These beasts could devour the Black Mist and protect an area, acting as a barrier.

But the greed of Bilgewater's people had created the Blood Harbor, driving the sea beasts away and leaving the city vulnerable to the Harrowing's Black Mist.

Illaoi, as the Truthbearer of Nagakabouros, could channel the god's power, but protecting Bilgewater required a lengthy ritual to gather the dormant energy of Nagakabouros and unleash a city-wide cleansing to dispel the Black Mist.

In simpler terms, it was like a super ability with an incredibly long cooldown—so long that even the worst ADC could kill her seven times over before she finished casting it.

During this time, Illaoi would remain in her temple, unable to step out.

This was why Link had chosen Bilgewater as the first overseas city for the Bluebird Mercantile's expansion.

Janna, as the embodiment of the wind, could quickly reach any place where air flowed. The storms she summoned with her divine power could also disperse the Black Mist, which was a key part of Link's plan.

On the night of the Harrowing, if Link could hold off the Black Mist and weaken the undead, Janna could then sweep in, dispel the mist, and harvest the city's faith—and its economy.

As Link and Neeko wandered the docks, they suddenly came to a halt.

Ahead, several bodies hung from wooden frames. While the heads were relatively intact, the rest of the bodies had been reduced to skeletons.

In front of these remains, a hooded figure was carefully stitching the eyelids and lips of the corpses with golden needles and silver thread, murmuring ancient prayers under his breath.

Link quickly covered Neeko's eyes, earning a protest from the little Vastaya.

"Link, what are you doing? Neeko can't see!"

"Just wait a bit. I'll get you more cheesecake later."

"Really?"

"Of course!"

Link lowered his hand, and Neeko obediently kept her eyes shut, leaning against him.

Link approached the hooded man, his voice filled with admiration.

"I didn't expect to see such a traditional soul-soothing ritual here."

The man didn't respond, continuing his work as if he hadn't heard.

Link didn't press further, simply observing in silence.

The hooded man's actions weren't desecration but a sacred ritual to protect the dead from the shadows. By stitching the eyelids and lips with special thread, he ensured the deceased would find eternal peace, free from the corruption of the Black Mist.

This was a ritual of the Sentinels of Light, a practice known only to a rare few who carried both skill and compassion.

After finishing his task, the hooded man packed away his tools and turned to leave without a word.

"Hey, not going to talk?"

Link called out, and the man paused, turning slowly to reveal a stern face hidden beneath his hood.

His eyes were dark, filled with the flames of hatred and vengeance. His sharp features were cold and unwelcoming, and a long braid peeked out from under his hood. Link also noticed the two peculiar guns holstered at his waist.

The guns were crafted from stone and an unknown gleaming metal, lacking triggers, which made them seem like mere ornaments. But Link, familiar with the lore, knew better.

These were no decorations. They were powerful, magical weapons that could fire endlessly as long as their wielder had the will and conviction. Each shot could obliterate undead and shadow creatures with ease.

Their owner was none other than the grieving widower and relentless avenger—the Sentinel of Light, Lucian.

He had come to Bilgewater for the Harrowing, and for the devil who had taken his beloved: Thresh, the Chain Warden.

"The Harrowing approaches. Head to higher ground, stranger," Lucian said, his voice rough and weathered by time.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 150 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 290 power stones I will publish the next chapter.