Instigator and Protector of Violence

The sound of Sandro's words echoed in Ethan's ears.

The voice of the ritual suddenly became immense and thunderous, as if it was the only sound remaining in the entire world.

The people who entered this House of Shedding with Ethan all crawled to the ground, bowing in worship before the statue.

Even the strongest, Joseph, was no exception. He seemed to be struggling, but the divine light in his eyes was slowly fading away.

It seemed he had already lost hope.

Yet Ethan remained standing.

His 'True God's Name' was still helping him resist.

But Sandro's words continued to ring in his ears: "Ethan, do you know what your biggest weakness is? You are too emotional. It was like this with Vincent last time, and it's the same now. You can't always escape unscathed. So... join me. I will help you digest these useless parts, leaving only your decisiveness and wisdom..."

"Come!"

The next moment, from that Sandro's statue, a hand seemed to extend out, reaching for Ethan to grasp.

Ethan tried to summon the power from the crown to counteract Sandro's corruption.

The effect, however, wasn't so significant; he could only move a few fingers.

Sandro continued his coaxing: "It's useless, Ethan. You might be able to use his power, but it will only work on me once, not a second time. So, resign to fate, embrace me!"

Sandro's hand was getting closer.

Yet Ethan's hand had already reached his waist.

"No."

The next second.

Light penetrated the entire bizarre, terrifying, twisted House of Shedding.

Along with Sandro's hand, those nameless ritual words, all vanished completely.

Ethan finally regained his physical freedom, while the others were still trapped in that state of worship.

Only Joseph, he awoke the fastest, after all, he was the strongest. Upon waking, he immediately started vomiting frantically.

It wasn't just nausea, but also fear.

Just moments ago, although not long in reality, he felt time was interminable. For the first time in his life, he felt so fragile, as if he was about to die.

Before, even on the battlefield amidst bloody fighting, when death was near, he never felt this fear.

He vomited for a while before stopping, then looked at Ethan and quietly said, "Thank you."

Ethan was taken aback, shook his head.

Luckily, he had Huoyan make an alchemical pouch for him, where he kept the ascetic staff of Saint Kuanti.

Otherwise, this time, trouble would've been inevitable.

Fortunately, the power of Saint Kuanti was still strong enough.

He took another look at Sandro's statue, then shattered it completely.

Afterwards, Anya and Vincent gradually awoke, and they quickly took the still-dazed Herlosh and shadows away from this terrifying house.

——————

Two hours later.

Ethan and his team had already returned to the Prohibition Bureau.

The other two groups also came back.

Their actions went smoothly without any surprises, including those Ethan wanted them to rescue, all were saved.

Along the way, they gathered quite a few people, but didn't bring everyone back. Most civilians stayed in their homes with some capable Sheriffs or members of the Bolita Clan assigned for vigilance.

Only a portion of civilians in poor condition were brought back and settled near the Prohibition Bureau.

Of course, most of what they brought back were combat-capable forces.

One might say, after such sweeping and gathering, Wenster's chaos was swiftly pacified.

At least, those monsters were either killed or driven away.

On the Prohibition Bureau's side, the analysis of the rainwater came back, indeed containing pollutant components, but not high, within controllable range; among the supplies Heisenberg brought from the Royal Capital, there were many medicines, including ones to suppress pollution.

As long as those in severe condition take this medicine and remove the source of pollution, there will be no problem.

The source of pollution, naturally, was Sandro.

"We need to go into the sewer."

Given the current situation is basically under their control, once Sandro is dealt with, this troubling rain over Wenster should disperse.

Right now, they couldn't find any trace of Sandro, but that didn't mean they had to search for him; letting Sandro come out on his own wasn't impossible.

They now knew the key to the entire pollution, or sacrifice, lay underground, in the sewers.

If they enter the sewers to disrupt this key, would Sandro sit idle?

This decision faced no opposition.

Moreover, there's no time to wait.

Immediate action was necessary.

Because no one knew to what extent this sacrifice had reached, their known information was still too sparse.

How Sandro became Oswaldo was a puzzle they couldn't crack.

Thus, they could only act fast, to not give Sandro room to carry out his plan leisurely.

After snacking and resting briefly, they re-equipped and prepared to enter the sewers.

Considering what Ethan and the others faced in the House of Shedding, Heisenberg brought out a batch of Protective Talismans.

These Protective Talismans were specially crafted, shaped like a book, essentially a miniature version of the Kingdom's legal code, supposedly containing a large number of legal rhymes in each talisman, enough to shred most mental attacks.

Before nightfall.

Ethan and his team had arrived at the nearest sewer entrance near the Prohibition Bureau.

After one last equipment check, the group started jumping into the sewer one by one.

This time, only the elites were sent.

Heisenberg, Marvin, Joseph, and two high-level True Name holders in the Bureau.

In addition to Ethan and Anya.

Ned didn't come, as he stayed behind to guard against Sandro's rear attack.

As the last person entered the deep sewer.

Night finally fell.

And at the same time, a pair of eyes was watching all this.

The owner of these eyes, was once Duval, the famous lawyer.

Of course, now, he was also Sandro.

He withdrew his gaze from the window, first approaching the phonograph, selecting a serenade to play, then poured himself a drink, sipping and dancing solo.

While dancing, he made his way to the sofa.

Sitting on the sofa at the moment was a person who should have been dead—

Vito.

Vito showed a smile almost identical to Sandro's, quietly enjoying the music.

When the music reached its finale, Sandro finished his drink's last sip, then extended a hand and shook it with Vito.

The next instant.

The two began to rapidly merge and disappear.

Eventually, Vito and Duval vanished.

Sitting again on the sofa was a completely new, brand new, metallic-glossed Sandro.

He opened his arms and closed his eyes, as if listening to something.