When the plot-skips players into the game world

After extracting the memory preserved by Shepherd, Aiwass returned the Phantom Card left by Shepherd to Prodeno.

It had already lost its uniqueness, reverting to a simple piece of equipment.

Aiwass could even understand why Shepherd originally chose to store his memory in this card—because it possessed extraordinary power and was extremely portable, allowing it to be preserved so completely until now.

This thought process was the same as Aiwass's.

If Aiwass were to become a Lich and choose his Life Box, he would definitely not choose some extremely sturdy metal box or something that could be hidden within insignificant sand grains… Instead, he would choose a rare national treasure.

No way of thinking is absolutely better, because any method of concealment can be deciphered, just as every problem has its solution.

This can only be judged by the first choices lurking in different people's subconscious to assess their personalities.

Not only is Shepherd's choice the same as Aiwass's… If we also consider the "Holy Entity" as such a treasure, then Serpent Celestial Marshal chose similarly.

With this card, perhaps Prodeno's life can be saved.

Aiwass didn't want to use words like "doing this is too dangerous" to persuade Prodeno to survive and let him solve the matter entirely alone—as one should not impose on others what they themselves do not desire.

Generations past the Snake Tail have offered themselves to bring Aiwass to this position. He doesn't want to use the same reason to prevent others from choosing their own end.

That would be like denying Aiwass's own path.

Afterward, Aiwass instructed Zhu Tang to take Mu and quietly leave Holy Spring City under the cover of night, heading towards Primordial.

A few days later, before the Ring of Ouroboros ritual begins, this place would undoubtedly tighten security. Moreover, the Red Hand Gang is gradually approaching, so if they're going to run, it's better to do it early.

After this departure, until Aiwass defeats Serpent Celestial Marshal and Void... they probably won't meet again.

In commemoration of this farewell, Mu and Prodeno personally prepared a meal for Aiwass.

This Horus Martial Monk, who established Silence, though never speaking, was sufficiently reliable. Unlike Zhu Tang, who had late-night heart-to-hearts with Aiwass, he shared experiences of life and death.

Previously, when they left the Tower of Heaven, Mu and Prodeno had prepared a banquet to celebrate their survival.

But at that time, Fallen Celestial Marshal happened to descend; the food wasn't ready yet, and Aiwass hurriedly left out of concern for Yulia and Isabel still in Star Antimony, only managing to pack a few snacks.

Missing that gathering was truly a pity.

Some people's destinies had concluded, never to be encountered again.

And now, even they had reached a time of farewell.

"Mr. Mu's cooking is really good."

Aiwass praised.

This was no politeness—Mu's food was surprisingly delicious. By Aiwass's judgment, it was far more reliable than the royal chefs of Avalon or the chefs of the Moriarty Family!

Aiwass and Zhu Tang tacitly did not leave each other's contact information or address. After all, they were both transcendent ritualists. If they managed to handle their affairs successfully and survive, there would naturally be ways to get in touch.

They gathered together, eating and drinking. The endless wine bottle processed by Zhu Tang's ritual magic seemed to pour out endless amounts of liquor, never emptying.

Aiwass and Zhu Tang laughed and cursed, unrestrainedly critiquing the fall of Parthia, discussing both the past and the future, treating the secrets of the god like gossip.

Lily and Hayna also sat nearby, sipping their drinks silently, watching the two.

From dusk till stars rose, until a crescent moon hung high, with the night halfway gone.

No sounds interrupted, and no one announced that "time was up"—only at the end of a topic, did a mutual silence last for three seconds, when Zhu Tang laughed loudly and got up to leave.

The two did not hug, did not say goodbye. Aiwass only raised a glass to him remotely.

Unable to drink or speak, Mu stood silently nearby, watching the moon from the beginning.

Seeing Zhu Tang leave, he respectfully saluted Aiwass and then turned away with him.

"Your wine bottle!"

Noticing the left-behind bottle, Hayna quickly reacted and wanted to take it to Zhu Tang.

But Zhu Tang only laughed heartily without turning his head, waving his hand.

"Drinking incomplete wine in the desert sands, boarding the lone boat up the heavenly mountains."

Zhu Tang swaggered forward, laughing loudly: "If we meet again in the homeland, I'll trade the stars for wine money!"

Hayna watched him leave, her pupils slightly trembling.

Aiwass glanced sideways at Hayna, reminding her, "Aren't you going? This could be the last opportunity."

Although Hayna wanted to accompany Aiwass in his advancement… but soon, Conarium Abyssal Celestial Envoy would descend. Then Aiwass might not be able to protect her… Without a doubt, leaving with Zhu Tang and the others now is the safest option.

Though Zhu Tang had been demoted several times, in Primordial, he could still be considered a significant figure. At least, it wouldn't be a problem for him to protect Hayna for several months, and once everything was over, Aiwass could bring her back.

Yet Hayna remained silent for a while, shaking her head.

She did not say much, only sighed softly, "So free... Mr. Zhu."

"Are you envious?"

Aiwass chuckled, took Zhu Tang's endless wine bottle, and refilled Hayna's glass: "To courage."

"To justice."

Hayna raised her glass, toasted remotely to Aiwass, then drank it down.

She unexpectedly had quite a taste for alcohol—very much like her mentor Ligeia. Perhaps because she couldn't find good wine in Avalon, or maybe she was embarrassed to drink in front of Ligeia, Hayna had never revealed this.

Only when they headed to Holy Spring City did Hayna show her craving for wine.

Rather than say Zhu Tang's wine bottle was left for Aiwass, it was more like it was left for Hayna. Because Aiwass wasn't really that into drinking; what moved him particularly was Holy Tree No.1—alcohol made from The Great Tree's sap, considered a blood wine of the Angel Envoy.

The reason it moved Aiwass wasn't because of how rich or rare it was, but because it was the wine Isabel and Aiwass drank on important days… and their first bottle of wine together.

More than the pleasing taste of alcohol, Aiwass was captivated by the intoxicating love.

"Justice, huh..."

After hearing Hayna, Aiwass merely shook his head with a quiet laugh.

He gazed at Hayna, calmly speaking, "Since you don't plan on leaving... you should do what you need to do. Whether it is hunting down the cake maker or killing him.

"Do what you want; I will protect you. In the name of…"

Aiwass spoke softly, raising his glass towards her: "In the name of Justice."

Hayna gazed into Aiwass's eyes.

His eyes were so dazzling and bright. Without shadows, without wavering.