Worldwide Awakening: My Soul Kinds Are Lost

"A Level 30 dungeon already involves a city?"

Wang Linchi glanced at the instance titled "Ji City Unrest." The main objective was to ferret out the Wicked People hiding within Ji City in ten days.

Initially, there were ten Wicked People. Starting from the first day, the Wicked People would begin to infect other ordinary individuals. As time passed, more and more Wicked People would emerge.

This dungeon's difficulty had two main aspects. Firstly, the identities of the Wicked People were unknown. Each time a Player entered this instance, it would be reset, and the Wicked People would change. The City Lord might have been one of the Wicked People in the previous attempt, but not this time. Thus, finding the Wicked People was quite challenging.

Secondly, their strength. Initially, a Wicked Person wouldn't even know they were wicked, nor would they be aware they were infecting others and turning them into Wicked People. However, if a Player exposed their identity or attacked them, the Wicked People would reveal their true power.

Therefore, completing the mission required not only a sharp mind but also corresponding strength. More importantly, speed was essential.

After all, the Wicked People were infectious. By the second day, an unknown number of original inhabitants would have been converted into Wicked People. Players might not even last until the tenth day; they could be overwhelmed and killed by the sheer numbers and power of the Wicked People.

As for finding all the Wicked People on the first day, that was highly improbable. According to incomplete statistics on the forums, Ji City had a population of 100,000. In an ancient setting, this was a very large city.

Finding ten Wicked People—who look like ordinary humans and don't even know they aren't—among 100,000 individuals? That would surely come down to Luck.

"Seems like... I'll really have to depend on Luck?"

As Wang Linchi arrived at the city gate, he looked at the names displayed above two City Guard Soldiers.

[Elite·Abyssal Demon·Wicked Person LV30, Health (1,000,000/1,000,000)]

Encountering two Wicked People right at the start—this Luck is incredible! And they haven't even begun infecting others yet.

"Are you the famed Demon Suppressing Sorcerer summoned by our City Lord?" one of the Evil Person Guard Soldiers approached. He was unaware of his own condition; his wicked consciousness had not yet awakened. At this moment, he was merely acting under the guise of an ordinary person.

Indeed, Players didn't identify Wicked People through investigation or questioning; they just needed to look at the names above their heads. Otherwise, if Wang Linchi had to rely on his own investigation, he wouldn't be able to find them even if given a year, let alone ten days.

It wasn't as if every Player was an ace detective.

Besides, he was here to kill Abyssal Demons and clear the instance, not to play a detective game.

"Yes, that's me." Wang Linchi knew his Identity Item was working.

Although the Wicked People were disguised as City Guard Soldiers, as long as their primary consciousness remained dormant, they still possessed human-like thinking and inherited the associated favorability. They would certainly act respectfully; otherwise, how could they maintain a perfect disguise?

"That's wonderful! The City Lord has been awaiting you for some time. Please, follow me," the Evil Person Guard Soldier said eagerly, offering to lead the way.

"Then I'll trouble you. And you, good sir," Wang Linchi said, smiling at the other Evil Person Guard Soldier, "come with us as well. I have a small matter to trouble you both with."

The other soldier was momentarily taken aback, then nodded, "Yes!"

Naturally, there were more than just two City Guard Soldiers at the gate. Out of respect for Wang Linchi's prestigious reputation, the other City Guard Soldiers, though puzzled, did not intervene.

"However, we must report this. We two cannot abandon our posts without authorization," the Evil Person Guard Soldier Wang Linchi had singled out then said.

"Certainly. Go and report it," Wang Linchi said, gesturing towards another human guard. This series of strange actions left the City Guard Soldiers somewhat bewildered.

Nevertheless, the human guard obeyed Wang Linchi's command and went to report.

The approval process was swift; permission was naturally granted. After all, it was just two soldiers being asked to guide someone to the City Master's Mansion, hardly a major affair.

Once arrangements were made, the two Evil Person Guard Soldiers led Wang Linchi towards the City Master's Mansion.

Along the way, the excited Evil Person Guard Soldier chattered incessantly, constantly briefing Wang Linchi about the situation in Ji City.

"Why did your City Lord invite me? Your Ji City appears so prosperous and thriving; it doesn't look like it's plagued by Evil Demons," Wang Linchi asked.

If he didn't have his Demon Suppression Legacy Identity Item, he definitely wouldn't receive such treatment.

"That, I'm not sure about. But it seems there might be some trouble within the mansion," this Evil Person Guard Soldier replied. How could a mere gatekeeper like him know so much? He only knew this much because he had asked a few questions when his superiors gave the orders.

They soon arrived at the City Master's Mansion. After being announced, the mansion's Housekeeper led Wang Linchi to meet the City Lord.

This instance truly tested one's Luck, Wang Linchi thought along the way. He had already encountered a third Wicked Person—that's right, the Housekeeper leading him in.

"Um, I recall we passed an empty courtyard just now, didn't we?"

As they reached the entrance to the City Lord's study, just as the Housekeeper was about to step aside and let Wang Linchi enter, Wang Linchi spoke abruptly.

"Yes, Mage. Rest assured, your accommodations have been arranged," the Housekeeper said, assuming Wang Linchi was worried about where he would stay.

"That's not what I meant," Wang Linchi said. "I mean, that courtyard looked quite nice. Why don't the three of you go there and cool off for a bit? I have matters to discuss with you after I meet the City Lord."

The Housekeeper was baffled. What does he mean by that?

"The City Master's Mansion is busy with many affairs, and this is the rear courtyard. We three are all men; it's not appropriate for us to linger here for long," the Housekeeper politely declined. Respect is one thing, but he can't just start making such outlandish requests!

Wang Linchi's expression darkened. The image of the Saint Master manifested, and he stated firmly, "I have my reasons. Otherwise, why would your City Lord have invited me here?"

Showing sufficient muscle while reasoning things out greatly increased the probability of persuading someone. Especially when the Saint Master looked particularly imposing.

Combined with the amplification from the Cards, the Housekeeper immediately relented.

"The Mage speaks wisely. I shall take these two to that courtyard to cool down at once."

Pleased with the Housekeeper's attitude, Wang Linchi dismissed the Saint Master, then pushed open the door and entered the study.

The City Lord was a bearded, middle-aged man who looked somewhat frail, likely due to the onset of middle-age decline.

"Mage, please sit. Is there some issue with the Housekeeper?" the City Lord asked, looking up and gesturing for Wang Linchi to take a seat.

He must have heard the commotion outside but had not intervened out of respect for the Mage. However, he still needed an explanation from Wang Linchi.

"Huh? Didn't you ask me here to deal with Evil Demons? Your Housekeeper, along with those two soldiers, are all Evil Demons," Wang Linchi retorted.

These words left the City Lord reeling. Was it Wang Linchi's incredible efficiency, or had his Ji City become a den of Evil Demons? Three Evil Demons captured between the city gate and the City Master's Mansion, one of whom was his confidant and now a major threat! This was too outrageous!

"Well, actually, I invited you, Mage, to... to take a look at my wife. I didn't expect you to..." The City Lord felt a shiver run down his spine.

"The City Master's Wife? What's wrong with her? Have there been any changes?" He wouldn't have to catch another Wicked Person, would he? Wang Linchi mused. If this kept up, he figured he could complete the mission before nightfall.

As for how to kill them, it was simple. Poison them—use a potent toxin to weaken them first, then strike. The advantage would be his!

"It's just... somewhat difficult to speak about. Please, Mage, help take a look," the City Lord said, preparing to send for his wife.

"Hold on. If she's ill, you should see a doctor. I can suppress demons and expel evil, but I can't treat illnesses!" Wang Linchi couldn't help but snap back. He didn't possess such an ability.

"No, no, no! I mean, my wife... she might be possessed by an Evil Demon!" the City Lord quickly rephrased.

Wang Linchi's expression finally softened. That was more like it, Wang Linchi thought. It was just that the City Lord's description had been too peculiar and "difficult to mention"; Wang Linchi had initially assumed it was an issue of infertility.

"Very well. Please ask the City Master's Wife to come in." Wang Linchi thought, This might be a side quest.

Soon, the City Master's Wife was brought in.

She appeared normal, not a Wicked Person. However, upon closer inspection, Wang Linchi noticed something amiss.

There seemed to be traces of other Abyssal Demons on her, which he found rather strange.

"City Master's Wife, have you come into contact with anyone recently? There are traces of other Evil Demons on you," Wang Linchi asked.

The City Master's Wife pondered for a moment, then replied, "Seven days ago, I went to the Accumulating Blessings Temple outside the city to pray. Does that count?"

"It does. How many days have you had this problem?" Wang Linchi inquired further.

"For three days now, my Lady... in her dreams, she's always... by some kind of..." the City Lord began to explain on her behalf, but found it difficult to articulate fully.

Wang Linchi immediately understood. The City Lord was even fumbling with his words, wasn't he? So, some Evil Demons had *this* kind of preference? They were different species; how could it be interested?

"Were there any signs before this?" Wang Linchi asked again.

"Yes," the City Master's Wife responded. "For the first three days after returning from the Accumulating Blessings Temple, I only dreamt of a dark shadow gradually approaching. Later, when it got closer..."

"Mm, I roughly understand the situation. I'll make a trip to the Accumulating Blessings Temple later to see if I can resolve it."

"However, you must keep a close watch on those three in the courtyard for me. It's best to lock them up somewhere secluded. I'll deal with them when I return tonight," Wang Linchi said. Meanwhile, his mind was already working on how to secure the quest items for this instance. There were some guides on the forum, but acquiring them would take some time.