Chapter 5 - Shepherd’s Secret Continuation

Aiwas didn't even wait for authorization from the Inspection Bureau before knowing that he would inevitably be part of the investigation. Unexpectedly, he might even be able to conduct a solo inquiry—acting as an "Inspection Bureau Associate"—without Hajina's close supervision. On one hand, it was due to the influence of his foster father. On the other, the Inspection Bureau, restricted by its higher-ups' regulations, always welcomed external aid. Ever since Mr. Sherlock, independent consultants employed and consulted by the Bureau have become a recognized profession. If the investigation falters, they can blame it on the lack of capability of the hired detective, sparing the Bureau harsh internal inquiries. But if it succeeds, the Bureau takes credit for providing correct guidance, ensuring some form of acknowledgment and benefit. Though Hajina is a bona fide inspector, Aiwas understands the Bureau even better than she does. He has his reasons for actively involving himself in this matter. —Revenge and silence. The two stories Aiwas previously told the inspector were both fabrications—or at least not entirely truthful. He was indeed a participant in the ritual and knew the two demonologists. But he was also a sacrificial victim in the ceremony. Because those two demonologists were actually Aiwas's "pen pals." Aiwas had always been deeply curious about forbidden knowledge since childhood. The more banned the mystical arts were by the Kingdom of Avalon, the more fervently he studied them. For instance, ritual magic from the [Transcendence] path and preservation techniques from the [Twilight] path. The former is the foundational ability of a demonologist, and one profession extending from the latter is the necromancer—which, judging by the name, doesn't bode well. Such forbidden knowledge was only briefly touched upon in his foster father's study. Possessing banned books incurs severe punishment, even imprisonment, in a knight's family. Yet, having read the summaries, young Aiwas's curiosity was only further piqued. He fervently purchased ritual materials and attempted conducting rituals based on speculation and imagination without any substantial mystical knowledge or skills. These attempts naturally ended in failure. The core secret of this world is "knowledge." The nine paths of mysticism correspond to nine different mystic techniques, requiring specialized knowledge to master. Conversely, possessing the right knowledge, even with limited personal power, grants one extraordinary abilities far beyond actual prowess. With this context, it's impossible to find a reliable "skill book" on the market. On Aiwas's sixteenth birthday, a secret society of demonologists called "Noble Crimson" reached out to him. Initially wary, Aiwas soon received several hand-copied forbidden books accompanying their letters, which contained knowledge of demons and demon rituals. Though mostly simple, trivial rituals allowing minor effects like making someone grow boils, treating small injuries, invoking drowsiness, or causing bad luck, they were indeed genuine rituals with actual effects! After enthusiastically trying each out, Aiwas felt exhilarated and corresponded regularly with them, exchanging demonology knowledge. They regarded themselves as his friends, frequently discussing everyday matters and emotions. At first, Aiwas remained slightly cautious. However, two years passed quietly. Aiwas thought if they intended to deceive him, they would've done so by then. The concealed knowledge they shared had vast value—though Aiwas, unfamiliar with black markets, didn’t know its exact worth, the sheer volume seemed a lot. —No scammer would invest so much for one person for so long. It neither made logical nor economic sense. So, Aiwas gradually relaxed, genuinely considering his pen pal a dear albeit unseen friend. A few days ago, they mentioned need to visit the capital and wanted to meet Aiwas in person. He trusted them with no hesitation or suspicion. —This was his lie to the inspector. "Aiwas" wasn’t kidnapped; he went on his own accord. The visitors were a bald man and woman in red: the man in his forties or fifties, the woman in her twenties. Beyond mentor and apprentice, they were lovers as well. He enthusiastically treated his "friends" to dinner. Later, the older man proposed showing Aiwas—or even letting him participate in an actual demon summoning. Aiwas readily agreed out of excitement. But after spending more than an hour preparing the ritual, he suddenly realized something on the ritual altar. Summoning demons surely needed expensive materials, didn't it? It dawned on him that he, having personally set up the altar, was the "willing sacrificial offering." Meanwhile, as a student of the Kingdom's Law University Seminary, Aiwas could eventually become a priest before graduation. Though not yet on the path to transcendence, he had taken the first step on the [Dedication] path. His record showed he was already a Level 1 priest. Once he accumulates sufficient experience in "Basic Prayers," he could advance to Level 2, unlocking his first dedication path trait. He had, of course, eagerly shared this with his pen pals—even though being a priest seemed less thrilling than a demonologist, it was respected. Transcendent craftsmanship surpassed having none, and priesthood was revered in Avalon. The [Dedication] path symbolizes light, protection, and candles—a journey of self-sacrifice for others and ideals. Only those who sincerely practice this can grow stronger. Thus, all professions extending from the dedication path are respected and promising transcendent careers. As a "willing sacrificial 'dedication' believer," Aiwas became an exemplary offering. At that moment, facing a death crisis, he recalled memories from a previous life, identifying the demon species just in time to form a successful pact. Controlling a shadow demon, he assaulted and killed the bewildered older man, the “mentor” demonologist. However, the apprentice woman survived. Had she been slightly slower, Aiwas would've killed her; had she glanced back, she could've killed Aiwas instead. It was so close. Aiwas lamented. —Just barely, he could have been sacrificed by the man or killed by the woman. Betrayed, deceived, nearly murdered. True anger echoed within Aiwas. He resolved to retaliate without a shred of doubt. Especially because that woman likely saw Aiwas's letters. Meaning if captured, she could—or would—implicate Aiwas. His foster father’s stance remained unclear, but Aiwas needed to silence her before she fell into inspector hands. Yet, he wouldn't risk exposing his demonologist identity just to eliminate her. He had a plan. Upon waking yesterday, Aiwas instinctively tested a simple ritual unknown to the original "Aiwas" and only appearing late in the game. Using this to replenish his life force drained by being a sacrificial victim, Aiwas confirmed that the secret knowledge he possessed also held power in this world. In the game, Aiwas's profession wasn’t a "Transcendence" path demonologist but a "Dedication" path Luminary. A pure support class enhancing ally capabilities, with minor healing and control abilities. But given his solo quest against apocalyptic threats, such a weak class wasn’t viable. The Luminary couldn’t benefit from its own buffs. Or rather, most roles down the "Dedication" path couldn’t utilize one's own enhancements, protection, or healing. However, as a secondary role, Luminary was viable. Aiwas's public identity was a priest in the dedication path, allowing advance preparation for transitioning into a Luminary. He was deeply familiar with the essential path traits required for this transition. To counter those crises, his main class needed sufficient solo combat power. Considering he could take Luminary as a secondary role, the answer became clear. That was in the 5.0 version of "Aiwas," after harnessing the power of phantasmal illusions, he advanced as the "Grand Beast Master." This was a late-stage class advancement following the progression from the Sin Scholar. A "Grand Beast Master" could convert the essence of defeated, undying phantom demons into their summoned beasts, known as "Great Beasts" with six different attributes. Although only one "Great Beast" could be summoned at a time, it could be switched depending on the situation. Then, the Beast Master could use support, equipment, or field cards drawn from the other "Great Beasts" to empower the current one. Crucially, these summoned beasts counted as "allies." Not only did they significantly out-damage the main body, but they also benefited from all types of ally buffs. In gaming terms, this class was known for having the highest synergistic benefit rate with buffs. The cards provided noble, mechanism-based enhancements—like speed, armor penetration, poison, burn, evasion, and spell penetration—intentionally excluding direct damage buffs. This meant they wouldn't dilute the damage-enhancing buffs provided by a Luminary, the most mainstream support. Though the main body wouldn’t receive attack buffs after summoning a "Great Beast," leading to slightly weaker attacks, during burst cycles, the Grand Beast Master could briefly merge with the empowered beast, unleashing tremendous strength. Paired with the Luminary, Aiwas could bolster his summoned beast as an "ally," while maintaining the societal benefits of his public priest identity. He could also switch beasts to counter specific enemies, with high potential for growth. In worst-case scenarios, where only he could challenge a boss—this combo might not be the top for peak burst but was unrivaled for versatility and adaptability. The ability to draw and create Phantom Demon Cards from Tarot using the power of a superior phantom stemmed from the Sin Scholar class. A Sin Scholar, after detailed research and analysis of a phantom, could obtain ritual knowledge—what cards the phantom could yield, and required materials and rituals. This knowledge allowed even a demonologist to prepare in advance once known. The crucial prerequisite for advancing to a Grand Beast Master was creating six blank cards of different attributes using Sin Scholar abilities to seal six corresponding phantoms. Then, repeatedly defeating phantoms of the same attribute provided experiential materials, leveling up these phantoms. Julia hosted a high-level fire-attribute phantom, as Aiwas recalled. This phantom made her body frail due to nurturing it. The phantom would claim Julia's life upon maturation. To save her, confronting the fledgling phantom was essential; however, as phantoms are eternal, standard methods couldn’t save Julia—only delay the phantom’s awakening and potential loss of control. The "Grand Beast Master," however, offered a solution. If Aiwas could craft a “blank card” accommodating the phantom within Julia, he could extract its consciousness directly. This would allow Julia to survive and prepare essential advancement materials for the Grand Beast Master! Julia could also inherit the phantom's residual energy—stabilizing this risky power into one she could harness, embarking on a path to transcendence. This hinged on Aiwas's memory that the card-crafting ritual was reliable and feasible. He already tested other rituals and confirmed the game's ritual knowledge was functional in reality! Yet, creating Phantom Demon Cards required additional verification since Sin Scholar emerged after the "Fallen Heavenly Event." Transpiring two versions early, Aiwas wasn’t sure if the ritual applied yet. Thus, experimentation was necessary. By successfully crafting any Phantom Demon Card as a demonologist, Aiwas would verify this system's current validity! This would provide him with an alternative power, unrelated to demonology. His revenge and silencing actions would become more feasible. He could even save Julia! And perhaps reverse Avalon's ruin— —if only he could successfully create his first card. Aiwas, now still weak, had only one near-phantom entity: the shadow demon. The only card extractable from the shadow demon was the "Moon." Manufacturing the "Moon Card," regardless of its power level, required a nail from a person executed by quartering and three ancient nooses. Aiwas carefully sat at his desk, taking a slightly darkened tarot card from a jade box. These tarot cards were among the many mystical items Aiwas had acquired during his fanatical ritual pursuits. Now, they served perfectly for crafting Phantom Demon Cards for the Grand Beast Master. The tarot card depicted a Moon flanked by two towers. Below, a wolf and a dog howled madly at the Moon. In the center, at the bottom, a lobster climbed from the river, gazing bewilderedly at the sky. This was the [Moon]. In tarot, the Moon symbolizes confusion, uncertainty, and anxiety. Tarot cards were created by prophets from the "Adaptation" path, who scorned fellow astrologists, likening them to dogs howling at the Moon. Astrologists sought a unified star chart capable of predicting every future outcome, an ambition the prophets found laughable. To them, this behavior exposed both ignorance and audacity, much like dogs trying to divine meanings from the Moon's existence. Holding his breath, Aiwas was extremely cautious. The "Moon" on the tarot card had been coated with mercury, acting as a conduit. Yesterday, he had infused it with three units of his dark mana. Currently, Aiwas's dark mana pool could hold a maximum of three units. The simplest card required at least five units to craft. Regardless of card potency, all other materials remained constant, with only the amount of gem powder varying. Though crafting such a minor card felt wasteful, verifying its success was paramount, ensuring feasibility. Additionally, it functioned as a reusable magic scroll. Once crafted, activating it cost merely a tenth of its mana; anything less than one was considered zero. The limitation was using only one card of the same tarot type per day. Hence, utilizing the "Moon" card meant no other Moon cards could be used that day. But this was insignificant. When redundant, he could sell or gift it—self-charging portable magic scrolls fetched a good price. From that perspective, the investment in materials wasn’t wasteful. Having infused his card with three units of dark mana yesterday, it indeed darkened slightly, subtly drawing in ambient light—a real, not imagined, effect. Placing it in sunlight would highlight its contrast with surrounding objects. Now, Aiwas's mana pool was replenished. He gently touched the mercury-coated Moon again, gradually injecting three more units of dark mana. Cards crafted with six units were marginally stronger than those with five. "Such a pity…" Aiwas quietly mourned, "I'll start with this one. I'll craft the remaining three once I have more mana." When the card absorbed the minimum five units, the ritual instantly activated. If not completed within an hour, it would fail. Otherwise, Aiwas could stockpile mana gradually over ten days, crafting the "Field Card: Shadow Lair," needing thirty units. Alternatively, he could inject one additional unit later, starting with seven units. However, cards crafted with five to ten units were the weakest "Enchantment Cards: Shadow Blade." More wouldn’t yield qualitative shifts, better to expedite progress. With this thought, he hammered the rusted nail forcefully onto the tarot card. A sharp screech echoed, as if Aiwas nailed into a skull, producing an eerie grinding sound from the card. Next, he looped the three ropes, securing them from three directions on the nail. The ropes' other ends were pinned with ordinary nails onto three "Swords" cards. In the next instant, the ropes suddenly inflated and expanded. Having just attached a nail, they transformed, seemingly tightening around an unseen neck, shifting from a "V" to a complete circle. Aiwas then evenly sprinkled the pre-ground black pearl powder onto the tarot card. The "Moon" card was part of the "Love" path, and black pearl was the protective gem of the Love path, meant to attract even a fleeting glance from its pillar deity, "Perpetual Self." Even a mere passing glance—sufficient to imbue the card with spirit. After completing his tasks, Aiwas remained still and composed. The shadows under him rose like wisps of smoke, flowing and merging into the card. The artwork on the tarot card began shifting, as if an unseen artist was altering it. Once the transformation ended, the nail slowly melted away, becoming the new "Moon." Two of the three ropes melded into new "Black Towers," turning into kobolds brandishing staffs. The last rope replaced the lobster, transforming into a black scarab. The card floated gently up and landed in Aiwas's hand. His eyes automatically discerned the card's attributes: [Enchantment: Shadow Blade (Moon)] [Requirement: Dark 0] [Instant, Contact, Immediate Effect] [Effect: Grants the target "weapon" temporary Shadow, Slice, and Corrode attributes, considered a transcendent weapon. Lasts one minute (+20%)] It was a success. Aiwas thought, a sense of accomplishment settling in. Today's chapter is a ten-thousand-word update; please keep reading! (End of Chapter)