Mystery: The Last Shepherd

Chapter 36 Beauty and the Aura of Depravity
"Indeed, what you said seems to make some sense."

Lu Ze pretended to be hearing a similar theory for the first time, and after thinking for a few seconds, he said, "Then I'll study it and try it out when I get back."

"Okay, let me know if it works."

Klein nodded and continued walking forward. In his mind, however, he was also making plans.

This serves as a preliminary setup, so when I share the role-playing method later, it won't seem so abrupt. Hmm, I feel like I've almost finished digesting my potion; then I can submit a special request.
Lu Ze had no idea what his colleague was thinking. He simply followed behind him and headed towards the Dragon Bar across the street.

It was afternoon, but the bar was already buzzing with noise. Even through the heavy doors, one could hear the frenzied shouts coming from inside. A burly man stood guard at the door, arms crossed, a blue anchor tattooed on his bare, muscular arm.

Good afternoon, sir.

Klein greeted the other person politely.

The burly man nodded to him, and the two pushed open the door and entered the bar.

The moment the door was pushed open, a wave of heat mixed with body odor and the smell of alcohol hit him, and Lu Ze almost couldn't breathe.

After scanning the bar, he roughly understood why the shouts were so loud. In the center of the bar stood a boxing ring, where two shirtless men were fiercely fighting. The patrons below were gathered around, cheering for their bets or hurling vulgar insults at their opponents.

Klein led Luzer around the boxing ring and into a billiards room at the back. People inside were playing billiards, and they all turned to look at them as they entered.

"Mr. Swain."

Klein tipped his hat to one of the burly old men in salute.

"Well, you're here."

The old man had a military bearing, with brown hair and blue eyes, and wore a worn-out naval officer's uniform. He first greeted Klein, then looked Luzer up and down, before waving away the others in the billiard room.

After everyone else had left, Swain turned to Klein and asked, "I heard that Old Neil was taken away because he almost lost control?"

“That’s right. In fact, if it weren’t for this new colleague next to me, Old Neil would have become an irredeemable monster.”

Klein answered truthfully.

"he?"

Swain was surprised by what he heard, and then turned his gaze back to Luzer.

“My name is Luzer Lundauer, Mr. Swein.”

Lu Ze introduced himself.

“I’m Swain, the owner of this bar, and formerly the captain of the ‘Punisher’ squad in Tingen City,” Swain said. “Judging from your appearance, you must be an assistant. How did you save Old Neil? Could it be that you’re also a Seer through the same path as him?”

"More or less, I am a member of the Mystic People."

As soon as Luze finished speaking, he saw Swain lean back slightly involuntarily.

"Aurora Conference?"

He frowned as he spoke.

What a big reaction.

"I have no connection with the Aurora Society; becoming a member of the Secret Prayer Clan was just an accident."

Lu Ze quickly explained.

Perhaps Luze's explanation had an effect, as Swain seemed less wary. After chatting for a few more minutes, he stepped aside, revealing a hidden door behind him. "Go in," he said, "but don't cause any trouble. Also, if you see something you like but don't have enough money, you can borrow it from me. I'll charge reasonable interest."

Behind the door were room after room. After passing through several rooms, the world suddenly opened up before my eyes, revealing a small plaza with steps. On each level, people had set up stalls, selling herbs, jars and pots, ancient books and manuscripts, or strange antique-looking items. Many people were walking among them, selecting their favorite goods or bargaining with the stall owners.

"Let's just browse around for now. Is there anything you'd like to buy?"

"Klein asked."

"I need a ceremonial dagger, a carving knife, and some candles."

Lu Ze replied.

As a cryptic person, he doesn't need many ritual materials; flesh and blood are enough.

“Yes, you should buy a dagger and a carving knife. You'll need them for carving patterns on talismans or creating walls of spiritual energy.” Klein nodded. “Then let’s go take a look over there.”

He led Lu Ze towards the central staircase, where stalls mainly sold metal materials and amulets. These amulets were mostly made of gold, silver, and copper, with artistic designs and occult carvings; they were quite beautiful. However, to Lu Ze's occult eye, they were all ordinary objects, basically devoid of any spiritual power.

Ah, right, once I've learned how to make amulets, I need to make one for Cecilia first.

Lu Ze thought to himself.

"Do you have any silver daggers or carving knives?"

Klein browsed around in front of a stall selling gold and silver materials and knives for a while before asking a question.

"Have."

The stall owner was a balding middle-aged man. He took out a cloth bag from behind him, and when he opened it, it was full of rows of silver daggers of different lengths and shapes.

"how much is this?"

After looking at them for a while, Lu Ze chose a simple dagger of moderate length without any extra decorations.

“13 Sule”

"That's what the stall owner replied."

"Row."

Lu Ze picked up the dagger and brandished it a few times. Seeing nothing amiss, he nodded, took out some banknotes from his wallet, and handed them over. The stall owner stared at the money, seemingly surprised that Lu Ze had paid so readily.

"You just... gave it to me like that?"

Klein asked in surprise.

"correct."

Lu Ze was too lazy to haggle. He would pay as long as he thought the price was right. If the other party was the type to take advantage of the situation and ask for more, he would not haggle but would turn around and leave.

"Oh right, I forgot you're not short of money right now."

Klein smiled, then began buying some silver pieces from the stall owner, openly haggling over the price. Luze didn't seem to mind his bargaining; everyone has their own way of life. He put away his silver dagger, stood up to browse other stalls, but bumped into someone behind him without noticing.

"what!"

The person let out a soft cry, her voice delicate and charming, enough to stir the heart of anyone who heard it.

"Excuse me, are you alright?"

Lu Ze apologized.

He looked closely and saw a sweet-looking woman opposite him. Her face was round, and while her features weren't particularly striking, the more he looked, the more captivating she became. No, to be honest, she was practically a beauty; she was probably the second most beautiful woman he had ever seen since Lu Ze's transmigration.

Who is the most beautiful? That would naturally be his sister, Cecilia.

This isn't just a case of his sister being a brother; she is genuinely very beautiful.

"I am fine."

The woman whispered, her narrow eyes sweeping across Lu Ze's face.

Ok?
Lu Ze suddenly sensed something was wrong.

There seemed to be a faint aura of decadence about this woman. It wasn't the sinister and insane feeling of a true creator, but it wasn't a good one either; rather, it was a suffocating feeling that slowly sank one into a quagmire of despair and death.
Upon seeing his change in expression, the woman immediately lowered her head as if frightened, and the faint aura she once exuded vanished. She hurriedly walked around Lu Ze and headed to the other side.

That aura has disappeared again.
Lu Ze blinked, staring at the woman's slender back, but still didn't see anything strange. He couldn't help but wonder if he had seen things wrong.

"Ah, Mr. Azik."

Just as Luze began to doubt his own eyes, he suddenly heard Klein next to him greeting someone, and he turned around in the direction of the voice.

The pale color, as obscure and terrifying as if symbolizing death, suddenly filled Lu Ze's vision without any warning.

boom!
He felt a loud bang in his head, and then he lost consciousness.

(End of this chapter)