Witch Redemption

"Tsk—I don't want to replace her, don't get me wrong, I just want to stay outside for a long time."

Black-haired Yu Hui hurriedly explained, but seeing that Li Lan was unmoved, he finally backed down, "Okay, I was just kidding. Just let her accept and release some of my power, just some, you believe me, look into my sincere eyes!"

"I'll consider it. So, what do you want after it's done?"

This guy is a real character. At first, Li Lan was extremely depressed, but now she's starting to feel relaxed because of his flamboyant personality.

"Don't rush, listen to me, listen to me, listen to everything I say. I don't care what you think, I care what I think..."

He spouted a lot of nonsense, but the black-haired Yu Hui's smile turned sly. "Let's help each other out to the end. Not just Yu Hui, but Lachesis, as my greatest masterpiece! The Black Goat's Egg! If she were to unleash her full power, she would definitely be a minor avatar of the Dark Goddess. What do you think? That's one point. And another, you witch, don't you have the ability to create life? Don't worry, I've seen it all before. I know what you'll do. If I had a way to ensure that this puppet's core of intelligence remained after her life was burned out, she could unleash her full potential and fight the Pillar God Leragin, what do you think?"

"Furthermore, as a devout follower of mine, Archbishop Lucia is no pushover either. With such a powerful alliance, killing Lelagin is naturally impossible, but as for the others, well, you know!"

After a series of instigations, Li Lan's side's combat strength was instantly boosted to an unbelievable level. The black-haired Yu Hui even pressed his advantage, "Mira, this doll, was originally useless. Don't you know that you've spent so much time trying to save her? You can't save her in the usual way. Only by destroying and rebuilding, or in your world's terms, it's like a phoenix rising from the ashes... uh, that seems too poetic. To put it bluntly, it's called making use of waste! Isn't it?"

In just a few words, everything gradually became clear, and all the problems that had been troubling Li Lan for a long time were resolved.

"Mira's identity is the Sixth Apostle, Karamit. If we want to use the Creator of Life to save her, the magic core and body materials required must be of the highest grade..." This is an extremely high standard from the start. Does this mean that in order to save Mira in the future, we must hunt down an apostle?

I don't know how many years it will be, but having hope is better than having no hope at all.

Li Lan made a decisive decision: "Very well, we'll do as you say, as long as we can escape!"

"Of course we have to escape. If we really wipe out these four forces, we'll have to run away immediately. This world isn't just home to demigods. Those false gods who have seized the power of the ancient gods are no pushovers either. Once they find out your secret, you're finished."

This witch is too powerful! The power she possesses is enough to pique the interest of this ancient will, let alone those who rule this world.

"What do you want after this is done? Just say it!"

Since it's a collaboration, Li Lan doesn't think this goddess of darkness is someone who's easy to talk to.

"Hehe... Guhehe... Hahaha!" The laughter grew increasingly unrestrained as the black-haired Yu Hui spread his hands. "My demands are quite high, you know! Servant! From now on, not only stories! Novels! But you also have to draw comics for me! Besides that, I'm definitely going to your world! It's just about returning to your homeland, right? I'll do everything I can to help you!"

For a better mental experience! For pleasure!

"It's...it's that simple?!"

"Of course! Don't think this is just a verbal agreement! It has to be in black and white, it has to be signed!"

The ancient will, while calculating its own scheme, spoke through gritted teeth, enunciating each word slowly and deliberately.

"make a deal!"

One day, Li Lan might regret this deal...

Chapter 77: Numerous Backup Plans

On April 9, 10004 (Gregorian calendar), taking advantage of this last bit of time, Li Lan, who had made a deal with the ancient will of Shub-Nicholas, began to make preparations in all aspects.

First of all, one thing is certain: if you want to stand up for Mira, you must wipe out all the opposing forces as much as possible and take this opportunity to make Mira's death a fait accompli.

In the words of the ancient will, Mira's physical structure is extremely unique; losing her divinity means losing her future vitality. The only way to break this deadlock lies in Li Lan's unique "life alchemy." Given this, why not let Mira unleash her full potential?

Secondly, it is a given that these four forces have joined forces to sacrifice the entire population of Kobe City in order to fight against the Sixth Apostle, Kalamiti. In order to prevent this, Li Lan must also work with Archbishop Christian to make preparations in secret.

In any case, Christian's side is a backup plan left by Viscount Ivan, and it is also the key to learning the Empire's technology in the future, so it cannot be given up under any circumstances.

Based on this, the ancient will made a suggestion: to have her devout follower Luciara and Christian join forces and secretly transfer all adventurers and personnel associated with their faction.

Perhaps knowing some of Li Lan's past, this ancient will also realized that Luciara was a crucial point that absolutely could not be abandoned. Therefore, after careful consideration, it ultimately decided not to let Luciara, representing the faction she belonged to, directly betray them, so as not to leave future troubles due to impulsiveness.

Finally, if we want to wipe out all these forces in one fell swoop, then in addition to Mira's own domain, we must also unleash Lachesis's power.

Li Lan didn't know exactly how this power was unleashed. He only knew that Lachesis was pulled into a small room by the black-haired Yu Hui for an hour, but he didn't know what happened.

"It's done! The Black Goat's egg has hatched, and she will gain unparalleled power as a servant!"

The black-haired Yu Hui who came out of the room made a hoarse sound like boiling water. Li Lan felt as if she were an evil villain. She glanced into the room and then felt relieved.

...... ...... ......

Two hours ago.

"Lachish, there are a few things I feel I need to tell you."

At first, she thought that Li Lan and Mira had overslept. The aloof red-haired woman curiously came to the bedroom where Li Lan was, but when she opened the door, she saw a gloomy and familiar face, which almost startled her.

"Lord Luo Men... wait! Yu Hui? She's not in my room...."

Lachesis's gaze lingered on the familiar, sinister figure beside him. He was stunned for a moment, then a strong tremor suddenly ran through his heart.

This throbbing sensation was like finding the ultimate source of belonging; an uncontrollable sense of submission pressed down on her entire body, giving her an urge to immediately prostrate herself on the ground. This unfamiliar feeling even instilled a strong sense of fear in her, and her normally indifferent face turned pale.

Realizing something was wrong, Li Lan didn't hesitate to open her natal magic book. The moment her professional artifact "Revelation" appeared, it immediately gave this unlucky guy a boost of "courage".

Perhaps it was this "courage" that triggered the connection to the seal of faith on Lachesis's chest, causing all feelings of submission and fear to vanish in an instant.

"As expected, you are quite special, witch! Not only can your creations restrain me to some extent, but the thing you transplanted into her chest can also suppress the instincts of the Black Goat's Egg!"

Black-haired Yu Hui exclaimed in surprise.

Still reeling from the shock, Lachesis was stunned when she saw Li Lan display her natal magic book and the violent weapon that vanished in a flash of light. A wave of intense shock washed over her, and she blurted out, "A witch?!"

Having trusted Dr. Roman for over six months and firmly believing that he was a member of the Dark Elf royal family, she was now filled with disbelief, her eyes wide, her mind blank for a moment.

"Yes, I think we need to talk in private."

Hei Fa Yu Hui ignored the two guys, kicked his legs and jumped onto the bed, then sat on the edge of the bed with a somewhat seductive air. "This is it. This is my territory. No matter what you say, no one will notice."

“Hmm,” Li Lan took a few steps and closed the door. “Sit down, Miss Lachesis. Now that things have come to this, I have a few secrets to tell you.”

A sense of foreboding welled up in Lachesis's heart. The intense unease made her subconsciously want to escape, but in the end she still followed Li Lan's instructions and sat down on the wooden chair somewhat awkwardly.

"Dr. Roman is a witch? How could she be a witch? Has she been deceiving me all along? Deceiving Father?"

Perhaps sensing Lachesis's thoughts, Li Lan didn't mince words and said directly, "As you can see, my true identity is a witch, not some dark elf royalty. My actual name should be 'Karen,' but the name doesn't matter. Just think of me as the doctor from the past."

"The reason I've been able to stay here for so long and conceal my identity is all thanks to your father, Viscount Ivan Hank. I made a deal with him: he could help me forge a legitimate identity, and in return, I would provide him with a method to make humanity stronger—a method you should have learned about last year."

Indeed, Lachesis had been acting as a liaison throughout the past year, witnessing his father, Ivan, bring his subordinates to the Roman Clinic on more than one occasion.

It was only later that she gradually realized that she and her father, Ivan, had become increasingly powerful after undergoing a strange surgery performed by Dr. Roman, even gaining the ability to use strange powers typically found only in magical beasts. Initially, she didn't care, believing that becoming stronger was enough, and that someone of her status shouldn't pry into too many secrets.

Even though she had long suspected that her father might have some kind of deal with this Roman, she was still stunned when Li Lan said it today, as she was completely unprepared.

"I can use a special method to transplant the magical core of a monster into a human body, thereby amplifying the human's magical power..."

Li Lan laid everything bare, then quietly observed Lachesis's expression. She saw that Lachesis's expression was initially surprised, but as Li Lan spoke, her expression gradually returned to its usual indifference.

This was completely unexpected for Li Lan. "Lachish, this is how I met your father, Ivan Hank. The reason I'm telling you so much now is because I'm about to leave, and there are some things I want to tell you. I wonder..."

The red-haired woman, who appeared cold on the outside but was warm on the inside, gradually calmed down and said in a very calm tone, "Lord Roman, before my father passed away, he entrusted me with the task of choosing my own life and my own happiness, which is why he removed me from the Hank family. I also know that my father did not want me to become a political sacrifice, which is why he gave me the right to choose."

In this world, how low is the status of women? Lachesis's original strength was not even top-tier. From the beginning, she was prepared to accept her fate and realized that she was very likely not a normal person, but a terrifying monster.

Even though she didn't know the whole truth or her own past, she could still sense Ivan Hank's fatherly love, his purpose in marginalizing her, and that her fiancé Randall's death was related to her father.

However, she never confided in anyone; she simply endured it all in silence.

“My father entrusted me with the task of ensuring Lord Roman’s safety at all costs, which is why I have served as his bodyguard for so long. Now that my father is gone, the promise I made to him has no end,” Lachesis said, unusually hurried, as if seeking validation. “Therefore, I will continue to be Lord Roman’s bodyguard. If you wish to leave this city, please take me with you. I will continue to protect Lord Roman with all my heart, even if he is a witch.”

Yes, as long as he stays by Li Lan's side, he can enjoy a lot of delicious food, play with two helpless little girls at will, and occasionally listen to the doctor tell some interesting little stories. How happy is this for Lachesis, who has no ambition?

She was devastated when her father died and even tried to find out the truth and avenge him. But now, that thought has gradually faded. She can't even tell if this escapist mentality is too cowardly or too incompetent.

But that has always been the reality.

Instinct told her that once she traced back all of this, there would be no turning back, and she would inevitably go against her father's original intention.

Even if Li Lan is a witch, will she still follow him?

The rare moment of emotion left Li Lan stunned for quite some time. He had always thought that Lachesis was a very simple guy with no ulterior motives, and now it seemed that this was indeed the case.

He shook his head, his expression relaxing. "Don't worry, Lachesis, it's nothing serious. It's just a temporary departure. I'll be back in the future, and I'd like to introduce you to my friends then."

Yes, it's rare to find such a sincere indigenous person. If he has the chance, he will definitely introduce him to Lana and the others.

“I brought you here today to tell you this general secret because you’re not strong enough. Once I leave, you might face annihilation,” Li Lan didn’t specify what kind of calamity it was, but instead slightly averted her gaze. “Lachish, do you crave power? Do you want to know about your past?”

...... ...... ......

Awakening from her chaotic memories, she raised her right hand in horror, only to see not the strange, inexplicable black substance, but a woman's slender hand.

Lachesis finally breathed a sigh of relief. The terrifying dreams he had had for so many years had been confirmed today by this terrifying black-haired being. Lachesis's mood had actually sunk to its lowest point.

"How are you feeling? Don't worry, her identity is the Dark Goddess Shub Nicholas, who once had a favor to your father and won't harm you. The reason she made you into what you are now is out of necessity." Li Lan's ability to spout nonsense was quite something, even though he knew the ancient will's initial purpose was far from pure, he could only try to smooth things over.

"Um, sorry, I might need to calm down for a while."

Lachesis took a deep breath. The magic power surging through her body was terrifying beyond measure. Moreover, according to this great god, once she used this true power, she would definitely enter the "divine form." This change was not irreversible; the key lay in her self-awareness.

In response, Li Lan simply held her trembling right hand quietly and comforted her, "It's alright. What determines your appearance will always be your will and your soul. As long as you don't lose yourself, you won't go astray, and you will be able to use this power skillfully."

Just like when she saved the mutated Lachesis last time, Li Lan offered the guy some comfort with similar words.

Then, having finally calmed down, Lachesis asked, "What does Lord Roman want me to do if he wants me to control this power?"

Li Lan paused for a moment, exchanged a glance with Yu Hui, the black-haired man beside her, and then delivered her prepared remarks.

"First, I want you to go to the pilgrimage church of the Dark Order's branch to meet with Archbishop Christian and Luciara and convey the will of this ancient deity. Second, having unleashed your true power, you can now create a small-scale domain of life and death. According to Miss Shub, it's estimated to cover the entire city of Kobe. Starting at midnight tonight, I hope you can create this domain every night thereafter, thus taking the place of the Goddess of Darkness. What do you say?"

The idea of ​​expanding the territory was precisely Hei Fa Yu Hui's. After wiping out so many forces, if Li Lan were to simply pack up and leave without leaving any backup plan, this place would definitely suffer as well.

But if the Goddess of Darkness were here to oversee things, everything would be different.

After all, the Goddess of Darkness is an avatar of a true god from beyond the realm. No matter what force it is, unless they have a death wish, they wouldn't rashly send some unparalleled powerhouses to exert pressure.

Furthermore, once a true deity takes charge, the fanatical follower Luciala will undoubtedly become a mad dog-like being, making her even more difficult to deal with.

To put it bluntly, this measure is intended to allow this border city of the Viana theocratic state to break away from the theocratic system and form a genuine local power. At that time, everyone who needs to be protected can be protected. Isn't that a win-win situation? It was precisely for this reason that Li Lan was persuaded by the black-haired Yu Hui.

"can."

Lachesis agreed. She already knew that if she activated the domain mentioned by the "Goddess of Darkness," her body would revert to that terrifying state, which was something she might have to get used to.

"The third thing is that something unexpected might happen after midnight tonight. I hope you can assist the Dark Order at that time."

Almost all of the Dark Order's branches in Kobe City had been turned. Li Lan didn't say anything about this, but it was good to know. With Lachesis's intelligence, he should have been able to guess it.

“Yes, I understand.” Lachesis nodded.

"The fourth thing is that researching the Empire's technology is still necessary, because it may involve your father's last wish. I can't tell you the specifics, but I may have to ask you to guide us in this research in the future."

Over this period of time, Mira has taught Lachesis most of the Empire's technology without reservation. Now, Lachesis can be said to have mastered the core technology, which may be the real reason why Li Lan cannot take her away.

Lachesis opened her mouth, but finally understood her father's meaning. Her father did not want her to get too involved, lest she be dominated by hatred in the future.

"One last thing: after this, please tell Thomas and the others to strive to become stronger and not disappoint their creator."