Chapter 247
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Chapter 247: Crown Ceremony “Grand Opera”
In reality, Bai Yan had already recognized the pattern.
The essence of the Crown Ceremony lies within each individual’s destiny.
The more the Crown Ceremony aligns with one’s personal trajectory of fate, the higher the chances of success.
In the fate description provided in “Babel Tower,” for instance, “Nightsaber” is referred to as the future King of Night.
Consequently, the Crown Ceremonies that are most fitting for Mu Ling are primarily linked to the domain of darkness.
This is how Maryse’s destiny is described.
“The future Empress of Hearts, a manipulator of souls’ monstrous entities.”
The initial Crown Ceremonies suitable for the “Psychic Dancer” are also closely connected to keywords such as “dancer,” “empress,” “manipulation,” and “monstrous entity.”
Considering the difficulty and success rate, “the Library of Ruina” meticulously chose from thousands of ceremonies that could assist Maryse in her ascent to the Crown. Ultimately, the “Grand Opera” was identified as the most appropriate Crown Ceremony for her.
“The Grand Opera: The conductor of the ceremony manipulates different individuals by altering their memories, showcasing an opera that encompasses both ‘love’ and ‘death’. The manipulated individuals must unknowingly participate in the performance, while the conductor of the ceremony also assumes the role of an ‘actor’.”
“The conductor of the ceremony must activate the ‘Ermoros Crystal’ to absorb the emotions of the ‘participants’. Before the final curtain falls, they harness the power of these emotions to ascend to the Crown.”
The Ermoros Crystal is a rare ceremonial material utilized in various rituals to absorb and transform emotions. It offers exceptional capacity and compatibility, though it carries a significant cost.
Fortunately, this item was readily available in the inventory of the Demon Hunt Agency… Bai Yan decisively took it without hesitation, intending to use it for Maryse’s Crown Ceremony, the “Grand Opera.”
The current Babel Tower, having assimilated the legacy of the Five Great Families and the Demon Hunt Agency in Tatsumi City, is now adept at procuring the rare materials needed for various ceremonies and spells.
Additionally, during this Crown Ceremony, Bai Yan aims to validate a hypothesis.
“It will be interesting.”
He smiled.
—
The Augustus family.
Phoenix has taken residence in the space previously occupied by the family head, Reno.
He sat quietly in the vintage chair, observing his pale right hand.
Over time, the skin on this hand began to shed, slowly converting into a one-meter-long metallic barrel, alternating black and red, with flesh suspended from it.
Phoenix murmured to himself, “This is it, the weapon of demons.”
The demonic weapon “gun” has three attack modes, namely “rapid fire,” “tracking,” and “charged strike.”
“In rapid fire mode,” it can unleash dozens of powerful energy bullets per second, capable of instantly killing multiple enemies.
“In tracking mode,” the number of energy bullets fired is two-thirds less than in rapid fire mode, but they automatically track the enemies until a complete hit is achieved.
To launch an attack in “charged strike mode,” although it requires a charging time of over ten seconds, a single strike is capable of demolishing an entire building.
“The Devil’s Gun” itself is an almost indestructible entity, even if severed, it rapidly regenerates due to its inherent durability, which also enables it to be used for defense.
This is the unexpected gift granted to us by the Savior yesterday.
May he be pleasantly surprised!
As a man whose power is limited to the level of awakening, Phoenix greatly requires this demonic weapon, which can be deemed a considerable enhancement to his strength.
“This is just the beginning. In the future, I will become even more powerful.”
Phenix muttered to himself, while simultaneously recalling his sister’s flawless face, immediately feeling a surge of fear and anger in his heart.
One day, I will eventually seek retribution against her.
This individual is undeniably quite bold and domineering!
Recently, Phoenix has been subjected to manipulation by Maryse on multiple occasions, leaving him somewhat perplexed.
Once, he even believed that Maryse was his mother!
At that time, Phoenix felt greatly perplexed, wondering why his mother appeared so youthful. Maryse even playfully teased him, claiming that she had used magic to rejuvenate herself.
“Wait and see, Maryse. I will obtain even more from the Savior, gaining greater power and a higher status than you!”
I will demonstrate that I am worthy of this!
Despite his assertions to the contrary, Phoenix felt uncertain about how to effectively showcase his value and gain the recognition of the Savior of the Babel Tower.
His knowledge of the Babel Tower and the Savior was limited, offering no more insight than that of outsiders.
Maryse couldn’t be bothered to tell Phoenix about what she knew.
In reality, Phoenix could never attain a higher status than Maryse in the eyes of Bai Yan in that lifetime.
It’s just that he felt that there was still a chance, that’s all.
Phoenix attempted to wield the terrifying Devil’s Gun, and suddenly felt a stirring desire to unleash this immense power in search of a suitable outlet!
For instance, go and shatter that little fellow!
“Hehe.”
Phoenix chuckled, shook his head, knowing that this was an impossible endeavor.
“Are you yearning for power, isn’t that right?”
The hoarse voice that suddenly emerged from the corner startled Phoenix.
“Who?”
Phoenix rose alertly, gazing intently at the corner of the room, and soon laid eyes upon the newcomer – a brown-haired man clad in a black robe, as it turned out… Ah, of course.
Phoenix suddenly recalled that his name was Allen – a friend he had trusted since childhood.
Oh, I see.
“Allen, how… how did you end up here? Wait a moment, how did you come back?”
Phoenix’s mind was somewhat perplexed as he vaguely recalled this person… Ah, yes, Allen had departed from Tatsumi City several years ago in pursuit of formidable power.
Why would he suddenly appear in his own room?
Phoenix frowned, feeling a vague sense of unease, yet unable to pinpoint the exact reason.
He maintained a state of vigilance.
That “Allen” chuckled, quietly uttering in the corner:
“The reason is obvious. I am here to assist you, Phoenix,”
“Help me?” Phoenix furrowed his brow.
The man said, “You have been unhappy lately, haven’t you, Phoenix? You lack a formidable power and have faced various limitations, even being ridden on the head by a little girl.”
“Despite being the head of the Augustus family, you have absolutely no freedom,”
Phoenix’s gaze turned cold as he indifferently said, “What are you saying? I don’t understand.”
Allen took off his hood, revealing a face marked with scars, and growled at Phoenix, “Stop pretending! Phoenix, I know you have joined Babel Tower, and now your immediate superior is none other than the betrayer of our family, that shameful monster, your sister, Maryse!”
“You wish you could tear her apart! Yet you find yourself compelled to kneel down and lick her feet!”
A dramatic change came over Phoenix’s expression.
He suddenly reached out his hand, transforming into a Devil’s Gun, aiming it at the man in front of him.
“How dare you slander the relationship between me and my loved ones, Allen? What exactly do you want to say?”
Allen smirked, showing no signs of fear.
He gazed at the Devil’s Gun that had transformed from Phoenix’s right hand, shaking his head and saying,
“So, this is the power that Babel Tower bestows upon you? Well, it is nothing more than that.”
“We can offer you more, as long as you are willing to assist us… So, I can now help you kill that girl, the half-elf you detest.”
Allen extended his hand, a powerful energy gathering within the palm of his hand.
This force, for some unknown reason, possesses a peculiar enchantment, greatly intriguing Phoenix and leaving him spellbound and mesmerized.
By embracing it, one will become immensely powerful!
Even more terrifying than that little creature!
For some reason, Phoenix’s mind was filled with various voices, all urging him to accept the invitation as quickly as possible!
Go forth!
Go and fetch it!
This is the power you desire!
Unlike Maryse, Phoenix’s mother comes from a noble family of pure-blooded elves. Naturally, Phoenix is also pure-blooded, and within the family, Maryse has always been the exception.
Maryse’s human mother had the opportunity to unite with Reno, not out of love, but because of her family’s abundant financial support.
Phoenix, back then, was constantly astonished by the fact that his half-blooded sister could be so adorable and beautiful.
Every elf, unable to resist the allure of such a magnificent creature, gradually accepted her presence.
Even after the discovery of Maryse’s formidable power, Phoenix initially did not perceive any issues with it. However, that changed when her innocent words candidly revealed the innermost thoughts of those around her, including his own. Gradually, Phoenix began to fear the presence of this girl. Following that incident, the siblings slowly drifted apart.
Phoenix’s mother had a dark secret; she once used the power of a cult to help Reno and, as a result, generously donated money to this cult for an extended period of time.
After the secret was exposed by the naive Maryse, the Augustus family was embarrassed, and Reno had no choice but to expel Phoenix’s mother from Tatsumi City.
When Reno formally articulated his intention to isolate his sister, all present, including Phoenix, lowered their heads and made no objections.
In that instant, Maryse gazed into his eyes, imploringly, while Phoenix remained unyieldingly indifferent.
She is, without a doubt, a monster.
However… now my own choice has nothing to do with these matters anymore.
Phoenix shook his head and calmly stated, “Regardless of what you say, I am certain of one thing. . . The Savior of Babel Tower is the true god of this world, and Their power in Tatsumi City is significantly more formidable than ‘Rainbows’ and ‘Outer Gods’! ”
“I will not stand on the wrong side.”
Fire!
In an instant, the Devil’s Gun in “rapid fire mode” sprays numerous blue and white light orbs.
Allen burst into wild laughter, his body had already vanished in some mysterious way.
The light orbs blasted the front wall into smithereens.
Upon noticing the enemy’s abrupt disappearance, Phoenix swiftly exited the bedroom with a sense of urgency. He proceeded to his daughter’s room, picked up the infant, and rapidly headed toward Maryse’s residence.
As for the safety of others, he temporarily paid no attention to it at all!
—
“So, this is how the ceremony goes, right?”
Maryse, having observed the scene from the shadows, turned her head and spoke to Mr. Profligate.
Bai Yan nodded and remarked with a smile, “Certainly, it is rather unusual, isn’t it? This is merely the beginning of the story. Now, it’s your turn to make an entrance. ”
Maryse paused, searching for the appropriate words, and eventually furrowed her brow as she inquired, “If my brother, um, I mean, that guy Phoenix, has truly allied himself with the cult that I oversee, what course of action should I take? ”
Bai Yan knew that Maryse posing such a question indicated that there was still a trace of familial affection in her heart.
“The decision to dispose of him is up to you.”
Maryse said faintly, “Fortunately, he doesn’t give me any dilemmas now. The Savior of Babel Tower is truly formidable, which makes Phoenix dare not rebel at all.”
“I am the kind of person who treats others well if they treat me well, and vice versa… I have kept in my heart all the insults Phoenix hurled at me in these twenty years.”
Bai Yan remained silent, recognizing that Maryse was indeed the type of person described.
She prefers to associate with those who are kind to her.
For the past twenty years, aside from Irena, she had no other friends, making it easy for both him and Mu Ling to exploit her vulnerability.
Likewise, anyone who causes her even the slightest offense will be remembered by the child for life.
Maryse paused briefly and then continued, “However, his child is innocent. I do not want my niece to lose her father readily. ”
—
Upon arriving at Maryse’s room, Phoenix discovered that the female housekeeper, Irena, was absent. Maryse was the only one present, calmly positioned in front of the dressing table, gazing at her reflection as though she were applying makeup.
“Phoenix, what’s the matter?”
“Our house has been invaded by cultists!”
I know that cultists were under my control, hehe.
In reality, Phoenix does not know anyone named “Allen”; it is simply a fabricated memory created by Maryse.
This was all orchestrated for the purpose of the “Grand Opera” during the promotion ceremony.
Suppressing a smile within, Maryse pretended with astonishment, “How is that possible? Did someone intrude into the family?”
“It’s true! You can read my mind!” Phoenix said somewhat angrily. “In short, you should understand that I don’t want anything to happen to my daughter. This is the safest place for our family because you’re here.”
Maryse nodded subtly and rose, stating, “Indeed, since becoming a member of the Babel Tower, I have gained a power that surpasses my previous abilities! ”
She said with a slightly “chuunibyou” manner:
“As long as I am here, no enemy can ever destroy Augustus.”
Phoenix couldn’t help but feel a bit peculiar. Since when did Maryse start caring about the family?
However, before he could ponder further, he suddenly heard a loud noise!
“Boom!”
A powerful force erupted from outside the house, destroying the entire room and causing the walls to collapse instantly.
Phoenix held his daughter close, shielding her from danger.
He experienced the pain as the consequences of the attack harmed his skin and flesh.
The infant cried loudly, and remarkably, she was entirely unharmed.
Once the dust cleared, he was shocked to find. . . Maryse, the embodiment of beauty, impaled in the ground by a large steel beam, her eyes wide and her mouth stained with blood.
“Ah, ah, the pain, it is so agonizing. I should not have lost. Ugh, I feel so wretched…”
Maryse continued to cry out for some time until her head eventually tilted to the side. She “perished. ”
Phoenix’s heart sank as he began to regret his decision to bring his daughter here.
Emerging from the dust, a group of individuals dressed in black robes slowly appeared; they were clearly cultists.
Phoenix knelt, his eyes filled with fear, and implored loudly, “I am willing to do anything; I beg you, as long as you spare my daughter. I am prepared to fulfill any demands you have! ”
Allen, that person had appeared again, holding a bottle of crimson elixir in his hand.
He said indifferently, “Then, Phoenix, please consume this potion. From now on, you shall become our slave, but we shall spare your daughter…”
At that moment, Phoenix was left speechless as a torrent of emotions surged within him.
Resentment, anger, fear, pain, sorrow, confusion. . . When he eventually glanced down at the crying baby in his arms, a smile broke across his face.
“I will protect you.”
Phoenix slowly lowered his head and gently kissed the forehead of the infant.
Oh, Savior.
If you are indeed the Savior of the world, please save my daughter! She is innocent!
I am prepared to dedicate everything to you.
Bai Yan stood outside the house, draped in a traditional black robe, his presence unnoticed by anyone.
In his hand, he held a fist-sized transparent crystal.
Following a significant surge of intense emotions, they gradually infused the crystal in Bai Yan’s hand. The initially clear crystal slowly shifted to a red hue. Ultimately, after all the negative emotions, it was the emotion termed “love” that led to the crystal’s complete transformation into a deep crimson color.
Bai Yan used his psychic power to notify Maryse.
[Success has been achieved. Next, you must assimilate the power of the crystal within the drama, ascending to the rank of Crown.]
[Ah, Phoenix has indeed compromised with the cultists now and intends to betray Babel Tower]
Maryse’s emotions seem somewhat low, and at the same time, Bai Yan is able to perceive that certain inner aspects of her are undergoing some changes.
[However, how should I put it, he is no longer so despicable in my heart]
