Chapter 713: Between White and Black

Warned by Termiboros, Lumian sensed something was off.

The ambusher was slowly making his exit, as if concerned that moving too fast would prematurely alert Lumian to the abnormality. Strangely, no massive vortex emerged from the dark, empty tunnels depths, stopping the ambusher, who had already gone in, from getting pulled into another mirror.

As he watched him go, Lumian glanced at his restored shadow, put away the brass revolver taken from the enemy, and pulled out the Flog boxing gloves from his Travelers Bag. He put them on at a measured pace.

A moment later, blazing white flames engulfed Lumians body as he transformed into a fiery spear that hurtled towards the ambushers back.

The ambushers fears came to pass. He quickly evaded, ready to turn into a shadow and escape into the dark tunnels depths with five decoys. Then he would trigger Mirror Traversal and get away entirely, returning to a pre-selected mirror.

Just then, as the flames making up the burning white spear dissipated, Lumian appeared.

The ambushers shadow came alive, ensnaring the body that hadnt fully transformed into a shadow, briefly keeping it from dividing into six separate forms. It was forced to remain in place.

Lumian advanced and dashed in front of the terrified ambusher. He alternated punches, starting the Flogging.

Bang!

Lumians initial punch heightened the ambushers fear, and the target narrowly freed himself from his shadows entanglement.

Bang!

Lumians next punch instantly set off the enemys already tense fear.

This wasnt chance; the ambushers fear clearly exceeded normal levels in this situation. Lumian, his eyes silver-black, foresaw the corresponding future and exploited this vulnerability. Fear played out in his mind as he punched.

Thus, the first punch worsened the situation, and the second significantly raised the odds, successfully triggering the fear.

The ambusher went rigid, heart briefly ceasing from the detonating fear. His mind blanked, and blood poured from his nose.

Seeing this, Lumian took out the ritual sheepskin from his Travelers Bag and threw it over the ambushers head.

Right after, he spoke the activation incantation in Hermes: Sheep!

Amid a dark flash, the ambusher turned into a sheep with light white and gray wool.

Lumian stared at the fearful sheep with bloodshot eyes. Removing the Flog boxing gloves and returning them to his Travelers Bag, he grinned and said, So, you think Ill release you for a measly gun?

Lumian then stooped down, scooped up the limp sheep, and went back to the mirror in Moran Avignys study, trying to exit.

Unable to enter or leave mirrors, he wasnt certain he could depart so simply. If not, he would utilize the pre-prepared Mirror Mark and Spirit World Traversal to go directly to the unique, permanent mirror world exit in Underground Trier. Then he would teleport to locate Franca. This would avert any issues behind the mirror.

Lumians vision faded and brightened as he emerged in Moran Avignys study with the frightened sheep.

He rushed to the window and warily opened it. Sure enough, Franca had exited the shadows and waited by the small windowsill.

Realizing Lumians Mirror Substitution had shattered, Franca quickly chose to investigate and check if her partner required aid.

You okay? Franca whispered.

Well discuss it later. Lumian threw her the sheep.

Franca promptly caught the sheep and vanished into the shadows with it.

In no rush to go, Lumian donned gloves and took care of the various traces he had left behind.

Soon, Franca returned, using the Primordial Demoness figurine, her mirror, and Demoness black magic to handle the anti-divination and anti-prophecy part.

In an abandoned tunnel close to the permanent mirror world entrance in Underground Trier,

Franca, now fully briefed by Lumian, eyed the quivering sheep and said eagerly, How should we question it? Should I ready a mechanical typewriter like last time?

But weve run out of truth serum.

Anthony, sans gold-rimmed glasses and back in veteran garb, gazed at the sheep for a couple seconds before responding, Ill talk with him.

Should we step out first? Jenna asked out of caution.

Anthony agreed with a nod.

I dont mind you observing, but hell feel more at ease with less people, facilitating communication.

Concerned our attendance will scare him and impact the Hypnotism? Lumian spun around pensively and exited the sealed dark tunnel alongside Franca and Jenna.

Soon, the sheep appeared with Anthony, no longer as scared and nervous.

You may cancel the Animal Creation Spell, Anthony told Lumian, smiling. He realizes were acting in his best interest and wishes to assist. Provided we avoid topics that will impact his faith in a deity and directly affect his life, hell speak honestly and amiably.

The sheep nodded gravely, confirming Anthonys words.

Lumian faced Franca and Jenna, seeing matching emotions in their eyes.

A Hypnotist is truly terrifying!

A Spectator is truly terrifying!

Indeed... Lumian reflected inwardly.

Looking at the sheep, he uttered the Hermes incantation: His Grace.

With a dark flicker, the sheepskin automatically vanished, and the ambusher materialized before Lumian and the others, half-crouched.

Putting away the sheepskin, Lumian inquired with a smile, Whats your name?

Jebus Lata, the ambusher answered nonchalantly, like talking to a buddy.

Holding the carbide lamp, Lumian warmly asked, Were you guarding Moran Avigny?

Yes, Jebus Lata replied frankly. Mainly to conceal myself behind the mirror and watch the outside. Also to prevent mirror world mishaps and ensure Moran Avigny isnt found out and ambushed when he uses it to do specific things in various locations.

Security is fairly tight. No clear weak points... Franca muttered, taking the lead in displaying her Demoness of Pleasure charm. Grinning, she asked, Which organization do you belong to?

Jebuss eyes were drawn to Franca as he reflexively answered,

The School of Truth.

Truth? Lumian arched an eyebrow.

Jebus didnt face him, gaze flitting between the two Demonesses.

Yes, Truth.

Growing serious, he addressed Franca and Jenna in a proselytizing tone, What do you believe this worlds backdrop is?

Without waiting for the Demonesses response, he continued, Its not white or black. Not light or darkness.

Its the gray between white and black, the mist between light and darkness.

Its shadows, flux, and chaos!

Traits of the corresponding pathway? Well-versed in mysticism, Lumian thoughtfully switched gears.

Are you aware of Moran Avignys identity?

This was their top priority now.

Jebus nodded casually, as if conversing with a friend.

I am. Hes part of the Tamara family but was swapped with a Mirror Person from Underground Trier.

Then why collaborate with him still? Franca probed.

Jebus chuckled.

Didnt I just say?

This worlds backdrop isnt white or black, but gray. If cooperating with Mirror People lets me reach my aim, why not?

Whats the School of Truth after? Lumian swiftly queried.

Jebus peered at Francas face and lake-blue eyes, stating, We seek to leverage Moran Avigny and other elites to slowly seize control of Intiss government, letting this nation have order yet shadows, plus a conduit for ordered communication and shadows.

We honor the law, but that wont stop us from uncovering legal loopholes and employing select methods to settle matters pre-litigation.

Thats our ideology.

Jebus seemed to preach to the Demonesses.

How ambitious... Jenna sighed inwardly.

Smiling, Lumian asked, Why control the government?

To practice and near the truth, a rite to please it, Jebus responded fanatically.

Plus, we must use Intiss government and others to locate three things.

What three? Franca inquired curiously.

Jebus gladly obliged her.

One, clues to fallen heaven. Its in the underground ancient sealed city. Only by controlling Intiss government can we fully unseal it.

Fallen heaven... Whats that? Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony shared looks, realizing none had heard the term.

Jebus went on, Two, Roselles final mausoleum.

Emperor Roselles mausoleum? Lumians pupils widened.

Franca asked eagerly, Got any clues?

I dont know. Jebus shook his head honestly. At minimum, Ive got zero leads on Roselles tomb. No idea if the Overseers have found anything.

Overseer... Lumian and the rest committed the title to memory.

Jebus glanced from Franca to Jenna, then back to Franca.

Three, a lamp. The Magic Wishing Lamp.

Magic Wishing Lamp? Lumian checked Franca, seeing the Demoness of Pleasure also looked blank.

Smiling, Jebus added with a showy air, The Magic Wishing Lamp is a Sealed Artifact.. Its number is: 0-05!