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Heir of the White Lotus (Web Novel) - Chapter CH.2066 Third Function
Chapter CH.2066 Third Function
This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl
Adam paused in his footsteps, his expression turning grim.
He turned and observed the battlefield. On the surface, nothing seemed odd or out of place. His serpents hadn't found any hidden enemies in the distance waiting to ambush the adventurers' army.
His scouts hadn't found creatures waiting in hiding. Instead, they found a gigantic runic formation carved deep underneath the battlefield.
The runic formation had three functions. First, concealing itself so no one could see through the runes and figure out there was a formation to begin with. Second, erecting a barrier around the entire battlefield so no one could come in or go out.
Yes. The runic formation prevented even the vampires from being trapped inside. Whoever placed the formation beneath the battlefield was no friend to the vampires.
But it was the third function of the formation that truly shocked Adam. He felt a chill crawl down his spine. The function was utterly sinister and devious.
The third function was to harvest the souls of all those who died on this battlefield!
Adam turned around and looked toward the vampire camp, his face darkening. He stroked his beard instinctively as he slipped into contemplation.
The first person to come to mind was naturally the gypsy woman.
If I assume it was indeed that elderly woman who set up this runic formation, then I severely underestimated her, he thought grimly.
To think she would not even spare her vampires.
As I thought. That hag really is the true enemy.
But… why is she harvesting souls?
If it wasn't for Adam's deep understanding of rune magic, he would have never even discovered this trap. He could still understand the first two functions of the runic formation.
But harvesting souls?
Why would the enemy want to harvest souls?
Adam immediately recalled how the Brand of Evil had reacted to the monsters in Adventurers' City. His expression immediately turned grim.
This cannot be a coincidence, he thought solemnly.
He had thought that although there was a connection between a devil and this secret plane somehow, he didn't think that said devil would be so closely related to it. He had theorized that the devil must have interfered with this world in the past, then disappeared.
However, now that he saw that the souls would be harvested from this fall of adventurers and vampires on the battlefield, Adam realized that the devil hiding behind the veil might very well be close by.
A firm hand clasped his shoulder. Adam turned and saw Luca standing beside him.
"What's the matter?" the Paladin asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Adam did not reply. He wove hand seals once again. His hair strands turned into over a dozen scouting serpents.
"Find me the weakest point in the barrier," he whispered instructions to the serpents, and they scattered quickly.
Only then did he turn to Luca and relay his findings through [Mind Whisper].
A few moments later, Luca's eyes slowly widened. He did not speak for a long time. At last, he said, "Are you… certain?"
"Aye." Adam nodded.
Luca already knew that Adam's attainments in runic magic were high. So he had little doubt that Adam would lie about it.
"Is the barrier already up?" he asked in a hushed voice.
Adam silently nodded. His face twisted into a deep frown. This changed the entire plan that he and Luca and Sandra had secretly devised.
The initial plan was for Adam to quickly deal with a couple of Generals, reducing the vampire army's strength. Then, when the adventurers began overwhelming the vampires, Sandra would betray them and turn the tide.
After that, the raid of Castle de Vile would earnestly begin.
However, with the discovery of this runic formation, it was evident that whoever had laid it down did not wish for a single person inside to escape — neither enemy nor ally. The barrier was difficult to break through. But not impossible.
Adam finally turned to Luca and spoke solemnly:
"Luca, if I don't break through the barrier, she… she will die."
Luca studied the emotions in Adam's grey eyes. The eyes were fake. But the feelings behind them weren't. There was no mistaking it. Adam was truly worried.
"Very well." Luca nodded. "Tell me what I need to do."
Adam breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought that Luca would find his words suspicious and think that he only wanted to escape the battle and leave him behind.
'I need you here', he said through [Mind Whisper].
'While I sneak out of the barrier, I need you to help get rid of the Generals. The overall plan remains the same. Just that I will not be involved in this battle. I will go on ahead. Sandra will help you. And this is very important, Luca…'
Luca's expression grew solemn.
'You must protect Sandra!' Adam said seriously.
'No matter what, you must not let her die!'
"…What?" Luca frowned.
Sure, Sandra was a hidden ally among the enemy, but why go so far as to ensure her safety? She was a vampire.
'Please, you have to trust me,' Adam replied, his tone desperate.
Luca looked at Adam deeply. In the end, he reluctantly nodded.
Adam breathed a sigh of relief.
He continued, 'Lastly, try not to die yourself. And Michael, tell him to be cautious as well. This runic formation is carved in such a way that once you die, your soul will be harvested. So do not die!'
Luca silently nodded, wondering what a vile thing it was to not only kill the flesh but also devour souls.
He then looked Adam in the eye and said, "Go. Save her."
Adam felt like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Luca chose to trust him despite all the secrets he kept. And that was something.
He couldn't help but clasp the Paladin's forearm and pull him into a tight hug.
"Thank you," he murmured. "Thank you… brother."
Luca sighed. He patted Adam's back and said, "Go. I'll take care of the rest."
The following moment, Adam's figure glitched for a fraction of a second.
And in that moment, Luca knew that Adam's real body had been replaced by an illusory one.
