[You have entered a hidden area.]
[You have triggered a hidden quest: Life or Death.]
[Normal achievement: Leave the Dream Edge without dying during the process.]
[Perfect achievement: Leave the Dream Edge without dying during the process; rescue the dying succubus tribe.]
[Quest rewards: Massive experience points [Normal]; Bewilderment dew [Normal]; Reputation with the succubus tribe [Perfect]; Immunity to mental magic [Perfect].]
[Rejection/Failure Penalty: Level reduction by 10.]
[Do you accept the quest?]
Before the succubi could speak, the system message slapped onto Nol's face.
…Even refusing the quest would result in a penalty. Clearly, they must accept it.
Beside him, there was a slight movement from Teest, who probably received a similar quest.
Their quest was clearly different from the Players', with no mention of "helping the Succubus Queen with her troubles" and no rewards involving "A Midsummer Night's Dream". This must be a special version triggered only upon arriving at the palace, and undoubtedly, it was generated by AI.
[Just escaping from the dream would complete the quest. This place must be very dangerous.]
Teest's thoughts echoed. [Is life always this exciting by your side? I admire you, honey.]
Nol wasn't sure if Teest was sincere or just being sarcastic, but Teest sounded genuinely cheerful.
They stopped in the center of the grand hall. Light from an unknown source shone through the stained glass, casting dreamy colors all around. The chairs on both sides of the throne were filled with succubi, each more withered than the last. At a glance, this place looked more like a carefully designed tomb than a beautiful palace.
The male succubus who had led them turned around and straightened his white robe—
The same robe, when worn by Teest, looked enticing. But on this living skeleton, it looked like a freshly washed burial shroud. The tail of the succubus hung limp, devoid of any luster, resembling a tie on a shroud.
"You claim to want to help us and have shown enough sincerity." He spoke with a raspy voice. "We have come to an agreement—please participate in our prince selection. If you qualify, you can meet the queen. But if you don't, please leave with those humans immediately."
"Alright," Teest replied succinctly.
…What?
Nol looked at Teest in shock.
[This is the prince selection of the succubus tribe!] he conveyed to Teest. [Do you even know how it works? Each tribe has its own rules, and they're all troublesome.]
[You even have to sign a magical agreement beforehand, and if you violate it, there's a huge penalty—]
[But it sounds so fun! After all, only I need to sign. It won't affect any of you,] Teest thought cheerfully. [Maybe you can even become the succubus queen? King consort? …Such a rare experience!]
'It's really not a time to be joking around,' Nol internally grumbled.
The succubus throne wasn't hereditary. They tend to select the strongest from within the tribe. But what constituted "the strongest" varied: the smartest, the best at collecting life force, the most popular, and so on. Even within the same tribe, the criteria for each selection might differ.
For a regular Player, the smartest move would be to support a candidate rather than trying to become one.
Yet, Mr. Mad Monk seemed quite interested—
"What should I do?" Teest asked calmly.
The male succubus managed a smile and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.
This tribe was clearly struggling. They didn't even have magical ink as the contract was written in blood.
Nol frowned. This wasn't a system contract, and thus wouldn't be affected by Teest's "God's Forsaken" curse. The paper radiated strong dark magic, and the consequences of violating the contract were evident.
Teest quickly read the contract.
Its requirements were straightforward. The signer must actively participate in the Black Forest Tribe's "Crown Prince Selection", not act passively or quit halfway, not use unfair means to win, and not harm any succubus of the Black Forest Tribe.
If chosen as the crown prince, the signer must ascend to the throne after Queen Wilimina abdicates and protects the tribe. The violator would have to pay with their eyes, tongue, and all limbs.
Just the thought of it caused Nol's tongue to ache. [Don't sign it.]
Just because the succubi were in a bad state didn't mean one should act recklessly. Especially the clause about "not harming any succubus" was too restrictive. What if Teest was attacked by a malicious succubus? He wouldn't even be able to defend himself.
"I can't accept this." Teest waved the contract at the succubus. "It doesn't specify how my companions will be treated. I also need to protect my lover and friends."
"We understand. We'll add that," the male succubus replied promptly.
"That's still not enough." Teest smiled. "Even though I want to help, I'm not going to blindly commit… Let's compromise. If I'm really chosen and the current queen can still rule for more than two months, you have to let me go. If her condition is very bad, I'll take on the responsibility."
Nol's relief was short-lived—
Teest was serious.
What on earth was he thinking? Even if he wanted to gather information, this wasn't the way to go about it. Nol didn't have the time to become, well, the king consort of the succubi.
The male succubus looked down briefly, showing a fleeting sadness, and then quickly agreed. "We can accept those terms on behalf of the tribe."
As if afraid Teest would change his mind, the succubus immediately cut his palm, allowing the blood droplets to form the words on the paper.
'Oh no,' Nol thought. 'It seems Queen Wilimina's days are numbered.'
The so-called "troubles" that Players needed to solve might be synonymous with "last wishes". Who knew how heavy that task would be.
Without hesitation, Teest picked up the pen and signed "Teest". The moment the pen was lifted, the blood turned back into droplets, wrapping around Teest's wrist, forming tattoo-like red patterns.
Only faint gray letters remained on the paper. The succubus frowned at the signature. "Teest? Just now, your companion called you 'Landus'."
"Oh, sometimes he also calls me 'Mr. Knight', 'Lunatic', and 'Slow Down'. Should all these be written down?" Teest innocently shook his pen.
Nol: ".….."
I didn't—I never—I only called him by the first one…
Of course, what was done was done, so he wisely remained silent.
"It's not necessary. The contract is already in effect. You can retrieve your belongings. Those two humans…" The male succubus hesitated for a moment and continued with some difficulty, "We'll release those two humans. You're in charge of watching over them. Remember, you cannot harm any succubus in the tribe. If you direct them to do evil, it's also within the contract."
"I understand." Teest rubbed the blood mark on his wrist and answered with a smile.
A hint of softness finally appeared on the male succubus's face. "Welcome, brethren. I am Adonis. From today, I am in charge of your 'Crown Prince Selection'. There has been a lot happening today. I think the two of you should rest."
Although his words were polite, his gaze never once landed on Nol.
...
"Look, honey, we're completely free!" Teest stretched lazily in the fragrant breeze. "You can retrieve that noisy candle, and the two Players might be released from prison. And me—I might even have the opportunity to become the king of the succubi. Perfect."
"Really? Are you sure your eyes, tongue, and limbs feel the same way?" Nol ominously said. "Once you break the contract, the blood mark will instantly dig out your eyeballs and tongue and sever your limbs. With such deadly restraint, I have to act as your knight in return."
"What are you worried about? I'm definitely going to breach the contract." Teest looked at Nol in confusion. "The succubi are so cute in their stupidity. Those injuries aren't fatal at all. Can't you just heal me?"
Nol stopped. "No."
"I thought you liked my eyes and limbs… Are you going to abandon me?" Teest said pitifully.
"Not really." Nol stared at the swaying succubus tail. "But if you always treat things like this as a joke, who knows."
Teest's tail stopped swaying and drooped dejectedly. Nol grabbed it.
"Let's go." Nol sighed. "We still need to explain to the Players."
If he had to find a silver lining in this farce… the drama caused by Teest's sudden antics somewhat dulled his own rage against reality.
Meanwhile, in the dungeon.
There were no succubus guards inside the dungeon, so the two Players had a brief tour. Rogue Solo picked the locks, while Anakin used an illusion to hide. The two sneaked out of the cell and inspected the human-filled prisons one by one.
The succubi were meticulous. Even though the humans were paralyzed on the ground, barely breathing, there were no traces of rotten food or excrement smell in the cell. Maybe it was the peculiar environment of the dream? The Players weren't sure.
All they could be certain of was that these people wouldn't live past this year.
The prisoners lay haphazardly, with bones poking through their saggy skin. Among the prisoners were both men and women, mostly in their prime. Their eyes were shut, with only faint chest movements indicating life. Anakin selected one in the best condition and discreetly released a recovery spell.
Under the soft glow, the emaciated man slowly opened his eyes. His eyeballs looked carved from wood, the pupils dilated, completely void of any sparkle.
He half-laid on the ground, staring blankly at Anakin, lips moving incessantly. Anakin leaned closer and felt even the man's breath was eerily cold.
"Ma… y…"
"Take your time. Don't rush," Anakin whispered comfortingly.
"May… everything be eternal…"
Anakin jerked back, staring at the man in shock. His facial muscles twitched, pulling into a disturbing smile.
"Everything… Everything for… the Eternal Son…" he murmured, moving his hand to his rib-exposed chest, trying to form a circle.
Solo's face showed undisguised disgust. He waved at Anakin. "Sister, I got this."
He approached, pulling a tightly sealed glass vial from his pocket. The thick liquid inside glowed a fluorescent blue.
"That one?" Anakin realized.
"Yes, that one." Solo replied. "What was it called… The Hogwarts special gloomy blue DND-flavored truth serum for living humans. Don't make me say that guy's name, the damned alchemist you're thinking of*."
*Referencing the Veritaserum. I'm not sure who he's referencing, but it's most likely Severus Snape.
"Got it—the drug that lets you ask five questions." Anakin summarized.
While the two chatted, the man was already under the effect. He became eerily still, like a statue. Solo took a few deep breaths and cleared his throat.
"Other than the two of us, is everyone else here a follower of the Eternal Church?" The Rogue asked seriously.
"Yes, yes." The man's eyes half-closed, his gaze scattered. "We came for a great mission… for the Eternal Son… How dare these vile creatures imprison us as food… They will invoke the wrath of God…"
"How did the Eternal Church push the succubi to this state?" Solo ignored the man's rambling.
"We were just capturing," the man answered blankly. "Just capturing, capturing…"
"Damn, his head isn't clear. Wasted a question." Anakin clicked her tongue. "Ask about the quest. Let's finish this quickly."
Rogue Solo nodded understandingly. "Regarding the current succubus queen, what do you know?"
"She's called-she's called Wilimina. She ascended the throne less than twenty years ago. Hehe… hehe. The ruler of the succubi, each generation lives shorter lives… She won't live much longer, not much longer…" His tone was oddly moist, making it hard to determine whether it was a curse or a statement. "She's dying… She's going to die… First, she'll go mad, then she'll die… Ah, divine punishment! Divine punishment!"
Anakin's expression became somewhat rigid. She directly asked, "Do you know of her troubles or desires?"
"Who can understand the thoughts of a monster? …When you're eating lamb chops, do you understand the worries of the lamb?" The man coughed twice and chuckled, trying to catch his breath.
"We have only one chance left." Solo scratched his head. "I only have one bottle of truth serum. We have to choose the next question carefully."
Up to now, besides knowing that the "Eternal Church is causing trouble", they hadn't obtained any effective information. If it weren't for the strong side effects of this thing, it would actually be more appropriate to give it to the succubus.
Anakin pressed her lips together, pondering for a while. About half a minute later, she stepped forward, grabbed the man's hair, and forced him to lift his head.
"Listen well, scum." Her voice was clear and cold. "I guess you captured the succubi in order to create a 'Supplement Demon'."
The Supplement Demon was a terrible creature brought into existence by the Eternal Church alone.
It was said that the Eternal Church possessed a method that could strip away a certain "power" from the bodies of dead creatures—perhaps calling it "attributes" or "skills" would be more apt—to bestow upon its key members.
However, this method had significant limitations, and the process was extremely painful. It was like forcibly transplanting foreign organs onto a human. Those who were "supplementally enhanced" either died on the spot or manifested incurable deformities.
Those who managed to survive were referred to as "Supplement Demons" by the outside world. This wasn't just a derogatory term. The Temple of Life had confirmed that, on a physiological level, these things were no longer human…
As far as Anakin knew, using "human corpses" to enhance the "human" attributes was the gentlest process, with the highest survival rate for those being enhanced. Even so, the enhanced individuals would transform into bizarre and terrifying "Supplement Demons", who could only mimic humans through external forces…
"But after all these years, you're still capturing these otherworldly succubi," Anakin continued. "Have you mastered a method to handle the monsters, or…?"
"It began as… experiments. But recently, there have been… successful cases."
The man chuckled, his breathing becoming even more rapid.
"We need those proficient in mental magic… If the experiment succeeds once, it can succeed a second time… God is watching us… God is blessing us…"
"Fuck your ancestors!" Rogue Solo cursed. "Human experimentation? What kind of perverse crap is this? Your god can go eat shit!"
The Eternalist suddenly became silent. He lifted his tree-branch-like neck, staring in Solo's direction.
"Those chosen by God will surely not die because of this. Those abandoned by God have no value in this world."
His eyes gradually widened, emitting a frightening light. "It's only logical that those who are dead and useless should reflect…"
Bang—!
Just as the follower of the Eternal Church was about to continue, Anakin punched him in the head. Already incredibly weak, he couldn't withstand the Player's powerful punch.
He twitched as he fell to the ground and soon was silent.
"It seems you are also one of the 'useless ones' 'abandoned by God'," Anakin said after a few seconds, her voice hoarse.
"Sister, you…"
"Don't tell me you wanted to keep him alive," Anakin said. "Anyway, now we indeed know something."
"No, you…"
"Enough." Anakin stretched out her hand, covering her slightly trembling fist. "I'm fine. It's not the first time. Did you think being a Saint of the Temple was a game? At least I can comfort myself knowing that those I've killed are scum."
Solo remained silent.
After a while, he sighed and gently embraced his kin.
"Let's go back," he said. "You're right. You just killed a bug. He's an invader without humanity. He doesn't deserve to be called human."
Anakin tugged at the corner of her mouth but didn't speak.
The heavy atmosphere dissipated when they saw the two brothers… No, the two lovers. The "younger brother" was tightly holding the "older brother's" tail, and the "older brother" seemed a bit downcast. The atmosphere between the two was indescribably delicate.
"I have bad news, bad news, and more bad news. Which one do you want to hear?" Nol said.
"Is there a difference?" Solo replied shakily.
"The first bad news: this guy wants to run for the title of Succubus Crown Prince. Of course, if he succeeds, we might be able to meet the queen, but we'll have to stay here to inherit the throne."
Nol said with a smirk, "Coincidentally, none of us plans to stay."
Solo grunted. "That's kind of half good news. At least we can meet the queen."
Although this approach is a bit… outrageous.
"The second bad news," Nol continued coldly. "We don't know where the queen is, and she can only live for another two months. You'd better start praying that her wish list isn't too long."
Anakin and Solo: "…"
Anakin: "If it doesn't work out, we can go back and check again in two months."
Perhaps the quest could be refreshed.
"The third bad news. The Dream Edge is dangerous. If we act recklessly, we may be in danger."
Nol rubbed his face.
"We need to make the current situation clear because, next, we want to save this tribe."
The author has something to say:
The mighty Mad Monk is applying to be the Succubus Crown Prince!
Nol: .......
Nol: ?