The Lost Tower was a few points taller than the tallest trees in the Black Forest. Nol stood on the platform at the entrance of the high tower. The sunlight slammed down from the sky almost violently, and the wind stretched the blue flames of the black candle long.
He found his limbs heating up, his heart racing, and his fingertips trembling incessantly. The wind flowed into his body along the gaps in his robe, bringing a faint sense of pressure, as if wanting to rub off his skin.
He looked down at the swiftly moving monsters and humans on the ground. They brought an unbearable sense of reality, like millions of bullets shooting towards his eyeballs.
The shout "Start the battle" went out, carried away by the wind.
The succubus tribe couldn't react in time, causing only a burst of turmoil. The two Players moved, then hastily stayed in place, seemingly not knowing how to start.
No matter. He didn't shout for them.
The movement of the tentacles brought a heavy and soft tremor, sweeping the approaching Nightmares. The silver-edged green flag of the Investigation Knights unfolded in the wind. Nol pulled up his hood, hiding his face in the darkness.
The candle flame ignited a series of characters. They connected into lines and spiraled to his feet. The Lost Tower followed the most direct command, moving to an open space between the trees.
At this moment, the Lost Tower was like a sundial between heaven and earth, and Teest stood in the shadow, symbolizing the moment.
The giant tentacles move slowly, gradually fixing the direction of the Nightmares' charge. In the blink of an eye, golden threads fill the space between the tentacles, and the rushing Eternalist couldn't stop. Their bodies were instantly severed.
Teest leaped forward, rushing to the next Eternalist. The ends of the tentacles always appeared where he needed to step. It seemed as if the sky and earth of the Black Forest were like his backyard.
Nol asked, "How fast can you kill?"
'By now, he should know the answer,' Teest thought.
Magic condensed into thousands of golden threads, falling from the dense forest.
It was as light as a lover's kiss, imperceptible. Then, at some moment—a most inconsequential moment—those golden threads tightened in an instant. The moment the target perceived them, life and blood left their body.
The Mad Monk always acted at night, but he was actually more suitable for the bright daylight. When that molten gold light poured down, the golden threads became shards of sunlight, completely hidden between heaven and earth.
Teest freely danced with his hands, staying away from the distracted Nightmares, focusing on the human commanders. He jumped through the forest, leaving countless delicate traps like a spider.
The Eternalists could avoid the large tentacles but couldn't avoid the delicate golden threads. With a flick and a pull of Teest's fingertips, the heads of the attackers fell to the ground like ripe persimmons.
Shadow Wolf Ben extended its mouth from the shadows of the trees and took advantage of the chaos to drink the flesh and blood of the Demon King's minions. Then it vomited it out with a howl and reluctantly returned to Teest's side.
Of course, it also tried to open its mouth towards the dead Eternalists, but its mouth was instantly wrapped with Teest's golden thread, forcing it to give up.
[Did you see it?]
Teest's hair tips were stained with bright red, and that succubus tail trembled excitedly.
He stood on the back of the wolf, leaping over the surging army of Nightmares. Above the countless hands reaching for the sky, golden threads ruthlessly tighten and loosen.
The black blood of the minions mixed with the blood of humans, creating a cacophony of black and red splashing together. Teest tilted his head, and the blood only managed to touch his cheeks.
[I'm so polite. I didn't even let Ben eat this fresh meat! Stop being mad at me, okay?] He sent out thoughts half-complainingly with a tone that was more teasing than remorseful.
[No, this wasn't a minor matter. We should have discussed it properly,] Nol said. [You wore my robe without permission. You started a war without notifying me.]
At the same time, a stout tentacle broke several golden threads and wiped the blood off Teest's cheek gently.
The smile at the corner of Teest's mouth deepened. His hands danced twice like he was conducting an orchestra, shaking countless blood beads onto the green leaves.
[I thought you would like this surprise.] Amidst the sound of flesh tearing, Teest became more evidently whimsical. [Even if I messed up, my intention was sweet love!]
[You said you wouldn't give me "love".] Nol averts his eyes. The Lost Tower rotated rapidly, and tentacles swept to the other half of the battlefield.
[Oh, sweet appreciation.] Teest smoothly changed his words. [Just as you can't embed precious gems on a toilet, 'reality' is the most suitable lining for you—you were in a daze before, having nightmarish shocks, but now you're full of vitality!]
[So, I should thank you?] A hint of laughter escaped from Nol's thoughts.
[It's what I deserve.] Teest sighed. His raised arm was stained with blood again. On his right ear was a bright red mole, redder than the blood that had just gushed out.
The vanguard suffered heavy losses. The next Eternalists to appear would probably have some status. They were well-equipped, moved in groups, and approached the center of the battlefield cautiously.
But they couldn't find their enemy.
They saw the golden threads in the sky; they saw the swift, wheat-cutting killings. The Mad Monk danced before them, but they couldn't see the dancer of this dance of death.
There should be someone there, but whenever they tried to focus, their attention slipped away like dew on a lotus leaf.
They couldn't see, couldn't remember, and couldn't retain any impression.
…The "A Midsummer Night's Dream" of the succubus tribe—the effect of a single piece of jewelry.
To exert its power to this extent, the user should be a succubus… Was the Mad Monk a succubus? How could it be?
Forget it. It didn't matter. Corpses couldn't utilize item effects. They just needed to kill him.
They chose to move forward foolishly.
And in a world where everyone couldn't hear, the conversation continued.
[So your conclusion is, I shouldn't blame you, but should also thank you for enlightening me?] Nol's voice was somewhat tense.
He found that Eugene's Investigation Knights didn't approach but chose to observe cautiously. This wasn't a good sign. It meant they wouldn't bear the firepower for him—Eugene must have noticed the presence of the Mad Monk. He would rather be the fisherman who benefitted from the fight of the snipe and clam*.
*Idiom referring to while the main parties are engaged in their dispute, a cunning third party can seize the opportunity to gain an advantage or profit. It derives from a fable, which you can read in my Kinky Thoughts.
[Thankful? Maybe,] Teest said in an especially innocent and shy tone. [You say it so straightforwardly that it's making me shy.]
[What, do you really want to see it to the end?] Following that, Teest jumped off the shadow wolf's back and hung by a golden thread on the skeleton dragon. His blood-stained silver hair swept past the succubi.
This time, his tone didn't contain any shyness. [My future subjects are really incompetent. My next service has a cost. Are you sure you want to continue watching? The price is high—I guess, "we don't heal the queen" resulting in the queen's death probably doesn't count as "damage" specified in the contract.]
With that, he pointedly raised his chin towards the Investigation Knights. [This distance is just right. Don't always wait for people to feed you.]
Nol was about to urge the succubi to guard against the knights, but after Teest's actions, he was left speechless. That guy seemed to be able to predict what he was thinking, or perhaps, their judgments were inherently close to the same conclusion.
This kind of battle was very… comfortable.
However—
[One code returns one code*.]
*(一码归一码) Idiom referring to treat each matter separately or settle each account on its own merits. || Basically, he's saying this and that are different.
Watching the succubi jump down from the tower like dumplings, Nol continued to argue with Teest. [I'll thank where thanks are due, but starting a war arbitrarily isn't negotiable.]
[I'm so sad.]
Teest cried convincingly. If he hadn't beheaded two or three in passing, this cry would probably be more persuasive.
As soon as the succubi jumped down the Lost Tower, the newly minted Nightmare corpses obediently caught them. They carried the weak succubi on their backs, hiding them among the writhing tentacles.
Standing on the lush grass, the Investigation Knights' swords were sharp, exuding a vigorous vitality.
…How long has it been since they came in contact with the outside air?
…How long has it been since they preyed on such young and strong targets?
The more experienced succubi immediately formed several teams. Countless charm spells bombarded the young scouts of the Investigation Knights. Indeed, the Investigation Knights had mental resistance training, but this training definitely didn't include being bombarded by the charm from hundreds of succubi at the same time.
If quality wasn't enough, make up with quantity!
Eugene looked up at the tower. He just lowered his gaze to find that a dozen scouts at the forefront were all gone.
Eugene: "…?"
Unless they ran away, the scouts couldn't have disappeared without a sound.
"Be careful of the charm spell!"
Within a few seconds, Knight Eugene reacted. "Everyone, retreat. Activate long-range magical defense. We'll approach after the conflict in front is resolved!"
"The mage…" Behind him, the deputy commander said in a strained tone, "Captain, the mage has also…"
Good, the mage also ran. The opposite side must have experienced old succubi, and the total number was at least over a thousand.
Eugene's smile almost disappeared.
He pulled the reins and sternly urged the entire knights to retreat. The problem was, as far as they retreated, those soft tentacles stretched out. The succubi, like clownfish hiding in poisonous anemones, didn't approach, didn't attack, but just kept casting charm.
Damn it.
Seeing the Mad Monk's golden thread for the first time, Eugene decided to watch the battle on the spot. When the two sides had fought enough, it would be the best time for the knights to intervene.
That was the Mad Monk—the blasphemer he wanted to tear to pieces. This was a great opportunity and mustn't be easily missed.
Who would have thought that the succubi, silent for two hundred years, would actually emerge from their lair, bypassing the fierce central battlefield and directly cause trouble for the Investigation Knights…
These succubi aren't actually suitable for fighting. Was it arranged by the tower's master?
Knight Eugene didn't think this tower was a gift from the Goddess of Life.
It was surrounded by numerous corpses, emitting a strong evil aura. Not to mention the elusive Mad Monk inside and the attacking groups of the Black Forest tribe… Without a doubt, this was a tower belonging to monsters.
Where did it actually come from?
...
"The dream magic of the Black Forest has disappeared."
Crimson was sitting in a room at some inn in Grape Collar, listening to the report coming from the communication crystal.
The Eternalists were very patient. They had monitored the Black Forest tribe for two to three hundred years. Crimson wasn't surprised. Domesticating livestock required generations of effort, and domesticating monsters was no exception.
Now the magic protecting the succubi had disappeared.
Perhaps this generation's ruler died suddenly, and the succubi didn't have time to choose a successor. Crimson took a sip of the complimentary juice from the inn, thinking indifferently.
"…An unknown tower has appeared in the Black Forest. The 'Corrupted Nightmares' sensed a large amount of succubi presence in it. The members currently stationed in the Black Forest are launching an encirclement attack. If Your Lordship is interested…"
"I'm not interested in the skills of the succubi," Crimson said. "I am more curious about that tower. I have never heard of succubi using towers as nests."
"After the battle is over, the front line will sort out the information. We have deployed sixty thousand Corrupted Nightmares in the Black Forest. Unless there are dragons in that tower, they definitely cannot withstand God's attack."
The voice coming from the communication crystal was full of confidence.
After speaking, the voice paused for a few seconds.
"Eugene's Fifth Brigade is causing disturbances nearby. The situation may be a bit chaotic. You…"
"I'm not interested in that Eugene either. Tell me the results after you have finished fighting," Crimson said indifferently. "I'm just a bit curious."
He had his own goals.
The leader of the caravan, Enbillick Alva, the renowned adopted son of Duke Alva. He was handsome and wealthy and in his prime. His wife was gentle and considerate, and their children were lively and lovely.
Such perfect prey, so favored by fate… Compared to that immature Eugene, this was a sacrifice suitable to be offered to his God. Crimson had been watching Enbillick for many days, preparing to choose a good day to make a move.
Today was indeed a good day to kill.
Crimson unilaterally cut off the communication and changed into a new outfit. He sheathed his dagger and leaned out of the inn window. Below on the main road, Enbillick, riding a strong gray horse, led a team of mercenaries towards the outskirts of the city… Hm, mercenaries. No Players.
After that group of mercenaries passed, Crimson donned his cloak and quietly left the room.
Once out of the city, the team immediately rushed towards the direction of the Black Forest.
What's going on? Why is the Black Forest so lively today? Crimson raised his eyebrows and closely followed the team.
Upon reaching the destination, Crimson, in a rare moment, was distracted. He leapt to a higher vantage point, staring dumbfoundedly at everything before him.
The Black Forest was trembling.
Standing on the edge of the forest wasn't a tower at all—it was a giant monster hidden in a tower. Its black tentacles were whipping in the forest, uprooting giant trees as easily as a gardener pulling weeds.
Among the rumbling sounds of falling trees, the whistles became even sharper. The group of Nightmares was dwindling, slowing considerably. The many hands on their heads and necks hung down limply, somewhat at a loss.
Faced with a monstrous tower that might not even have thoughts, their proud psychic influence was useless.
The Eternalists, who were commanding with shepherd's whistles, became increasingly disordered, turning the powerful whistle into a child's airy sound.
Groups of black Nightmares rushed forward, turning into minced meat under the stir of tentacles and then becoming decaying corpses guarding those tentacles. They moved forward to where they came from, tearing the flesh of their kind with broken and deformed hands and twisting wet viscera, until the victims became one of them.
The minions of the Demon King emitted a cold aura. After they became corpses, this aura became even colder. The soil and the leaves were dyed brown-black by their blood, emitting a pungent stench.
Sixty thousand Corrupted Nightmares.
Crimson watched the scene of flesh and blood flying before him and couldn't help but recall that person's proud tone.
Sixty thousand cannon fodder is more like it. He knew how these things were made—the bodies of Nightmares came from the corruption of the Demon King, plus a bit of control magic. They were even dumber than the boots on his feet. Encircling weak succubi was one thing, but faced with an absolute power difference, they couldn't think of any decent idea.
The tentacles of the huge tower maneuvered through the horde of corpses, with the ground's flesh and blood reflecting a greasy light. The masters of the Eternal Church swarmed towards the golden thread like headless flies, soon becoming a part of the carpet of flesh.
The living-like huge tower stood still, almost lazily, like an adult idly stepping on a colony of ants while waiting for a date.
At the base of countless tentacles, on the platform of the first level of the huge tower, Crimson saw a figure.
It was a thin, youthful-looking man holding a magic staff over half a person tall, with a black candle burning at the top of the staff.
…A black candle?!
Black candle plus black tower—this information would definitely lead to something good from the Church. Crimson's gaze sharpened momentarily. He put his plan to hunt Billy aside and approached the tower through the shadows.
Crimson bypassed the screaming monsters and crossed the battle line of flying magic. He evaded the Investigation Knights and carefully avoided the dangerous area where charm spells were flying.
The base of the huge tentacle was close at hand. Until—
"It's you, you piece of shit!"
Solo jumped down from above, initiating a series of traps. "Damn, I was just thinking about how to cope without killing—it's so good it's you. Beasts aren't considered humans!"
Why are there Players here?
What is the situation with this tower?
Fortunately, the opponent was just a little rogue, while he was a formally promoted "Night Assassin". The two were simply not on the same level. Crimson ignored Solo. He rushed straight towards Nol, his hands clawing at the stone bricks on the edge of the tower.
Then he received a hard hit on the head, almost seeing stars.
Anakin was crouched at the edge of the empty ground in front of the tower. The magic stone on her wand, "Perfect Tear", was covered in blood. She bared her teeth at Crimson and stepped heavily on his outstretched fingers.
Below, Solo has already prepared the trap net. Crimson forcefully resisted the dizziness and kicked hard on the tentacle, barely avoiding being caught.
"Who is this!" Succubus Malvina—Uncle Ma squatted next to him, pointing at Crimson without any hesitation. "Why are you guys fighting so hard?"
Anakin's expression blanked for a moment. She hesitated for a while and finally decided to explain in Earthian narrative. "A fugitive from Country A who came to Country C. He has killed many people in Country A."
"Shit." Uncle Ma cursed sincerely. "That kid talked to me about some game. I knew I shouldn't believe it. A game that accepts this kind of thing? The police didn't catch him?"
Wait, game? This special monster knows about the "game"? Who is "that kid"?
Anakin opened her mouth. "Weren't you a Player before?"
Uncle Ma gave a long hum, and his tail slapped the ground irritably. "Player? Does fighting the landlord* counts? Well, didn't Xu Yue tell you about me? I admit my attitude was quite bad before, but it's not like it was unjustified."
*One of the most popular card games in China.
Anakin lost control of her magic and directly threw a dozen holy light bullets at Crimson who was climbing up. She stared at the female-shaped succubus knight in front of her. "…Who's Xu Yue?"
Uncle Ma: "..."
Uncle Ma: "…God."
Ma Zhigang clicked his tongue a couple of times. He looked around and finally puffed up his chest. "Over there—the black-haired mage—that's my neighbor. We're from the same community, Joy Garden."
There was a tone of "We're very close. It's all his fault".
The sounds of fighting and Solo's constant screams came from below. Anakin turned a deaf ear, looking at Nol, who wasn't far away, directing the huge tower.
This Mr. Xu grinded the heretics of the Eternal Church like a meat grinder, actively attacked the Investigation Knights of the Temple of Life, and even had an unclear relationship with the Mad Monk.
The Church, Temple, monsters—the three forces were fighting here, and that guy seemed not to mind at all!
Does this kind of person really come from a law-abiding society? Are these monsters non-Players from Earth? Neighbors? What is going on?
What secrets are hidden in this world…?
Moreover, moreover… The Temple of Life is indeed lying to them.
Among a storm of questions, Anakin successfully caught hold of a heavy reality.
...
"Friends, friends."
As the battle continued relentlessly and the red light ignited in the western sky, a resounding voice suddenly echoed through the forest.
Enbillick Alva, mounted on his gray horse, stepped into the blood and flesh marshland with a usual expression. His voice was amplified by magic that even the shadow wolf had to drop its ears.
"This conflict has been going on for quite some time. I believe everyone can see the outcome. Why not save face for our merchant group and both sides step back a bit?"
He deliberately or unintentionally stopped in front of the Investigation Knights, with the mercenary troops behind him blocking the succubi, who were feasting frenziedly.
A quarter of the knights behind Eugene were gone, but this didn't stop him from showing a polite smile. "Lord Alva."
"Call me Billy," Enbillick said boldly, his ash-colored eyes curving with a smile. "Mr. Eugene, I think those succubi will kill your knights, and the members of the Eternal Church have almost perished. It's dirty and messy here. Why don't we go back to the Temple for a drink? What do you think?"
"You're right. The succubi aren't highly dangerous, but those starving to death might be—especially when the Mad Monk is here, mingling with those demons." Eugene said softly, "I'm sorry, Billy. This is important work for the Temple."
"Ah, then there's no way." Billy drew his sword with a touch of melancholy. "You see, this is also my important work."
Eugene maneuvered his warhorse half a step forward, raising his eyebrows.
"Over a hundred years ago, the wealthy Decoste on his deathbed offered all his assets. He gave the Alva Merchant Group an indefinite commission—if the succubus tribe in the Black Forest appears, we must help resist the possible threat."
Golden Sword Billy laughed very cordially, but his words said otherwise. "…Like the threat you pose."
Eugene's smile seems painted on his face. He said nothing and remained motionless.
"Our merchant group values its reputation. A commission from over a hundred years ago is still a commission." Seeing Eugene not responding, Billy continued sincerely, "Captain, if you insist on continuing, I will have to note this account down."
"So." Eugene opens his moss-green eyes, void of amusement. "Can I understand that the Alva Merchant Group, for the sake of money, would rather stand with that mysterious monster tower?"
"Just like you, for the sake of money, are willing to listen to me talk until now. Even if it involves monsters, reputation is very important." Billy saluted on horseback. "How about it, sir? …Oh yes, regardless of the outcome, remember to send my regards to the Archbishop."
Behind Billy, the battle still raged. Golden threads flashed, and limbs flew, dyeing the towering black tower in a bloody glow from the sunset.
Eugene looked in the direction of the gathering golden threads, then at the withered succubi, and finally, he sighed deeply.
"The Temple will request corresponding compensation," he said.
"Thank you for your understanding. We, of course, all want to coexist peacefully." Billy laughed loudly. "Then let us next—"
Snap!!!
Before he could finish his words, a tentacle covered in minced flesh slammed violently beside them, showing signs of interception. Billy let out a surprised exclamation, while Eugene lifted his head, looking expressionlessly towards the tower.
The sounds of battle between the monster tower and the Eternal Church had somehow subsided.
And around them, golden threads had appeared unknowingly.
Numerous golden threads wove into a delicate and deadly web around the black tower. Thick, black tentacles snaked through the gaps in the golden threads, and below them was a large blood puddle congealed from dirty blood.
Something lit up at the top of the tower, vast and clear.
It was a strange symbol, resembling a distorted clover. It exhibited a ghostly blue resembling that of a will-o'-wisp, extraordinarily conspicuous in the sunset.
That was exactly the logo of the Joy Garden Community.
Anakin held her head while lost in thoughts while Solo was kicked into the corner by Crimson, who was attempting to climb the tower again.
Uncle Ma frowned while the neighbors were waiting in the distance… and in more distant corners of the world, the wandering Players and monsters.
And Teest, standing above the golden threads, was smiling.
At this moment, everyone with Player privileges saw a burning emblem appear before them. Below the blue emblem, a brief declaration was quickly loading.
At the end of the battle, Nol activated the last function of the "Lost Tower"; a not-so-important small function—
The first guild to activate a large system stronghold could issue a server-wide announcement.
Kinky Thoughts:
The Sandpiper (Snipe) and the Clam
One day, taking advantage of the sunny weather, a clam opened up its hard shell to bask in the sun on the banks of the river. A sandpiper saw it and quickly put its beak into the clam shell to peck at the meat inside. The calm hurriedly closed its hard shell and sealed the sandpiper's mouth shut. The sandpiper couldn't peck at the meat, and its mouth was sealed shut, so it threatened the clam and said, "If you don't loosen your clamp on me, you will eventually die of thirst." The clam responded without showing weakness, "Your mouth has been clamped by me. If you can't pull it free, you'll starve to death!" In this way, the clam and sandpiper fought each other on the beach, and neither would relent. Over time, they became exhausted. A fisherman happened to pass by, and when he saw that they were tightly entangled and neither could move, he easily caught them and took them both home."
This story was told during the Warring States Period, when the Qin Empire was strongest. On one occasion, the Empire of Zhao declared war on the State of Yan. At the time, the king's younger brother, Su Dai, was entrusted to go to the Empire of Zhao to persuade the King of Zhao not to send troops. When he arrived, the King of Zhao demanded what he was doing here, to which he told the fable.
After finishing, Su Dai said to the King of Zhao, "If the Empire of Zhao and the State of Yan go to war, the two sides will inevitably be at a standstill for a long time, eventually becoming exhausted. In this way, the mighty Qin Empire will be like the fisherman, who just needs to sit back and reap the benefits. Your Majesty, please consider it carefully before making a decision." The King of Zhao felt that what Su Dai said was reasonable and dispelled the idea of attacking the State of Yan.