Server-wide announcement.
This was almost exclusively a privilege of the system. It often used this to share accolades or issue warnings. Except in very rare cases, it seldom granted Players the opportunity to use the announcement feature.
And now was one of those "very rare cases".
The announcement was limited to a hundred words and couldn't contain special characters. The content that could be conveyed was very limited, so choices must be made carefully.
In Nol's previous conception, he would use this to contact neighbors scattered all over. He'd be better off lurking in the shadows rather than throwing himself into the maelstrom—just a group of succubi could disturb his peace of mind, so he needed to give himself enough room to breathe.
But now, Nol thought differently.
He looked at the burning sunset on the horizon, the Temple of Life's flag dyed red by the setting sun, and the mountainous bodies of monsters from the Eternal Church. He saw Teest standing on the golden thread, laughing indifferently, his expression filled with satisfaction and anticipation.
Two hundred years in a world both familiar and strange. Perhaps this was just right for him.
If he no longer unconsciously played the role of a god but instead portrayed a cunning mage with vast knowledge, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals; an ordinary being among many…
[Good evening. I am the Master of Paradise.]
Nol narrated the content of the announcement. His voice was amplified by the system, sweeping around with the wind of the Black Forest.
[To resist the Demon King's corruption, at the end of July, the Paradise emblem chose non-human creatures of this land. They have memories from distant times and spaces and are destined for Paradise.]
Nol glanced in Eugene's direction.
There were many ways to distort the truth, and he couldn't provide compelling evidence that "this is reality" in just a few words. Rather than convincing Players, it was better to wave the moral banner high—
Joy Garden, no, "Paradise", was a nascent power that massacred the Eternal Church in plain sight. As big as the Temple of Life was, they shouldn't be openly hostile just because the Lost Tower didn't look like a Disney park, right?
This was the first-ever server-wide announcement in Tahe World. Players were eager for clues and would undoubtedly be curious about "Paradise".
So what if its members were monsters? Shouting the slogan "Resist the Demon King", would make the enemy of an enemy a friend. Players didn't have that big of a psychological barrier.
Even if the Temple of Life had ill intentions, they wouldn't dare to oppose it now.
Now, just one more spark was needed.
[Please guide my compatriots back to the Black Forest, and you will receive generous rewards. Those who cause harm will be enemies of Paradise forever.]
Nol used up the last of his word limit precisely.
'Come on,' he thought.
No matter which faction the Players belonged to, their goals were highly consistent—in this world of swords and magic, who wouldn't want power?
The moment Nol's words fell, the announcement loaded in front of all Players, with burning characters reflecting in the eyes of both humans and non-humans. Players focused on reading the words, while monsters all looked at the familiar emblem—
Inside the Dragon's Lair, the slime monster couple dropped the half-eaten poisonous mushroom, and the dragonling Ye Meng stopped practicing water magic.
"That's Xiao Xu!" Grandma Li exclaimed. "He's so deceptive."
"I've heard the dragons talk about the Black Forest! In a few months, I can fly there," the Dragonling said eagerly. "I'll take you to see it."
Nearby, in the Red Mist Valley, in the Banshee's embrace, the little ghost girl reached out to the familiar pattern.
"Mommy, mommy," she mumbled. "Home, home!"
"Okay, daddy and mommy will take you home."
At the entrance of the Lost Tower, Anakin looked confusedly at the announcement window, then at Nol's retreating figure. No wonder their contract didn't have a clause about "keeping the identity of Succubus Malvina a secret". This guy had just used a world-wide speaker!
However, no matter who Nol might be, this tower was undoubtedly a new force in the world. Since the stance of the Temple of Life was unclear, perhaps they could… make the first move due to proximity*?
*The water tower that's first to catch the moon (近水楼台先得月) Idiom referring to someone who has an advantage due to their proximity or relationship to a particular situation or resource (AKA first come first serve).
...
"Wow." After hearing Nol's declaration, Billy exclaimed with great enthusiasm. "I never thought that just doing a job could witness history. Brother Eugene, do we still need to compensate you? I've never seen such a flamboyant announcement from any faction. This trip was worth it for you."
Eugene sighed silently.
Merchants sure had big mouths. This tower and this bloody battle would soon spread to every corner of the continent. Unfortunately, it seemed that the Temple could no longer use the claim that "monsters are creations of the Eternal Church".
However, the master of this tower did leave some leeway. As soon as the trading declaration was made, it deepened the Players' impression that "the world is a game". In this way, Players wouldn't fall into chaos, and the Temple wouldn't need to take extreme measures for now.
Perhaps, this was also the result that the Master of Paradise wanted.
Considering the current attitude of Paradise towards the Eternal Church, the Temple could use this weapon for the time being. However, they claimed to be enemies with the Demon King. Who knows how sincere they were… Well, at least he knew now who the Mad Monk was loyal to. Time would tell, and the Goddess would surely guide him.
"Let's go," Knight Eugene ordered.
His deputy took a deep breath and said, "But what about those who are bewitched…"
"Those brothers simply had their life force drained by the succubi. If 'Paradise' doesn't intend to be our enemy, they will return on their own." Eugene turned his horse around and spoke with a prayer-like calmness. "Of course, if they don't return… it would be their greatest honor to sacrifice themselves in order to see the true enemies of the Goddess."
"Hey, do you still want compensation for the Temple? Don't wait too long!" Billy shouted behind him.
"Someone will deliver a personal letter from the Archbishop," Eugene responded without looking back.
As for the Eternal Church… There weren't many people left to evacuate. Relying on the effect of "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Teest happily exterminated the remaining forces on the battlefield. Nearby, there were still some Nightmares that escaped, and the sound of coins jingling non-stop filled his ears.
Teest's gaze was unwavering, as if these sounds were creating a cocoon in his ears.
He was just looking at Nol.
That mysterious emblem had disappeared, but Nol was still standing in the same spot. His face was hidden under his cloak, and Teest couldn't see his eyes, which made him unhappy.
The audience gradually left, and he had to quickly strip off that cloak.
So, Teest's hunting became even faster.
His ankles were soaked in mud saturated with fresh blood, and his feet and calves were covered in blood, as if he was wearing a pair of slippery boots. There were wriggling tentacles and blood-covered branches all around him. The sunset poured down like a bloody waterfall, warming everything. It all smelled like the divine kingdom he was expecting.
During the process of jumping up following the golden thread, Teest saw Crimson.
He immediately recognized this former opponent. Crimson was stepping on the seriously injured Solo, looking intently at the Lost Tower. Anakin was hiding in the corner, quietly concentrating on casting a spell, trying to knock him down from her height.
Of course, Teest knew her intentions. All cautious and kind-hearted people would think the same—perhaps Crimson saw or heard something and wanted to bring back this precious information to the Eternal Church.
So, they should imprison him, sink him into the blood marsh, and keep the Eternal Church in the dark about it.
How could that be? …These pathetic outsiders didn't understand the charm of chaos at all.
No one would buy a product whose effects they couldn't see. The power depicted by a mere adjective might not be taken seriously by the Demons of the Eternal Church.
Teest liked today's view. He wanted them all to know and then come knocking on his door like flies attracted to flesh.
Teest hugged the shadow wolf's neck, and a golden thread silently shot out.
He didn't hide it much, so Crimson naturally detected the killing intent. He leaped off the tentacle in the air, tore something apart, and in the next instant, his figure dispersed in the wind.
Teest then jumped onto the edge of the Lost Tower. He leaped off the wolf's back, leaving two bloody footprints on the shattered bricks.
"You let Crimson go," Nol said in a matter-of-fact tone before Teest could speak.
"There needs to be someone to report back, and he just so happens to be the one who can't die." Teest looked at the annoying hood on Nol's head and twitched his finger. "Honey, do we really need to discuss this now?"
Despite the shadow covering him, Teest could sense Nol's gaze. It swept over his eyes, lips, and hair tips, stopped on his blood-stained calves, and then returned to his eyes.
"Forget it," Nol said in an almost resigned tone.
Teest smiled.
...
Nol didn't act according to Teest's wishes. He still wore his hood tightly.
He waved his staff and jumped onto the silently spread tentacles below. The skeleton dragon caught him and took him to the group of succubi not far away. More precisely, he was flying towards Enbillick Alva, who was near the succubi.
Teest smirked, riding the shadow wolf behind him.
Eugene left, Crimson left, and the Eternalists and Nightmares also left… In the world, only "Golden Sword" Billy was waiting nearby, seemingly indicating, "If you don't come, I won't leave."
With such a group of mercenaries guarding here, the succubi didn't want to carelessly expose their backs. So, they nervously stayed put and even more nervously sped up their feeding.
Nol confidently lit the black candle, allowing the skeleton dragon to lower its altitude just enough to be at eye level with Billy, who was on horseback.
"Thank you for your assistance," Nol said, removing a bit of flesh from his vocal cords, making him sound slightly different. "Paradise will always remember the contribution of the Alva Merchant Group."
"You're too kind. We just do our job for payment and don't expect more."
Unlike when he was dealing with Eugene, Billy now seemed particularly polite. He was only missing a tuxedo and a glass of champagne. "It's an honor to witness this important moment, sir."
If you're not expecting more, why didn't you leave earlier? Teest gave an undisguised sneer.
Billy pretended not to hear. "Mr. Decoste is an important client of our merchant group. I need to make sure his commission is perfectly executed—look, this group of weak succubi actually entered the battlefield. I'm curious about your next arrangement."
As he spoke, his ash-gray eyes fixed on Nol, but he didn't touch the sword by his side.
Nol looked at the bushes not far away. Investigation Knights were scattered around, lying unconscious with a pallid complexion. The succubi paused their feeding and were uniformly looking over.
So, Nol simply raised his staff, and another covenant floated into the sky.
"Until these succubi voluntarily leave, I'll do my best to ensure their safety. This is my sincerity," Nol said. "Now your commission officially ends, Mr. Alva."
The succubi remained silent, but Billy's laughter echoed through the woods.
"You're truly thoughtful!"
He continued, smiling teasingly, "Let me make a bold guess. Among these succubi are companions 'chosen by Paradise'? So, can we consider that our merchant group has safely guarded your compatriots?"
"Therefore, you will also receive a generous reward," Nol replied seriously. "From this moment, Mr. Decoste's assets belong entirely to the Alva Merchant Group. I've saved you the trouble of subsequent investigations and verifications."
"If you want a reward more valuable than that property, you'll have to wait for the next escort."
"Hahaha, very fair!" Billy laughed, holding the reins, unable to hide his amusement. "You're an interesting gentleman. I believe we'll meet again."
"Hold on."
Nol glanced at the group of succubi and stopped Billy, who was about to leave. "Now that Mr. Decoste's commission has officially ended, I think these succubi have the right to know the details."
Billy looked somewhat surprised, sizing up Nol. "Even after over 150 years?"
"Even after over 150 years." Just like the succubi, he also needed to know the conclusion.
Billy glanced at the succubi not far away and shrugged.
"Mr. Decoste, at the age of 43, entered into a political marriage with a lady from the Alva family. He was quite an outstanding gentleman, very talented in business. Within the Alva family, he had a good reputation. For a political marriage, Mr. Decoste was an ideal husband and father—he never restricted his wife's emotional life, and their children became very successful businessmen."
"As for his decision to donate all his personal assets before his death, his wife and children were aware and didn't object, though they were somewhat surprised. After so many years, everyone thought he had forgotten about it."
Billy recounted casually.
"Mr. Decoste asked that after the dream magic shatters, the merchant group should help the Black Forest tribe. I must say, this gentleman was quite visionary. Over these years, we thought these succubi had disappeared long ago."
"Was Decoste so sure?" Nol asked quietly.
"Yes," Billy said. "Who knows what he was thinking. His commission didn't even mention a situation where 'the succubi would become extinct when the magic disappears'. It was whimsical."
Under the shadow of the hood, Nol closed his eyes. "…Thank you for letting me know."
...
This time, the succubus tribe obediently returned to the tower. It was evident they had eaten well. Even though their size remained the same, their skin had a touch of gloss, making them look less like corpses.
The Investigation Knights were left behind, and Nol only cast a few protective spells without bothering to awaken them. He immediately returned to the Lost Tower to treat the succubus queen. If the queen really passed away during the war, it would be serious. Nol didn't actually want to be the consort of the succubus tribe.
The queen was helped by Nol into a soft armchair, her head hanging as if she was unconscious.
Anakin silently stood by the side of the armchair, assisting Nol in treating her. Solo, being seriously injured, let himself fall unconscious, allowing the succubi to drain his life force to give the queen an "indirect transfusion".
For a while, the tower was incredibly quiet… and awkward.
Now, Nol felt indifferent about it. His previous treatment of the succubus tribe was like dealing with stray animals in bad condition—first forcibly caging them, then treating and feeding them. Resistance was expected, and the succubi adapted quickly.
He focused on casting healing spells, ignoring the emotionally charged silence.
"I don't understand."
Finally, Succubus Doni broke the silence. His tone was no longer rigid. It sounded like a student asking a teacher a question, with a touch of gentleness.
"Why didn't Queen Hiya announce this from the beginning? If everyone knew about the 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' situation, people wouldn't guess it's a curse…"
A succubus was initiating communication! Nol's eyes lit up. Turning his head quickly, he saw Uncle Ma in the corner, opening his mouth.
"What's there to ask?" Uncle Ma sat alone next to a potted plant, looking at the sky at the top of the tower. "It's better to not say. If it's seen as a curse, it's still better."
Doni, clearly not expecting the mad knight to intervene, raised his voice. "What do you mean?"
"If the truth is hidden, at most, people will suspect Queen Hiya. The subsequent queens are the victims. If the truth was known, some might feel the queens weren't strong enough… They would be replaced more frequently."
Uncle Ma's tone became particularly… strange, as if he were trying to stab at something.
"Even knowing the effect of the 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', you treat it as a minor thing. And you keep asking."
"Malvina, it's rude to interrupt." Doni frowned. "And as a knight of the queen, you didn't voice such opinions before."
"Because I just realized it recently. Isn't that okay?"
Uncle Ma continued gazing at the blue sky above, as if there was some cosmic truth in it.
"Because of 'such a small thing', so many queens have died. I have to accept that."
His throat sounded dry. "Admitting it isn't a big deal—some things, even when said, most people just can't understand. I can't understand, couldn't in the past, and won't in the future."
"But I should've protected her properly. Even if I couldn't understand, I could've protected her. She had no Decoste—not even a proper knight."
'Uncle Ma might not be referring to the unconscious current queen,' Nol thought.
Hiya once said, don't go alone. Maybe at this moment, Uncle Ma was getting closer to the person he wanted to understand.
At this moment, the eyelashes of the succubus queen on the armchair fluttered. Nol was pleased and instinctively looked around—
The first floor of the Lost Tower was packed with succubi, Players, and a reflective neighbor. Only Teest was missing.
"Anakin, you handle the explanation from here." Nol directly stopped his healing magic.
"…Huh???"
"I'm going to find my knight," he said.