"So basically, this device isn't just useless against Resonators, it actually backfires?" After hearing Ray's explanation, Roccia and Brant couldn't help but doubt the gadget's reliability and practicality.
"That's what the manual says," Ray replied calmly, placing the instructions aside. "But it's fine. As long as it can keep me hidden from Echoes and Phantoms, that's enough."
After all, his mission was to infiltrate Giacomo's core office.
Based on the current intel, Giacomo almost never allowed anyone but his most trusted into the core area. Security there most likely relied on Echoes, not Resonators.
If that was truly the case, then this device might just be the perfect tool for the job.
"Want to test its effects outside?" Brant suggested, looking at Ray.
Ray nodded. "I was thinking the same. Let's go. We'll find some Phantoms on the island and see for ourselves if this thing actually works."
They left the Troupe's base together, heading toward the mist-shrouded coastline.
The fog spread like a veil from the sea of clouds, a haze known as the "Echo Mist." Countless Phantoms, drawn by its frequency, haunted the island, their mournful, piercing whispers echoing day and night.
What was once a sacred land had now become Island of Lamentation.
The three stood on higher ground, looking out at the ceaseless, restless tide of Phantoms surging along the shore.
"This place is perfect," Ray said to the other two. "I'm going to test it now."
"Don't worry, we've got your back," Brant assured him, patting his chest confidently. "If anything happens, the First Mate and I will step in immediately."
Ray gave them a slight smile, took a deep breath, and leaped into the dense sea mist.
Inside the fog, it was eerily quiet, almost soundless. Only vague silhouettes occasionally drifted silently through the haze, wandering Phantoms.
"Alright then..."
He murmured to himself and activated the device.
Instantly, a peculiar frequency emitted from the device, enveloping him. Ray cautiously took a few steps forward. The Phantoms lingering among the mist continued their aimless pacing, showing no reaction to his presence.
Normally, these Phantoms would have sensed his frequency and swarmed toward him long ago.
"It actually works."
Ray ventured deeper into the mist.
The surrounding Phantoms ignored his existence completely, as if he were nothing more than an insignificant gust of wind.
Of course, this didn't mean he was completely invisible to them.
If he got too close, they would still detect him.
"That's enough testing. Time to head back."
After a short while, Ray calmly emerged from the thick fog. Brant and Roccia, who had been waiting in place, visibly relaxed.
"So, the results were good?" Brant stepped forward to ask.
"Yes, even better than expected," Ray replied. "But I still can't get too close to the Phantoms, or they'll notice me."
"That's already impressive. If everyone in the Troupe could be equipped with this device, we wouldn't have to worry about the threat of Phantoms anymore," Brant said, a note of regret in his voice. "It's a shame this thing is still in the trial phase. According to Miss Carlotta, even she had to pay a hefty price to get this test version."
"Brother Ray, do you want to head back now, or rest here for a bit?" Roccia looked up at him. "You've been drifting at sea for so long and just went through a battle. You must be exhausted, right? The Troupe has already prepared a room for you to rest."
Brant chimed in from the side, "I also recommend you take a breather at the Troupe. Even a captain who has weathered storms needs moments of calm."
Hearing this, Ray thought they made a good point.
He had been drifting at sea for a long time and had been fighting non-stop. He truly felt weary.
Besides, rushing back to Ragunna now would serve no purpose at all.
The concert was still in the planning stages.
"In that case, I'll rest here for a while before heading out," Ray replied with a nod and a smile. "Thank you for the trouble."
...
...
Ragunna.
Carlotta sat gracefully by the floor-to-ceiling window.
Soft melodies flowed through the restaurant as she lifted her teacup, taking a light sip of the steaming black tea.
This tea had come all the way from Huanglong, carrying a subtle, elegant fragrance that was hard to describe, distinctly different from the local blends of Ragunna.
Ten minutes ago, she had received a message from Ray. He had obtained the device, completed the test, and was preparing to return.
Everything was proceeding smoothly.
The preliminary phase was halfway done, and now came the most critical part.
To bring Ragunna a performance that everyone was eagerly awaiting.
Tap... tap... tap...
A set of measured, heavy footsteps echoed through the empty restaurant.
Carlotta gently set down her teacup and looked at the young woman before her, a polite, measured smile gracing her features. "Please, have a seat, Miss Phrolova."
Phrolova's expression remained cool. Instead of sitting, she glanced around first, her tone laced with clear skepticism. "If I recall correctly... the person I was supposed to meet was Ray. Where is he?"
"Perhaps you are misremembering," Carlotta replied, unfazed by the discourtesy, her posture still the picture of composed elegance. "He asked you to come, to meet with me."
Phrolova's brow furrowed slightly at that, but she took a seat nonetheless. "So, what do you wish to discuss? Cooperation?"
"As a gesture of my sincerity," Carlotta offered her a smile, "though before that, allow me to apologize for my behavior at the patisserie."
"An apology?" That piqued Phrolova's interest. "To me?"
"Of course," Carlotta's tone was even. "I've heard from Ray about what transpired between you two. I sympathize deeply with your ordeal, but Ray is not the person you believe him to be. As his girlfriend, it is my responsibility to stand by him."
She enunciated the words "girlfriend" with particular clarity, as if emphasizing her position.
"Therefore, business is business, and personal matters are personal," she continued. "I hope Miss Phrolova will not transfer your personal sentiments onto Ray."
Phrolova picked up her tea and took a small sip. "Did you come here to pick a fight with me?"
"Certainly not," Carlotta's expression remained serene. "I merely wish that once our cooperation concludes, he will no longer be subjected to baseless harassment."
Phrolova crossed her legs, a noncommittal smile playing on her lips. "And what if I said... I insist on bothering him? Will you kill me and sink me beneath the docks?"
Carlotta gave a slight shake of her head, her voice still gentle. "The Montelli family is not a syndicate, and I would never do such a thing. I only hope Miss Phrolova can distinguish the boundaries and refrain from projecting personal feelings onto others."
"Is that so?" Phrolova stood up, clearly unwilling to stay a moment longer. "It seems our conversation ends here. But rest assured, the cooperation will continue."
She walked toward the door but paused, turning back to cast a meaningful glance over her shoulder.
"Also, a word of advice, Miss Carlotta, do not jump to conclusions before you fully understand another person's entire story."
"What if I told you..."
"That Ray is that very person?"
.
.
.
.
Bonus Chapter Alert!
If we cross 100 powerstones, there will be a bonus chapter.
Read advance chapters on [email protected]/lost_moon