I, Kenneth, am going to get to the root of the problem today.

Page 97

"Gulp...cough cough cough, aren't you going to eat?"

With white rice in her left hand and solid wood chopsticks in her right, Arcueid, who mainly eats dry rice, is curious as to why Kenneth keeps staring at her.

“I’m almost done, but your appetite is getting bigger and bigger, Arcueid.”

"It's not about appetite! I'm doing this to regain my strength. Partner, aren't you looking for that guy Chaos? How can I have the strength to help you catch him if I don't eat my fill!"

Arcueid angrily declared to Kenneth that he was not a glutton. While refuting Kenneth, Arcueid did not forget to add another bowl of rice. Seeing that Kenneth did not refute him, Arcueid, in a good mood, continued to bury himself in the delicious food in front of him.

Looking at Arcueid, who could rival Artoria, Kenneth's threads penetrated the surface and reached Arcueid's soul. In this realm different from the material world, Kenneth saw a crimson aura enveloping Arcueid. Kenneth was very familiar with this aura; it was the Moon King who had observed him for a long time last time.

"So, when the bloodlust is unleashed, your will will descend?"

With these thoughts in mind, Kenneth began to analyze the power belonging to the Crimson Moon. Kenneth was determined to deal with Arcueid's blood-sucking impulse. Since the main body was so impatient, Kenneth didn't mind recreating the moonfall from a thousand years ago.

Chapter 254 Winning Over

As the plates piled up on the table, Arcueid, who was focused solely on eating, finally seemed ready to end the meal. Just then, the conceptual contract trembled, and Kenneth realized that a certain Black Princess was sensing him. He then turned his gaze to the tightly closed door.

A few minutes later, as Arcueid stopped eating, Altrouge appeared in the private room without any guards. Just like last time, she pulled out a chair and sat down. Under Arcueid's angry glare, Altrouge picked up the teapot and poured herself a cup of tea.

"Greetings, my future husband. It's been so long, I've missed you dearly."

With the intention of annoying Arcueid before anything else, Arcueid, exuding a bewitching aura, gave Kenneth a faint smile. Sure enough, under Arcueid's mischievous expression, the bowl in Arcueid's hand shattered into several pieces with a crack.

“I think removing ‘future’ would be more appropriate, Altruchi.”

As soon as Kenneth answered, Arcueid's aura instantly turned sharp. Realizing that this idiot was about to lose his temper again, Kenneth flashed forward and delivered a chop to Arcueid's head.

"I think you didn't come here just to bully this idiot, did you? Have you decided to be under my control?"

As Arcueid crouched down to defend herself, Altrouge somewhat disappointedly withdrew her gaze and looked at Kenneth, who had spoken as if he were in control of her. Altrouge couldn't help but look at Kenneth with newfound respect.

"Indeed, at least in terms of courage you have far surpassed those rebellious ministers. Do your best to show me your magnanimity. I am very much looking forward to seeing your ugly appearance of submitting at my feet."

"Those guys, it seems some of them are getting restless. You really look down on those worms who can only huddle in the mud."

Seeing Kenneth's direct analysis of her thoughts, Altrouge's admiration deepened. She put down her teacup and looked at Arcueid, only turning her gaze away when Arcueid was about to explode.

“Those guys want me to deal with this idiot, how ridiculous. I need those traitors to pave the way for me to deal with this idiot. Besides, I’m more interested in you now than this idiot.”

With obvious interest in her eyes, Eltrauge raised her right hand to Kenneth.

"Therefore, I give you a chance to join my ranks and become my servant. I will bestow upon you the name Brunstad."

"What are you thinking! My partner will never join your ranks, and besides! Besides! If my partner is willing, I can give him the Brunsstadt name!"

Although she didn't understand what handing over her surname to someone else meant, Arcueid figured that if Altruic could do it, she could too. Forget everything else, she'd just have to go against Altruic's wishes.

"Do you know what you're saying? You've completely disgraced Brunsstadt's authority!"

"How come it's all gone! Why can you give someone else a surname but I can't! I don't care, I'm giving the surname to my partner right now!"

Whether Arcueid understands or not is another matter, but Arcueid, that idiot, absolutely does not understand the meaning of giving a surname. Seeing that the two were about to fight, the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid appeared and directly separated the space where the two were located.

“Give me a surname? But I think the name Altrudge El-Mello Archibald sounds better than Altrudge Brunstad.”

The moment Kenneth finished speaking, the entire private room trembled under the overwhelming aura emanating from Eltrouge. Eltrouge had to admit that she had underestimated Kenneth's courage. If it weren't for the contract she had with Kenneth, Eltrouge would have made Kenneth pay the price for humiliating Brunsstad.

"Ah, is that even possible? Partners, partners! What do you think of the name Arcueid El-Melloi Archibald? Hehe, that way people will know we're partners just by hearing the name!"

"Shut up, you idiot!"

At this moment, with Arcueid's silly attack on the veil, Arcueid's emotions reached the brink of explosion. Trying to suppress her restless heart, before Arcueid, who was full of rebellious spirit, could speak up.

"I'm not stupid! And why should I shut up? I can change my own name however I want! What right do you have to tell me what to do!"

The dining table shattered, and Arcueid immediately stood up and glared at Altrouge, who was also extremely angry. Her innocent aura vanished, and the oppressive aura of a True Ancestor caused the surrounding furnishings to crumble with a cracking sound.

"What right do I have to make demands of you? Just because I am your sister, and because of the noble name of Brunsstadt that I bear, I am going to teach you a lesson today, you fool!"

With a resounding crash, the Moon Spirit Essence that had been dividing space rippled, and the wind controlled by Altrouge's swinging arm utterly destroyed the already chaotic mortal realm. Now, the situation had transformed from a marriage into Brunstad's struggle.

Realizing that the two before him had reached a point where they were about to fight, Kenneth's Third Law surged with magical power. As his mental image spread, it eroded the world. As the light fell, the two who were already fighting were dragged into the temporary enchanted barrier by Kenneth.

The burning forest, the collapsing walls, and the distorted void that poured malice into the night sky—if Kenneth had the deepest impression of that scene, the raging fire of Fuyuki City was undoubtedly etched firmly in his mind. Before the two had much time to react, Kenneth, wielding the power of the Beast, separated the two who were locked in combat with one hand each.

"Calm down, you idiot!"

With a thud, Kenneth, now in Beast form, put Arcueid to a physical sedation. Just moments before, Kenneth had sensed the moon's consciousness. It wasn't time to confront the Crimson Moon yet, and Kenneth couldn't allow Arcueid to be further altered by the Moon King.

Just as Kenneth was controlling Arcueid, Altrouge, who had barely suppressed her anger, also withdrew her aura and examined Kenneth, who had completed his inhuman transformation. She exhaled and, with a smile returning to her face, looked around at the temporary, cobbled-together enchanted barrier.

“Interesting! Is this the power you have been hiding? The evil of humanity and this place complement each other, able to contain such a thing. No wonder Lord Stuart fell before you.”

Surprise! Eltrauge was pleasantly surprised. Seeing is believing. Even though Kenneth hadn't shown any power that could overwhelm her knights, Eltrauge could still discern a lot from what she saw. The man before her was a human evil that surpassed even primate killers in its perfection.

Chapter 255 The Arrival of Consciousness

The black mud dripping from the void is illusory, but the malice that Kenneth left in his memory is real. As a part of human history that has been denied, Altrouge sensed the curse represented by what she saw before her, and the man who had taken that curse into himself.

"I see. No wonder you're interested in Bremett. You want what she divided up, don't you?"

The anger on her face was concealed in a few breaths, and she looked at Kenneth with great interest. Now, Altrouge wanted to bring Kenneth under her control, to suck his blood, and to turn him into a pet that groveled at her feet, waiting for her to play with him, begging for her favor with longing eyes. This irresistible feeling was becoming unbearable for Altrouge.

"The things that were separated... it seems she's much better off with you than with that slacker. I'm curious, can she retrieve those separated things?"

Less trouble is always better. In terms of completion, the primate killer who has been wandering for thousands of years is definitely much better than that Fufu who stays in Chaldea and only knows how to knead milk. If the primate killer can achieve the principle of 'comparison', Kenneth will be happy to enjoy the unexpected joy.

Kenneth only responded with a smile. Clearly, Altrouge wouldn't answer Kenneth's question now. The contract had already been made, and Altrouge wouldn't reveal the winner's prize before the bet was revealed.

"Phew, looks like I have another reason to get you. Now, I guess I'll have to get serious."

With a wave of her hand, Kenneth shattered the makeshift barrier, and the shattered room reappeared in his eyes. He picked up the still-warm teacup, took a sip, and completely withdrew the aura that had been surrounding him.

"The tea is quite good, but I would like it even more if it were garnished with fresh blood. Do you understand?"

Although the process was somewhat unsatisfactory, in terms of the result, Altrouge, who had witnessed Kenneth's true nature firsthand, could still accept it. Using the tone of instructing a servant, Altrouge directly instilled her own preferences into Kenneth.

"Compared to adding random things, candy is the limit of what I can tolerate. I think you need to remember these things too."

Aside from Arcueid, who was sleeping soundly, Kenneth and Altrouge looked at each other. In each other's eyes, they both saw the desire to possess the other. Their smiles grew more pronounced. By now, Altrouge had to admit that the man before her was indeed worthy of standing on the same level as her, and only someone like him was worthy of her control.

"Let the farce end here. Next time we meet, I want to see you adorn my face with your own blood. I will then grant you the honor of offering your neck to me."

Kenneth's red tongue brushed across his lips, and the surging blood in her veins constantly aroused Eltrouge's nerves. Resisting the urge to pounce on Kenneth and bite his neck, Eltrouge pushed open the door and walked out of the private room.

Kenneth didn't want to delve into what Arcueid's purpose was in meeting him. Returning to his apartment, he put down the still-sleeping Arcueid, and Kenneth's consciousness entered that space independent of the material world. The remaining records were constantly solidified, and the aura of the Third Law continuously left its protection on Arcueid's soul.

"No wonder the Moon King was able to ignore the restrictions and send his consciousness down. So that's how it is."

As the only True Ancestor born after the moon, Arcueid was not created by the Crimson Moon, but rather a weapon created by the True Ancestors and Gaia. However, everyone forgot one thing: the True Ancestors were servants created by the Crimson Moon. Even after being banished, the Crimson Moon's consciousness still influenced these servants who walked the planet. Rather than saying that the True Ancestors and Gaia created Arcueid, it would be more accurate to say that the Crimson Moon and Gaia created Arcueid.

The True Ancestor's physique has the potential to become Planet U. Arcueid's purpose in being born was not to execute any Fallen True Ancestors, but rather to create a body for Zhu Yue to deceive Gaia into creating for herself—a body that, once matured, could usurp Gaia's authority. This body was tailor-made for Zhu Yue. If one had to describe it, Arcueid is the physical consciousness of this body, while the true owner of this body has always been Zhu Yue, who sits on the moon.

"Since that's the case, I can't just stand by and watch that idiot get possessed by you, Moon King."

As Kenneth uttered this and that name, Arcueid, who had been sleeping, opened her eyes. Just like last time, the Moon King once again inhabited this still immature body with her consciousness.

If Arcueid is an innocent and carefree princess, then Zhu Yue is a dignified queen, exuding an overwhelming aura of dominance in every gesture. Controlling Arcueid's body to stand up, Zhu Yue descended to the ground and walked lightly to the window.

"After a thousand years of absence, the Earth's surface has become increasingly ugly. Humans, who live parasitically on this planet, what is the meaning of your existence?"

Like looking down over his own territory, Zhu Yue looked down at the bustling crowd below. Facing Zhu Yue, Kenneth raised the topic to a philosophical level with a tone of authority completely unlike Arcueid's. In just one sentence, Kenneth had already felt the perspective of humanity from a celestial point of view.

A consciousness that shouldn't have emotions gained them, and the entity representing the planet's power became the planet itself. When Zhu Yue's gaze fell upon the vibrant planet below, the Zhu Yue who ruled the moon's consciousness felt a desire to take over the world below. When the planet below was uneasy because humans had become primates but couldn't resolve the situation, Zhu Yue descended upon its surface.

The True Ancestors are both enemies of primates and mediators of nature. Alaya tolerates them, while Gaia must use the True Ancestors to fight against primates. The existence of the True Ancestors is acknowledged by this planet, but Zhu Yue, as the prototype of the True Ancestors, has lost its significance in remaining on the surface. Correction is only a matter of time...

Recalling Zhu Yue's background, Kenneth inexplicably felt like he was watching a planet-level 'Temptation of Going Home'. Putting aside whether Zhu Yue's motives were pure or not, Gaia and Alaya gave Kenneth the feeling of the male protagonist and the mistress beating up the original wife.

"So, what is the meaning of your existence as humans?"

Unable to get a reply from Kenny, Zhu Yue, possessed by a ghost, turned to look at Kenneth. However, upon noticing the rapidly changing expression on Kenneth's face, the intelligent Zhu Yue showed impatience.

"The meaning of human existence, I think, is meaningless to you, but for humanity itself, the ability to survive is the greatest meaning for this species."

The impatience on her face vanished, and faced with Kenneth's explanation, Zhu Yue, who had no direct understanding of the concept of being alive, fell into thought. For celestial bodies with lifespans measured in hundreds of millions, a human life is less than a century, less than a fleeting moment. She stopped her meaningless contemplation, and her kaleidoscope-like eyes firmly recorded every physical sign of Kenneth.

A few seconds later, with a thud, Arcueid's body, which had lost control, collapsed onto the sofa. Just as humans cannot understand ants, Kenneth could not understand the crimson moon, the embodiment of a planet. Realizing that the Moon King had already set his sights on the ground, Kenneth, who had sat down, looked thoughtfully at Arcueid.

Chapter 256 The Preparatory Ceremony

As Arcueid's even breathing filled the room, another guest arrived. Kenneth picked up a weapon resembling a black sniper rifle from the guitar case and tentatively infused it with a wisp of magic.

A faint black light gleamed from the muzzle. Under Hiel's wide eyes, the trigger was pulled, and the beam instantly pierced Kenneth's arm. The wound disintegrated at a visible speed, and an unknown substance that seeped into the blood devoured the body's vitality, corrupting, assimilating, and then corrupting again, like a virus spreading. Starting from the pierced arm, Kenneth's body rapidly decayed.

At this moment, even Hierle, who had a terrible impression of Kenneth, felt fear. Being ruthless to others was nothing, but Kenneth, who was ruthless to himself, was definitely the most troublesome person she had ever met. Adjusting her emotions, Hierle carefully observed the deteriorating Kenneth.

Although the Age of Gods has passed, the traces of True Aether have not disappeared from this world. Or rather, everything that exists in the world contains True Aether, which represents the fifth element of truth. The only difference is the amount. In terms of lethality alone, Black Gun can indeed be called the natural enemy of life.

"The item is good, I received it. So, do you want to resolve Roya's curse first or get rid of the corruption of the Blood Ring?"

Looking at Kenneth, who was still lively and energetic despite being shot, Hiel, who had gained a deeper understanding of Kenneth's monstrous nature, pondered for a moment and then said in his usual cold tone:

"Let's get rid of the corruption of the Blood Ring first."

"As for the Meiji Movement, then lie down. By the way, the Blood Ring's constant curse on the soul means the modification process will be very painful. Do you need anesthesia?"

Staring intently at Kenneth, Hierle demonstrated his wariness through his actions. After confirming that Kenneth's gaze did not waver, Hierle took off his coat and sat down at the control panel.

"No need, at least the pain still gives me the feeling of being alive."

Having said all that, Kenneth didn't bother to say anything more. The reminder was just a formality; whether he accepted it or not was none of Kenneth's business. So, under the watchful eyes of the lab rat, the scalpel composed of the Third Law in Kenneth's hand pierced directly into Hiel's soul. The tearing pain struck, and Hiel, who had been so tough just a second ago, instantly went into shock due to the stress reaction.

"It seems your body doesn't want this feeling of being alive."

Kenneth's answer was destined to go unheard by Hierle, or perhaps losing consciousness at this point was the best outcome. As Kenneth delved deeper, three mottled auras, not belonging to Hierle's soul, appeared before him. Realizing that this was the Blood Ring containing the curse, Kenneth braced himself and began weaving a cage to restrain the curse...

"Ugh—!! My head hurts so much..."

Rubbing her still slightly aching neck, Arcueid, now fully awake, looked around before fixing her gaze on Kenneth. Puffing out her cheeks, Arcueid was curious as to why Kenneth kept hitting her head. Then, noticing Hield lying behind Kenneth, Arcueid's gaze instantly filled with vigilance.

"Why is she here! No! Absolutely not! You're my partner! Betrayal is absolutely unacceptable!"

Arcueid crossed his arms in a "meow" gesture and rolled up his sleeves, intending to throw the unconscious Siel away. However, as Kenneth raised his right hand, Arcueid, reacting instinctively, shuddered and crouched down on the ground, covering his head.

"Stop hitting my head! It'll really make me stupid!"

Glaring at Kenneth, Arcueid, still clutching her head, slowly moved towards Sierra lying on the control panel. Watching Arcueid's persistent attempt to throw Sierra out, Kenneth felt that the other person had changed quite a bit recently.

"It was just a transaction. I lifted the curse for her, and she provided me with research materials. It was a fair deal."

Kenneth stepped in front of Arcueid, ignoring Arcueid's struggles, and lifted her up. He glanced at the still unconscious Hiel and casually tossed Arcueid back onto the sofa.

"What would you like to eat? I'm a little hungry."

"Don't try to change the subject. Do you think I'm stupid?"

Seeing Arcueid suddenly become so wise, Kenneth raised an eyebrow and picked up the phone to order food.

"If you're not going to eat it, then forget it, I'll just..."

"Wait! Cake, patches, um... and..."

Three seconds later, his true colors were revealed. As Arcueid turned into a ruthless ordering machine, Kenneth closed the workshop door with a flick of his finger while taking his order.

As the light outside the window gradually faded and darkness enveloped the city, in the deserted schoolyard, Flov, who had arrived at Zongye Middle School, crushed the withered bones beneath his feet. Chaos had not lied to him; the slag beneath his feet was none other than Roya, the one who had bewitched him. Smelling the lingering scent in the air, Flov, who was already mentally unstable, brandished his lance and began to destroy the ruins before him.

"Roya! Roya! Heh...hehe...cough cough cough!!"

With a clang, the lance fell to the ground, the curse originating from the blood freezing into ice. The biting cold pierced through the already weak sanity, and the shattered ice crystals, along with the charred corpse, were crushed into dust. With a tearing sound, the arms piercing the body suddenly exerted force, and countless wild beasts surged out of the torn chest cavity.

"Blood...I need fresh blood, I need warmth...Give it to me, bring back the warmth!"

Amidst the piercing barks of dogs, the wild beasts simmering within him surged forth from every opening in the basement. The screeching sound of lances being dragged echoed through the air. Flov, afflicted by the bitter cold, searched for blood to warm his body...

On a high-rise building outside Zongye Middle School, watching Flov recklessly sucking human blood, Nero Chaos turned to look at Roya, who was wearing trousers and a shirt, his chest exposed.

"That guy will divert our attention. Is your ritual ready?"

"The ceremony needs improvement; I need some time. I will prepare a dazzling finale for Her Highness."

Seeing Roya suddenly lost in his fantasies, Chaos turned his head to the east, where the hotel where Eltruchi was staying was. After pausing for a moment, Nero Chaos turned his attention back to Roya.

"They're coming. This time, I hope you won't let me down."

Chaos's chilling tone did not stop Roya from fantasizing. He raised his dagger and plunged it into the wall. Before Nero Chaos's eyes, the reinforced concrete wall turned to dust in an instant.

"Hahaha! This is the power! With this power, Your Highness, I will remind you of our connection! That human who caused your downfall, I will make him the sacrifice for your awakening!"

The moment the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception opened, the beasts within Nero Chaos began to stir uncontrollably. As a collection of chaotic consciousness, Chaos, who had a keen sense of death, looked with some trepidation at those eyes that shimmered with rainbow light.

"Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, it seems you've chosen a suitable body this time. Let's go, we need to start preparing for the remaining stages."

With a step forward, Nero Chaos plummeted to the ground, disappearing into the night. Ceasing his endless fantasies, he slashed his wrist with a dagger, the blood splattering on the ground and tracing a crimson path. The solidified bloodstains pulsated like a pulse, and the spreading blood energy merged into the earth beneath his feet with Roya's chant.

Chapter 257 The Increasingly Abnormal Arcueid