pertwk Chapter 125 Arodes
Chapter 125 Arodes
Chapter 125 Arodes
Green silently prepared to bow and try to communicate, just like last time. However, his movements suddenly froze.
This time, he looked more closely, or rather, the "thing" behind the gray mist figure became clearer.
Behind the silhouette of the figure in the gray mist, in that deep gray mist that seemed to connect to the endless void, something was slowly wriggling.
At first it was just a blurry shadow, but as Green focused his spiritual gaze, the shadow gradually revealed its form, tentacles made of a more solid, seemingly viscous gray mist.
They are not physical entities, but rather the embodiment of some kind of force or concept, silently and slowly meandering in the gray mist behind the figures.
Stretching out, occasionally curling up gently.
The sheer number of them formed a vast and eerie backdrop, partially encircling the seated figure in the gray mist.
These tentacles themselves were neither aggressive nor sinister; their presence even carried a strange "tranquility," blending seamlessly with the overall dilapidated and ancient atmosphere of the Source Castle. But it was precisely this unusual "tranquility" that made Grimm feel a tremor from the depths of his soul.
This is not the image of "gods" in his mind.
Is this more like an outward manifestation of a state? Is it the unconscious flow of power in the slumber of the "Fool"? Or is it a reflection of something deeper, more essential?
He recalled Anaïs's mention of the "historical rift," and the ruined state of the Source Castle. Could these "tentacles" symbolize something the "Fool" was fighting against? Or perhaps, during His slumber, His own authority was entangled with some other being?
Just as Green was in shock and almost unable to think, a point of light, the same color as the surrounding gray fog but more solid, silently appeared above the table in front of the figure in the gray fog.
The light spot stretched and deformed rapidly, transforming into a magnificent and intricately designed silver mirror.
The frame was slightly distorted, while the mirror surface was swirling with deep, gray mist.
At this moment, a flamboyant and somewhat slick voice resounded through the gray fog, breaking the deathly silence of the Source Castle.
"Oh dear! Look who's here? A fresh guest, carrying the scent of home, granted entry by our great master! Welcome, welcome to Source Castle, the dust of history, the observer of fate, and—well, the somewhat drafty old palace."
This is?
A talking mirror?!
Green was somewhat bewildered by these sudden, information-packed, and sarcastic remarks. But he quickly grasped the key point: the mirror knew a lot, and it referred to the gray mist figure as its "great master."
"Let me see—a Sequence 9 apprentice," he said, his understanding exceptionally perfect, his spirituality perfectly integrated, even bearing traces of—being taught by his master? Interesting, very interesting! And you harbor so many questions, about yourself, about this place, about that person, about those petty squabbles outside—oh, and about that wicked woman who loves to steal! Your thoughts are like a pot of boiling, over-spiced stew!
It seems to be a mirror reflecting a venomous snake. Green silently commented to himself.
"You are—" Green asked cautiously.
"Arods! The servant, butler, question recorder, and palace maintainer of the omniscient and omnipotent—well, for now, only partially omniscient, not quite omnipotent, but absolutely loyal and reliable great fool—although the palace is currently a bit difficult to maintain."
Arodes spoke rapidly, "Of course, you can call me Almighty Lord Arodes, or more affectionately, Arodes. But you must remain respectful and honest with me! Otherwise—"
A faint light suddenly flashed across the gray fog on the mirror, and Green inexplicably felt a chill on the back of his neck.
"—Otherwise, it will be of little help in promoting your honesty." Arrodes' tone suddenly became amiable.
This mirror—it's problematic, at least quite narcissistic, and seems like someone you shouldn't mess with—
Green glanced at the slowly writhing tentacles behind the gray mist figure, then looked at Arrodes: "Arrodes—Mr.
Excuse me, Mr. Great Fool, what is He doing now?
"Sleep! Deep sleep!"
Arodes immediately responded, the mirrored gray mist simulating a snoring pattern, "The master is undergoing a crucial rest," battling the harassment of some—well, old and troublesome bed partner. So, don't expect Him to chat with you right now, or make you a cup of tea. All communication will be handled by me, the omnipotent Arodes!"
It paused, then turned its mirror to the tentacle-like shadows behind the figure in the gray mist, its tone slightly more serious: "Those little decorations you see are manifestations of the natural interaction between power and certain rules and concepts while the master slept. Don't over-interpret them, but don't completely ignore them either. They remind you of the level of existence and struggle connected to the place you tread."
Green felt a chill run down his spine. Sure enough, these tentacles were directly related to the "Fool's" state.
"Then, Mr. Arrodes, why am I here?" Green asked the most crucial question.
"Good question! Because you have the key! You recited the full and correct name, and more importantly, you have a mark on you," or rather, a "connection"?
"Ah, that word isn't quite right—is it 'resonance of personality'? Or 'the pull of fate'? In any case, you've been recognized by the Source Castle as one of the permitted entrants. Although it seems that you're the only living permitted entrant right now, how desolate."
After saying that, Arodes chuckled, "I've answered your question. Now you need to pay the price."
cost?!
Green's heart sank. Sure enough, the other party couldn't possibly be that kind!
He frowned and asked, "What price?"
"Oh, don't be nervous, I will only take a little of your secret—that is, you need to answer my questions." Arrodes' mirror vortex spun rapidly.
"Huh? That's it?"
"Of course! That's exactly right. But you must be honest. Any lie or concealment will lead to—well, some unpleasant corrections."
Green pondered for a moment. If it was merely answering questions, then he wouldn't suffer any loss.
"I understand, please ask."
Arodes's mirror vortex spun even faster, as if filled with anticipation.
"So," its voice paused abruptly, as if deliberately, "if you could choose again for Viscount Fairfax's banquet, what would you do?"
Green froze instantly.
He didn't expect the other party to ask such a pointed question.
Anger? Sadness? Pity? Or—a resentment towards his uncle's stubborn and foolish behavior that even he himself was unwilling to admit?
Green also regretted it, regretting that he hadn't tried his best to stop his uncle's family, and regretting that he hadn't clearly told them that they would die if they went down.
Green remained silent for a long time, as if the gray fog had solidified.
Finally, he said in a low voice, "I will stop it at all costs—I shouldn't have placed my hopes on others—"
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