pertwk Chapter 126 Authority
Chapter 126 Authority
Chapter 126 Authority
"At all costs?"
Arrodes' mirrored gray mist churned, as if chewing on the word, "What an interesting yet empty answer. All the costs"—what does it include? Exposing your extraordinary abilities? Warning the Night's Watch in advance? Or—
"Knock out your uncle with your own hands, even if he hates you and your family thinks you're crazy?"
Green's body trembled slightly.
Arrodes's questioning struck at the deepest, most hidden struggle within him, those "what ifs" that tormented him countless nights.
"I--"
He opened his mouth, but found that any concrete ideas seemed pale and powerless.
Given the circumstances at the time, with severe information asymmetry, limited personal strength, and a deep sense of awe and fear of the "rules," did he truly possess the courage and wisdom to "go at all costs"?
"See, you're hesitating."
Arodes's voice held a hint of amusement. "At all costs" is often just hindsight regret, not a decision made at the time. But—honesty! At least you honestly expressed your regret, which is good. The price has been paid.
Green suspected that Arrodes was deliberately reopening old wounds. Because it was a thorn in Green's side, a thorn that could never be removed.
Green took a deep breath. "I still have a question. About that Lillian, who exactly is she—"
"stop!"
Arodes's mirror vortex spun rapidly, interrupting him, and his tone became businesslike, even a bit pretentious.
"Young apprentice," do you think the great Lord Arodes is some vagrant on the street you can ask for information from anywhere? Or that encyclopedia in your study that answers every question?
Its frame was slightly distorted, as if expressing dissatisfaction.
"Everything has a price, and asking questions is no exception. That little question about 'regret' was a welcome gift, given that you're a new guest and carry the air of the host." How was it? Wasn't it refreshing and invigorating?
Green's lips twitched, but he didn't reply.
Sure enough, this guy wasn't up to any good; he either has some peculiar hobby. How did Mr. Fool end up keeping such a strange creature?
"Now, if you wish to continue to gain valuable knowledge and revelation from the omniscient Arodes, you must abide by my rules!"
"What rules?" Green asked in a deep voice, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.
"The rule is—" Arrodes deliberately drawled, "whether it's asking a question or answering one, there must be at least one third party present to witness it!"
Green was stunned.
"Third party? Witness?"
He subconsciously looked around.
Endless gray fog, a mottled bronze table, a gray fog figure sitting motionless with its beard slowly wriggling behind it, and this noisy mirror in front of me—where did this third person come from?
"Who else is here besides us?" Green asked, puzzled.
What is this? Is it deliberately making things difficult because they don't want to answer?
"Oh dear, don't rush."
Arodes chuckled. "Just now, before you were indulging in the wonderful taste of regret, a little kid 'knocked' on the door first. Knock, knock, knock—the sound was soft, but very clear."
"Knock on the door?"
Green was even more confused. "Source Castle—can we knock on the door?"
"Of course! Through the right ritual, strong intention, or — a little special fate."
Arodes shook the mirror. "However, my great master is in a deep sleep, battling that annoying bed partner," and has no time for such a small call. And I, loyal Arodes, cannot open the door to a stranger without my master's explicit instructions."
It abruptly changed its tone, and the mirror suddenly focused on Green, causing the gray mist vortex to spin faster.
"But—you can!"
"Me?" Green pointed to himself, incredulous.
"That's right, it's you!" Arodes suddenly became excited. "You carry the scent of your master." A lingering resonance from fate, a connection across different levels of being. Though faint, it was undeniable.
"Our great master is omnipotent; how could mortals fathom his plans? I am certain that you are the chosen one—at least in this drafty palace, you are the only living person with partial authority!"
"The selected person? Their privileges?"
Green surveyed the hall shrouded in gray mist, pondering the words, and instantly felt an immense amount of information.
"Simply put, fate has granted you the ability to communicate with the Source Castle, even a little bit—well, administrator privileges? Here, while the master is asleep, you are presumed to be able to guide him." Of course, this requires a little skill and my guidance.
Arrodes' voice was filled with nostalgia: "Ah—I really miss the days when the master was here. Back then, those noisy, scheming but interesting fellows would gather here every week like this—though now it's just dust and memories."
It refocused on Green: "So, that's how the rules are. You want to ask questions? Sure. Want answers? Sure."
"But there must be others present, even if only three: you, me, and a witness summoned by you. You can also conduct the meeting yourself, presided over by you, with me explaining the rules, and the cost—will also be paid at the meeting."
Green's mind raced. A third party? A summons? A meeting? It sounded both mysterious and troublesome, but Arrodes didn't seem to be joking.
He realized that this was not merely a set of rules for gathering intelligence; it was a test of his abilities, judgment, and sense of responsibility. Whom to summon, how to interpret the situation, how to control the situation—every choice was crucial.
"What do I need to do?" Green asked.
Now, he has no choice but to grit his teeth and move forward. Asking and answering questions pose no threat to him, but he can gain more information, which is a good trade.
The gray fog on the surface of the mirror of Arodes began to churn merrily.
"Very good! Very conscientious! So, first of all, tell me, do you have a suitable candidate in mind?"
Someone you relatively trust, someone with a certain spirituality, and—who can handle this kind of surprise? Think about it, who was it that knocked on the door just now? Or, who would you like to sit on the other side of this long table?
A gray fog hung in the air, and the bronze table stood silent, awaiting Green's first major decision.
The person knocking on the door?
Green pondered for a moment. If he had partial access to allow others to enter, then if someone came to harm him, he should be able to kick them out as well.
Thinking of this, Green said calmly, "Then, may the person who knocked on the door earlier come in."
"As you wish."
As soon as Arodes finished speaking, the surrounding gray mist seemed to be stirred by an invisible force, churning violently.