Chapter 369: Visit

Black Python City, like Horse Pasturing City and Wushan Fortress, has stood for many years.

It was said that in the earliest days, it was merely a wilderness village, constantly threatened by beasts of the wild.

The most formidable beast was a black serpent twenty to thirty meters long, claiming many lives each year.

The Haides family rose to power by slaying this serpent.

In the empire's twilight and the continent's wars, the small family expanded step by step—from Knight of Honor to Baron, Viscount, and finally Earl.

As Oson put it, had he not been careless thirty years ago, Wushan Domain would now bear the Haides name.

With such thoughts, they remained resentful of the Wushan family.

During Rulans' zenith, they curbed their ambitions; but seeing Rulans weaken, their desires swelled.

Especially as Oson's Golden Knights multiplied and he himself reached Stellar Rank, the family's ambition peaked.

Until Rulans popped the balloon.

Now, before the grand Haides castle, carriages stood still.

Idrisa stepped down from the lead carriage, handing a visiting card to the Haides guard. "Please inform Count Oson that Count Hesus of Moonlight Valley has come to call."

The guard bowed respectfully. "Your courtesy is appreciated, my lord. Count Oson has instructed us to welcome you inside."

He gestured for them to enter.

The carriages rolled into Black Python Castle, stopping at the guest villa.

Several figures disembarked—Hesus, Idrisa, the black-robed mage Murphyst, and his brutish bodyguard.

"Your excellencies, Count Oson awaits in the hall," greeted Golden Knight Nigen.

Hesus smiled. "Where's Barlington? Not here?"

He was not only a count but royal blood. Even if the lord didn't greet them personally, a direct relative should have been present.

Nigen apologized. "Apologies, my lord. Year-end affairs keep Barlington occupied. He hasn't returned to the castle in weeks."

Hesus nodded, glancing at Murphyst. "Enough. Take me to Oson. I've found a cure."

"It is the Haides' honor!"

Quickly, under Nigen's guidance, Hesus's party entered the hall.

Oson Haides, once a burly knight, was now a skeleton. His eyes, once piercing, were clouded and dim like an old man's.

"Oson, you look hideous."

Hesus strode in, his words harsh. "If this weren't Black Python Castle, I'd take you for a beggar on the street."

"Hahaha..."

Oson sneered weakly. "Don't forget, you urged me to challenge Rulans. Now you mock me after failing?"

As he spoke, his gaze turned to the black-robed mage beside him, hope flickering in his eyes.

"Is this the mage you said could cure my affliction?"

Hesus stopped mocking. "This is Archmage Murphyst. He can heal your wounds."

Murphyst bowed slightly. "Since entering, I've sensed the high purity of your soul force within you."

He stepped forward, gripping Oson's wrist. A thread of spiritual energy probed his body. "Such purity—likely the residual power of the previous Soul Lord. I never expected to encounter it!"

"You truly have a cure?"

Oson's voice trembled.

The mage's immediate knowledge of the energy's source bolstered his trust in Hesus.

"Do not doubt my abilities, Count."

Murphyst pulled a black bead from his robe. "If I cannot cure it, no one on this continent can."

As he spoke, dark beams shot from the bead, enveloping Oson.

Oson groaned in pain, too weak to speak.

Nigen instinctively sensed something amiss, about to ask, but Hesus stopped him.

"Overreacting. Such treatments involve pain. With Oson's strength and temperament, he can endure this for recovery."

Nigen halted. "You're right. I overstepped."

Murphyst glanced at Hesus, a faint smile on his lips—pleased to have secured the Moonlight Valley Count first.

Without Hesus, his actions would have been far more complicated. Now, he could act openly.

Soon, Murphyst ceased his manipulation. As the dark light faded, Oson slumped in his chair, drained.

Nigen rushed to support him. "My lord, how do you feel?"

Oson gasped for breath, his eyes slowly opening with a gleam of vitality. "I feel... wonderful!"

Auras of combat energy rose around him, and he felt no pain.

Seeing this, Nigen finally smiled.

"Congratulations, my lord! You've recovered!"

Oson's downfall had been a blow to many, blocking their path upward.

But he believed that with Oson's recovery, all would improve.

"Calm yourself, Nigen. Our era is coming."

Oson smiled, extending a hand to his followers.

Hesus asked, "Is there enough energy left in the bead?"

"Enough!"

Murphyst chuckled. "Oson already had soul force within him. I merely converted it. Far less taxing than that day."

Hmm?

Nigen sensed something amiss from their words, but it was too late—he had lost the chance to resist.

Hum～

Oson's combat energy erupted, engulfing the Golden Knight before him.

"My lord, what—?" Nigen, alarmed and confused.

Then came agonized screams, muffled by a black barrier.

"I said our era is coming."

Oson's smile was sinister. "But first, you must join us."

Nigen's skin prickled. He struggled, but as dark light entered his body, his movements slowed, then ceased. (End of Chapter)