Chapter 672 – 150. Animals
“The so-called Apocalypse Prophecy actually implies a war for our world to counter external forces. However, because of the levels involved, the games happening within the world are often obscured by certain events. In the past, I traveled everywhere to resolve this Apocalypse Prophecy, which also included my purpose for coming to the Parasol Tree. Valentina and the pollution of the Phoenix are closely related to the Apocalypse Prophecy.”
Fisher looked at Valentina, who was seated on the throne, and she couldn’t help but recall the crimson color that was once hidden in the crevice.
“But now, this confrontation has reached a boiling point, to the point of life and death. The Crimson Mist in the sky above the Southern Continent is a symbol of the burning crevice that protects this world. The deity Dalasgon who controls it is now heavily injured, besieged by the chaos from outside and targeted for assassination. Elizabeth and Nali have chosen to side with the forces of chaos; all of her previous actions were merely paving the way for the ‘Death Trinity’.”
Fisher laid out the general outline that he had discussed with Fate Lord previously, and everyone present furrowed their brows, with other leaders appearing skeptical, as if they didn’t believe in the existence of any Apocalypse Prophecy.
Isn’t what everyone is facing now an international dispute with Nali? How did it suddenly escalate to the level of the apocalypse?
You brat, could it be that your past misdeeds have been discovered, and you hurriedly brought something to take the blame?
But Valentina, Alagina, and Balian all became serious, especially Balian, who directly asked,
“Is it more severe than the ‘Star War’ from thousands of years ago?”
Fisher shook his head and shared the information that the Moon Princess had conveyed,
“Strictly speaking, the stars are also part of our world; they reside in the Spirit Realm outside of the crevice, originally distinctly separate from our world. It was precisely because of the invasion of external forces that even those as powerful as them had to migrate, leading to the Star War in the Northern Region. This means that once Dalasgon dies and the Death Trinity is fulfilled, the situation we face will be a thousand times more severe than before.”
“.”
Sometimes when conveying a concept, others may not fully understand it; using something familiar as a comparison can evoke empathy.
When you mention the Apocalypse Prophecy or Dalasgon, it doesn’t resonate nearly as powerfully as bringing up the ‘Star War’ in front of the six clans.
Understanding this, it led these leaders to burst into a discussion.
“If it’s even more severe than the Star War, doesn’t that mean there’s no chance of victory?”
“Indeed, back when the entire Phoenix clan was still present, and the Northern Region was united as one, they had prepared for decades, just barely winning. Now…”
The chief of the Cloud Cat Breed glanced at the only remaining Valentina on the throne and sighed,
“Now the entire Northern Region is in disarray, with fractured hearts. The Great Phoenix can hardly hold on alone, and within this world, each has their own motives. Moreover, with Nali now defecting, we can’t even penetrate their ranks, let alone do anything else.”
A wave of despondency swept over the six clans, and those with Alagina appeared somewhat confused; neither Paz nor Aoxi knew what the Star War was. Having spent so long here, they could only remember playing poker with Old Jack and had never read the texts of the Parasol Tree, let alone Isabel.
At a critical moment, it was Valentina who interrupted the chief of the Cloud Cat Breed’s speech, yet did not rebuff it. Instead, she mentioned her conversation with the Moon Princess four and a half years ago,
“Everyone, in fact, the Phoenix tribe had a chance to survive back then, but you should also know that the Phoenixes possess the ability to see through the future. The Moon Princess and her mother decided to sacrifice their entire clan to provide a glimmer of hope in resolving a possible deadlock that could not be escaped by all living beings. Now it seems that this so-called ‘deadlock’ is precisely this apocalyptic fable.”
“My ancestors sacrificed everything for today, whether it was useful or not; I believe that even if there are dangers ahead, we must try. Moreover, it’s not yet the final moment. As a Phoenix, I have yet to see the destined outcome. How then can you all predict with certainty?”
The chief of the Cloud Cat Breed was momentarily stunned, then bowed his head sincerely to admit his mistake,
“I spoke foolishly, Great Phoenix.”
“It’s alright, comprehensive consideration is necessary. Questioners are not guilty; what matters is unwavering resolve in solving problems related to the Parasol Tree, whether it was the earlier effort to reclaim the Northern Region against Nali or now the Apocalypse Prophecy. Moreover, it seems that now both old and new enemies have Nali among them, the only difference being that we also face the external chaos.”
Valentina raised her hand and smiled at Fisher, appropriately inquiring,
“Fisher, as I see it, the current key is to prevent Dalasgon from dying, to ensure that Elizabeth’s Death Trinity cannot be accomplished, right? But we are not very knowledgeable about this; could you provide more clues?”
“Yes, this is related to the carrier of chaos within the world.”
Fisher turned to Valentina, who blinked slightly as if, for a moment, she had not fully grasped the implications.
“Fisher, are you saying that the carrier of chaos that can be used by external forces is me?!”
The meeting temporarily concluded, after setting the tone for the Parasol Tree to enter combat readiness and await higher orders. Following the quick dispersal, Fisher remained in the meeting room, as did Fate Lord and Alicia.
Fisher informed them that Valentina was the current carrier of chaos, and while she appeared shocked, she seemed a bit hesitant.
“Valentina, do you remember when you changed your appearance in Nali’s Capital? That power you wielded, said to have come from Nirvana, do you recall?”
“I…”
Before Valentina could respond, Fate Lord gently said,
“No need to be nervous; this child was also a chaotic being before. After Fisher altered the nature within her, it should be fine. You…”
“Yes, it will be quick, just a moment’s touch is all it takes.” Emhart also chimed in, thinking Valentina was anxious about the severity of the situation, and similarly urged comfort.
“No, Ashley, Valentina is not like Alicia.”
Fisher looked at Valentina, examining her for a long while before shaking his head. His black eyes rippled slightly as the reflection of Valentina’s shadow dispersed in his gaze.
“Valentina does not have the nature of a treasure, but still carries a strong aura of chaotic being. The method used previously on Alicia may not work on Valentina; it may be necessary to eliminate some aspect related to her chaotic essence.”
“Eliminate? No way!”
Unexpectedly, Valentina reacted fiercely upon hearing this statement, causing Fate Lord and Emhart to turn toward her simultaneously.
“Valentina?”
She opened her mouth, and her wings behind her twitched slightly before retracting as she calmed herself again.
“Sorry, could you give me some time to process this? Fisher, can we continue discussing this later tonight?”
Fate Lord did not respond but looked over at Fisher.
Fisher pondered for a moment, took a step back, embraced Emhart, and smiled at Valentina,
“Of course, Valentina, take a good rest. I’ll go discuss some other matters with Ashley. We’ll talk about this later tonight, as well as matters concerning Alagina.”
“Mm.”
“Then I will leave Alicia in your care for now.”
Alicia blinked innocently but still felt a bit frightened of the big sister with wings before her, finding her somewhat intimidating.
Having lost the nature of the treasure and reverted to human form, she had an instinctual fear of rank. Usually, being around Fisher and Fate Lord felt familiar, but encountering this non-human Valentina brought a sense of resistance.
However, since big brother said so, she would stay here for the time being.
Alicia was always understanding.
Fisher turned and left the room with Fate Lord. Once the grand hall’s massive doors closed, Alicia sat silently in a chair nearby, watching this sister named “Phoenix” grow progressively flustered and hesitant after Fisher had stepped out.
Valentina turned her back to Alicia and leaned on the throne, the thoughts swirling in her mind like a storm.
“Duke of Peach…what Fisher just said…”
“Ah, actually, I’ve felt the same way for a while. Even though the completion manual is no longer in my hands, I can still use the powers from my previous life, which means there is a link between the chaotic being and me; it is quite reasonable.”
“What should I do?”
“What to do? As Fisher advised, eradicate all evil. That woman behind Fisher carries a strong scent of chaos and should also be a holder of the completion manual, having lived for a long time. Their judgment of the situation may have slight variations, but in the grand scheme, they are correct.”
The tone of the Duke of Peach was very calm as she analyzed how to proceed,
“I will confirm Fisher’s plans and the current circumstances with you later tonight. Once confirmed, I will begin to attempt to detach from you. Considering I’m not fully restored, forcing a separation from you would leave me extremely vulnerable, allowing Fisher to easily resolve me as a chaotic being.”
“So!! What I’m saying is, how can I save you, you chaotic spirit!”
Yet Valentina, who had been tightly gripping the throne’s armrest, suddenly raised her internal voice, catching the Duke of Peach off guard.
“I know very well that what Fisher said might be true: you are indeed the current carrier of chaos. Yet, is there really no other way? Like Alicia, who can alter your nature so you can survive?”
“Then why didn’t you say these things to your Fisher earlier? Do you not trust him?”
The Duke of Peach was silent for a moment and then asked with a smile.
But Valentina shook her head, her gaze dropping.
“I do not distrust Fisher; I’m just worried about hearing from him ‘there is no other way,’ which is why I suggested we discuss it again tonight.”
“.”
This time, the Duke of Peach was silent for even longer. After a while, she continued,
“Child, we’ve only been together for a few months since you woke up. Although we have bound ourselves together and spoken day and night, you must understand that my imparting experience and helping you solve problems are all purposeful. I want revenge against chaos; I want to prevent the demise of this world. I’m not doing it for you; do you understand?
“I have already died once; my survival is due to this chaotic being. It has my life; without it, I would perish. Hence, your Fisher cannot solve the issues surrounding me with methods applicable to that child. I too have read the completion manual, and even relied on it to independently run elven affairs after mother’s death; would I not understand this?
“Your Fisher may have already guessed the connection between you and me as a chaotic being, which is why he left you time to converse with me. He is also doing it for you, not for me. But in essence, we are both aiming to resolve the Apocalypse Prophecy; our fundamental purposes are no different. There is always a trade-off; I once sacrificed everything for my kin and hometown. If now, sacrificing this chance of living, which was to be lost anyway, could secure victory in our plans, wouldn’t that be worth celebrating?”
Valentina kept her head down, not responding, but her usual silence was an attitude; the Duke of Peach could certainly read her.
“If you have something to say, then say it. Sometimes, not speaking will only leave regrets, Valentina.”
“I…I don’t know what to say, Duke of Peach. I just feel very sad.”
Valentina pressed her lips together, the words she wished to express were turning in her mind like rusted gears.
“Since waking up, I still feel like that young and innocent child. The Phoenix bloodline healed my disability, but it cannot grant me wisdom. Without you, many things I cannot see or understand. The Parasol Tree must be incredibly disappointed in me by now, feeling that even the mythical Phoenix is just this. You are not only my teacher but also a dear friend.
“In my life, many people have helped me, but many who gave their aid afterward did not grant me the opportunity to repay them. I know you wish to see the things you could not protect your hometown from a thousand years ago, and I want you to witness that moment instead of passing away early, feeling that you do not need to accomplish your goals through me. Accomplishing it must involve me. Do you understand? I… I hope you can survive, Duke of Peach.”
The Duke of Peach smiled again, but the meaning of this smile was difficult to decipher.
“Child, good things come from hard work; efforts are never in vain.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means… never mind; you will understand one day.”
“Is there really no other way, Duke of Peach?”
“No, at least I don’t have one. Perhaps your miraculous husband has some ways? But the hope is slim. Instead of that, you’d better wish he would abandon all the other women and be with you forever; that probability might be greater.”
“.”
Valentina fell silent again. She just adjusted her facial expression and turned back to look at Alicia.
Unexpectedly, her current sorrowful emotions created a dreadful low pressure, causing Alicia to shiver while hugging the urn in her arms.
Valentina was slightly stunned and quickly adjusted her expression, speaking gently to her,
“Little friend, your name is Alicia, right?”
“Mm, big sister.”
“Have you been with Fisher during this time?”
“Mm, I’ve been with big brother all the time.”
“.”
Valentina thought for a moment, then playfully asked,
“So what has big brother Fisher been doing during this time? Has he been affectionate with other women? What has he done?”
Alicia opened her mouth, pondered for a long time, and suddenly remembered something. She first glanced at the tightly closed door of the hall to confirm no one else was present, then cautiously leaned closer, as if about to share a big secret.
Valentina raised her brows and leaned in a bit more to hear what she had to say.
The next moment, Alicia’s baby voice rang out,
“Sister, I’ll tell you, but you can’t tell anyone else, okay?”
“Mm, I promise.”
“Big brother is… in love with animals.”
“?”
Valentina blinked, turning to look at the serious little Alicia in front of her.
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(End of this chapter)
