The Shepherds Are Dense – Chapter 198

Chapter 199
The Death of Dross (5k)
Eivass stared at his opponent, his expression solemn and cautious.
The ritual “Mirage” was no simple feat.
It was a large-scale ritual that could only be used by “Archwizards,” the advanced profession of Ritual Mages.
In the game, its effect was to grant the caster and their teammates immediate invisibility while also creating a number of mirror image clones at a distance, inheriting one-tenth of their attack power and capable of being manipulated at will.
These clones could not cast spells or use items, but they had no physical form unless they attacked. They only became tangible for three seconds after initiating an attack.
These things were troublesome, truly troublesome—their damage wasn’t high, but they were incredibly annoying.
Not only did they constantly provide vision when following someone around, but they could also taunt and spout trash talk. If the opponent lacked a counter-skill, they couldn’t retaliate.
If the backline wasn’t protected, it was easy for a few illusions to cut them down directly; they could also actively attack to materialize themselves, serving to tank damage and block some skills.
However, Eivass had a way to deal with them.
Because the essence of these clones was a curse, they could be dispelled by abilities that removed curses.
What truly gave him a headache was the identity of his opponent.
Eivass knew very little about this enemy—as the leader of Noble Red, this person hadn’t even entered the dungeon yet.
Even though Noble Red was an early-game villainous organization, only able to bully Avalon. Once Avalon was gone, they were repeatedly thrashed by Star Antimony, Iris Flower, and Camelot… Yet, they had managed to persist until Level 0 without completely disbanding.
The only thing Eivass knew was that this person was a true “Divine Descendant.” As a direct descendant of the Bear Heavenly Envoy, noble blood flowed through their veins, and their ultimate goal was to emulate the past King Arthur, seizing the Heavenly Envoy’s position through mortal means.
…But now, it seemed they were somehow connected to his own grandfather, Jacob Alexander?
Watching Eivass purse his lips, Wolfram was in a good mood.
As a giant, he was somewhat face-blind when looking at races like humans and elves, and he couldn’t tell their age. It was like how humans looked at dogs; apart from the general breed, it was hard to discern subtle differences in their appearance.
“Your grandfather, Jacob, was the mentor who taught me the profession of ‘Ritual Mage’,” Wolfram said slowly. “My esteemed master…”
“…I don’t know any Jacob,” Eivass said quietly after a moment of silence.
“Oh, that’s understandable. After all, your entire family is dead, orphan. But then how did you know about this ritual? This was a ritual developed by the old man… Did he leave something behind after all? Well, never mind. Since you say you don’t recognize him…” Wolfram said with a smile, “Then I presume you won’t mind that your grandfather was cursed to death by me, right?”
Eivass narrowed his eyes.
One of the founders of Serpent Hand, the predecessor to Noble Red.
Eivass’s grandfather, Jacob Alexander, died fourteen years ago from “typhoid fever.”
And now, he had finally confirmed the cause of his grandfather’s death.
A red card silently materialized in Eivass’s palm, which was clenched on the armrest of his wheelchair.
The Grand Guardian subtly moved to shield Eivass, saying in a low voice, “Don’t be rash. Just like you said, they are only illusions—what about inside?”
“It’s been handled,” Eivass replied, his voice devoid of emotion, chillingly calm. “Those who might have died have been healed by me, and those attempting to plant bombs have been dealt with.”
“Jacob’s grandson, you seem quite capable,” another slightly shorter giant scoffed, equally unconcerned about the Demon Scholars’ lives. “It’s just that your legs don’t seem to be in good condition… Was it injured by that curse flowing in your bloodline? Speaking of which, do you know how your biological parents died?”
“Heh…”
Hearing this, Eivass suddenly let out a laugh. He retracted the card from his palm and replaced it with flames burning fiercely between his fingers. He opened his palm, leaned back in his wheelchair, and tilted his head slightly, relaxedly exposing his neck and collarbone.
Eivass sighed and looked at Noble Red with pity. “So you guys don’t know anything either…”
They didn’t know about the Shadow Demon, nor about Alistair. Not even about Professor Moriarty.
—Just somewhat stronger pawns.
At that moment, a golden-red butterfly condensed and was born from Eivass’s palm, resting on the tip of his middle finger.
In that instant, all eyes were drawn to them.
“It’s not yet time to settle the score with you.” Eivass said calmly as the butterfly slowly spread its wings and took flight. “Be gone.”
As the butterfly ascended, it began to crack, radiating a radiance like the sun.
The two giants didn’t flinch or dodge, simply watching the butterfly approach.
—Because when the Grand Guardian appeared, they knew their operation had already failed.
This wasn’t their fault—the Star Antimony people had made it clear that no Fifth Tier Extraordinary would arrive within the hour. Of course, they hadn’t fully believed that woman’s words, so their plan was to finish the fight within half an hour. Yet, barely twenty minutes in, the Grand Guardian had arrived.
In that case, it was better to test the waters and see what Jacob’s grandson was capable of—
“Is it this small butterfly?” the shorter giant mocked, “It’s truly re… ”
Before he could finish, a brilliant golden halo erupted outwards from the butterfly, powerful enough to distort everything and restore curses to their original state.
It shone upon the Grand Guardian without any warmth.
But the two giants were suddenly engulfed in golden flames—burning rapidly, as if using fire to burn cotton soaked in wine.
In an instant, their faces were burned into mere blurs, and their limbs were reduced to vague outlines.
…A dispelling spell from the Path of Devotion.
The Grand Guardian felt the light and murmured to himself. He felt a heavy heart, reflecting on his own lack of composure, while warily surveying his surroundings.
He had been frightened by the illusion… No, angered, to be precise.
“Avalon’s Eye” had clearly seen the truth, yet upon seeing Wolfram, he had lost his reason for a fleeting moment. It wasn’t so much his concern that he had used some method to enter Glass Island, but rather that he subconsciously wished for his return, to give himself an opportunity to atone for past humiliation. That was why he had subconsciously denied the possibility of it being an illusion.
He had even needed Eivass to remind him…
I’m still too young.
The Grand Guardian, only in his early forties, thought with deep sorrow.
And when the radiance completely dispersed, the illusions of the two giants vanished without a trace.
Even the ongoing ritual to repel people and the ritual to measure energy loss were concurrently dispelled by the golden butterfly.
—However, what was strange was that after losing the two giants who were their backbone, the Red Robe Men did not flee or show fear.
Upon the Grand Guardian’s appearance, they had seemed to disconnect from the game, standing still like puppets.
And after the giants vanished, they paused for only a moment before uniformly beginning to cast spells at Eivass.
All of these were ritualistic spells that required materials and a significant amount of time, with none exceeding Third Tier difficulty. However, their lethality was not low—a direct hit would likely put Eivass in critical condition after two instances.
…Mind control demons? Puppet curses? Or perhaps trapping demons?
Eivass’s heart stirred slightly as he roughly guessed that they were being controlled by the shorter giant.
No wonder they could obey orders so uniformly… And no wonder the two giants didn’t care at all about their deaths.
So they were just cannon fodder used as batteries and mobile magic circles.
—Well, whatever.
Cannon fodder was still experience.
As a group of squishy mages, sending out all their protective demons to die in a wave before standing still and channeling damage—was that not seeking death?
If the Grand Guardian hadn’t been there, it would have been understandable. After all, it was difficult to bring demons when retreating, so it was better to simply send them off, saving materials and mana for casting.
The Law Master’s mana had been depleted by them, and the Supervisor’s combat power had been significantly worn down by two rounds of demons. Another two volleys of their attacks would have finished off almost everyone inside.
The Transcendent Path, with its first-strike advantage, was terrifying.
And the only high-tier extraordinary, Director Taiya, was utterly incapable of resisting the illusions of the two giants—even with only one-tenth of their power, they were still Fifth Tier giant former Berserkers after all.
“Can I handle the remaining people, Mr. George?” Eivass asked softly. “I… want to kill someone.”
Around him, three deep crimson butterflies slowly condensed.
Perhaps he wanted to vent his anger.
The Grand Guardian thought.
Although Eivass suppressed it well, he had just caught a hint of anger in Eivass’s tone and expression. He could also sense the genuine killing intent in Eivass’s words.
However, since the crisis had been averted, he would let Eivass vent his frustration. These Demon Scholars were deserving of death anyway.
Consider it gratitude for reminding him to see through the illusion.
“Do as you wish,” the Grand Guardian replied. He then sheathed his longsword on his waist and took out a pocket watch identical to the Avalon national emblem, holding it in his hand. “I will protect you—no spell will be able to harm you one bit.”
As he spoke, the pocket watch emitted a white light.
Even though it was close to noon, the white light shone brighter than the sunlight.
“That’s good…” Eivass murmured softly, closing his eyes with a pained expression. “Thank you very much, Mr. George.”
But inside, he was excited.
—I just played the victim a little, and the big shot agreed to let me farm experience!
Then I won’t let a single one of them go—
Eivass resolved to use up all his fire mana here, killing as many as he could.
Meanwhile.
Lily, enveloped by the Shadow Demon, after assisting Eivass in killing the Demon Scholars within the Inspection Bureau, silently appeared at the entrance of Dross’s cell.
Demon Scholars without demonic protection were so fragile.
They hadn’t even cast defensive rituals on themselves… Lily hadn’t even let the Shadow Demon act, merely using its Shadow Stealth ability to easily kill them.
The time Eivass could buy for her was limited; Lily had to complete what she had to do as quickly as possible.
—Kill her own biological father.
Her gray eyes gazed at the plump, seal-like old man before her, her expression complex.
But the Shadow Demon spoke directly, its low and hoarse voice saying, “Long time no see… Mr. Antler.”
“…Alistair?”
Hearing this voice, Dross was instantly startled awake.
He tried to look in that direction but saw nothing.
Unlike the woman previously known as “Blood Diamond,” who always emanated a faint glow like moonlight—even when he widened his eyes, he couldn’t see anything from where “Alistair’s” voice came.
Even though the other party likely couldn’t see him either, Dross still put on a kind and cheerful smile. “Mr. Alistair—or perhaps Miss? Is it you who has come to rescue me this time?”
As he said this, his heart tensed slightly, a strange nervousness settling in.
He chattered on incessantly, “Thank you so much—by the way, how did you know my identity?”
“Miss ‘Gray’ told me, of course,” the Shadow Demon said, chuckling lowly, as if relishing the chaos.
“Gray… so she’s also a Miss? My apologies…” Minister Dross said with self-reproach, while tentatively probing “Miss Alistair’s” attitude. “When I thought he was a young gentleman, I assumed… he had a special relationship with Ms. Gray Green… After all, Ms. Gray Green does have such preferences, I know…”
If Alistair had a poor relationship with Gray, she would have scoffed or remained silent now.
If they had a good relationship, she would have refuted such speculation on his behalf.
But “Alistair” merely chuckeled. “I heard you investigated me?”
“Indeed,” Dross said without any concealment. “It was necessary caution…”
“Say what you will,” Alistair said. “Extend your hands, and I will help you break your handcuffs.”
“Alright—” Dross was certain that the other party was the one saving him. “Did you guys just barge in? What about the Grand Guardian?”
“He’s not here, because someone in the royal family died…” “Alistair” chuckled and said in a low voice.
The next moment, the shadow transformed into a blade and directly severed Dross’s hands.
He let out a scream and stumbled back two steps.
“You—” Dross said furiously.
But he only uttered one sound before immediately stopping. He fell silent for a moment, his demeanor transforming into one of almost subservient humility. “You did help me sever the handcuffs binding me…”
“Just tell me if your hands are free. They can be healed anyway,” the Shadow Demon said with a low, cheerful laugh. “Come, extend your legs. I’ll cut off your shackles.”
Dross hesitated this time.
“What,” the Shadow Demon provoked, “Are you afraid I’ll cut off your legs too?”
“Not at all… I believe you…” Dross said, extending his leg.
He didn’t have a choice.
Whether Alistair was cruel in personality or was taking revenge for his investigation of her… he had no choice.
He could only endure it for now.
Just wait, when I get to Star Antimony… Dross thought resentfully.
He heard Alistair was a woman? That’s great… he knew all too well how to torment a woman.
The next moment, he screamed again.
His legs were also severed.
“You know all too well how to torment a woman… Is that what you were thinking?” Alistair sneered.
“—You can read minds?!” Dross’s pupils suddenly contracted.
“Regrettably, I cannot. I guessed,” the Shadow Demon said with a low laugh. “It seems I guessed correctly.”
For some reason, Lily, who had been silent, suddenly felt the Shadow Demon becoming somewhat similar to Eivass… If it were Young Master Eivass, he might do something similar.
“Please, my lady, spare me…” Dross immediately knelt on the ground, ignoring the pain of his severed arms and legs, enduring the agony as he pressed his forehead to the ground. “Why don’t you just cut off my head…”
Wait a moment, Miss Shadow Demon… Lily suddenly said in her mind.
She wanted to know if she would be murdered by the other party… because she was an illegitimate child, or because she was a girl?
The Shadow Demon patiently listened to her words and couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’ll give you a chance, Charles Dross. Your child, your grandchild… Who is your favorite child?” Alistair said with a cruel laugh, speaking in a low voice. “You’d better not lie.”
“It’s my granddaughter… Suryani Dross.” Dross said nervously.
“Why?” the Shadow Demon pressed.
“Because…” Dross hesitated for a moment, then honestly replied, “Because she is also my daughter.”
Upon hearing this, Lily closed her eyes, suppressing the restless killing intent in her heart.
“Hahahahaha…” the Shadow Demon laughed with delight. “As expected of you, old man—so, if I demand you offer her to me as a sacrifice in exchange for your survival, will you agree?”
“…You’re not Alistair?” Are you the Shadow Demon?
Hearing this, Dross was jolted and tried to lift his head. But as he was about to do so, a foot firmly stomped on the back of his head, pressing him down.
—Only a demon would demand a sacrifice.
No wonder she could read minds… And no wonder she was so volatile…
“What if I am?” the Shadow Demon said cruelly. “Will you give it, or not?”
“I’ll give it, I’ll give it!” Dross said without hesitation. “You can have everything! The entire Dross family—”
Before he could finish speaking, the foot on his neck pressed down harder.
“…I understand.” A voice that should have been incomparably gentle, but was now somewhat hoarse, sounded. “You don’t truly love anyone… Lord Dross. Do you recognize my voice?”
“Who are you…?” Dross couldn’t recall who this voice belonged to at all.
So he tried to answer, “The real Alistair?”
Suddenly, an incomparably thick, black spiral spear pierced through him from the front, impaling him like a flag.
“—If Young Master wishes,” Lily said. “I can be.”
The next moment, the Shadow Demon’s evil and frenzied laughter erupted. Amidst Dross’s shrill screams, his limbs were torn to shreds by the Shadow Demon.
A five-thousand-word chapter!
A total of eight thousand words have been updated today, completing this arc in one go! Praise Cat! (hands on hips)