Chapter 136

To revive Eve, the ancient witch’s Sorcery Doll, a reliable power source was needed above all else.

‘Honestly, this was the most troubling part.’

Even if successful using a simple medium available on the market, it wouldn’t produce a significant output, rendering the revival meaningless.

Therefore, I spent a long time pondering what to use as Eve’s power source.

The conclusion I reached was to use the Cursed Tool I received from Myeongyool during the previous incident with Arietta.

【Eternal Spring Talisman】

▶A sigil imbued with immense power. The wielder draws upon the power of nature to continuously recover Spiritual Power. A special Cursed Technique is contained within the sigil.

Given its trait of drawing upon and storing natural power, it was perfectly suited as a power source.

The rank of the Cursed Tool itself was quite high, so it was clear that finding something better would be virtually impossible.

‘To be honest, I was also tempted to use the Soul Anchor Stone obtained from the Hwang Family.’

Still, it didn’t seem right to handle an object containing the soul of a Hwang Family ancestor so recklessly, so I gave up on that idea.

Having made my decision, I took the Eternal Spring Talisman from the Formless Pouch and placed it in the center of the area where Eve’s Remnants were scattered.

I then immediately began constructing a Ritual Array and deploying the Cursed Technique I had prepared.

Whoosh.

Zzziiing.

Glowing patterns and lines were elegantly engraved onto the ground, and endless Spiritual Power seeped into them, adding strength.

About ten minutes later, the light suddenly faded, and the flow of the Ritual Array wavered.

‘…Could it be a failure?’

I had hoped to succeed on the first try, so I felt a pang of frustration. Just as I clicked my tongue and was about to rise from my spot, fortunately, the Ritual Array began absorbing Spiritual Power again.

Whoosh!

Srrrruk!

‘It’s done.’

Confident that the ritual had entered the success phase, I used the Soul Combustion Trait and squeezed out all the Spiritual Power stored in the Bari Jade Bracelet, pouring it into the Ritual Array.

And finally, when all the light faded, Eve, restored to her former appearance, lay neatly in the center of the Ritual Array.

‘Is she a bit smaller than before?’

Probably because some of the remnants were completely lost, and her power had weakened.

But considering that, her condition was much better than expected. With a hint of anticipation, I closed my eyes and Appraised the information of Eve, who lay with her eyes shut.

Ding!

【Eve】

▶Level 52

▶Stats

【Stamina : A-】

【Monstrous Power : -】

【Art Formula : A-】

【Mental Power : A-】

▶Traits (6/10)

【Witch’s Resonance (A+)】

【Composite Being (A-)】

【Combat Instinct (A-)】

【Swift Blade Through Chaos (A-)】

【Output Enhancement (B-)】

【Monstrous Strength (C+)】

All three stats had dropped by two ranks each, and her Level had decreased by 10.

But personally, I found these numbers quite satisfactory. With this level, she should be able to handle most 2nd-Rank Exorcists.

Among my Shikigami, she was one of the most powerful, alongside Kongsami and Black Yin.

“Can you move?”

“…Possible, it is.”

Her words were a bit choppy, but communication wasn’t a problem.

Soon, Eve opened her eyes sharply and began testing the movement of each part of her body, as if checking her range of motion.

Not long after, she raised her upper body and asked me a question.

“…The last order has been completed. A new order is required.”

The ‘last order’ undoubtedly referred to handing over the key to Verdi’s room to us, who were the Challengers in the Trial Hall.

Confirming that, I gave Eve her orders.

“Nothing special. I’ll call you when needed. Just assist me.”

“Yes. I shall obey the order.”

Thus, I formed a complete Shikigami Contract with Eve and sent her into the shadows.

With that, my purpose here was clear. Wearing a satisfied expression, I headed outside, where Seo Jian, who had been waiting, spoke to me.

“Seeing your face, it seems it went well.”

“Thanks to you. It would have been difficult if the materials hadn’t been gathered.”

“…It was nothing. Are you planning to return to the Academy now?”

As I nodded, Seo Jian wore a serious expression, as if she had one last thing to say, and opened her mouth.

“It seems my older brother has started taking an interest in you.”

“Interest?”

‘Big brother’ must be the person who allied with Seo Jian to overthrow Seo Taehoo, the owner of Daejin Industries.

Seo Jian nodded and continued.

“I tried to hide it as much as possible, but it seems he somehow got his hands on information about you. He probably knows about the recent incident involving the Cheong Family too. He might try to make contact in some form soon.”

“I see. I’ll be careful.”

It was certainly a bit concerning, but it wasn’t something I needed to prepare for immediately.

Probably, when the situation arises, it won’t be too late to think about it then.

After exchanging final farewells with Seo Jian, I left the residence and returned to the Academy.

Now, it was time to move forward again.

The next day, having returned to the Academy, I decided to visit Arietta, who had also returned last night.

I was concerned about her condition since we hadn’t met during the Vacation, and I also had something to tell her separately.

“…It’s been a while, junior.”

“Yes. It’s been a while. How is your physical condition?”

“During the vacation, I managed to get by somehow by drinking blood obtained from various places.”

However, her face looked quite haggard for someone who said that.

When I sent her a worried look, she subtly averted her gaze and spoke to me.

“Sorry. It must be a reflex. Seeing you makes me thirsty.”

“You don’t need to hold back. I’m just using a Cursed Technique anyway.”

Once again using the Blood of Unfurled Peace Cursed Technique, I gave her my blood, and soon began to broach the matter I wanted to convey.

“Do you have a place to go after graduation?”

“A place to go?”

As a member of the Graduating Class, she would soon be leaving the Academy.

The choices from there would be extremely varied, but honestly, I wanted to take Arietta completely to my side.

‘She’s too valuable a card to hand over to someone else.’

Her abilities were outstanding, and the growth potential of her True Noble Blood Trait was still limitless.

With my knowledge of the original work, I could definitely elevate her to a higher level.

“I’ve received offers from various places, but I haven’t decided on anything definite yet.”

“In that case, would you consider staying with me for a while after graduation?”

“…With you, junior?”

Arietta’s expression momentarily filled with doubt.

That was a natural reaction. Honestly, even I thought it was a bit sudden.

Especially since the one saying it was just a second-year Academy cadet.

Therefore, to draw her in, I needed to present an attractive and solid condition.

So, without hesitation, I began to cast the bait I had prepared.

“What is your ultimate goal, senior?”

“…To become a Special-Rank Exorcist someday and help people?”

Of course. She had grown up seeing Myeongyool, who was once called a hero, and admired him.

Thus, her goal aligned with mine.

“I can help you with both.”

After taking a deep breath, I revealed for the first time one of the secrets only I knew.

“Soon, the second Night Parade of One Hundred Specters will arrive.”

“Night Parade… of One Hundred Specters…?”

“I need people to be my hands and feet at that time. I consider you, senior, to be one of them.”

“Even if you say that so suddenly…”

However, Arietta, who was continuing to speak, momentarily lost her composure and began to ponder something deeply.

After a short time, the conclusion she reached was acceptance.

“Still, I don’t think you’d lie about something like this. But, do you have any basis?”

“It exists and it doesn’t. But I am certain. And the timing won’t be far off.”

“…It won’t just end with saying it’s dangerous. You know that, right?”

“Yes. But there’s no way to persuade people anyway. I can only do what I can do.”

Upon hearing my words, Arietta seemed to connect something with my actions up until now.

“…The Simple Barrier Stones. So that’s why you made them.”

Arietta, who had researched future Cursed Techniques with me during the public Presentation, was one of the people who knew relatively well about the Simple Barrier Stones.

She probably realized by now why I focused on their practical application and distribution without seeking much profit.

“At the very least, you’ve been preparing for a long time. I get it. I’ll believe that part.”

“……”

As I remained silent, waiting for an answer, Arietta pondered for a moment and then nodded.

“I need a little time to think. If I accept, what should I help with?”

“For now, focusing on training and building your strength is enough. I’ll discuss the details separately later.”

“Alright. I’ll do that.”

I originally intended to reveal a bit more of the truth, but she was more understanding than I expected. And I already realized the reason.

‘It must be thanks to Woonyeon’s mention.’

In fact, I had half-hoped for that when I brought it up.

Even so, it seemed she needed some time alone to think, so after finishing the conversation, I left Arietta.

I had done all I could. Now, only a time of waiting remained.

After Han Kangyoon left, Arietta Morgan remained alone in the Dormitory, lost in repeated contemplation.

‘…Auntie already knew.’

The prophet Woonyeon had told Arietta this after the Shin Dohoon incident was resolved.

The scale of Han Kangyoon’s destiny was absurdly vast, and he would undoubtedly be swept up in the storm of the era, whether he liked it or not.

So, if a crisis were to come, it would be good to help Han Kangyoon.

‘……’

Arietta agreed with that as well.

She owed Han Kangyoon a great debt. If another crisis were to occur, it was her turn to help him this time.

‘…The second Night Parade of One Hundred Specters.’

If that were truly the case, it would be a problem utterly beyond Arietta’s individual power to handle.

Yet, Han Kangyoon said he needed the power of such an Arietta.

Considering the matter of the Simple Barrier Stones, it was clear he had already been moving in various ways to prepare for that time.

‘Amazing.’

Even if someone had told Arietta that the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis would occur again, she couldn’t have done what he did.

Han Kangyoon was undoubtedly an outstanding Exorcist, an existence that ordinary people couldn’t hope to follow.

Myeongyool, who was active in the past Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis and was called one of the heroes by the citizens.

Arietta had followed in the footsteps of such a Myeongyool to get here.

Then, surely, this was the path she should take.

Tick.

Tick.

Trrr.

Having reached a conclusion, Arietta finally set aside all her worries, contacted Han Kangyoon, and gave her answer.

“I’ll join you.”

It was sudden and something she still couldn’t fully judge, but she felt this was undoubtedly the right answer.

And so, Arietta cleared all three years at the Academy and became a graduate.

Afterwards, no one detected her destination.