Chapter 2342: The Blood-Red Prophecy

Although Miss Belindel seemed to have a special reaction to Luviya’s purple eyes, she did not refuse to conduct divination on those letters together with Luviya afterwards.

Of course, she did not adopt Shard’s phrasing, that “Luviya assists you,” but instead claimed it was a collaboration between two diviners.

Shard didn’t know much about the knowledge of diviners and couldn’t be of any assistance, hence he did not participate in their final preparations. But at least the outcome of the matter was quite good; the Great Witch of Destiny and Luviya joined forces and really saw something from those letters.

They discussed this matter at the lunch table that day, and when Miss Belindel took the main seat at her home’s dining table, she glanced at Shard and Luviya, only to find Shard busy controlling the cat, while Luviya was greeting the Little Unicorn.

“Relic.”

Luviya’s answer was very clear:

“Those letters originate from a Destiny-type relic. Bella’s crystal ball showed signs before exploding, and we determined that the vague pattern represented a ‘Sage-Level Relic.’

“Sage Level (Level 2)?”

The Elf Girl frowned:

“The relic sending me letters which I encountered in Tobesk wasn’t Sage Level, but it was already quite troublesome.”

Shard was surprised, as Luviya directly mentioned the Witch’s name, and the Countess didn’t show any hint of surprise:

“Luviya and I were also surprised by the result. I’ve lived in Moon Bay for so many years, and the Sage-Level and Angel-Level relics I’ve encountered, combined, aren’t as many as just this month.”

“Specifically, what kind of relic? Just this characteristic of sending letters, I can’t think of anything specific.”

Miss Aphrola also inquired, and the Countess shook her head:

“An Angel-Level relic related to Destiny Power, with the two of us combined, we still can’t fully see what it really is. But Luviya has truly been a great help, and we’ve obtained three hints, Shard, you should investigate according to these hints.”

She also addressed Luviya by name, and Shard looked at the purple-eyed diviner, who smiled at him:

“The first hint came from my Obsidian Spirit Pendulum Pendant pointing out information on the Ouija Board: A blood-drinking creature will meet its demise in the Darkness. I also saw some blurry images then, which Tifa drew based on my description.”

“Here it is.”

The dark-haired Maid unfolded her oil painting at the table, and everyone frowned at the woman outlined by blood in the painting, indicating an ominous sign.

“Tifa, your painting skills are indeed excellent. But what does that sword mean? If I’m correct, Luviya’s Ouija Board should indicate that Mrs. Jude will be killed by the entity sending letters at night?”

Shard asked, and the Countess nodded:

“Yes, and this will happen soon. The second clue comes from my [Strange Painting Tarot Card] employing the standard dip-pen from the Prophet’s Society provided by Luviya: we saw a drawing of a barn, blood, and clouds obscuring the Moon.”

She handed the uniquely illustrated tarot card to Shard, which was drawn directly using the dip-pen, but the colors are quite vibrant, the dark tones portraying the barn’s exterior with remarkable detail.

“Does this point to a real location?”

Angelina asked with curiosity:

“I’ve heard that diviners can directly locate corresponding places using real location photos and drawings.”

Miss Swift smiled and corrected:

“The location divined by this type of relic tarot card is merely a concept, not a reality. Angelina, remember, divination will not provide exact information directly; that isn’t divination, it’s omniscience.”

Here, Angelina was just an ordinary Witch Follower, or considered Shard’s “family,” so no one called her “Her Highness.”

“The barn… might be the murder location.”

Shard nodded slightly:

“What’s the last piece of information?”

“The unjust will inevitably perish.”

Luviya said, with Miss Belindel also nodding:

“This was the final message before the Ritual Circle got burned down, indicating the trait of that relic.”

“What kind of trait is that?”

Miss Aphrola raised an eyebrow, while Shard, pondering briefly, thought of more things:

“Obsessively pursuing justice, is that considered foolish?”

He wasn’t seeking an answer from others about this, but felt he finally understood what “Desire” wanted him to resolve.

With Shard still lacking other clues in hand, he considered starting the investigation tomorrow morning after meeting up with Mr. Benhart. If this matter is truly related to the task that “Desire” wants him to handle, more caution must be exercised.

The involvement of [Madeline’s Love] traces back to that “Mermaid’s” former followers, so if the letter-sending relic is related to “Madeline,” there might be some other information about “Desire” that Shard doesn’t know.

Shard spent the entire afternoon in Moon Bay, originally planning to stroll in the city, to both see the city’s situation post-disaster and to clear his mind, reflecting on last night’s dream conversation.

But before he could leave the manor, Miss Benanis hurriedly arrived by carriage. She tugged Shard’s sleeve and pulled him to a secluded spot in the second-floor corridor:

“Before you left yesterday, I also saw the pattern you asked us to investigate. Shard, are you sure the pattern looks exactly as you presented it?”

She was referring to the pattern on the mouth “door” of the gigantic human head from the “Gilded Sand Sea” adventure, which Shard and Old Lady Sianod were supposed to approach.

Shard nodded in surprise:

“At least that’s what others told me. Why, is there a problem?”

“I’m the Witch of the Earth. My inheritance is not only power but also secret knowledge unique to this position that others are unaware of. Yes, even the Council’s ‘Keeper of Secrets’ Megan and Audrey don’t know.”

The blonde opera singer frowned slightly, as if pondering how to express herself:

“If possible, Shard, I hope you won’t go beyond that door.”

“But Miss Benanis, you know it’s impossible for me not to go. This is the Adventure of Time, a task given to me by the Tree Father. Although the Tree Father doesn’t impose a ‘death’ type punishment for task failure, I cannot truly assume that the Tree Father’s favoritism is without reason. Besides, three ladies need my help, and I promised them I would assist.”

Shard leaned against the corridor wall, noticing the Witch slightly pouting, her golden eyes showing a hint of dissatisfaction:

“Shard, call me something else.”

“Alright, Vanessa, you know it’s impossible for me not to go.”

She nodded:

“From now on, call me that way, both of us… and you still call me by my surname.”

She moved a bit closer to Shard, her golden eyes bearing a very gentle expression:

“I knew you wouldn’t give up, you’re always like this, so listen to me —

The Witch of the Earth cannot purify all filth. Even before the Sixth Era, there were many areas in the material world considered beyond restoration. It’s not just land mutations like those caused by the distortion of the Randall Valley, but even changes caused by evil objects, relics, and deities.

The Witches of the Earth had the responsibility of overseeing the land during the Fifth Era. If they encountered similar dangerous areas, they needed to utilize the Council’s power to seal it or remove it entirely from the material world. Records indicate this doesn’t require assistance from other witches and seems relatively easy to execute.”

She paused slightly:

“Of course, I, of the Sixth Era, do not yet possess such powerful abilities.”

After all, the Sixth Era’s [Witch Council] is also declining, and the lack of power of the Archwitches has led to some functions of the Council being closed off to them.

“So, are you saying that the pattern I drew actually leads to an area of pollution sealed by a former Witch of the Earth?”

Shard asked. The women he met in this adventure were not Council Archwitches, so it was natural they didn’t recognize it. Of course, Miss Mister definitely recognized it, but she just chose not to speak.

“Yes, if even a Thirteenth Rank Witch of the Earth deemed it dangerous, I cannot imagine the situation beyond. But since stopping you is of no use, let me tell you how to open the seal.”

She pulled a small notebook from her pocket, opening it to a page with the abstract pattern drawn on it:

“Though it’s sealed, it might need to be accessed again in the future, so the seal isn’t foolproof. Witches of the Earth themselves can undo the seal, but I cannot accompany you.”

She pursed her lips slightly:

“As for other methods, different seals require different approaches. Generally, you need the power of an Ancient God as the key to unlock such seals. Don’t think it’s an exaggeration; any place sealed like this is sure to be extraordinary. Regarding the seal you drew, it requires four keys to be effective: Sun, Brightness, Moon, Earth.”

“It requires divine items containing the power of these four Ancient Gods, doesn’t it?”

“They don’t necessarily have to be divine items, symbols are accepted too.”

As she spoke, she fished out a small clay cat figurine from her pocket and handed it to Shard:

“Take this. I crafted it with my own power to represent the Earth. This way, you won’t have to expend the Holy Grail or seek fragments of the Heart of the Earth from the ‘Guardians’.”

Shard looked at her, and the witch looked at him:

“What do you mean by looking at me like that?”

Her little finger, painted with red nail polish, twirled a strand of hair by her ear before she slowly leaned her face closer to Shard:

“If you dare say thank you, I will make sure it won’t be pleasant for you, Shard.”

“Yes, Benanis… Vanessa, then may I use a kiss to express my gratitude?”

She was satisfied to hear Shard call her by name, then smiled and wrapped an arm around Shard’s neck, pinning him against the wall:

“Yes, of course you may.”