Chapter 486 - 201: He’s So Heartless

"Oh? What did you find?" The black-haired leader leaned forward, ready to listen.

Kleia gave him a reproachful look. "Menor, I knew it. You coming here so early meant you were hiding something."

"It’s like this..."

Menor ignored Kleia’s glare and recounted... well, to be precise, he recounted what Wei’en and Clelia had discovered. "We can now confirm that the Dream-Enterers in every sea region are the work of the Twilight Secret Cultivators."

All eyes in the room fixed on him, their expressions stunned, even bewildered.

Kleia asked blankly, "You mean the maritime taboo—the whole Dream-Entering phenomenon that appeared after the Third Era—was orchestrated by the Dusk Sect?"

"Menor, that’s enough to keep me reeling for three days~"

"Leader," Andri took a deep breath, calming her own turbulent emotions. "If this is true, does that mean they can initiate that plan, just like they did in the last era?"

The black-haired leader didn’t answer her right away. Instead, he looked at Menor. "Are you certain it was that Wizard, Wei’en, who discovered all this?"

"Yes," Menor nodded. "He discovered it on Dakman Island. He even killed a Twilight Secret Cultivator in the process."

"I see..."

"Is there a problem, Leader?"

"Not a problem," the black-haired leader said, a hint of confusion in his eyes. ’It’s just that for countless years, no one discovered the Dusk Sect’s schemes. But now, of all times, they’re uncovered by a single, gifted Wizard...’

’I don’t believe his power alone would be enough. After all, I’ve been to the Cordo Sea myself, and plenty of other sea regions, and I never detected the slightest trace of this Dream-Entering...’

"You mean," Menor faltered, "that the only reason Wei’en could discover all this is because someone was pulling the strings from behind the scenes?"

"I can’t be sure," the black-haired leader shook his head. "I only know this world has been peaceful for a thousand years. I fear all the old-timers hiding in the Dark Realm are starting to get restless."

Menor and the others exchanged glances, all falling silent.

Even though the Eternal Life Association was powerful, with a legacy spanning the change of Eras, they were still at a disadvantage against some of the ancient relics who had lived even longer.

"Still, I must admit this news could not have come at a better time!"

A smile spread across the black-haired leader’s face. He clapped his hands, gesturing for the others to look at him. "It seems we’ll need to make some adjustments to the tasks I just assigned," he said with a grin.

"Andri, contact those bastards in the Forbidden Sea. Tell them it’s time to make their move."

"Understood!"

"Kleia, I know the Earth Church over on the Southern Continent is still investigating the Pope’s death from two hundred years ago. Go and tell them it was the Dusk Sect’s doing."

"Alright. As it happens, I’m acquainted with one of their Archbishops."

"Menor,"

Here, the black-haired leader paused. "Your mission is on the seas. I recall you helped a certain someone from the Black Pearl. This time, we need him..."

"I’m sorry, Leader," Menor said, his expression troubled. "What happened last time already displeased him. I’m afraid he won’t agree to help us."

"Don’t worry about it. Return what you owe him. And while you’re at it, take that forbidden artifact and give it to him as well!"

"But..."

The black-haired leader said sternly, "Just do as I say!"

"I understand."

"Knowing the Dusk Sect, now that they’re aware someone has discovered their maritime secrets, they will do everything in their power to delay us. This is no time to worry about the costs!"

"Right. I understand."

"As for you, Pedro... get ready. It’s highly likely we’ll be needing your... ’little cuties’ this time."

A deep blush appeared on Pedro’s face. He giggled. "I’ve been waiting for ages~"

"For now, prepare according to this plan. We’ll finalize the details once everyone else has arrived. This time, we’re going to make those bastards from the Dusk Sect feel some real pain!"

...

...

「The next day, the red moon faded, and the sun rose.」

But for those inside the theater, the switch from day to night seemed to have lost all meaning. Everyone was busy with their own tasks.

"Tina, wake up."

Tina climbed out of bed. Her vacant eyes scanned the room as she calmly slipped on her shoes and walked out.

Outside the door stood Pavla, who hadn’t slept all night. She was still wearing her golden robe, her long, golden hair tied back as she prepared breakfast for the others.

"Tina, who?"

"You’re awake?" Seeing the white-haired girl, Pavla noticed that the scarlet glint in her eyes was gone. She breathed a small sigh of relief.

"Tina... servant?"

"...I am not!" Pavla puffed out her cheeks, trying to look angry.

In truth, only she knew how little conviction was behind those three words.

Just last night, the reason she hadn’t rested was because she had been fulfilling the duties of a proper Maid—by cleaning the entire theater from top to bottom!

To ensure no one was accidentally harmed by the light of the Dawn, she had even chosen not to use her Power of Faith to help, completing the entire task with her bare hands.

The white-haired girl tilted her head, watching her as if listening for something. After a long moment, she picked up two dolls, walked to the dining table, and sat down obediently.

"Tina, hungry."

"Just a moment, breakfast is almost ready," Pavla replied instinctively, her tone gentle. It seemed she had already completely slipped into her new role.

But the moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to cry but had no tears, her lips moving as she silently cursed herself.