High Above

【What happened? 】

In the small garden, Adlbert just stretched out his hand, trying to help the Glen Knight who suddenly knelt on the ground.

But the green light in the black-haired knight's eyes receded. He stood up and smiled weakly: "It's nothing."

"It's just...experience the helpless despair."

His eyes became firm: "But it's okay, I already know a lot... This time, I will definitely be able to do better."

【……well】

Adlbert also sighed with gloomy eyes. He thought that Ian was blaming himself for the people of Avak Laboratory and the entire Avak Territory, so he also felt a little sad.

He slightly overestimated Ian's morals.

Ian would indeed be angry about the tragic experiences of ordinary people, and would even fight, but at this point, even if he was really sad, he would not show it in such an exaggerated way.

But Ian would not go out of his way to explain this misunderstanding. Adlbert is indeed a good researcher, and it wouldn't be a bad thing to gain some favorability.

At this moment, the Dead River Arms, which had been silent on the ground, suddenly made a low mechanical hum.

Bang, the ferocious armor suddenly shrank, then expanded, turning into a dark cloud, in which blood-colored and silver light turned into lines and lines, forming inscriptions one after another, and then converged towards Ian.

Ian didn't see any danger - in fact, he had foreseen it with the silver chip when he came into contact with the Dead River Arms.

So, he just stood up and waited for all the clouds and lines to shrink and shrink around his waist.

It turned into an inconspicuous black belt.

[Dead River Arms? ! Is microcomputer portable? 】

Adlbert's eyes widened and he looked very surprised: [This form... the people from Feiyandi did not design this structure! 】

"It was done by Grand Duke Thorin. He seems to know the research on the Flying Fire Land very well."

Ian stroked the black belt around his waist. He frowned slightly, but still said nothing: "It is indeed useful. Even if it does not burn the soul, it can be said to be a very excellent basic ether weapon - I can design it based on it." My etheric weapons."

[Dead River Arms (Basic Optimization)]

[Third Energy Level·Ectoplasm Entity·Authority·Edible]

[The final result created by the technology of Feiyandi Comprehensive Gnostic Academy and Awak Central Laboratory, the actual carrier of the river of death of all living beings, once carried the resentment of millions of dead souls, and was destroyed by the fourth energy level The strong ones have corrected several mistakes and weaknesses and have been strengthened to a certain extent]

[The soul can be used as fuel to fill and activate the 'Rebirth in the Dead River' and 'The Power of Soul Melting'. Tip: In non-emergency situations, it is extremely not recommended to use the souls of intelligent creatures as fuel or materials for other abilities]

[Warning: The more times it is used, the more likely the user is to be assimilated by the resentment of the dead souls]

[Contains source material: 10595.1267 phase units]

【……】

This is a pretty excellent third-level ether weapon.

Judging from the detailed data, its strength has even reached the fourth level. Like the Chongyuan Iron Sword in Ian's hand, it has not been strengthened very much and is still in its basic state, so it only has some built-in skills. .

But its superior basic quality is its biggest advantage. As long as it is slightly improved, some more inscriptions are engraved, or its source material spiritual energy structure is optimized, it will be a real magical weapon.

"Interesting, this ectoplasm structure... It turns out that the Dead River Arms are not biological etheric equipment in the general sense, but ectoplasmic ether equipment using materials from virtual creatures. It can also be called soul weapons... "

With his alchemy skills, familiarity with the virtual realm, and a little help from the silver chip, Ian quickly understood the nature of the Dead River Arms.

Although the more detailed aspects need to wait until he returns to the imperial capital to use the laboratory equipment, but now that he is confident, Ian can book some supplementary books in advance, and then study and learn at the same time, and then let Adalbert help with tutoring. After a while, you should be able to master this knowledge quickly.

【Do you want to use it? 】

Adlbert stared at Ian's waist with a complicated face. The Dead River Arms were the vicious thing he wanted to destroy. He chased Viscount Avak all the way, and successively destroyed Feiyandi and Archduke Thorin. The purpose of this research institute is to annihilate this kind of weapon that blasphemes souls and lives.

But now it seems that the Glen Knight does not intend to do this - and as the main force fighting Viscount Avak, he is not qualified to ask the Glen Knight to destroy his trophies.

Not to mention, the other party is a disciple of the legendary First Knight... If he is the inheritor of the First Knight, then maybe he can still believe in the morality of the Knight of the Glen?

Thinking of this, Adalbert couldn't help but smile.

Is there any need to doubt this?

He had seen with his own eyes the scene of the other party killing Viscount Avak with righteous anger, but there was no need to doubt this aspect.

So, before Ian spoke, he was already relieved.

Naturally, Ian would still explain: "The Dead River Arms' capabilities are indeed vicious, and I won't be able to use them - but the technology it contains can be used in many ways if dismantled."

"No matter what technology development is carried out in the future, a large amount of technology needs to be accumulated as a 'material reserve'. Otherwise, sometimes when starting a new project, everything needs to be developed from scratch. That feeling is really terrible. .”

【really! 】

Adalbert had a look of deep sympathy, and then he realized it and said: [Wait, this tone... Knight of the Valley, are you also a researcher? ! 】

The dead king looked at the black-haired knight in surprise. Ian turned his face and looked at him, and couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth: "Yes. And there is a big laboratory in Imperial City... Well, having said that, Will you follow me?"

"Although Archduke Thorin said he was dismissing you, he actually wanted me to find a place for you to stay."

【I……】

Adalbert was at a loss. He originally thought that he would die at the hands of Viscount Avac, or be executed by Archduke Thorin. He had already prepared to die here when he chose to become the Dead King, and he never thought about himself. He could actually survive.

Even from the beginning, Archduke Thorin had no intention of punishing him.

Naturally, he wanted to agree to the Rivendale Knight's invitation, but Adalbert was a little worried.

Worrying about the identity of his dead king, he might cause trouble for the Knights of the Glen.

——No matter how ignorant he is of the world, he still knows that the First Knight is currently on the run, and his disciples must also conceal their identities.

But that was too long ago. Nowadays, not many people remember the wanted order of the First Knight, but if it were revealed that he still had a disciple, countless flies would definitely swoop on him.

And he... is the most eye-catching deceased king in recent times.

If you go by yourself, you will only make the currently safe situation of the Glen Knights more dangerous, right?

"Don't worry too much."

Ian naturally noticed that Adalbert's worries were for fear of affecting him. While he felt funny in his heart, he also couldn't help but sigh, there are so few good people in this world.

People like Adebert are really rare creatures.

"If you really plan to join - I mean, join my team, then I might tell you my true identity... and I can also provide you with shelter in my territory."

After thinking about it, Ian felt that if he really wanted the other party to join him, he still had to tell some real information: "I will become a lord soon, and I will also have a team outside... Well, if you are willing to pretend, I can arrange for the Huaiguang rescue team to take you out."

"Believe me...even if you don't believe in my morality, you still have to believe that your own technical ability is worth valuing and worth my risk."

【...then please】

Adlbert was silent for a while and said to Ian gratefully.

If he had a choice, he certainly didn't want to die or be wanted.

It must be said that before Ian fought with Viscount Avak, there was something he said that actually touched his heart.

That is ‘Mother’.

With a moment of passion, he became the Dead King, so he would naturally not regret this choice... But now that things are over, he definitely still hopes to bring a better life to his mother.

In addition, Ian's true identity also made him very curious - who is the Knight of the Glen? He can actually become a lord within the empire?

In addition, he even has a large laboratory in Imperial Capital?

Oh my God, the disciple of the First Knight, the disciple of the most wanted criminal in the empire... actually has a huge laboratory in the imperial capital? !

——The most dangerous place is the safest place. The words of the sages are true!

Adlbert's curiosity was almost full. If it weren't for the fact that the current situation was not suitable for asking about these things, he would have grabbed Ian and asked for details.

But until now...

It was indeed time to leave.

Ian stood up and walked in front, while Adlbert followed behind him.

Together they walked towards the decision-making mouth of the already crumbling subspace labyrinth, preparing to leave this land soaked in hatred and lamentation, blood, tears and despair.

Although Adlbert is the master of the subspace, Ian's familiarity with the entrances and exits makes him feel like a real master.

After all, the silver chip has already recorded a set of maps, and the precognitive vision can also distinguish the road ahead, which is not an exaggeration.

"correct."

Halfway through, Ian suddenly thought of something. He turned his head and asked Adelbert, who was somewhat silent along the way: "I remember... you said that you applied for some psychic books to assist you in researching related topics, right? ?”

"And Grand Duke Thorin has prepared all those books for you?"

【Ah, yes】

Adlbert raised his head. He didn't realize what Ian was saying at first, but soon he nodded and looked in one direction of the subspace maze: [I remember it seemed to be in the dean's room... They are all ancient books with evil power, let them follow this maze...]

Before Adlbert could finish his words, Ian turned around and sped towards the dean's office.

——Die away together with the maze?

What a joke!

Each of these ancient classics containing ‘evil power’ is an irreplicable treasure, okay!

And there is a high probability that the Dragon Worship Cult entrusts itself...

Oh, it seems that they just commissioned themselves to find out where the Book of Silver Glory is? It seems there is no need to take it back.

But it doesn't matter, Ian himself also wants to see what's so special about the power in this Book of Silver Glory.

In short, with Adebert's slightly depressed expression on his face, Ian quickly arrived at the dean's office.

There is a sparse rain of blood in the courtyard where the dean's office is located. Although Ian doesn't know why it is raining indoors or it is raining blood, it must be a feedback of resentment in the virtual world - as the host of this nightmare laboratory This is the place where the power of the dead souls will definitely gather.

In the darkness, the Knight of the Valley walked straight forward. He opened the door of the dean's room with a sword, and his eyes were directly fixed on the blue, purple, and green various classics.

"Book of Silver Glory", "Sacrifice of the Burning Abyss", "Chaos Buster" and "Twilight Codex"... all kinds of precious books that contain special spiritual powers and are extremely special just by their existence are placed in the dean's office. On the bookshelf to the left of the table.

Ian stepped forward and he packed up all the books without hesitation - he even carried a large bag that looked very light, and he could tell at a glance that it was used to hold trophies.

[Actually, if you want to know the knowledge in these books, just ask me, I have written it all down...]

Adlbert followed behind, muttering in a low voice that he would not stop Ian's actions, but he still hoped that these books, which indeed contained all kinds of evil knowledge and psychic powers, would not come out again.

The soul fusion and resurrection of the Dead River Arms are powerful abilities combined with the skills in these books, which really made him instinctively reject them.

"Then you have a really good memory."

Ian complimented sincerely, but he kept moving his hands and threw all his trophies into his pockets for preservation: "But what I need is these 'evil' powers. Whether it's research or long-term knowledge, it's all right I’m of great use.”

"Don't worry, I am the disciple of the most wanted criminal in the empire. I am not a kind person to begin with. Stealing the empire's books is the right thing to do. Don't feel uneasy about me."

——I’m not disturbed by this at all!

Adlbert wanted to complain, but in the end he didn't say anything... He felt that the character of the Knight of the Glen was probably much more active than he thought.

Of course. Now that Ian is ready to inform Adalbert of his identity as 'Ian', he will naturally not be too indifferent to the indifferent character of Mahdi, the Knight of the Glen.

"Get ready to go."

After collecting all the scattered things in the dean's room that were not books, Ian hung the pocket on his waist with satisfaction - a few books plus some special psychic gadgets were just ordinary. School bag size.

Frost Butterfly poked her head out of her pocket and glanced at her 'new neighbor' curiously - she felt a strange psychic fluctuation...even a fluctuation similar to that of a goblin?

This is not an illusion.

Because among the precious classics stolen by the Academy of Spiritual Knowledge from the Imperial Capital Library, there was a copy of "Happy Paradise", which was a spiritual classic that explained the special features of goblins. It is said that the goblins of Falling Star City prepared to give it to everyone when they promoted it to the outside world. The country issues a book introducing oneself.

Because there was a fight immediately afterwards, everyone knew the fairies very well, so there were no more copies. Now it is an out-of-print collection.

[Hey, this is a fairy...]

Although he didn't ask any more questions, Adlbert became even more curious about Ian's identity - who was actually in the Imperial City laboratory, with goblins following him?

If he had read more about the news in the capital, or learned about the alchemy publications of the recent period, he might be able to know Ian's true identity by now and add another name to the list of 'those who saw through Ian's vest'.

It's a pity that Adelbert is usually shy, and he has been doing research in a closed manner recently, so naturally he can't tell.

So, that's it.

The two dead kings, Ian and Adlbert, walked all the way to the exit of the subspace maze where there was no sound of anyone.

There were no phantoms, no World of Warcraft, and no surviving researchers - except for Adalbert himself, everyone in the entire Awak Central Laboratory was dead, all turned into revenants, and taken away by Archduke Thorin.

As they moved, one box garden after another collapsed, and one subspace fragment after another shattered, because this silent abyss, the special environment created by the fallen virtual realm fragments, was originally based on the resentment of the souls.

When Archduke Thorin took away the souls of millions of people, the entire warp labyrinth was already crumbling. It was barely maintained only because of the existence of the two dead kings, Ian and Adlbert.

They arrived at the gate.

Buzzing... At this moment, you can already see that the junction between the real world and the subspace is like a foggy door. Looking at the real world through it is like watching a dream.

Or a nightmare.

But now...

"The nightmare is over."

Ian turned his head and said to the young researcher who was silently pressing his eyes, as if he wanted to shed tears, but there were no tears at all, and his whole body was shaking: "Although it is not a perfect ending, at least it is better than the worst ending. .”

"Adlbert, I know that you never thought about coming out alive in the first place. You think that all this research comes from you. You think that the deaths of millions of people in Avak Territory are all your fault - —This applies to both the dead king and the dead river."

"You keep talking to me because you feel shaken, in pain, and can't bear this fear. You feel that you don't deserve to live compared to those who died because of you and suffered because of you. But you survived, and your conscience is condemning you."

"But even if that's true, so what?"

Ian's voice was ruthless, almost indifferent, but it was exactly the kind of calmness that Adalbert needed: "If you die, then everything will be really meaningless."

"Don't be too afraid. You can still stand in the sun and use your intelligence to change the world. You have the qualifications."

The originally majestic and terrifying Dead King was like a child who had not yet grown up - he was originally a big boy in his early twenties. He had not experienced much of the hardships of the world. When he was young, he was spotted by Archduke Thorin and sent to the In the ivory tower, concentrate on studying the technology you like.

He is smart, optimistic, extremely talented, and has a sense of justice. Even if he is not joking, he is a good person with normal moral values.

Such a person should have a bright future, but him being involved in the Avak Territory incident... can only mean that Terra and the world are rotten.

【I see……】

In response to Ian's words, Adalbert said softly, he was a little choked with sobs: [I just... thought of my mother... Am I worthy of my mother's teachings? Am I really the person my mother wants me to be? 】

"If your mother knows that you have achieved the achievements and determination you have now, she won't care how many people you kill or how much responsibility you have."

Ian shook his head and sighed: "Don't worry about your mother. She must be well taken care of by Archduke Thorin...maybe much better than us."

"Let's go, it's time to start the next stage of life."

Ian and Adlbert walked out of the subspace maze. With a crisp cracking sound, the fragments of the virtual realm completely collapsed.

It's dawn outside.

In the hazy skylight, you can vaguely see the two moons setting on the other side of the sky. They are intertwined at the edges of the sky, one is dim and broken, and the other is bright and clear.

Even in such a starless dark night, there will eventually be dawn and the light of the moon will shine.

"Relax, Albert."

Staring at the moon, Ian took a step forward with Adlbert: "There will be a lot of suffering waiting for you in the future, which is probably a torture that is not inferior to death."

"You can't rest yet."