The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 135: Possible Encounters

Hearing Termiboros's question, Lumian was startled.

He had never really questioned why Flamant had stayed in the Golden Rooster Tavern for so long without being killed by the Monsourie ghost.

In Lumian's view, Flamant's close relatives and wife had already been murdered, and it was only a matter of time before his turn came. Based on what he had read at the "Old Issues Library" of *Séance* magazine, there were cases where people had encountered the Monsourie ghost and then survived for up to eleven months before being killed. While Flamant's case was rare, it wasn't unique.

Suddenly, Lumian remembered a peculiar detail about this situation. Other victims had been killed by the Monsourie ghost within the same year of their encounter, but Flamant had encountered the ghost last year and even spent the New Year under the protection of the clergy.

Although less than a year had passed from his encounter with the ghost to his eventual suicide, this was an unprecedented occurrence of spanning over two years compared to other cases.

"It was this piece of bloodstone that protected Flamant, causing the Monsourie ghost to delay its actions time and again, breaking its usual pattern."

Lowering his voice, Lumian asked Termiboros again, trusting the angel's insight. Even though she was perfectly sealed, unable to exert any power, her wisdom, perception, and rank allowed her to see through many truths.

Termiboros's deep, resonant voice replied, "It made the Monsourie ghost fear and despise it, but it possesses no power. For you, this might be a key."

"A key?" Lumian was immediately filled with thoughts. "A key to unlock some hidden chamber in Trier during the Fourth Epoch."

With an unusually profound tone, Termiboros said, "You are destined to enter Trier of the Fourth Epoch. There lies your disaster and your opportunity. Instead of waiting passively, explore actively. Gather information from each exploration and prepare yourself fully."

"You're revealing your motives too quickly."

Lumian couldn't help but laugh. "Are you trying to get me killed as soon as possible, so you can use the special conditions underground to block the signal of your seal breaking and escape safely without being hunted?"

Thinking of how even the Shadow Tree failed to root itself deeply in the Fourth Epoch's Trier, Lumian had no interest in exploring the underground.

Without waiting for Termiboros to respond, he left the room and went to the nearest bathroom to wash off the occult makeup from his face. After removing any hidden dangers, Lumian sat down at the wooden table and began writing a letter.

The matter involving Flamant and the bloodstone felt undeniably suspicious.

He couldn't just believe everything Termiboros said. He needed to consult the Magician Lady. Relying entirely on an evil god or angel's words without using his own mind would sooner or later lead to his downfall or even cost him his life.

Termiboros's voice echoed again. "Can you really trust that Magician, or the so-called Tarot Club? They sealed me inside you instead of trying to destroy me. They likely want to use you for something sinister. They threw you into the stormy center of Trier and haven't shown any concern for your situation. Doesn't that seem suspicious? This can't simply be explained as a desire to train you."

Lumian smiled and sighed. "Have you never deceived or manipulated anyone before? You must rely on your sheer power and status to achieve your goals. Should I buy you a book on the *Art of Persuasion*? I'll read it to you daily. Let me tell you, I wasn't falling for tricks like this when I was ten years old. I know very well who to trust, who's a troublemaker, and who to be cautious of."