Chapter 450: D165.?_2
Instructing the maid to bring the map, the Count was moved by the changes the Hero had brought during this period.
“Now that I have some free time, let’s study the routes together. Although the main goal is traveling, we can afford slight detours. Princess, you are tasked with touring the nation, and this journey could also serve as a rehearsal for your objectives, Hero.”
Looking at the magic map on sale, which was much more detailed than the common road goods, marked with fine runes, and even capable of dynamically noting real-time traffic conditions, the Hero hesitated.
But after a moment, she took a deep breath, reached out, and pointed to a city on the map.
“If possible, I’d like to pass through here…”
This city had been her home for the past fourteen years, the place where she was born and raised.
Sitting beside her, the grandfather’s gaze grew sharp, and a complex expression appeared on his face. Seeing the Hero hesitate yet hopeful, he did not speak, merely silently sighed.
…Perhaps, it was time to tell her.
[Discussion about Taboo Knowledge (the more formal the occasion, the more formal the talk)]
D100=d100(33)=33
[Special Event: Taboo Legacy LV84]
Requirement: Intelligence 84+, met
Nature: Evil
→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←
The afternoon sun was just right.
After lunch, and discussing the route to the Capital with the Fourteenth Princess, the Hero returned to her room.
The soft sunlight spilled through the window, casting mottled Light and Shadow on the floor. The winter afternoon was brilliantly clear, perfect for a nap.
She rolled around in bed, gradually enveloped by the comfortable sunlight, growing drowsy.
Just as she was about to doze off, the door was gently knocked.
Sensing the familiar presence outside, she instantly woke up, leapt from the bed, and in three steps crossed two to open the door.
“Grandfather, what is it?” she asked puzzledly as she looked toward the old man and stepped aside.
The old man did not immediately respond, but straightened his back, his expression solemn, stepped slowly into the room, shut the door, and sat down by the tea table near the window.
The posture of the aged scholar was rigid, making it seem as if this was not the young girl’s boudoir, but some solemn academic venue, causing the Hero’s relaxed demeanor to tense involuntarily.
However, seeing the Hero like this, the grandfather’s solemn expression finally melted away under the sunlight. He relaxed a bit and spoke gently:
“My granddaughter, please take a seat,” he gestured, “Do you remember what your grandfather mentioned to you before?”
Facing the grandfather’s unknown purpose, the Hero had just sat down opposite him when she almost stood up again at his words.
“It seems you haven’t forgotten,” the old man nodded somewhat relieved, “Correct, it’s about the taboo passed down from our ancient ancestors, the knowledge coveted by Knowledge Hunters. I think it’s time to pass it on to you.”
“Now, now?” The unprepared Hero was somewhat flustered, her voice betraying a hint of panic. “Here?”
This scenario was far from what the Hero had imagined.
She had always envisioned the legacy being transmitted in some solemn ceremony, like in an academic hall, or a hidden chamber where, surrounded by thick ancient books and a mysterious atmosphere, fully armed, she would formally receive the legacy.
Not like now, with bright sunshine, afternoon snacks on the coffee table, and the casual conversation starting.
Seeing the Hero regarding this knowledge as a potential disaster, the grandfather showed a helpless smile.
“Don’t be so nervous, it’s actually not that complicated, just something for you to memorize.”
Recalling the Count’s admonitions, he straightened his expression, his gaze slowly deepening.
“First, let me tell you the name of this knowledge.”
The old man watched his granddaughter’s unblinking eyes, and slowly said,
[High-level Language (Extreme Failure carries pollution, like Demonic Language, Depraved Language)]
1. Dragon Language
2. Elf Language
3. Ancient Magic Text
4. Universal Language
5. 1
6. 2
7. 3
8. 4
9. Whisper
10. Critical Success♛/Extreme Failure
D10=d10(10)=10
D2=d2(1)=1
“Listen carefully, my granddaughter, the taboo passed down from our ancient ancestors, inherited generation after generation, coveted by Knowledge Hunters, and knowledge that transcends human intelligence…
“Its name is—”
1. Vixen Spirit, Key of Thousand Dreams
2. Hero’s Blood Stone
3. Forbidden Curse: Grey Moon, Stained Sky♛
4. Seven Layers of Hell
5. Sea Abyss Destruction Song
6. Rite of Soul Binding
7. Arcane Craftsmanship: Evil Beast Soul Heart
8. Mega Sin Rite
9. 1
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
D10=d10(3)=3
As the grandfather spoke, the Hero’s pupils suddenly constricted, and her heartbeat rapidly accelerated.
The few syllables that slipped out instantly, the Hero sensed an undeniable vast malice emanating from the old man in front of her.
This malice was not directed at her personally, nor was it because the grandfather harbored any dissatisfaction or negative emotions towards her.
Rather, in the act of articulating it, this old man himself became a source of destruction, and he was acutely aware of this fact.
There may exist killings out of good intentions to liberate others, but when killing evolves into torturous slaughter that brings extreme pain, no matter how the perpetrator argues or explains, it does not change the malice of the act.
Therefore, this malice does not depend on the grandfather’s inner thoughts; its existence is more like an inevitable natural phenomenon, like molten lava unintentionally harming people yet capable of annihilating everything.