Long before the mission began, Sifolmo had been analyzing the situation. All clues pointed to Song Ling, so he had always believed Song Ling was the mastermind.
After observing the truth, the situation was as he had anticipated. Song Ling did indeed have intricate ties to this Fairy Tale Town.
However, as a crucial figure in the entire affair, why would Song Ling save Jiao Xinlei?
Was he playing the role of someone who was with the enemy but loyal to his own kind?
Seeing Sifolmo's astonishment made Jiao Xinlei feel a bit better. It was good that this guy, who seemed to know everything, now had something he didn't know.
She continued, "Song Ling said he wants to create a world where humans and monsters can coexist harmoniously, and his plan seems on the verge of success."
"Humans and monsters coexisting harmoniously... It seems he's gone mad."
Although Sifolmo called Song Ling mad, he recalled what he had seen and heard in this town. Monsters and humans did indeed coexist in a bizarre way – albeit a coexistence where monsters ruled and enslaved humans.
Then, Jiao Xinlei's tone grew heavier, "What I'm about to say is crucial. Before I was captured, I saw that everyone in this town, including the monsters, had a premonition of their death!"
"If you don't intervene, things will inevitably head in that direction. Something truly horrific could happen here!"
These words made Sifolmo take notice. He had reviewed the intel on the trapped personnel and knew Jiao Xinlei's abilities. If Jiao Xinlei said so, then it was indeed a possibility.
"Let me take you to a safe place to hide first. The situation here is a bit complicated, and I probably can't resolve it alone. I need to go and meet with another..."
Before Sifolmo could finish speaking, a colossal figure descended from the sky, fixing Sifolmo with eyes that held a hint of golden madness and exclaiming excitedly.
"I've found you!"
This monster that descended from the sky was a giant toad wearing a tuxedo and a crown. It was the Toad Prince!
The Toad Prince then turned its gaze to Jiao Xinlei, licking its lips with a slimy, foul-smelling tongue, leaving behind a large pool of viscous drool.
"My little beauty, we meet again. This time, that 'Imperial Tutor' fellow isn't here, and no one can stop you from becoming my queen."
Jiao Xinlei shuddered. She had seen this disgusting monster before. Besides the 'King' and 'Queen,' this fellow was the highest-ranking monster in town.
And his hobby was to seek out beautiful women and force them to become his queens!
Sifolmo sighed. He knew he was in trouble this time. If it were just himself, he might have been able to escape this fellow, but with Jiao Xinlei as a burden, the situation was entirely different.
Moreover, and most importantly, the Toad Prince wasn't alone this time.
Behind it stood various terrifying monsters.
Fierce Seven Dwarfs, the Ugly Duck King, the Soggy Mermaid, and several witches. Although these were only disaster-level monsters, a multitude of ants could still kill an elephant!
However, regret was useless now. Only by fighting desperately could they carve out a path to survival!
...
"Captain Song, you're here to arrest me, aren't you? If so, stop the nonsense and let's fight. I want to see how much power this traitor possesses."
Wen Wen grasped the hilt of his short sword and said to Song Ling with a chilling tone.
"Mr. Ranger, you're too hot-tempered. Anger harms the body, so don't be so tense. I'm here to cooperate with you."
Seemingly unfazed by Wen Wen's readiness to attack, Song Ling calmly reassured Wen Wen, appearing entirely confident.
"Cooperate by helping monsters slaughter humans? While I may not have much integrity, I do have some." Wen Wen unequivocally rejected his cooperation request and then narrowed his eyes to ask,
"But I'm curious. You're the captain of the Demon Hunter team. So, you must have signed a contract with the Association. How were you able to do this under the contract's influence?"
The contracts signed by Demon Hunters were actually quite lenient. Normally, even if a Demon Hunter did some minor wrongdoing, it wouldn't trigger the contract. But clearly, helping monsters establish a town and enslave humans was no minor misdeed.
Therefore, Wen Wen was very interested in his violation of the contract, as he might need to do something out of line himself someday.
Even if he didn't need it himself due to the existence of the containment facility, if he were to replace the Hunter Association someday, containment officers who had signed contracts with the Hunter Association might need such methods.
"It's actually very simple. Because I am no longer me, the contract naturally became void." Song Ling explained to Wen Wen without any concealment.
Wen Wen's pupils widened slightly as he asked, "You are no longer you... What does that mean?"
Song Ling smiled, a hint of frankness in his tone. This was the first time he had revealed his secret to a human, a secret even his own demon hunters didn't know. Sudan Novel Network
"It means exactly what it sounds like. I am different from the me I used to be."
"You should know that when a superpowered individual ascends to the Assimilation realm, there's a chance they might lose their consciousness and be possessed by another consciousness, becoming a monster with a human body. This phenomenon is called 'Assimilation Failure' by superpowered individuals, also known as 'Fall'!"
Wen Wen took a step back, his body surging with power, ready to unleash it. He remembered Yan Biqing and naturally knew how dangerous a monster possessing a superpowered individual's body could be.
"Are you such a monster?"
Song Ling paused and said, "You could say so, and you could also say no."
"Don't speak in riddles. I'm not a monk."
Song Ling spread his hands helplessly and said, "Actually, you don't need to be so tense with me, because I'm not here to fight you. You should also be able to sense that I have no hostility towards you, and what's more – I am stronger than you!"
Wen Wen's lips twitched. Where did this guy get the confidence to claim he was stronger than him?
"So, what you need to do is listen to me explain. Do you know the essence of 'Fall'? Most superpowered individuals don't, but once you understand it, you can begin to comprehend my existence."
"You seem to want to educate me, but I don't need it."
Wen Wen frowned, somewhat confused by the atmosphere. The other party was clearly an enemy, yet he was suddenly lecturing him.
But Wen Wen did not let down his guard, nor could he find any slack or flaw in Song Ling.
Song Ling seemed somewhat resigned to Wen Wen, sighing and saying, "Let me finish. It's a long story, but you won't understand me unless I explain it clearly."
"Then make it brief," Wen Wen's tone remained cold.