Chapter 1286: Chapter 1286: The Eve of the Banquet
"Will it be discovered by the concealed demon?"
Shard asked again, and the doctor shook his head:
"No need to worry about that, [Demon Vision] was the core power of the Demon Hunters against demons during that dark era, tested by time and multiple wars. Of course, you yourself must be very cautious, don’t use it frequently, and avoid using it continuously. Besides, constantly staring into the void would make others suspect you are mad."
In the period of the Third Era when those Demon Hunters who made countless sacrifices still existed, the "Circle Sorcerer" system hadn’t yet existed, and the arcane technique learning rituals on paper were transformed by successive witches into the Circle Sorcerer system. And the learning ritual of [Demon Vision], rather than calling it a ritual, it’s more like a peculiar magic potion. Once the potion is prepared, a few drops into the eyes can initially grant mastery of this arcane technique.
Most of the herbal medicine in the potion’s recipe are quite common, and some that couldn’t be found in Tobesk have their locations marked by the doctor. Shard only needs to make a trip to Coldwater Port, a goods distribution center.
Among them, the hardest to obtain is actually "Demon Blood". This is not some metaphor or symbol, but real demon blood. The doctor’s own blood won’t do, he merely imprisoned some terrible existence, he’s still human. Fortunately, the doctor previously kept some samples of demon blood from past hunts for research.
"The power of the Third Era Demon Hunters, besides the legacy I gave you, has partially merged into the modern Circle Sorcerer system. For example, the famous [Evil-Slaying Slash], this power is integrated into many arcane techniques of the Sun Church, even the [Sunlight Greatsword] has absorbed the power of [Evil-Slaying Slash]. If you’re interested in this, you can learn a little, but in my view, holding [Night Watchman], with such brilliant moonlight, you don’t need to learn additional demon-countering powers."
The doctor spoke as Shard looked at the material list:
"Times have changed, Evil Spirit Demons were born in the Third Era, rampaged during the chaotic and dark Fourth Era, but by the Fifth Era, when the clouds dispersed, the Witch Empresses jointly sealed most of the dangers. Until we live in the Sixth Era, these are all dusts of history."
Shard’s power is primarily for fighting against evil spirits, demons, evil objects, and even relics, but against non-evil camp creatures, he can’t exert his maximum strength.
"I understand, I’ll take a day or two to learn this arcane technique. Next week, I’ll find time to approach Ston Osenfort. First, I need to identify which demon exists behind him."
Shard spoke, and the doctor reminded again:
"We’ve only speculated that a demon signed a contract with Ston Osenfort, but it might also be Haila Osenfort. Don’t overlook anyone around him. Stories often feature similar plots, where the underappreciated character turns out to be the real mastermind. Even though the woman you described seems fragile and warned you to stay away from her husband, she might be deliberately making you lower your guard."
"Oh, doctor, you are truly professional."
"Just seen these things many times, dealing with the Third Era’s evil spirits, one can’t be too cautious."
The doctor sighed, pouring a cup of tea for himself and Shard. Meanwhile, Mia had already fallen into a deep sleep, as it’s the cat’s naptime now, uninterested in demons.
"And one last reminder, if you realize you’ve been targeted by the demon, don’t hesitate, go to the church immediately. If there’s time, let me reach Randall Valley at once. Though I might not be able to fend off the opponent, they certainly won’t want to be exposed before me for long."
"Doctor, you don’t need to worry about my safety. I have plenty of items for self-defense."
He waved the badge on his chest, and the doctor instinctively dodged slightly:
"As long as you know... that afternoon last summer, when I first encountered you across from the Nightingale Club, I never thought you’d follow my guidance step by step onto the path of a Demon Hunter."
"So fate, is quite wondrous, right?"
Shard said, and the doctor sighed, clinking his teacup with Shard’s:
"Wish your actions smooth, remember to inform me immediately upon any news, I’ll tidy up my side, and ready to depart anytime. Speaking of which, winter is ending soon, if there’s time, I’d love to witness the spring scenery of the renowned ’Spring City’."
After the weekly Saturday group meeting, it usually coincides with Shard’s dates with Lecia or Dorothy, unfortunately, this week Professor Luisa kept Dorothy for dinner at home, so the Blonde Writer could only head to Saint Delan Square after dinner.
Thus, after discussing the next steps to confront the demon in Randall Valley with Dr. Schneider that afternoon, Shard took Mia to Coldwater Port, commissioning to purchase the materials for learning [Demon Vision] arcane technique.
Due to the winter ocean storm, the cargo ships at Coldwater Port are affected, and a material called "Blue Star Grass" is recently out of stock and won’t be available until next week. Hence, Shard is forced to go to Midshire Fort with the cat Mia to seek help from Granny Cassandra.
Quite unfortunately, the Old Witch went out with her apprentice Miss Rita Swift to attend a local Countess’s birthday party in the evening, but fortunately, Grace and Helen are still at the auction house. The sisters have privileges at the auction house, and finding some materials for Shard doesn’t require them to greet anyone.
After preparing the materials Shard needed, Grace and Helen told Shard not to rush to leave:
"Has the feast of the Butterfly God ended?"
"Yes."
After last Sunday’s usage of the Time Key, Shard neither found time to visit Midshire Fort nor did he but had Miss Benanis deliver a note to Granny Cassandra.
"We’ve also recently recovered more memories about that Deity."
Helen, dressed in a black skirt, seemed a bit shy:
"That Deity said that you believe my sister and I are the most beautiful butterflies."
Although Shard indeed said this himself, being reminded of it by the person involved made him feel somewhat embarrassed.
Grace held Shard’s hand:
"More memories of that Deity have also restored more of our power. Sir, you need not worry; it’s not the power of a Relic, it’s the power bestowed on us by that Deity."
She took out the [Butterfly Summoning Flute] stored by Shard, used to suppress the resurrection of the Whisper Element. It was a gift Shard received after performing a song at the feast of the Butterfly God, which could enhance butterfly-related powers:
"This flute resonates well with our powers. My sister and I plan to modify it to possess the power to summon us."
Seeing Shard somewhat surprised, Grace laughed and added:
"My sister and I are also butterflies; even the Butterfly God acknowledged this. Since this flute can summon other butterflies, why can’t it summon us?"
Of course, this idea is still in the preliminary planning stage; simply having the thought is not enough to further modify a creation of a Deity. But it does possess feasibility, only it’s unclear how long it will take to finally complete.
Although Shard didn’t intend to involve Grace and Helen in his adventurous life, the Red Butterfly Maidens were determined to help him.
The rest of Saturday passed without any other incident, and shortly after returning home from Milestone, Dorothy arrived. Tonight, Dorothy personally gave Shard a lesson, and before the class, they also went to see an opera and took a stroll on the night streets as a way of taking the cat Mia for a walk. They both eagerly anticipated the Day of the Red Butterfly on Sunday.
Angelina’s birthday party was arranged for Sunday evening, and because she was highly favored by His Majesty the King, the party was allowed to be held in the side banquet hall of Yordle Palace. That place is normally used for private events related to the Royal Family, making Angelina’s birthday party quite high-profile.
Although it was a nighttime party, preparations for clothing and other matters for attending the party required attention, hence Shard didn’t leave Tobesk on that Sunday. After getting up early in the morning, he hurried with Dorothy to the "Orphus Goldsmith Shop" in the city to retrieve Miss Writer’s birthday gift for Angelina, which was a leaf-shaped bookmark made of gold with intricate carvings. Then they followed Dorothy to her private hairstylist to style their hair, where Mrs. Mason even suggested that Shard should trim his hair too, though Shard’s short hair was always conveniently trimmed by Luviya.
This hustle lasted until noon; after rushing back home, Shard had lunch with the reluctant-to-leave cat, Mia. Dorothy took a carriage back to her rented apartment to bring her set of eveningwear dresses and matching accessories, shoes, hats, and jewelry, while Shard had a moment of leisure, trying to give Mia its first bath of 1854.
It’s generally considered very impolite to bring a pet to a birthday party. But whether or not to bathe the cat isn’t related to whether or not to bring it along, and with the thought in mind, Shard naturally wouldn’t allow Mia to escape easily.
The cat darted around the house but couldn’t ultimately escape the "Binding Aura," which has automatic tracking capabilities. It’s worth mentioning that the "Binding Aura" isn’t omnipotent; many attacks can directly shatter the aura, and as long as one hides long enough, the automatically tracking aura will also dissipate on its own.
At least Mia currently doesn’t possess such skills. While Shard carried the four-legged bound cat towards the bathroom, he pondered whether the auto-tracking capability of the "Binding Aura" could potentially evolve into some form of attack-related Arcane Technique. This might be a simple concept, as everyone acknowledges Shard’s talent in the "Moonlight" series of Arcane Techniques.