Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 729 - 673: Secret Tower

Nurfa Hesion, must be the "Father" Mumu mentioned, sounding like a human name. Lyle’s heart felt part of its puzzle solved. The Phantom Clan wasn’t a magical creature bred by the world but a Magic Creation born from a laboratory. The evolution of life is like a great tree constantly branching upward, and certain branches that consider themselves superior always delight in acting as if they hold the root’s power. At least, the Phantom Clan appeared far cuter than the Magic Creations Lyle had envisioned.

Lyle read that utterly disowned passage again, and his gradually warming heart felt a chill once more.

Nurfa Hesion was a human, perhaps selfish, arrogant, stingy, but his achievements were indeed worthy of recognition. Lyle felt a bit dejected inside, but didn’t entertain many other thoughts. Instead of discouragement, his mind generated some less than honorable tactics. To think that because you said no, it must be no—what a joke.

The pages behind the Book of Omniscience stuck together for some unknown reason, completely unopenable. Without further thought, Lyle habitually put the book back on the podium, ready to leave the tower in search of other breakthroughs.

"Hold on, kid!" A sudden voice rang out behind him, Lyle turned and saw the Book of Omniscience sprout hands and feet, slowly rising like an elderly man on his last legs, though its voice was full of vigor.

Lyle stood in place, watching the runes on the cover form into facial features, with the book pointing at Lyle, its expression stern, like a judge delivering the final verdict to a criminal.

It shouted, "You’ve made the cut, kid!"

"Nurfa Hesion?" The Book of Omniscience was also a phantom, but none of the phantoms Lyle had encountered had ever referred to him repeatedly as "kid." This particular phantom was clearly the creator’s contingency.

The Red Skinned Book bent halfway as if to nod, acknowledging Lyle’s deductive skills.

"Yes, and no," the Book of Omniscience beckoned Lyle closer, crawling onto his shoulder when he approached, "The original Nurfa was struck dead by a sudden bolt of lightning, right in this tower, torn into nothingness by the brass chains that fell from the sky. And this body is a phantom that completely replicates Nurfa Hesion’s thoughts. You may consider me that person, to a great extent."

"What does ’made the cut’ mean?"

"Trials, the original me is dead, and an heir is needed to inherit my paradise and the Phantom Clan. I have to have some requirements and conduct some scrutiny for my heir, don’t I?"

"What requirements? Did I pass?"

"Correct," the Book of Omniscience playfully smacked Lyle’s cheek, as light as a tickle, "You opened this book and saw what I once wrote. By that time, I had already connected to your thoughts through touch, and I sensed your disappointment and frustration, as well as those sneaky thoughts. My heir must be composed and calm, not discouraged by setbacks, and definitely not rash or hotheaded. Regardless of your emotional state, you politely put me back after being invalidated by those words, when you thought you were alone."

Lyle stroked his chin, "Sounds like I didn’t actually do much."

The Book of Omniscience shook its head, "The bigger picture is seen from the smaller details, and these actions prove you’re at least a well-mannered good kid. A good person, that’s my only requirement for the heir."

"Isn’t your requirement too simple, old man Nurfa?"

"Kid, this is Posuwa! The land blessed by deities that magnify one’s heart! Do you think good people are easy to find around here?! The scoundrels here outnumber the grains of sand, and even when you crush an insect, you’ll find it rotten to the core."

Lyle thought he was wrong but didn’t want to refute him by sacrificing his own qualification.

"Old man, I want to join the Phantom Clan, become a member of the tribe, and ascend to the Four Locks. Is that okay too?"

The Book of Omniscience waved indifferently, "Isn’t that better? The Phantom Clan becomes the source of your strength, that’s the most steadfast pledge of allegiance, mutually beneficial. I’ll be much more reassured."

Lyle looked at the Red Skinned Book, naturally recalling its contents, including the parts that were sealed.

"Is this book filled with Nurfa’s provocations for testing heirs?"

"No, this book originally contained Nurfa’s experimental records, which had all but decayed and disintegrated. The preface is a reminder, while the sealed parts contain technical data relevant to the experiments. Don’t look at me like that; I can’t help you open it. That’s a seal left by Nurfa himself, a different power from the Phantom Clan. Those secrets will unlock gradually as you become more familiar with the Phantom Clan." The Book of Omniscience dusted off the residual dust on its corners, "Don’t think too much, curious kid. Hurry and take me out of this eerie tower. Can’t you see I’ve been dying in here, suffocating alone in the dust for decades? Let’s go, and meet your tribe!"

Lyle had no choice but to descend the tower. The irritable Book of Omniscience firing up the challenge against Nia’s patience, its tentacles and eyeball on the other shoulder of Lyle, watching the Book of Omniscience coldly from the occupied seat.

"What awaits me next? Further trials? I always feel your selection criteria might be too simple."

The Book of Omniscience coughed discontentedly, "Why are you always so skeptical, kid? Are you often bullied? I’ve already told you, maintaining kindness in Posuwa is no easy feat. Besides, the fact that you could find the paradise’s location means you’re the right heir."

"Because of my keen observation? Or outstanding intelligence?"

"No, it’s your origins. Paradise was my lab, and I’ve only informed my organization about its location. Knowing this place means you’re recognized as one of us..."

"Nurfa Hesion wasn’t just an ordinary Spellcaster?"

"...Didn’t that person tell you?" The Book of Omniscience smoothed its cover, flattening an upturned corner, "Posuwa has only one Spellcaster organization, which once served the nation, the King. Our absolute power and tight organization made us the only Mystics here. I thought you would make the connection between ’Posuwa’ and ’Arcanists.’ It turns out you really didn’t know, huh. Well, it’s not a big deal. Nurfa Hesion was once a Pact-Maker, one of the Secret Guardians. Prior to its destruction, this kingdom was an alliance of Arcanists, land governed by the Secret Tower. The one who told you about the location of paradise must also be a Pact-Maker, right? How is he doing?"

Lyle’s mind conjured the image of the elusive ghostly wallpaper.

"He’s dead."

"Just as I thought."