Abstraction for a bad world

Chapter 146 "Brother Zhuo, are you willing to be with me forever?", Demon Duke Yuan Qingzhuo (6k)

"No, Miss An?"

Yuan Qingzhuo scooped another spoonful of thick angel cereal into his mouth. He was about to say a few words to calm An down, but he saw an anxious expression on the latter's face that he had never seen before.

"Help me put Rush away."

"Oh? Oh...oh."

After putting the small bowl of cereal aside, Yuan Qingzhuo sighed in his heart as he walked towards An, who had rushed in without even knocking on the door.

"Caroline's gone!"

This was the first thing An said when he walked in.

——Problem children have a lot of problems.

This was the first thought that came to Yuan Qingzhuo's mind.

But he still said, "Sister An, don't worry, tell me about it."

"Ohara Kiyoshige, have you seen Caroline just now?"

An quickly squatted down, hugged his shoulders and asked, "Did she tell you where she was going?"

"We haven't seen each other since we parted at noon today..."

Yuan Qingzhuo shook his head, and then spread his hands indifferently: "Sister An, you don't have to be so anxious. With Caroline's strength, how many people in the monastery or even outside the monastery can threaten her?"

An's expression froze when he heard Yuan Qingzhuo's words.

Because if you think about it carefully, that is indeed the truth...

Although Caroline is less than ten years old now, considering her strength that makes her almost unbeatable within the Mercury Stage and the safety level around the monastery, there is no need to worry even if she disappears.

What they need to worry about is whether those scattered monsters outside the monastery will all die in one day, leaving the newcomers with no monsters to kill in the next few months.

Apart from the regular army of demons and corrosive species, and the harsh environments of the other layers of the abyss, is there anything that can threaten Caroline's life?

And she couldn't possibly go to the front line.

Thinking of this, An's anxious expression finally eased a little. She sighed and then said to Yuan Qingzhuo:
"She told me earlier that she was going to sit on the top of the mountain for a while, but I ran around all the surrounding hills and couldn't find her."

"——Sorry, I lost my composure just now."

"Oh...that's why you're so anxious, Sister An."

Yuan Qingzhuo nodded twice: "It's understandable, it's understandable. If I see Caroline later, I will tell you."

"Thank you very much."

Ann regained her composure, at least on the surface.

She nodded at Yuan Qingzhuo and prepared to call for a few more teams of knights to help look for it.

After seeing An off with a smile, Yuan Qingzhuo sat down next to Rush who was working on the city wall and sighed: "Oh, I thought it was something else..."

"Why did Sister An look so anxious just now, Brother Zhuo?"

Rush, who didn't understand the previous series of conversations, felt his head itching again.

"It's just what I told you at dinner. That bad-tempered girl got lost with some dragon girl... I can't even imagine that I have to be her teacher for several years."

Yuan Qingzhuo collapsed on the cheap carpeted floor, picked up the small bowl of cereal that Rush had placed in the unfinished wall for protection, and smiled.
"Our little Rush is the best. He is sensible, cute and well-behaved."

"hey-hey."

Rush smiled sheepishly, then looked eagerly at Yuan Qingzhuo who was still eating cereal, and asked abruptly:

"——Then Brother Zhuo, can you stay with me forever?"

Yuan Qingzhuo's cereal-eating movements suddenly froze. He stared at Lash, whose face was full of seriousness and whose favorability rating was [Love], and touched the little corner of her head twice with a dry smile.

"Forehead……"

Just when Yuan Qingzhuo was trying every possible excuse to temporarily avoid "Wuji's Childish Words" and escape, a familiar voice suddenly exploded in his mind.

“——Hey, hey, hey! Yuan Qingzhuo, can you hear me? If you can hear me, knock! If you can hear me, knock!”

The sudden loud noise shook Yuan Qingzhuo so much that he was completely stunned. He shouted dizzily, "Two, two, two! Sister Fa, you are too loud!"

呲味味~
"Hello? Are you okay now?"

The sound of normal volume was transmitted to Yuan Qingzhuo's mind, causing him to say, "Okay, it's okay... But Sister Fa, how do you talk through the air?"

The eager Rush did not get the answer he wanted, not even an answer at all.

She bit her lip a little disappointed, but soon her attention was attracted by Yuan Qingzhuo's strange reaction and she forgot about it.

"Brother Zhuo, who are you talking to?"

"Little Rush, be obedient and be quiet... Sister Fa seems to have something important to tell me."

Yuan Qingzhuo put his finger in front of his lips, signaling Rush not to say anything more.

So the girl nodded obediently, stopped bothering Yuan Qingzhuo, and went to build the connectible city wall blocks on her own.

Yuan Qingzhuo was almost moved to tears when he saw this scene - if Caroline could be so obedient, why would he bother becoming a dragon tamer? He could directly choose "Hero's Shadow" to whip Caroline forward.

"The principle is too complicated and you won't understand it even if I tell you... Let's not talk about this. Did An come to see you just now?"

Farandelle's voice was as flat as ever.

"Sister Fa, how do you know?"

Yuan Qingzhuo finished the last bite of cereal and replied puzzledly: "Sister An just left me. Do you have something to do with her?"

Flandel did not pay attention to Yuan Qingzhuo's question, but answered it with a question.
"——Aren't you going to be Caroline's teacher? I'm sure that guy must have a bad temper."

In the absence of An, Yuan Qingzhuo reluctantly told the truth: "He is really a stubborn idiot with a bad temper..."

"Ha, that's right."

Flandel laughed with a gloating look and asked:

"So, do you want to build a good relationship with her?"

"Do you even need to ask? This is the task Sister An assigned to me!"

After Yuan Qingzhuo's decisive answer, Flandel laughed softly,

"——Then, she is now at the front line of the Second Abyss. Should we go and save her?"

As Farandel's voice fell, Yuan Qingzhuo, who was as stiff as a stone statue and wondering if he had heard it wrong, suddenly had a large number of prompts flooding his eyes.

【Ding! 】

[You have triggered the urgent task: Vision of the Molten River! ]

[Mission objective: Bring Caroline Noah back to the Holy Trinity Monastery alive. ]

[Mission Introduction: After reaching the peak of the Second Tier, Mercury, Caroline often transforms into a mercenary "Red Dragon" on the front line of the Second Abyss to help various teams complete their missions, hoping to see the essence of her own soul in the possible life-and-death crisis in order to achieve sublimation.

This time her mission was to follow a "White Iron" team to investigate the general whereabouts of the great demon Molten River and his legion.

In the past, she would have undoubtedly gotten away with it.

But this time, it seems that because of your appearance, Caroline's mentality has undergone a subtle change. 】

[Mission Reward: Caroline's favorability increases.]

[Penalty for mission failure: Caroline may die in the second abyss.]

[You can choose to accept/reject this urgent task. ]

[Warning: This emergency mission is extremely difficult, please accept it with caution! ]

The suffocating silence came suddenly.

Yuan Qingzhuo stared at the lines of task introductions in front of him and couldn't help holding his breath, and then he laughed out of anger the next moment.

——BYD Caroline, Sister An was looking for you like crazy, and you even tricked her into running to the front line where hundreds or even thousands of people died as a matter of course...

"Well, what do you think? Yuan Qingzhuo, what do you think?"

Flandel seemed to have drunk something, and his voice became energetic again.

"I'll lie down and watch..."

Let this naughty child die and let her be.

For a moment, Yuan Qingzhuo wanted to say this.

——Looking at the stingy mission rewards and the warning signs of extremely high difficulty, anyone with a discerning eye can tell that the risks are not proportional to the rewards.

However, in the mission description this time, the words [mission failure penalty] appeared for the first time, but the penalty prompt read:

——"Caroline may have died in the double abyss."

Normally, what would such a punishment for failure have to do with him staying in the Holy Trinity Monastery?
It's not even remotely related!

Yuan Qingzhuo clicked his tongue.

——Unless Caroline is incomparably important to this world.

Unless, the fact that she died in the second abyss was already the greatest punishment.

"Let's be honest, Sister Fa." Yuan Qingzhuo asked in confusion, "Even if Caroline went to the front line by herself, couldn't you assign some people to look after her? Why did you have to let a two-and-a-half-year-old kid like me take care of everything?"

"——You have many people under your command who are more powerful than me!"

Facing Yuan Qingzhuo's question, Flandre's answer was:

"I want to give you a chance to improve yourself. It depends on whether you can grasp it. I know the bad temper of this dragon girl. If you want to get close to her by ordinary means, it will take at least a year."

This is indeed the case.

Because Yuan Qingzhuo had originally planned to use daily training with Caroline to slowly increase her favorability towards him.

Only when we have reached at least the "friend" stage will we try to do something else.

Flandel asked calmly: "Come on, give me a definite answer - are you going or not?"

As if sensing Yuan Qingzhuo's hesitation and silence, Farandel threw out two more chips: "Don't worry, I will be with you throughout the whole process and tell you what to do...

"Also, aren't you interested in rank? [Melting River] is a very good material for advancement. Don't you want to be promoted to the first rank, White Iron, at the age of two and a half?"

"—This is faster than Caroline."

As soon as this sentence was spoken, a bunch of prompts popped up in front of Yuan Qingzhuo again.

【Ding! 】

[You have triggered the urgent mission branch: Death of Molten River! ]

[Mission objective: Kill the great demon "Melting River"! ]

[Task Introduction: After seeing the rumored third-tier ascended great demon, you glanced at Caroline beside you and suddenly realized that he might be able to be killed...] [Task Rewards: Caroline's favorability increased, perfect white iron tier promotion ceremony × 1, Molten River Body × 1, Flandre's blessing, a large number of cult merits, and a significant increase in personal reputation.]

[Warning: This emergency mission is extremely difficult, please accept it with caution! ]

Yuan Qingzhuo stared at the extremely rich task rewards, then glanced at the [Evolution Progress Bar: 90%] and took a deep breath.

"——Sister Fa, I need help."

There was a crisp sound of "clicking" from Flandre's side, followed by her slightly brisk voice: "Speak."
.
After telling Rush to go to bed on time at night, Yuan Qingzhuo, dressed in casual clothes, turned more than ten corners according to Flandel's instructions and came to a hidden lawn.

crunch~
Amid the sound of rusty shafts, the grass was slowly pushed open by someone's hands, and a face that Yuan Qingzhuo was somewhat familiar with poked out from it.

——Christine.

"Come in, come in."

She waved at Yuan Qingzhuo.

After the grass was closed again, the girl walking in front sighed: "Alas, I don't know why Lord Flandre called you here so late..."

Flandel's voice sounded at the right time: "-Don't say anything, she doesn't know what you are going to do."

After walking through the simple underground corridor and turning a few corners, Christine and Yuan Qingzhuo came to a stone door covered with intricate patterns.

After arriving here, she waved to Yuan Qingzhuo: "Bye, I can only bring you here... Also, remember to go to bed early to have a good body!"

"Bye, Sister Kristen."

Yuan Qingzhuo also smiled and waved goodbye to the girl.

After the footsteps behind him completely disappeared, Flandre continued:

"The key is *******. After unlocking the door, go in, turn left and open the third door."

Yuan Qingzhuo did as he was told.

The moment the key was fully entered, the mysterious stone door disappeared in an instant.

Only a corridor was left for Yuan Qingzhu, which was completely different from the previous one and was extremely smooth, as if it had been cut out with a knife.

Yuan Qingzhuo walked in, and when he turned around the next moment, he found that a stone door suddenly appeared behind him.

So he couldn't help but ask: "Sister Fa, what will happen if I enter the wrong number?"

"God's rod shot me like a sieve... Just kidding."

Flandel seemed to be in a particularly good mood. She added to the relieved Yuan Qingzhuo, "Of course, being hit by a legendary spell will leave not even ashes."

Yuan Qingzhuo: “…”

No wonder he felt that this door was so scary just now. It seemed that his hands were shaking and he had to send it.

Yuan Qingzhuo didn't want to respond to Flandel's hellish joke again. He walked silently to the third door on the left, turned the handle downwards and walked in.

"——This is what you want, pick any one."

Pushing open the door, three transparent covers containing strange things appeared in front of Yuan Qingzhuo.

【Ding! 】

[Congratulations on discovering some of the flesh and head of the legendary red dragon Vitas! ]

[Congratulations on discovering the heart of the legendary Demon Duke Obsidian! ]

[Congratulations on discovering the new flesh and blood of the legendary Cyclops! ]

Three golden clues flashed before Yuan Qingzhuo's eyes, making his eyes almost pop out.

How dare you hide these things in the basement of the monastery?

——Sister Fa, you are so young!
Yuan Qingzhuo was so shocked that he was speechless. He narrowed his eyes and recalled that he had just seen that there were at least seven or eight doors, not to mention a dozen.

And on the right...

I can only say that you are worthy of being the Saint Lady.

With this thought in mind, Yuan Qingzhuo walked to the front of the three transparent booths.

Originally, he wanted Flandel to prepare some food with particularly high energy for him, so that he could fill up the last 10% of the six-time evolution bar and perform the sixth evolution to purify the demon bloodline.

Because this mission is to face the demon army, the secondary mission goal is to kill the big demon.

No matter what, it is always better to have higher purity of demon blood.

But this time, it's a bit too high...

Yuan Qingzhuo stared at the red dragon head that seemed to be scaled down in proportion.

It was the first time he saw an object that could jump out of the panel since he came to this world.

[Vitas's Head]

[Quality: Legend]

[Use: For viewing, eating, or as one of the main materials for promotion to the fifth rank, Legend. ]

[——The legendary red dragon that once wreaked havoc with a horrific natural disaster, destroyed dozens of wetlands and forests, and slaughtered tens of thousands of people and three organized knight battalions of the cult.

He was later beheaded by the Grand Inquisitor of the Order, Flandre, and placed in the collection house. 】

[Heart of the Obsidian Duke]

[Quality: Legend]

[Use: One of the basic carriers for resurrecting Grand Duke Obsidian, or as one of the main materials for promotion to the fifth rank, Legend]

[——One of the Yaoyue Twins, a member of the Demon King's Court, a legendary Demon Duke who has existed for more than ten thousand years according to records. When the Seventh Abyss was still the Sixth Abyss, he was regarded as a great enemy by the cult.

He once destroyed the Knights Hospitaller together with Grand Duke Yueyao, and ruled the sixteen northern principalities. The [Brilliant Sun] was seriously injured and was still in the sublimation stage...

At the moment when the Seventh Abyss was completely formed, he was beheaded by the Grand Inquisitor of the Order, Flandel. 】

【Flesh and Blood of the Cyclops】

[Quality: Legend]

[Use: Edible, or as one of the auxiliary materials for promotion to the fifth rank·Legend]

[——A mindless and unconscious Cyclops born naturally in the Second Abyss. The death light shining from its eyes can dissolve anything in an instant.

While wandering around the Second Abyss hunting for prey, he was beheaded by the Grand Inquisitor of the Order, Flandel. 】

Yuan Qingzhuo read the entire introduction in a daze, with only one thought in his mind.

——Sister Fa, are you a little too fond of beheading?

He touched the back of his neck, which was a little cold, and heard Flandre's impatient voice: "Pick one and eat it quickly. Do you want me to ask the chef to cook it medium-rare, medium-well, fried, roasted, steamed, or sprinkled with spices before you open your mouth?"

"No... Sister Fa, isn't it a bit of a waste to give these to me?"

With his powerful imagination, Yuan Qingzhuo was able to imagine three terrifying shadows standing before him - but he was still a helpless child of two and a half years old!
"——I was thinking, aren't you my only godchild? Who else should I give the food to if not you?"

Farandelle asked back, "The dead kid Caroline?"

That makes sense!

Yuan Qingzhuo began to quickly choose among the three.

There is no doubt that it is easy for either one to fill the remaining 10% of the progress bar.

So the reason why I decided to eat the flesh of an insignificant Cyclops or red dragon, or to gnaw the heart of the only Obsidian Duke, was...

[——After consuming high-quality items, the evolution effect will be enhanced according to the quality of the items. ]

The moment Yuan Qingzhuo's fingers touched the Cyclops' flesh and blood, he saw this hint.

Then, there is only one answer left!

Yuan Qingzhuo turned his gaze to the heart of the Duke Obsidian that was shining like obsidian and seemed to be beating slightly.

He asked softly, "Sister Fa, is it okay for me to eat this?"

Farandel replied without hesitation:
"——Yes, of course."

But when Yuan Qingzhuo picked up the heart, she added, "However, this was originally planned to be the main material for Little Rush's promotion. You must compensate her well in the future."

Holding tightly onto the still warm black heart that looked as if it had just been taken out, Yuan Qingzhuo paused for a moment and replied very calmly:
"I will."

Then, Yuan Qingzhuo swallowed the heart in one gulp!
[You are eating the "Heart of Duke Obsidian", evolution energy +10000...]

[Your six evolution bars are full! ]

[You have met the conditions for six evolutions, please choose the direction of evolution! ]

[It is detected that you are less than three years old, and the reward for this evolution has increased...]

[It is detected that you have consumed the legendary item "Heart of Duke Obsidian" during this evolution. The reward for this evolution has increased significantly...]

[The reward for this evolution has reached its upper limit! ]

[Now, future human heroes, please choose your evolutionary direction! ]

【1.Hero: I am the hero! 】

[2. Duke: Duke, your name will be recorded by the royal court, and you will inherit the legacy of the Obsidian Duke/Moon Duke! ]

[3. Hall of Heroes: You will enter the Hall of Heroes and choose any three inheritances! ]

Looking at the three golden options that are completely different from the past, so short that they are even a bit of a riddle.

Even Yuan Qingzhuo's mood couldn't help but fluctuate, and he had the thought of "I want them all".

If only I could have them all...

After taking a full three seconds to abandon this unrealistic idea, Yuan Qingzhuo calmly chose the second option "Duke" with his mind.

[Your Excellency the Duke, you have chosen the evolution direction "Duke"! ]

[Your demon blood is being purified... Your blood has been purified into the Demon Duke. ]

【Your body structure has undergone tremendous and positive changes. 】

[Your growth rate has increased dramatically! ]

[Your physical fitness +100. ]

[You will exert a strong blood pressure on demons whose blood purity is lower than that of "Count"! ]

[Your name has been recorded by the Royal Court! At the next Royal Court Council, you will receive an invitation letter from the Faceless Sleeper, please check it carefully.]

[Congratulations, you have obtained the inheritance of the Demon Duke Yueyao in this evolution! ]

(End of this chapter)