The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

If we can successfully capture the "gravedigger" as well, we might be able to add two more exciting new abilities.

The thought flashed through Morian's mind, tinged with regret.

Recalling our first encounter by the highway, the strange skills that the pale-faced man used were truly impossible to guard against.

If he hadn't habitually used his "analysis" ability to detect the characteristics of the other party's ether in advance, and thus become wary of the seemingly strange digging behavior, he probably would have suffered a great loss back then.

Moreover, even with some precautions, it's difficult to counter that kind of instantaneous ability that's guaranteed to hit.

Both the eerie ability symbolizing "burial" and the undead legion summoned later are quite useful abilities.

...The destiny of "the other shore"? Morian thought to himself, unconsciously resting his chin on his hand, lost in thought for a moment.

Such a naming style seems rather obscure and peculiar in the Western world.

Instead, it resembled the style preferred by a certain mysterious ancient Eastern country that he remembered.

Could it be that the "gravedigger" was not a resident of the Kingdom of Hiran, but came from a country in the east?

However, despite the regret, Morian quickly put the idea aside.

For him, being able to kill a member of the End Cult on the spot in that critical moment and extract some of his core abilities in time was already an unexpected bonus that far exceeded his expectations.

Given the circumstances at the time, there was indeed no capacity to spare another equally dangerous "gravedigger".

One should always be content with what one has and find happiness in it; this is a principle we must all understand.

"It's not enough to just acquire new abilities; the key is to be able to use them," Morian muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the description of the ability he had just acquired.

You need to find time to "graze" some suitable creatures in advance, even if they are the weakest ones. Otherwise, without preparation, this ability will just be a blank skill that cannot be used.

After silently noting this task in his mind, he decided to make detailed plans later and turned his attention to other changes.

Since killing the Black-Robed Shepherd, his "Gluttony" Aether seems to have evolved by successfully "devouring" some of its characteristics, giving rise to a new ability.

Two new lines of descriptions have appeared on the attribute panel in view.

[Touch of Evil Thoughts]

Those struck by the spiritual tentacles formed by this ability will suffer varying degrees of negative mental interference, depending on the difference in the individual's status.

Morian focused his attention, examining the general effects of this new ability.

The so-called "negative effects" mainly refer to effects on the mental level, such as physiological reactions like blurred vision, dizziness, and disorientation.

Although it cannot cause direct harm, if used properly, it can indeed play a good disruptive role, which can be considered as icing on the cake.

After carefully examining all the changes in his own abilities, Morian turned his attention to another matter to be dealt with.

He opened the middle drawer of his desk, took out a stack of letter paper and envelopes, pulled out a sheet and laid it flat on the table, and then picked up his usual black fountain pen.

Following the "Grey Paradise" incident, in addition to a monetary reward, the count agreed to grant a request that was "not excessive."

And he is now preparing to fulfill that promise.

The request was already prepared: to help find a skilled and capable blacksmith.

The battle with Quilt made Morian realize that the strength and durability of ordinary weapons were ultimately insufficient to sustain an extraordinary battle for an extended period.

While offensive magical items are certainly useful, they are often hard to come by, and their properties may not necessarily suit one's fighting style.

Since that's the case, why not use the funds and connections at hand to hire a real blacksmith to forge a satisfactory weapon?

A unique "alchemy weapon".

He can use alchemy to enhance the materials, but he is completely clueless about the core forging process and can only rely on true professionals.

After mentioning his willingness to pay reasonable compensation, Morian thought for a moment and added at the end of the letter:

"Ideally, it should be a blacksmith with exceptional abilities."

The reason why exceptionally skilled blacksmiths are required is because they can imbue the weapons they forge with additional "attributes"!

Finally, he signed his name, put down his pen, and placed the letter in the most common type of envelope, writing the address of Earl White's House on the front of the envelope.

After placing the sealed letter in a corner of his desk, Morian leaned back deeply into his high-backed chair and remained silent for several dozen seconds.

On the surface, the letter for help has been written, and everything seems to be taken care of, so we can take a breather for now.

In reality, there is another major problem, like the Sword of Damocles hanging over our heads, waiting to be solved.

"Grey Paradise" within the "Containment Space".

Since throwing that dangerous relic inside, I haven't gone in to check on it at all, nor have I dared to go in.

God knows what kind of strange chemical reaction has occurred inside.

But then I thought, dragging it out like this isn't a solution.

As long as he wants to use the ability of the containment space to become stronger, it is impossible for him to never set foot in that space again. Moreover, leaving an unknown thing there may become more dangerous over time, which is no different from carrying a bomb with him at all times.

Morian took a deep breath, stood up from his chair, and went to draw the curtains in the office, instantly darkening the room.

Immediately afterwards, following the "ritual" he knew by heart, he took seven steady steps forward, silently reciting the thought of entering.

This time, he was not greeted by boundless darkness, but by a pale light that seemed to carry a sacred meaning, filling the entire space.

As far as the eye could see, there was an endless gray and white world.

The containment space, which was originally hidden in the darkness, has become clearly visible. The ground beneath one's feet is like a clear mirror, reflecting the monotonous gray-white sky above.

The seven doors, each symbolizing a different seal, still stand in the center of this gray space. However, the door that seals "Fenrir" is no longer tightly closed; it is now slightly ajar!

The door... is open?

Morian stared in shock at the scene. The door had been closed when he left last time. Was this due to the changes brought about by the "Grey Paradise," or was it for some other reason?

The next moment, he saw a sight that was even more unbelievable to him.

Outside the area where the original seven doors were located, at the edge of the light mist, a brand new gray-white door suddenly appeared!

The illusory door exuded an aura of silence and closure, as if it had no physical form. It stood quietly on the edge of the mist, independent of the other seven doors.

...The "Grey Paradise" was automatically "contained" and turned into a new "door"?