Academic gathering with Lich colleagues

"The worst time was when Darkness put together a play, a simple little story. A weak protagonist, in order to gain health, made a deal with a demon to sacrifice his young brother. This protagonist had no distinguishing features except that his name was 'Raymond.' As a result, on the day of the public performance, 'Raymond' suddenly went mad, unleashing his power on stage, beating the demon actor half to death, rescuing his brother, and then lunging at the demon audience. Darkness eventually caught the possessed actor, whose exact words were that he couldn't control his thoughts and actions and felt that all demons should die. Even more absurdly, he himself was a demon."

The Dean stared at Lyle, whose expression was solemn, and slowly said, "Any information related to Raymond will be corrected by [Justice], whether it is true or false. Rumors, words, and paintings are all subject to this. Now you are telling me that you want to create a replica of Raymond that is infinitely close to the real Raymond in a mental space, and also direct a dream about him."

“Young epidemic doctor, you are really…stubborn.”

"Raymond is an uncontrollable variable; he can cause all experimental research to deviate from their original purpose and tend toward 'justice'."

Lyle's lips twitched. "So, in other words, the great demon king Raymond, whom I'm directing, will ultimately crush the hero..."

The dean seemed to have thought of something and covered his head uncomfortably. "It's more likely that the Great Demon King defected and became the hero's ally, killing all his former subordinates. Or perhaps the Great Demon King discovered that everyone was an evil person and purified everything completely."

In other words, the world only allows Mr. Raymond to be a good person, and he has to be a winner.

Lyle paused for a moment, looking at the dean.

“Dean, I recall that Mr. Raymond’s reputation in Andrei has not been distorted or embellished in any way, because…”

"Because everyone in Andrei believes in themselves to be evil, and they really can't beat Raymond. He is a hero of justice and an enemy of evil."

Lyle understood. He put the Salvation Society files back on the table and pushed them toward the Dean.

"It seems the Dean is worried that my dream-making plan will be completely ruined by the addition of Raymond, this messenger of justice. That makes sense. Mr. Raymond is negotiable, but [Justice] is not."

The Dean carefully put away the files, stroked his beard, and stared at Lyle in silence for a long time. His prolonged distraction caused him to pluck a hair from his beard, seemingly unaware of it. Finally, as if making a decision, the Dean snapped his fingers, and the door to his office closed automatically. He snapped his fingers a second time, and all the active collections froze. The Dean lowered his voice and whispered to Lyle.

“My concerns about you are one aspect of it…”

Lyle unconsciously looked around and lowered his voice.

"So there's another aspect?"

"A conjecture, an unproven conjecture that I don't want to prove, a conjecture that hasn't been recorded and that I don't want to record. Plague Doctor, do you remember, when you revived Dragon Father, you had a brief confrontation with Raymond, who was practicing [justice]?"

“I can’t forget it, Dean. I still feel lingering fear to this day. I really felt the pressure of being at odds with the world at that moment. But Mr. Raymond tolerated my willfulness, and I am very grateful for that.”

The dean sighed. "Before, no one could stand against Raymond's sense of justice, no one could match his unwavering will, and no one could gain his favor. Raymond's decision went far beyond simply showing tolerance towards a junior. He accepted your views; do you know what that means?"

"He acknowledged the flaws in justice, he denied the declaration he made upon ascending to the Nine Chains, he betrayed his faith, he betrayed himself."

Lyle's eyes widened.

"What price would that cost?"

The dean shook his head.

“I’m not sure if he’s the only one at the ninth level of the Locked Realm who has betrayed himself. But I do know the price those who break the laws pay: they lose their power or die.”

"After you resurrected the Dragonfather, dear Plague Doctor, Raymond secluded himself in the chapel for a week, after which he continued to ravage the Andrei Lich unscathed. The concept and the relationship between the Ascended who created themselves are more closely related, and I have a conjecture about this."

“If Raymond betrays or denies his justice, he will become weak, or even worse.”

Lyle closed his eyes, and a few seconds later, his eyes held a gentle light.

"The Dean really cares about Mr. Raymond."

"I care about every one of Andre's children." These words came out of his mouth without hesitation, but the next sentence sounded so hesitant, yet endearing.

“I also admit that those noisier brats are more annoying…”

Lyle Buller was a special case for Raymond Merlock, and Dean Andrei was very worried that this special child would bring about some negative changes, both for the Academy and for himself.

“How about this, Dean? I’m giving up on the idea of ​​making Mr. Raymond the big boss.” Lyle made a change. “Let’s stop the dramatic redemption and adventure here. Let’s create some simple epics of heroes punishing evil and upholding justice, with Raymond as the protagonist.”

[Justice] Wouldn't it necessarily portray Raymond as a righteous and heroic character? Why doesn't Lyle just let things take their course? He only needs to ensure the dream-making goes smoothly. Whether it's Raymond's beautiful dream or the nightmare of others, Lyle doesn't care.

Lyle and the Dean exchanged a knowing smile; Lyle's application to create a dream was approved.

The work is much simpler now; Lyle only needs to find some other dream experiencers.

The male lead has been cast; we still need some minor villains. Andrei will continue as usual, and Raymond's comedy of beating up the lich will continue in the dream world.

“I am pleased, Plague Doctor, that you are now a true Andrei.” This refers to the instinct to persecute fellow lich.

Lyle left the director's office, and the director gradually awakened his collection, muttering to himself.

"Worry? How could I not care? After all, that bastard was dazzling from the day he arrived at the academy. He was a light that even death would shy away from."

He will never forget that academic gathering that was not recorded in the Salvation Church archives, nor will Andrei.

Because that party, strictly speaking, was a failure.

Andrei gained no new insights, only a warning.

……

“I am Raymond Merok, the Ten Locks, the Angel of Light, the Crusader Leader, the Dragon Slayer, the King of Ages… You may also call me Mr. Raymond.”

"You may or may not know me, but that doesn't matter, because I'm about to make a lasting impression on you."

“Andrei, I have only prepared two paths for you.”

"Either submit to my justice."

"Either submit to my justice."

Chapter 685 Teaching by Example

"So you're just going to give up the pretense altogether, huh?" Lyle looked at the old acquaintance in his hand, showing no joy whatsoever at regaining the artifact. The other's reaction was equally indifferent, completely unlike that of a prisoner who had escaped. The mithril crown remained dazzling, emitting a mysterious light in the long night. Magical tendrils swayed listlessly at the edges, lazily rising and falling, as if to greet Nia and Lyle.

The Lich's Crown lay limp in Lyle's palm, its translucent magical tentacles giving Lyle a slippery feel. Lyle and the Lich's Crown were already quite familiar with each other. Perhaps it was because its true nature as a magical monster was exposed during their last collaboration, the Lich's Crown had abandoned its aloofness as an artifact and become Lyle's second tentacle accessory.

It smells like salted fish.

In fact, ever since Raymond and Lyle revealed the reason, the Lich's Crown had been in a slump, transitioning from a lovestruck young girl to a state of despair and loss. Without love, destruction was the only option. Raymond, for the sake of harmony with Andrei, would never wear it, even casually giving his heart to this enviable newcomer. Thinking of all the efforts he had made, the Lich's Crown felt utterly hopeless. It no longer wanted to work hard, only wanting to live one day at a time, spending its pitiful and pathetic remaining life as a tool to be manipulated by these neurotic liches. The Lich's Crown itself possessed a certain degree of knowledge enhancement, so it neither wanted to cooperate nor would it betray the name of an artifact. The old headmaster knew the reason for its despair; not reworking it was already a sign of his paternal love, and now he adopted a hands-off approach, ignoring it completely.

"What's wrong with it? Is it tired?"

The unexpected sound emanating from Lyle caused the Lich Crown to tremble. Tiny black tentacles crawled out from Lyle's shoulder, gently stroking his cheek. The Phantom Clan had possessed Lyle, providing assistance during this time while maintaining discreet contact with the outside world. Although occasionally startled and sometimes acting like a machine full of questions, the Phantoms remained quite obediently attached to Lyle.

"Does it need help?" The helpful little creatures climbed onto Lyle's shoulders one by one, nestled together with Nia, and looked at the Lich Crown with some concern.

"It's just that I encountered some frustrating things, like being abandoned..." Lyle didn't know how to explain the entanglement between a simp and a male god to these innocent phantoms. This is precisely the dilemma of caring for children. You need to help them establish correct values ​​while skillfully suppressing their incessantly inquisitive curiosity.

“Can we help him cheer up?” The phantoms gazed at Lyle, their spirits, linked together, conveying a mixture of pleading and coaxing. Lyle found it hard to refuse them; the camaraderie among the group unconsciously affected his mood. At least they asked for my opinion first, so it wasn't a difficult task.

Lyle cradled the Lich Crown in his hands, bringing it closer to himself, letting the crown's magic gently touch and greet the little creature. "It's difficult to change someone's emotions, and you never know if that change will be good or bad..." Mr. Raymond's refusal of the Lich Crown remained unchanged, and the reason for the Lich Crown's continued despondency remained unresolved. He subtly reminded the phantom that trying to rouse the Lich Crown might be futile.

"It's beautiful, sparkling..." The phantom's simple thoughts were directly transmitted to Lyle's mind, and the tentacles connecting them also took on the luster of mithril. "Beautiful things should be well protected, right?"

No, it's just a shiny exterior. The Lich King's inner workings aren't so dazzling; it's just a lustful head of Raymond.

After thinking for a while, Lyle responded to the phantoms' expectation. Without saying a word, the phantoms, who already understood, were filled with joy. They hid in the corners and cheered quietly, while two of them clenched their little fists and patted Lyle's shoulders.

Lyle's mood was constantly being brightened by the illusory sunlight, and his rational mind was also convincing him. Yes, reviving the Lich Crown would also benefit him; its work ethic could influence his own future work efficiency. Therefore, responding to the expectations of his people and helping the Lich Crown revive was well worth it. And he could even experiment…

Lyle closed his eyes, then opened them again. His joy was now hidden by seriousness. Lyle gave a cold snort at the Lich King's Crown.

"After being rejected by Mr. Raymond, he became a useless piece of trash? I should say, he truly deserves to be called a loser."

The Lich King stirred slightly, then remained lying dead.

Lyle narrowed his eyes and a mocking smile appeared on his lips.

“I’m different. I’m the Plague Doctor, which is me. Not only am I considered a rising star at Andre Academy, but I’ve also won the favor of His Majesty Raymond,” Lyle flicked his fingers, and the holy light mark on the Andre Ring shone brightly. “Ah, what a dilemma. His Majesty Raymond has tried to recruit me into the Holy Light Omnipotent Cult time and time again. What excuse should I use to refuse him next time?”

The sentient artifact clearly understood what ostentation meant, and Lyle's act of rubbing salt into the wound elicited a new reaction from the Lich Crown. The dazzling gems inlaid on the crown reflected Lyle's ugly face, like eyes blazing with fury.

Lyle scorned the crown like a victor, moonlight streaming through the window casting a shadow on the side of the man's mask. Just that classic villainous grin was enough to make you want to punch him.

"Alright, I've decided. If Mr. Raymond agrees to let me ride on his head next time, I'll reluctantly join..."

The Lich King was enraged. The magical turbulence blew up Lyle's robes, and the magical monster stretched out its body, filling the corridor. From the center of the crown, a low growl broke the silence of the night.

Lyle's lips curled down, but he remained unfazed by the threat posed by the Lich King.

"Oh? You have a problem with that?"

Magically woven words appeared in the air, and the burning flames seemed capable of igniting the air itself.

"You say I'm not worthy? Hah..." Lyle, his face dark with rage, suddenly erupted, roaring in a voice louder than the Lich King's crown, "Of course I'm worthy! And I'm far more worthy than you, you pathetic wretch who thinks you've made a huge sacrifice and is self-satisfied!!!"

"Because...because!!!"

Psychoanalysis, initiation, target, Lyle's own conscience.

"Because I am Lord Raymond's biggest sycophant!!! I am Andrei's most devoted admirer of Lord Raymond, who do you think you are!!!"

Lyle was like a powder keg that had been detonated, his words striking the crown like thunder.

"Why does Lord Raymond favor me! Can't you see it?!"

"What?! Because of my identity as a Purifier! Foolish! Ridiculous! What do you take the Angel of Light for?!" The extreme mental control made Lyle tremble with indignation and full of passion as he spoke these words.

Lyle spread his arms wide and cheered like a madman in Andrei's aisle, of course, after making sure beforehand that no one was around.

"Lord Raymond appreciates me because of so much I've done for him! No! Not just so much! Everything!!!"

Mental analysis, maximize, ultimate output!

"I! Raymond's holy light is everything to me, and I will dedicate the rest of my life after death to shining for him!! Raymond is my god!!!"

"Let me tell you what I've done! I live for Raymond!!!"

"I devoted myself to academic research in Andrei and soon held my own academic gathering—the first one! I granted the liches the ability to eat. Why?! Because I knew that Lord Raymond's Holy Light cuisine was invincible! Those damned liches were hostile to Lord Raymond, so I made them kneel before the skills of a god! The Holy Light Culinary Society was born! I gave the Angels of Light their first lich followers!!!"

"At the second academic gathering, I resurrected the dragon! You think I did this to oppose His Majesty Raymond?!" Lyle's hands trembled, and he clutched his chest, taking a step or two back. "No!! My heart is bleeding! But I have to do it! Lord Raymond's disappointed gaze is a curse on my soul. I wish I could live with anger to bear the punishment of the Holy Light, but I have to do it!!! I am Lord Raymond's lapdog!! I need to set a goal for Mr. Raymond, to defeat the target used to establish his glorious image!!"

"I love Raymond, so I resurrected his enemy!!!"

"What?! You don't understand!!! Of course you won't understand!!! Because this is exactly what the first follower should be doing!!!"

"I have done so much, naturally I have won the favor of the Angel of Light! He warmly invited me, but I still refused! Why! Because I know! I am not worthy!!! I have not done enough for him! I cannot stand by his side and enjoy his glory with a clear conscience! I need to endure, I need to resist!! I will remember this yearning, and let this motivation drive me to fight for a brighter future for His Majesty Raymond!"

"I came to Andre because I was guided by Raymond, and everything I do in Andre is in service of that lord!!!"

"What is a 'simp'? It's selfless devotion! It's the highest and most supreme love and pursuit! Even if that person looks on coldly at me, even if the world and fate separate us, my original intention will not change!!! Because I firmly believe that my emotions are noble and ardent!!!"

The Lich King knelt down; in its eyes, Lyle had become a giant, a great giant burning with light and fire.

Lyle burned out, and his aggressive aura returned to its gentle state. It was as if everything that had happened before was a dream, but the Lich King would never wake up.

Lyle extended his hand, a gentle smile on his face.

“I’m angry not because you question me. My heart and soul have long been devoted to that person, and I remain calm even if everyone points fingers at me. What truly makes me lose my temper is your changed heart, the Raymond you abandoned in your heart.”