LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 188: Leaked Intel
A distant, unknown location. A dim, lightless corridor, the only sound the echo of footsteps against the cold stone floor.
It was a vast, labyrinthine underground shelter, a relic from the Previous Era, its structure remarkably preserved.
Gray Serpent walked alone, neither torch nor map to guide him. Yet, at each intersection, the correct path materialized in his mind, despite having never set foot here before.
This knowledge, woven into the very fabric of his being, was imprinted upon his creation.
Reaching the end without hesitation, he stood before a massive stone gate sealing off a vast chamber. It resembled a frozen tomb, icy tendrils snaking through the cracks.
"Destruction and rebirth," Gray Serpent murmured. The colossal gate groaned as it slowly parted, as if resisting the weight of millennia.
A wave of frigid air washed over him as he stood, his gaze fixed respectfully on the throne at the chamber's center.
A white-haired man sat there, lost in thought.
Kevin. A man who transcended time, unchanged from his appearance 1500 years ago.
Those deep eyes had witnessed countless miracles and endured the sorrow of universal collapse.
A single glance from Kevin sent a chill through Gray Serpent's very core.
"Forgive me for not greeting your return personally."
"How are the preparations proceeding?" Kevin asked, his gaze unwavering.
"Progress is smooth. The current world possesses all the necessary conditions for the plan's execution." With Kevin's return, World Serpent had awakened from its slumber. True to its name, its influence now spanned the globe.
"To celebrate your return, I have a gift."
The dull blade, its once all-consuming flames extinguished, held a shape that would stir memories within the Savior.
Gray Serpent presented it with both hands, holding it before Kevin.
The Judgement of Shamash. The greatsword, its glory etched in countless epics and legends, was grasped in Kevin's hand. In an instant, dormant flames reignited, dancing joyfully as if a child reunited with its father.
The icy chill pervading the chamber was instantly replaced by intense heat. Kevin's gaze fell upon the Judgement of Shamash, as if looking into his own past.
"We meet again, old friend. From now on, fight alongside me."
…
After igniting the Judgement of Shamash, Gray Serpent began his report.
"Siegfried Kaslana, inheritor of your bloodline, has been captured. How shall we proceed?"
The name was familiar to Kevin. During his time in the Quantum Sea, he had communicated with Siegfried through the resonance of their shared blood. However, as his descendant, Siegfried's abilities were far from sufficient.
"Send him to the Stigmata space for trials. If he awakens successfully, integrate him into World Serpent. If he fails… leave him there. He will serve as the first subject for the Final Stigmata Project."
"Understood."
Having delivered his report, Gray Serpent departed the shelter. As a core member of World Serpent, his duties were numerous and demanding.
He had barely returned to the base when he was met with the sound of a heated argument.
Today was meant to be a celebration of Kevin's return. With the exception of the enigmatic Hare, all of World Serpent's executives had gathered. Yet, conflict had erupted before the festivities could even begin.
"I told you, MOTH. My experiment was not a failure. Your daughter was killed by the Herrscher of the Void." Jackal sat nonchalantly, unfazed by the man's fury.
MOTH, his face haggard, his eyes filled with a deep-seated resentment, glared at her. "Not a failure? I've reviewed the data. My daughter was stable during the second phase. It was your reckless injection of Honkai energy that caused the experiment to fail."
Jackal's composure finally cracked. Her voice turned icy. "You dared access my experimental data? That's classified information. Who gave you permission?"
MOTH, however, seemed unconcerned, his grim expression twisting into something almost manic. "I have to avenge my daughter! For the sake of Kevin's plan, I've given everything to World Serpent. I've dedicated my life to this grand undertaking. But that doesn't mean my daughter should die because of your arrogance!"
He advanced towards Jackal, his imposing figure, his bloodshot eyes, and his unkempt beard, causing her to instinctively step back.
"When I joined, Gray Serpent promised me that my wish would be granted. I've earned World Serpent nearly ten billion in profit. And while I was breaking my back for you, you botched the experiment. Even if her awakening had truly failed, I could accept that as fate. But she succeeded! You, with your selfish ambitions, subjected her to unnecessary modifications."
"She could have lived. You killed her!"
"It was a necessary sacrifice for Stigmata awakening." Even Jackal struggled to defend herself against MOTH's accusations, especially when he invoked Kevin's name.
"Is that so? Is this the Stigmata Project Kevin envisions? If that's all it is, then…"
MOTH's words were cut short by a sharp voice from behind.
"Enough!" Gray Serpent's tone was dangerously low.
The very purpose of World Serpent's existence, the legacy of the Previous Era, Kevin's millennia-long mission, the Stigmata Project itself—all reduced to fodder for a petty squabble. Gray Serpent wanted nothing more than to silence them both permanently.
However, capable operatives were scarce. And MOTH had a valid point. He had provided resources, and in return, World Serpent had offered him protection. That was their agreement.
Gray Serpent didn't know the specifics of Jackal's failure, but the mention of Stigmata awakening, and the death of MOTH's daughter after a successful awakening, demanded attention. This was a matter World Serpent needed to address.
"Jackal, your research funding will be reduced by 20% for the next six months. All resources will be diverted to the Stigmata Project."
Jackal bristled at the penalty. She had sacrificed countless test subjects before. However, under Gray Serpent's cold, red gaze, she reluctantly accepted.
"MOTH, World Serpent will offer you compensation. But I expect you to understand the situation." MOTH's value was considerably less than Jackal's research capabilities. Gray Serpent opted for a direct threat.
The message was clear: The matter could be resolved amicably, or MOTH could face the consequences.
Having achieved his objective, MOTH knew when to back down.
His heavy breathing betrayed his suppressed rage. He tore his gaze from Jackal, his voice laced with venom. "I will kill the Herrscher of the Void. I will avenge my daughter. Don't tell me it's impossible. It's what you're already doing."
"Granted. However, World Serpent currently lacks any leads on the Herrscher of the Void."
MOTH, however, was prepared. He produced a document from his pocket.
"I do."