"God Casket?" So this box was originally called the "God Casket"... The name sounds extraordinary, but why does it show no special properties under my "Pure White Eyes"?
Moreover, judging by the information she revealed, it must have contained something significant before?
Were those contents the target of Lilith's long-term mission?
Thoughts racing, Ebner pressed further: "What is the 'God Casket'? What was originally stored inside?"
"The 'God Casket'... bears gods... Soniathrym tasked me to bring it back to the Western Continent...
"It held... I don't know... No! I do know! 'Luck' opened it once!
"I... can't remember!"
As she spoke, the lady's emotions surged violently again, forcing Audrey—who had been continuously "pacifying" her—to retreat from the palpable danger.
Left with no choice, Ebner simulated a more potent "Pacify" ability through his "Pure White Eyes," gradually calming the raven-haired woman.
Meanwhile, the woman—likely the "Queen of Calamity"—locked eyes with Ebner and declared:
"This dream... is ending..."
She seemed slightly more lucid now, her speech still fragmented but devoid of its earlier woodenness.
"Find me... Save me... Protect me...
"Don't trust her!
"I'll be waiting..."
Before she could finish, her figure vanished. Simultaneously, the crystal palace within the cave trembled violently before shattering into collapse...
The scene felt eerily familiar to Ebner—it mirrored what he'd witnessed after clearing each layer of the "Dream Labyrinth Tower."
Without hesitation, he "simulated" the "Dreamwalker" ability, gripping Audrey's hand to perform a "Dreamshift."
As their surroundings blurred through rapid transitions, they returned to the starting point of their adventure: the bedroom of the Hall family's castle.
Audrey opened her eyes and sat up on the bed, finding Ebner Bryan standing by her bedside.
The sight stirred faintly complicated emotions in her, but she swiftly brushed them aside, curiosity taking over. "Mr. 'Tower,' was that lady trapped in a dream all along? Did we 'wake' her, causing the crystal palace to collapse?"
"Most likely..." Ebner nodded, then added, "Her true location must intersect with dreams in some way, allowing her to sustain that vision until now..."
"Then where is she? Her final words sounded like a plea for us to find and rescue her." Audrey studied "Tower" intently, her gaze probing.
What she truly wanted to ask was about the relationship between Ebner Bryan and the woman—likely the "Queen of Calamity"—given how she'd addressed him as "Luck"...
Come to think of it, Mr. "Tower" has always been invested in intel about the "God of Luck," even commissioning "The Sun" to gather related materials. Even if he isn't the deity himself, he's surely connected...
No wonder he's so erudite!
As Audrey's thoughts wandered, Ebner analyzed inwardly:
"The 'cave' symbolizes a place that can conceal danger while remaining hidden and inconspicuous... This actually indicates her current location is relatively safe.
"The crystal palace was likely a direct mental projection... Could she be residing in some elven temple or ruins?
"The throne in the palace was singular and didn't match the style of a queen's seat—completely different from any elven temple I've seen or heard of... This suggests she no longer follows the Elven King, having completely abandoned Soniathrym?
"Though her appearance was unclear due to memory loss, her ears weren't pointed like an elf's... Perhaps this is her 'human' aspect?
"After all, all humanoid extraordinary races originated from humans... Even the Giant King's parents were ordinary humans... As the Elven Queen and Queen of Calamity, she might know this secret, so her self-perception may actually be 'human'?
"If this truly is her 'humanity,' could the part that escaped from the golden goblet be her 'divinity'?
"Finally, her current location is likely somewhere in East Chester County, judging by the 'dream teleportation'—that dream couldn't have been too far from the Hall family castle...
"But I don't have time to investigate here... It seems I'll need help with this matter... After all, it's not only connected to the transmigrator predecessor 'God of Luck' but also involves Lilith's mission."
With these thoughts, Ebner turned to Audrey, who was watching him intently. First, he shook his head in response to her earlier question: "I'm not entirely sure where she is either... Only that it should be near East Chester." Then, shifting the topic, he added earnestly, "I was actually hoping to ask for your help in locating her."
Audrey was quite intrigued by Ebner's request. After a moment's thought, she asked, "Where should we start looking?"
"Perhaps by investigating local folklore, preferably legends that emerged within the last hundred years..." Ebner suggested. "Regardless of whether we find anything, I'll compensate you..."
Before he could finish, Audrey waved her hand dismissively. "That won't be necessary. I'm very interested in that lady's situation and want to help her."
Ebner smiled knowingly. "Are you sure? My payment would be taking you to the 'City of Miracles,' Liveseyd... Really not interested?"
"The 'City of Miracles'?!" Audrey's eyes lit up, and she blurted out, "You know where it is?"
Then, remembering her earlier refusal, she composed herself with a hint of regret and said primly, "I am indeed curious about that divine kingdom of the 'Dragon of Imagination'... But your offer is too generous. If we really go there, I should be the one compensating you."
Paying to experience social suicide in the "Hall of Truth"? If that's the case, I should gather more people to share the embarrassment... Hmm, Fors and the others would probably be curious too. Maybe even Jane would be interested...
While mentally complaining, Ebner took the opportunity to finalize the arrangement with Audrey. Then, placing a hand over his chest, he bowed slightly toward the bed in farewell.
After Ebner's figure vanished, Audrey waited for a while before assuming a prayer posture to report the expedition to "The Fool."
Only after completing this did she call her maid to draw a bath. As steam filled the spacious square tub—measuring three to four meters on each side—silk garments fluttered into the laundry basket one by one. Audrey pinned up her long hair, tested the water temperature with her fingers, then gingerly stepped in, sinking into the warm embrace.
"Ahh..." She exhaled contentedly, feeling thoroughly relaxed as the heated water enveloped her.
At that moment, Susie trotted in and sat by the tub. After sneakily glancing toward the bedroom door to confirm no one was there, she whispered, "Audrey, is that man gone? After he turned invisible, even his scent became subconsciously unnoticeable."
"Susie, mind your manners. You should address him as Mr. Bryan," Audrey corrected gently.
"Fine... What I meant was, since we have time now, would you like me to demonstrate that secret art called 'Leon's Hand' again?" Susie wagged her tail.
Audrey responded with a dazzling yet benign smile. "Susie, rather than learning secret arts, I'm more concerned about your mental well-being..."
"Woof?"
...
After leaving the Hall family castle, Ebner didn't return immediately. Instead, he visited a village to check on Xio's mother and younger brother, ensuring they were safe before using the secret art "Ebner's Spirit Walk" to return to Backlund.
His final destination was the Harvest Church on Rose Street in the Southbridge District.
(End of Chapter)