Volume 2

Chapter 24 : Mingfuluo

[I will make this world stagnate for a thousand, ten thousand years, until—]

“!”

Mingfuluo jolted awake from the wide recliner.

“…” The woman clutched her forehead, lingering memories making her heart race uncontrollably.

It took her a long time to steady her breathing.

Touching the puppet’s cold, inhuman chest somehow calmed her.

“Nightmare…”

Half-covering her face, she whispered: “Can I still… have nightmares?”

The vague, eerie words and tone sent a chill through her core.

Hydra’s terror and dominance haunted her even in shallow sleep, conjuring despairing visions.

Three days had passed since returning from Hydra Mansion.

Today, Hendrik brought news: Anselm would visit Babel Tower at noon, formally announcing to the capital and Empire his control over the academic organization.

Per his orders, she had to return to her flesh body, unused for three years, before his arrival.

Solen’s tattered restrictions were fully lifted yesterday, freeing her soul from the puppet. Her soul had sustained some damage, but it wasn’t severe—a period of rest would suffice.

She looked at her body in the containment pod, her usually emotionless face growing complex.

As Anselm said, with Babel Tower under him, the Ether Academy’s oppression would cease, and her safety was assured, negating the need for the puppet.

But Mingfuluo had grown accustomed to this cold shell, nearly forgetting the feel of blood flowing, the pulse of a beating heart, the warmth of living flesh.

She recalled Anselm’s words from three years ago—

[You’ll eventually shed more.]

Shed more… humanity.

The puppet, indistinguishable from a human, slowly clenched its fist.

Its familiar dexterity made Mingfuluo believe it was her body.

She knew Anselm was right and saw her own changes—but she had no choice.

Three years ago, the man who’d smiled and promised to witness a new era with her abandoned her without hesitation.

To preserve everything, Mingfuluo Zege had to walk this path.

“If you hadn’t…” She murmured, then stopped: “No.”

“Blaming him is meaningless. Since we parted ways, he had no reason to help you. Don’t lose too pathetically, Mingfuluo.”

Now, with the greatest support, she needn’t overthink.

She could immerse herself in research—unrealized concepts, the astonishingly potent Nidhogg—all enough to occupy years, decades.

The devil’s malice would be ever-present, but Mingfuluo didn’t care.

It was just… watching herself die.

Mingfuluo exhaled slowly, rising to return her soul to her long-dormant body.

But the moment she stood, her gaze snapped to the entrance of the secure chamber deep beneath Babel Tower.

“Miss Zege, so cautious. No wonder you survived the Ether Academy’s pressure and still created such innovative alchemical devices.”

An elegant, calm girl’s voice came from the dim entrance: “But such a dark environment isn’t good for your mood, is it?”

“You—”

Mingfuluo’s purple eyes reflected a noble white pleated dress and a faintly smiling, lovely face.

“…Your Highness Sulun,” she steadied her emotions, her tone firm. “Why are you here?”

“Hm?” The impeccably refined little princess tilted her head playfully. “Are you wondering how I found this place, or how I got in?”

“Both.”

“Hehe, my reckless, absurd sister isn’t the only one with backing, Miss Zege.”

The girl’s words were laden with meaning, their implication clear.

Mingfuluo instantly understood, falling silent before asking softly: “Then, are you here on your own behalf, or…”

“Of course… just myself.”

Sulun stopped ten meters from Mingfuluo.

Though she hadn’t inherited the divine essence, her Flame-Feasting blood and stunning beauty cast her face in shadow in the dim room.

“You should know, Miss Zege,” Sulun sighed, “our situations are quite similar.”

“Both harboring ambitions the world scoffs at.”

“Both lack the strength to support those ambitions.”

“And… both forced to walk a path teetering on destruction’s edge.”

“I think,” Mingfuluo said calmly, “I lack the qualifications for you to lower yourself to seek my empathy.”

“You underestimate yourself, Miss Zege.”

Sulun smiled: “I’m not my arrogant sister, who, confident in her divine potential, looks down on everyone. To me, you’re a far greater genius than I am, and…”

“You now have Anselm’s support, don’t you?”

In the silent, dim chamber, the ambitious little princess smiled patiently, awaiting Mingfuluo’s response, while the secluded scholar remained quiet, seemingly weighing her reply.

“You… haven’t stated your purpose.”

After a long pause, Mingfuluo spoke, as if willing to engage further.

The elegant, mysterious princess smiled with satisfaction: “Simple. Do you want revenge, Miss Zege?”

“…Revenge?”

“Against the vicious woman who bound, dominated, and nearly destroyed you.”

She clasped her hands behind her, uttering such treasonous, suicidal words.

Mingfuluo locked eyes with Sulun for two seconds, then said expressionlessly: “Not interested.”

Not out of fear or reason—just genuine disinterest.

Such a choice didn’t even need rationality.

Mingfuluo didn’t like Ivora and, to some extent, harbored resentment, but… revenge?

A waste of time and meaningless.

Her time was too precious now.

Sulun watched her for a moment, then smiled: “I figured you wouldn’t be interested. How about… another deal?”

She stepped closer, her ethereal voice whispering:

“Erlin Zege.”

The cold, steady puppet visibly trembled.

“A prodigy who rose to fame fifty years ago, acknowledged by Flamel forty years ago, a reviled renegade thirty years ago, and now… an unknown.”

The ambitious princess, now beside the trembling Mingfuluo, whispered in her ear:

“How did he die? Want to know?”

***

“This Babel Tower…”

Hitana, trailing Anselm, whispered: “It feels so much less impressive than the Ether Academy. Doesn’t look that great.”

As a creature of pure instinct, the grandeur of Yggdrasil left a deep impression, while Babel Tower’s utilitarian buildings seemed… like a slightly upscale village to her.

Last time, following Anselm, she hadn’t toured properly. Now, guided by Hendrik, she found it… underwhelming.

They were in Babel Tower’s alchemical workshop area, inspecting their unique device production line.

Unable to fathom the clanging machinery’s purpose, Hitana felt bored.

“This is the communication crystal workshop,” Hendrik, enthusiastic since receiving Anselm, explained. “We’re improving crystals in multiple ways—reducing costs, increasing output, enhancing ether circuits for better spells, and energy replenishment… Progress is steady. We should see breakthroughs in five years.”

“Planning to expand to civilian use?” Anselm asked, smiling.

“Exactly!” Hendrik replied excitedly.

“Due to raw materials, ether engravings, and recharging issues… only wealthy nobles use crystals now. Solving these could let commoners use them too.”

“…Though,” he gave a wry smile, “you might think it’s flashy but impractical. The Empire’s situation… you know. Useful devices are hard to promote.”

“Change always brings destruction and sacrifice.”

Anselm watched the busy puppets and sorcerers in the workshop, his tone distant: “Vested interests won’t let you sacrifice their gains. Offer them enough, and they’ll yield. But… these greedy hoarders have oversized appetites, don’t they?”

He patted Hendrik’s shoulder: “It’s not easy for you either.”

“Anselm…”

Hendrik’s already respectful gaze turned reverent.

“…Yes.” He took a deep breath, clenching his fist. “If their demands weren’t so outrageous, we could’ve spread useful devices across the Empire these past three years. If the Grand Princess were willing…”

He shook his head, saying no more.

Ivora had no interest in “useful” devices.

Their benefits?

A joke—by the time they were developed and spread, years would pass.

With the whole Empire hers, what did benefits matter?

To the ambitious Grand Princess, not chaining Babel Tower to weapon production and allowing them freedom to develop and research was already merciful.

How could Hendrik dare ask for her help?

Babel Tower had struggled these three years, but now…

“The crystal industry can move forward. I’ll have Mr. Para send people from the Alchemical Association. For materials, I’ll have contacts reach out to major adventurer guilds in the West Kingdom—they have wide networks and ample resources.”

“As for how to do it or how long, I won’t interfere,” Anselm said gently to the increasingly excited Hendrik. “Take your time, Hendrik.”

“Thank you… thank you for your mercy and aid, Anselm!”

Hendrik bowed deeply, a tier-five transcendent’s dignity seeming trivial.

Yet he felt no unease in this “submission.”

Loss of dignity?

He’d gained the utmost respect!

Hendrik vowed silently to quash any dissent against Anselm in Babel Tower, though he doubted any would arise.

“There are a few more key workshops,” Hendrik said eagerly, then caught himself: “Sorry! It’s been so long. Please rest, Anselm.”

He’d led Anselm through Babel Tower for three hours nonstop.

Though Anselm wouldn’t tire, Hendrik didn’t want to seem overly eager, risking a bad impression.

Anselm didn’t refuse, following Hendrik to a rest area, casually asking: “Where’s Mingfuluo? Is she busy?”

“Mingfuluo…” Hendrik’s face stiffened.

“She might be… tied up with something important… Not that anything’s more important than meeting you! It’s just… you know how she is. Please forgive her rudeness, Anselm.”

“No need to be so tense, Hendrik,” Anselm laughed. “Just asking. My recent work with Mingfuluo was pleasant—she’s a rare genius.”

His words eased Hendrik, who recalled Anselm’s past connection with Mingfuluo.

This made him glance at the girl beside Anselm.

Among high-tier transcendents, Hitana Lansmarlos was famed—a prodigy bearing two Contract Head powers, destined to be Anselm’s mightiest warrior in a few years.

But Hendrik wasn’t thinking about that.

His thoughts were on Hitana’s village, rumored to be so prosperous that even the dogs there ate better than people.

That was the influence of the Hydra.

Hendrik had also considered how great the Babel Tower would become if Mingfuluo became Anselm’s Contract Head, but it was just a fleeting thought.

To have Anselm’s help now was already good enough.

To think of making Mingfuluo Anselm’s Contract Head to gain more resources… not to mention whether it could succeed, such an act would already be overstepping and ungrateful.

As long as Anselm could be a bit more tolerant of Mingfuluo’s willfulness, or if Mingfuluo could restrain her temper… Hendrik would already be grateful beyond measure.

Not long after, he brought Anselm to the lounge, tactfully avoiding further discussion about the Babel Tower.

He respectfully left Anselm and Hitana alone, saying, “Please call me if you need anything,” before departing.

“Finally done with the tour!”

Hitana let out a long breath, throwing herself onto the soft sofa and rolling twice.

She waved at Anselm, “Anselm, Anselm, come sit for a bit, I’m exhausted.”

“You were much more tired last night,” Anselm said, sitting beside Hitana, watching the girl wriggle until she rested her head on his lap.

“How are you tired after just a short while now?”

“That’s—that’s not the same!”

Miss Wolf’s face flushed slightly, “Wandering around here, looking at those metal lumps, it’s so boring.”

“So doing that sort of thing is more interesting?”

“…Go die!” Hitana scratched Anselm’s stomach, nuzzling her head against him, grumbling, “If it wasn’t interesting, why would I let you torment me every day… pervert.”

Anselm just smiled, brushing aside the girl’s hair, saying nothing more, only looking at her gently.

After being gazed at for a moment, Hitana suddenly turned her head, pressing her face against Anselm’s stomach, whispering:

“Anselm, am I… really not going to do something bad to you?”

Though three days had passed, Mingfuluo’s words still lingered in Hitana’s mind.

The situation with the Hydra, the storms in the Imperial Capital, and her own temperament… in such a complex and tangled situation, she was truly afraid of doing something she’d regret for the rest of her life.

“You’ve asked that many times now?” Anselm chuckled, “So little confidence in me?”

“No, it’s not that… it’s just—you know how uncontrollable I can be.”

Hitana gently nudged Anselm’s stomach with her head, “Back in Chishuang Territory, didn’t you fail to predict what I’d do? What if I get carried away again and do something completely beyond your expectations? What then?”

“I can think of so many things that’d make me lose control, like someone secretly sending an assassin after you, poisoning you, or Lina’s safety, or spreading rumors about you… ugh! Just thinking about it drives me crazy!”

The girl’s naive and frustrated worries made Anselm ruffle her hair, unable to hold back a smile, “I think no one would be in such a hurry to die. Even if there were plans against me, they’d surely be meticulously crafted. I’ve told you many times, you don’t need to trouble yourself like this, Hitana.”

“But… fine.”

Hitana sighed reluctantly, “I’m too dumb. I’m sorry, Anselm.”

“But you’re strong.”

“Not strong enough! If those trying to kill you are fifth-tier… then I can’t do anything!”

The young Hydra shook his head, “I’ve said, there’s still a long time before that end comes. Plenty of time for me to make arrangements and prepare.”

Looking at the still-troubled Hitana, he smiled helplessly and tapped her head, “You’ve been too influenced by Mingfuluo’s words. Do you care about her that much and not trust me?”

“No way, who cares about that metal lump,” Hitana growled, biting Anselm’s finger lightly and nibbling twice, mumbling, “It’s just that she said such intimidating things… Oh, isn’t she coming over soon? I’ve got to teach her a lesson, that cheeky little thing!”

“When did you start caring about seniority?”

“Hmph! It’s always been that way.”

Miss Wolf puffed out her chest, “What’s she got that’s bigger than me? At most, she’s older, yet she dares to criticize me so smugly… I’ve got to show her who’s boss.”

No sooner had she spoken than a low knock came from outside the lounge.

“Anselm.”

A mature voice, familiar to both, came from outside.

Hitana’s eyes lit up.

She leapt off the sofa, rubbed her face vigorously, and put on a ferocious, dangerous expression, ready to give Mingfuluo a proper show of authority.

Hmph, you didn’t give me a face in Anselm’s house… Well, I’ll show you who’s in charge on your turf!

The girl strode to the door, flung it open, ready to catch Mingfuluo off guard:

“Hey, don’t you know Anselm’s been waiting…”

“…Huh? Where is she?”

Opening the door to find no one, Hitana looked around, puzzled, “What a weirdo, pulling such a childish prank?”

“…Miss Lansmarlos.”

A voice from below made Hitana look down instinctively.

Then, she saw a very… pretty little girl.

Long blue-gray hair tied into a high ponytail like her puppet body, a delicate and lovely face that could be called cute but also carried a hint of… mature feminine sophistication.

Her expressionless demeanor slightly diminished her beauty, though in some eyes, it might add a touch of charm.

Hitana stared at the girl for a long time before turning to Anselm, who was half-covering his mouth, “Anselm, why’s there a kid here?”

“Miss Lansmarlos,” the girl said, expressionless, enunciating each word, “I am Mingfuluo Zege.”

“…”

Hitana froze for two seconds, then poked her head out to scan the corridor again.

She squatted down, speaking kindly to the girl, “Little one, tell big sister, where’s that dead-faced woman who sent you to knock? I’ll give you candy, okay?”

“…Miss Lansmarlos.”

The girl pushed up her slightly oversized glasses on her nose, her pretty face looking especially cute when making such a gesture while expressionless, “Can’t you recognize my voice? Or do I need to repeat what I said to you three days ago at the Hydra Mansion?”

Now Hitana was truly stunned.

She squatted in front of the girl for a while, then leaned closer, sniffing her suspiciously. Her confusion quickly turned to shock, then to disbelief:

“You… you’re really—”

“This is my real body.”

Miss Mingfuluo Zege spoke impassively, “I’ve always used a puppet to move around, didn’t you know?”

“…” Hitana silently poked Mingfuluo’s soft cheek.

Though the latter’s eye twitched, she didn’t swat the hand away, letting Hitana do as she pleased.

“Pfft—”

“Hahaha… hahahahaha!”

Then, the lounge and the empty corridor echoed with Miss Hitana’s unrestrained, almost breathless laughter.

“Anselm, Anselm, hahaha…”

Hitana squatted beside Mingfuluo, gesturing at her height, trembling with laughter, “This one… Mingfuluo, hahaha, her puppet’s so tall and mature, even seductive, but she herself… herself is like this…”

The girl grabbed the expressionless Mingfuluo by the collar, stood up, and lifted her off the ground, “Like this… hahahaha! A little shrimp!”

Laughing uncontrollably, Hitana held Mingfuluo up to her face, “Hey, Mingfuluo, can I ask… why’d you make your puppet’s body like that—”

She gestured at her own chest and height, “Is it… hahahaha… inferiority, or some kind of wish fulfillment?”

“I usually control the puppet without soul manipulation, just sensory overlay,” Mingfuluo, dangling like a cute oversized doll, said, “So compatibility isn’t a concern, and a larger puppet can hold more ether circuits. That’s all.”

“Also, could you please put me down?”

“Uh, huh? Oh… sure, sure, pfft.”

After setting Mingfuluo down gently, Hitana’s resentment faded.

The question of who was bigger was already clear, and now… now there was no need to compare at all!

This? Her?

With just her mouth, she thought she could hold her head high in front of me?

Hitana felt she could sit on Anselm’s lap while holding Mingfuluo up with one hand, letting her flail in the air helplessly.

Miss Hitana, whose beastly instincts dominated, believed that only the one who maintained the most dignity on that soft battlefield held the most dignity in daily life.

Clearly, this Mingfuluo had no dignity in any aspect.

Compared to Hitana, who was thoroughly amused and delighted, Anselm, also gazing at Mingfuluo, wore a genuine smile.

If only out of a touch of nostalgia.

“Though they said you’d probably never grow taller… you’ve changed a bit, haven’t you, Mingfuluo?”

The girl, now facing Anselm, was dressed no differently from her puppet: a neat white coat, a dark body-hugging skirt, though the stockings had changed from iron-gray to slightly sheer black, and she still wore high heels.

This outfit, which required a commanding presence and mature aura to pull off, somehow didn’t look out of place on Mingfuluo.

Though not tall, her figure wasn’t exactly lacking.

Her upper body was indeed a bit flat, but under the white coat, the skirt tightly hugged her hips, accentuating a vivid curve like a ripe peach.

Her legs, wrapped in black stockings, took up a surprising portion of her short frame, their exaggerated length making them appear strikingly slender.

Her full, slightly fleshy thighs contrasted sharply with her petite build.

This made Mingfuluo seem, at first glance, like a delicate girl, but upon closer inspection… She carried the unique charm of a mature woman, a peculiar beauty.

Unaware of this, Miss Hitana just giggled foolishly, still laughing as she sat beside Anselm.

“How’s it feel to adjust?” Anselm asked.

“…Fine.”

Mingfuluo looked at her palm, curling and uncurling her fingers, “Maybe because my soul’s been detached too long… I feel slightly unaccustomed to this body. Some rest should fix it.”

“Will you actually rest?”

“No.”

Anselm laughed happily, “This conversation reminds me of three years ago… truly nostalgic.”

Mingfuluo fell silent.

Having chosen to submit to Anselm for now, she wouldn’t act in opposition to him.

“…Anselm,” after a brief pause, Mingfuluo said, “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Sulun, the little princess.”

Mingfuluo said calmly, “Not long ago, she approached me with a deal.”

Anselm showed no surprise, only smiling and nodding for her to continue.

“She asked me… if I wanted to take revenge on the Grand Princess.”

“Hmm, you refused her, and then?” Anselm said without hesitation, as if he didn’t need her to go on.

“She…” Mingfuluo paused slightly, “She offered another condition. She told me my grandfather’s death had hidden circumstances.”

“…Oh?” Anselm’s brow rose slightly, “And then? Still asking you to team up against Ivora?”

“Exactly.”

The petite scholar lowered her gaze, “At first, I wondered if you sent her to test me, but I thought… you’re not that bored. I didn’t immediately realize why she dared to stir my hatred for Ivora. Isn’t she afraid of you?”

“She’s testing my stance because Ivora and I have seemed… at odds lately.”

Anselm, who had passionately kissed the Grand Princess in the bedroom, shrugged, “She knows you’d tell me about this. Rather than inciting you, she’s signaling to me.”

After all, our Princess Sulun played a key role in the Babel Tower falling into Anselm’s hands.

Wanting to capitalize on that and build a closer relationship with Anselm was only natural.

“But you, Mingfuluo…” Anselm propped his chin, speaking with interest, “You could’ve just told me the first part, but you were so honest about the second part too.”

“You’re my master now,” Mingfuluo said, nearly making Hitana, who’d just calmed down, choke on her spit. “Until that moment arrives, I’ll ensure my loyalty.”

“Hmm… loyalty, huh.”

Anselm shook his head with a light laugh, “Obedience gained through a deal isn’t loyalty. You still don’t understand the meaning of that word, Mingfuluo, just like three years ago.”

“But that’s not bad either. You’re quite useful.”

The devil spoke such harsh words, openly treating the woman before him as a tool.

“As for Sulun, I haven’t agreed to her yet. It depends on what you want.”

Mingfuluo had no objections, saying calmly, “If it’ll cause you trouble, I’ll refuse.”

“No, regarding Ivora, you don’t need to worry about me. Do what you want.”

Anselm waved dismissively, “Of course, you’d better make sure it’s clean. If something goes wrong, I won’t bail you out.”

“…I understand. I won’t trouble you.”

Mingfuluo seemed surprised that Anselm agreed so easily without demanding anything extra.

“If I told you to refuse,” Anselm said with a sly smile, “what would you do about your grandfather?”

“I’d beg you.”

The petite woman said expressionlessly, “What she can do, you can surely do. As for the cost, I’d bear it.”

“Don’t you think begging me directly is less risky than teaming up with Sulun against Ivora?”

Anselm said with a half-smile, “That’s not a rational choice, Mingfuluo.”

Mingfuluo fell silent, staring at the floor without a word.

“Looks like there’s still a long way to go… No matter. Since you’ve made your choice, you’ll become what I want you to be.”

Anselm stood up, walked to Mingfuluo, bent down, and gently pinched her soft, delicate chin.

“It’s just like the abyss, dear Aluo.”

He whispered in a voice only Mingfuluo could hear, “You can’t turn back now. Will you fall into endless darkness, or will you shine a light that pierces the abyss before your destruction…”

“I’m greatly looking forward to it.”

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