The sun dominated the sky, almost twice the size Halo remembered from his old world. But rather than searing heat, it offered gentle warmth. The kind perfect for a getaway.

White restored Halo's face, hair, and battered body entirely. A single determined wish was all it required. He now looked nearly like his perfect, unblemished self.

Yet the NeverLight crew had to steer clear of the devastated lands. When an Absolute Sinner would unleash its destruction was unknown, utterly unpredictable. Finding a safe zone was essential.

Tough, Halo's clone, searched for his master as quickly as he could manage with his new child, Seely. Carrying the baby meant he couldn't shadow-travel to find Halo. When he finally arrived at the devastation, it was too late.

Now, Halo and the crew had reached a narrow road and hitched a ride on a wagon heading to an estate. Not the safest option, but it would give them rest and help them figure out where to go next.

The wagons here weren't like those in the Voiceless region. These had cushy, convertible seats for luggage and space massive enough for an elephant, and though boarding required some awkward maneuvering and a bit of tension, they got on with minimal fuss.

"Direct Sin Fragment trades won't work everywhere. Some empires, and even free territories, use currency. We'll need to adapt."

Halo sat by Jihriel, trying to focus on his words. But his hands had been pressed to his face ever since the healing. The mystery consumed his thoughts, not because he wanted answers, but because he feared it happening again.

Still, he heard Jihriel speak fairly well.

As some Assassins could be assigned Purposes of theft, robbery, heists, fraud, and economic sabotage, higher-ranked beings were also given the responsibility of keeping those economies viable.

Building an empire was voluntary, but regardless of that choice, most emperors had to create their own currency and build a fully functional system encompassing financial, political, and economic elements.

According to the driver, they were now in OverKing Linnyue's domain. The empire had been established when she was still a Sovereign, and though she rarely showed herself, word was that the graceful woman had become an OverKnight.

In the Red Empire, though less developed than many domains, Linnyue had established her own currency, Pinyin.

The coins were red and moon-shaped, though poorly valued: a single Sin Fragment fetched three Pinyin. Despite this, visitors were drawn to the empire's warmth, forests, and welcoming accessibility.

The moon itself was strange; it periodically turned red, its light spreading across the Red Empire's borders.

Legend had it that Linnyue was some blood-sucking creature who preyed on her citizens during these red moons. Maybe a vampire…

True or false, the empire remained one of the most densely populated places in the Ashen Ages.

"After we save Delilah, we'll need to stay in this empire for a while. But that's not my end goal. And wherever I'm headed next, we'll need an official cohort to even get a chance."

Jihriel made the announcement to everyone. Halo wasn't really listening. He was too busy wondering how this continent had gotten so populated when sailing the seven seas was such a nightmare.

Actually, unlike the NeverLight who chose to sail independently, there were transport ships that regularly ferried people with Purposes to this continent.

Having made the crossing countless times, these vessels had high survival rates. Unlike the NeverLight's automated navigation, they were manually controlled, sailing as freely as the pirates who'd harassed them on the journey.

"We can't discuss anything beyond this. I'll need Delilah present before I say more. If I remember correctly, none of you have a Purpose tied to the Voiceless region, right? Whatever we do, there should be enough to fulfill your Purposes in this region."

Halo frowned.

He was the only non-Assassin among them, and worse, he couldn't say how much of his three months of freedom was left.

Freedom? Was it even freedom at all? Did the gods understand this freedom would lead him somewhere more harrowing than his Purposes ever could?

He grimaced. He awkwardly began scratching his dirty-white hair as they stared at him in confusion.

His Sin Fragments.

He had used some to resurrect his clones. Worse, he didn't know how many he used.

His skin crawled. It grew itchy.

His precious Sin Fragments.

Summoning the bronze screen felt nearly impossible, even the thought made him anxious. But after a few breathing techniques, he actually managed to call it forth.

'Status.'

***

[ Name: Halo D. Tenebris

Title: Shadow of Death

Rank: Knight

True ability: Death Clone - - - Description:

Flaw: Coldness

Only Sin: Death

Nemesis:?

—

Sin Fragments: 7925 /10000

Dominant Skill: Agility

Clones: 6

—

Inventory:

Extra Ability: Beelzebub: 3 /10 - - - Description: ]

***

His heart skipped a beat.

"What the—

He spoke the words with palpable terror, as though he'd just seen the world fall apart before his eyes.

The crew only grew wary of him. He must be going mad. No. He had to be insane.

Veins pulsed violently across Halo's face. He seemed one clenched muscle away from coming apart.

The likelihood of him spending Sin Fragments to save his clones again? Nearly zero.

He'd better hope Jihriel was footing the bill for this stay, or he'd end up fasting like a hermit. Now he was over two thousand Sin Fragments short of reaching Assassin rank.

What the heck?!

What Halo didn't realize was that Tough had taken his generosity to heart, though he possessed no heart. His sacrifice had granted Tough a face his child might learn to love, however crude, and had rescued him at his most desperate hour.

His loyalty to Halo had always been strong, but now it was absolute. He'd make the journey to show his baby, Seele, to his beloved master, protecting the child with everything he possessed.

Had Halo known, he might've forced Tough to cough up the Sin Fragments. Perhaps then the suffering he'd caused wouldn't weigh on him quite as much.

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