"General of Disease" Tracy had previously tried to seduce Odis, but without success.
This time, her intention to undress was not to demonstrate her unwavering determination, but because she was prepared that Odis would have absolutely no way to refuse her.
But when Tracy heard Odis's warning, she glanced at the full-length mirror by the door, then stopped what she was doing and stopped using her "charm" ability. Instead, she calmly asked Odis, "I don't quite understand what you mean."
Odis said seriously, "I have contacted Her Majesty the Queen for you. She probably knows the terms of the deal you have prepared better than you do."
"And the terms of my deal were merely a few Rose School strongholds. I estimate that I have already taken control of most of those strongholds."
"I don't sense any sincerity in the transaction, so I think you don't take this transaction seriously, and of course there's no need to contact you again."
Odis wasn't bluffing. He deduced the approximate locations of several strongholds of the "Rose School" from the intelligence he was constantly receiving from Allen, who was currently presiding over the "Intelligence Exchange Meeting".
However, due to the loss of six Sequence 5 members in the previous two operations of the "Rose School", there were not enough manpower to send to the Raging Sea for the time being.
Therefore, Odis did not intend to attack those strongholds now, but to wait until they had deployed a stronger force before launching an attack.
Tracy said, "Please let me think about it. I will prepare more attractive terms."
Odis hummed in agreement and said nothing more.
Tracy didn't hesitate at all; she got up and left immediately.
After she quickly left Lighthouse Town, she asked in a low voice, "Why did you stop me just now?"
A very clear and melodious voice said, "Bernarde is sitting not far from you."
This is "White Saintess" Katarina Pelle, this is Tracy's secret weapon, the "Enchantment" she uses today, which Odis absolutely cannot resist.
Just once, Odis could completely succumb to the "pleasure" of an "ageless witch".
Upon hearing her mother's words, Tracy couldn't help but take a deep breath; she hadn't sensed the "mysterious queen's" aura at all.
Katarina added, "Moreover, Odis is now a 'mystic'."
Tracy's gaze sharpened: He's already a demigod? No wonder my "charm" had no effect this time.
She took a deep breath and asked, "What should we do now?"
Katarina let out a crisp laugh: "Of course, it's about offering conditions that will win Odis's heart."
"Yes, he can use the 'Mystic Reappearance' ability now as well," Tracy said. "It's always easier to win over a Sequence 4 than a Sequence 3."
"That's one aspect," Katarina said. "I also observed something very interesting."
"Anything that can move Odis is equivalent to moving the 'Mysterious Queen'."
She wouldn't misjudge something like this.
...
Lighthouse Town, in the mayor's office.
After Tracy left, Odis once again used the "witchcraft" to create a small conversation space. He asked Bernadette, who was standing next to him, "Was there a demigod witch hiding in the mirror just now?"
"That's right." Bernadette smiled slightly. "I've seen that witch before. She's Katarina. So Tracy is her daughter… no, her son."
Odis scratched his head: "Didn't I hear that the higher-ups of the 'Witch Cult' are basically all women? Why are they so interested in me?"
Bernadette looked at Odis: "What do you think?"
"Haha." Odis felt the dagger-like gaze: "Of course, it's because I'm of use to them."
At this moment, his inner monologue was: It's not my problem, I don't have the ability to "charm"!
Bernadette gave Odis a "you know what's good for you" look, then frowned slightly: "What do they plan to do with the 'reproduction' ability?"
Odis secretly breathed a sigh of relief: she would have to be more careful with her words when it came to "witches" in the future.
Once you're associated with a "witch," it'll be hard to clear your name.
At this point, Bernadette added, "Finding a sealed artifact of the 'mystical scholar' would be easier than asking us for help."
Odis joined the discussion: "It seems that only one 'mystic' or 'prophet' can be present."
Bernadette nodded: "Let's see what terms they offer first."
Odis hummed in agreement; he thought so too.
After finishing their work, Odis and Bernadette went to the fish market to buy seafood. The vendors were all locals, and some of them knew Odis. They gave her a little bit here and a little bit there, and soon they had a full basket.
Odis originally didn't intend to accept it, but seeing everyone's eager looks, she had no choice but to accept it.
This is also why he rarely buys things himself; firstly, it would damage his mysterious aura, and secondly, he finds it difficult to refuse such hospitality.
However, Odis no longer needs the mystery to digest the potion, and his occasional visit is also a way to check on the situation on Crus Island.
Some vendors were curiously observing the beautiful, tall woman beside the mayor. They felt that she was as beautiful as a legendary saint, but it was not surprising that the mayor had such a woman by his side.
Since he was there, Odis inquired about the management of the fish market. The vendors did have some complaints about the market's management. For example, the fish's internal organs had to be properly cleaned and could not be dumped on the beach. Instead, they had to be sent to the deep sea the next day when they went fishing, so that the larger fish there could eat them.
For example, there are hygiene requirements for items such as knives and cutting boards used for killing fish, which were not required before.
Odis explained with a smile that this was a regulation designed to prevent the outbreak of disease.
After chatting for a while, Odis picked up the basket and left with Bernadette. After leaving the fish market, they used their extraordinary abilities to reach the cabin on the mountain.
Odis began preparing dinner, while Bernadette went to fetch Cattleya.
A few minutes later, led by Bernadette, Cattleya appeared for the second time in the small but cozy cabin.
Odis greeted her with a smile, "You've arrived."
Cattleya paused for a moment before humming in response. Perhaps feeling that this answer was too simplistic, she said, "Yes, I'm coming."
Odis then said, "Go wash your hands over there and help me wash the oysters."
He was using this method to tell Cattleya not to treat herself as a guest, thereby creating a relatively harmonious atmosphere.
Cattleya paused for a moment, feeling that the atmosphere today was different from when they dined together last time. She glanced at Bernadette and, seeing that the "Queen" did not stop her, carefully began to process the oysters.
The embarrassing thing was that, despite being at sea for so many years, she still didn't know how to handle this thing.
Odis glanced at her and immediately sensed something was wrong. Just as she was about to tell her to go and rest, Bernadette came over and began teaching Cattleya how to clean herself.
Bernadette has been helping out in the kitchen lately and has learned how to handle most seafood.
This is why she invited Cattleya here for dinner instead of choosing a fancy restaurant; she felt the atmosphere was better and it was easier to express herself clearly.
Odis breathed a slight sigh of relief; he had almost messed things up.
In fact, he also found his relationship with Cattleya to be difficult to manage. After all, she was a well-known figure in the extraordinary world. If they didn't define their way of getting along from the beginning, they would both feel awkward later on.
While surprised, Gadriya studied very carefully, afraid that if she did one wrong move, she would ruin her dinner.
Her surprise stemmed from the fact that she hadn't expected the "Queen's" technique to look so skilled.
At this point, Odis started talking about the recent situation of Bayam and Cruz Island, and about things at sea. Cattleya gradually joined in Odis and Bernadette's conversation.
As we chatted, the tension from before disappeared.
In addition, Odis's frequent jokes gradually made the atmosphere very relaxed.
The three of them worked for almost half an hour, and a sumptuous dinner was served.
After the meal, Cattleya once again marveled at Odis's culinary skills; the seafood he prepared was unlike any she had ever tasted anywhere else.
Unfortunately, they didn't make pineapple fried rice this time. After having pineapple fried rice last time, Cattleya asked the ship's chef to make it for her, but the chef said he didn't know how.
Because she was so excited to suddenly meet the "Queen" last time, Cattleya didn't pay close attention to the preparation process and didn't know how to describe the delicious dish to the chef.
Although the pineapple fried rice I've been craving wasn't available, there was seafood fried rice. It looked like a Fennebot dish, but the taste was completely different.
This is thanks to the transformation of world cuisine by a certain major Eastern country. Some dishes still have the same name as their place of origin, but the taste is completely different and has been thoroughly adapted to the tastes of domestic people.
So much so that when many people go to the place of origin to eat authentic food, they question whether they are eating a counterfeit.
At the dinner table, Bernadette first talked to Cattleya about the ability of "mysterious reappearance" and told Cattleya that some of the fairy tales she had heard since childhood could be used for "reappearance".
Bernadette then said, "The core of this ability is actually 'knowledge.' For example, if you know some historical knowledge of the extraordinary world, you can use that knowledge to provide power for 'reproduction.'"
"Moreover, this knowledge does not necessarily come from history. For example, knowing the specific habits of a certain extraordinary monster can also help one try to 'reproduce' that monster."
"Another possibility is that something may not have happened in history, or only something similar has happened. The knowledge you hear is just some legends, but as long as the legends retain their extraordinary core, they can also use the ability to 'reproduce' them."
Odis, standing to the side, nodded slowly. He had only recently thought about this issue: the reason he could use idiom stories to reproduce some abilities was not entirely because those stories belonged to knowledge he possessed alone, and were not simply prehistoric historical knowledge, but because some of the stories must have extraordinary characteristics.
Having figured this out, Odis even changed his view of "ancient times" in his mind.
Since those legendary gods and immortals may exist, it is very likely that they were once relatively common in ancient times or prehistoric times.
By the time idioms and stories were created, the extraordinary was no longer so common. Therefore, many stories were described from the perspective of ordinary people, but those stories actually involved extraordinary elements.
Although it has been passed down from the perspective of ordinary people, its extraordinary core has not been lost, so it can be "reproduced".
After discussing the topic of "mysterious reappearance," Odis smiled and said, "To celebrate your promotion, I have also prepared two gifts for you."
"Well, let's start by talking about the history of the Quaternary period."
Cattleya immediately understood what Odis meant. Because of the long-standing information exchange within the Tarot Society, Cattleya discovered that she had basically digested all her potions as soon as she advanced in rank!
She was somewhat at a loss as to how to explain this to the "Queen," since Mr. Fool was watching, and she couldn't tell the "Queen" that Odis was the "Hermit," nor could she easily explain where the vast amount of extraordinary historical information came from.
Now that Odis is saying this, it's as if he's giving himself a "legitimate" reason for digesting the potion.
When Odis began to recount the history of the Quaternary period, Bernadette, who was standing to the side, didn't pay much attention at first, but the more she listened, the more engrossed she became. When Odis finished speaking, she couldn't help but exclaim, "You know so much!"
This was the most comprehensive and systematic history of the Fourth Age she had ever heard, clearly explaining the situation of the Four Emperors, the Six Gods, and the main angel families, making the Fourth Age very complete.
Odis laughed and said, "I don't know much either."
Bernadette glanced at him: "Tell me about the history of the Tertiary period when you have time."
Odis nodded: "No problem."
Then Bernadette looked at Cattleya: "You've basically digested all your potions, haven't you?"
Cattleya nodded: "I have indeed digested a lot."
Bernadette exclaimed, "This is indeed what Cattleya needs most."
"There's another gift." Odis took out a pre-prepared chart and calculation method for the "Garr runes," as well as how to use the "Garr runes" to mimic other abilities.
Bernadette was not surprised by the gift. She had received the booklet before going to Vorta and knew that it was one of the core studies of Odis and contained very practical and extraordinary knowledge.
After receiving it, Cattleya reacted much like Bernadette, wanting to read another page after reading one. It took a great deal of willpower for her to finally look away and thank Odis.
It's clear that she genuinely likes this gift.
After dinner, the three of them went outside to chat. Bernadette and Odis talked about the development direction of Cruz Island, the political situation in Remnburg, and the current situation in Backlund. Cattleya even felt a little unable to keep up with the pace of the two of them.
However, from their conversation, Cattleya learned that the state of Wotai had become quite prosperous, and that Odis had been transferred to Backlund as the ambassador to Ruen due to the suspicion of the royal family.
Cattleya simply couldn't imagine what it would be like for a "pirate general" to be an ambassador for a country.
After chatting for more than half an hour, the "invisible servant" finished cleaning the cabin, and Bernadette left with Cattleya.
Odis watched the two figures leave and let out a long sigh of relief. Today's interaction went quite well. With this foundation laid, she wouldn't feel awkward when meeting Cattleya again in the future.
...
Bernadette did not take Cattleya directly back to the ship, but instead went to a small, uninhabited island.
Bernadette glanced at the beach under the night sky, then said to Cattleya, "Let's take a walk together."
Cattleya nodded: "Okay."
The two walked forward at a leisurely pace. After a while, Bernadette said, "One day a few years ago, I suddenly saw in the long river of fate that the world would soon undergo tremendous changes."
"Based on this, I hoped to make more detailed predictions, but I failed."
"This means that at my current level, I am simply unable to participate in that upheaval. Or rather, in that massive event, I would only be a pawn."
Caldelia was completely stunned and could only reflexively follow behind the "Queen," never expecting such a thing to happen.
Bernadette continued, "When I first met Odis, I noticed that his fate was somewhat special."
"After I got to know this person better, I realized that he would be one of the people who initiated that upheaval."
Cattleya opened her mouth, but then she quickly realized that this was not surprising, after all, he was the "Hermit" of the Tarot Society and a follower of the "Lord of Mysteries".
The latest novel is first published here!
"I have always wanted to find my father," Bernadette continued. "This has become a psychological barrier for me, but as I spend more time with Odice, I find that this psychological barrier is gradually disappearing."
"I have to admit that he improved my condition a lot and became a very important person in my life."
Then, the two fell silent again, and the only sound on the beach was the sound of the waves.
After a few seconds, Cattleya said, "I understand."
She said, "Whether Odis will launch that great upheaval again is no longer important."
"No, it's still very important," Bernadette said. "Although he never mentioned it, I know very well that it was his ambition."
"I will do everything in my power to help him achieve his goal."
"Because I also really want to see what the new world he created will look like."
The phrase "New World?" once again revised Cattleya's assessment of Odis.
Bernadette said with great certainty, "Yes, the New World."
Silence fell on the beach again. After a few more seconds, Cattleya said very solemnly, "I understand."
This time she truly understood what the "Queen" meant.
Odis is currently the "Queen's" boyfriend, and that's just the first thing.
The second thing is that anyone who appears around Odis has a high chance of becoming the one who creates a new world. The "Queen" is very certain of this.
The third thing is that the "Queen" was with Odis because she liked him, not because Odis would change the world.
For Cattleya, the third thing was the most important, or rather, in her view, the "Queen's" will was the most important.
...
Odis sat in the cabin on the mountaintop for a while, and Bernadette returned about half an hour later.
Odis quickly stood up: "So, Cattleya doesn't... has any issues with me, right?"
Bernadette smiled and said, "Is there any need to be so nervous?"
"There's nothing I can do," Odis said. "My power is still too weak. It's fine when the two of us are together, but I'm still a bit insecure in front of Cattleya."
Bernadette sat on the wooden bench and glanced at Odis: "As long as we enjoy each other's company, it doesn't matter what others think."
"That's well said." Odis grinned and leaned in. "Give me a kiss as a reward."
Seeing that Bernadette did not refuse, Odis kissed her cheek and sat down, embracing her and chatting until late at night before they went back to rest.
Odis stayed on Cruz Island that day and appeared in his office around eight o'clock the next day.
A few minutes later, Bernadette arrived silently and then went into stealth mode again.
Both of them were very curious: what exactly was the "Witch Cult" up to? And what kind of reward could they offer?
Around 8:30, the secretary came in and reported that "Lieutenant General of Illness" Tracy was requesting an audience.
After inviting the other person in, she first looked around the entire office and didn't find anyone else besides Odis.
But she also knew very well that the "mysterious queen" was still in the room, silently watching her.
Once again seated on the sofa, the secretary served tea, and the two began their third round of negotiations.
Tracy said calmly, "I've brought new compensation, which I hope will meet your requirements."
Odis smiled and said, "You still don't understand. I never had any objection to your compensation; rather, I felt that you had no sincerity in cooperating."
These words completely disrupted Tracy's preparations. She asked, "How are we supposed to express our sincerity?"
"You've come to me for help, shouldn't you let me state my conditions first, and then see if you can meet them, or if it's worth meeting them?" Odis said seriously. "But you've never thought that way; you've just been making preparations on your own."
"As it turns out, none of these preparations were what I needed, and they made me seriously doubt your sincerity."
At this point, he shrugged and said, "You might think that the 'Witch Cult' is very powerful and doesn't need to compromise with me."
"But I don't think so, because among my partners are two righteous churches, and the 'Witch Cult' is obviously not as powerful as the righteous churches."
Tracy took a deep breath, as if she was trying her best to suppress her anger, and the slight arrogance that had appeared when she came in disappeared.
While in stealth mode, Bernadette couldn't help but sigh again: Odis is a master negotiator; his words not only disrupted the other party's preparations but also dampened their arrogance.
After a few seconds, Tracy asked, "What kind of reward do you want?"
"Let's not talk about payment yet," Odis said, breaking with convention. "I need to know the whole story before I decide whether or not to help."
Tracy said, "I'm not entirely clear on the whole thing either..."
Odis interrupted, saying, "Then find someone knowledgeable to come and talk to me."
He laughed and said, "I'm busy every day, I don't have time to waste with you."
"If we can't continue this discussion, then I'm sorry, I have some things to attend to and I need to leave Cruise Island first."
"As for when I'll be back, I can't say for sure."
Anyway, he's not in a hurry.
This time, Tracy finally couldn't hold back any longer: "If you don't help, I'll go to the 'Morse Penitentiary.' If we cooperate, it will be a fatal blow to you!"
"Then hurry up and go." Odis casually crossed his legs: "I've always hoped that the 'Ascetic Order of Morse' would make a move, otherwise how am I supposed to find those demigods who are so well hidden?"
"Let's work with them quickly! That way, I'll have something to do."
Tracy leaned back in her chair and said nothing more, not because she was trying to suppress her anger, but because she realized she seemed to have messed things up.
At that moment, the full-length mirror at the office door suddenly rippled like water, and a woman with glossy black hair, blue eyes that seemed both mature and innocent, and an overall elegant and beautiful demeanor walked out.
That was none other than "The White Saint" Katarina Pelle.
Odis felt a sudden jolt in her heart, as if she had seen her long-lost first love. Although they had been separated for a long time and had never even confirmed their relationship, she was still captivated and unable to extricate herself.
He took a deep breath and used his spiritual power to concentrate so that he wouldn't let his mind wander.
With a sweet smile, Katarina politely said to Odis, "I'm sorry, it was indeed our oversight."
Odis found himself reluctant to use those rhetoric with the other party. He glanced at Bernadette and, seeing that she was still in stealth mode, gestured for her to sit down: "Please sit down. The negotiations can finally begin formally."
Then he realized that the "ageless witch" had unknowingly had a certain impact on his mind, otherwise he wouldn't have looked at Bernadette.
Because at this point, the person behind the "General of Disease" was forced out by Odis, Odis had gained the upper hand in this negotiation.
At this point, Bernadette's continued concealment is tantamount to maintaining her advantage. If the negotiations still don't go smoothly, that will be Odis's trump card.
After calming down, Odis looked at the coffee table and said, "Let's get down to business as soon as possible."
"I will tell you the general background of this matter," Katerina said politely, "and I hope you can feel our sincerity."
Odis simply grunted in response.
"You already received the relevant information; the great 'Primordial One' had a daughter who perished during the Fourth Epoch," Katarina explained.
"We have recently found a way to resurrect that angel, but it requires a large-scale ritual. One step in this ritual is to 'recreate' 'Death', so we hope you can help us."
Odis then looked up at the other person and said, "You should know that it is very difficult for a 'demigod' to 'reproduce' a god, and the process is very dangerous."
"Leave this to us." The White Saintess explained, "We have found an extraordinary individual with the Sequence 3 'Death' pathway to cooperate with."
"He has a scepter that the Grim Reaper once used, which will help you recreate the Grim Reaper, and by using that scepter, you will transfer the risks you bear to that Sequence 3."
She promised, "I can guarantee that you will not be in any danger during the 'reproduction' process."
"Because we desperately need your 'reappearance' to complete the entire ceremony, we will definitely ensure your safety."
Odis pondered for a moment and then asked, "What reward have you prepared for me?"
Neither of them explicitly mentioned that Os had been promoted, but the main focus of their negotiations had tacitly shifted to Osdes rather than Bernadette.
Katarina replied, "A sealed artifact comparable to the 'Iron Knight,' with minimal negative effects."
Odis probed again: "I demand that I receive this sealed artifact the day before the ceremony."
"If the negative effects are too strong, I will ask for another one, or simply ask for different compensation."
"No problem." Katarina smiled brightly. "But after you get that sealed artifact, you must be under our surveillance."
Odis nodded slowly, feeling that the other party's answer was reasonable. If the other party had agreed immediately without any conditions, then there would have been a problem.
So he asked, "When will the operation begin? And roughly where will it take place?"
"It will be in two weeks," Katarina said. "About a week and a half later, Tracy will come back to confirm some details with you, including the location of the operation."
"Alright," Odis smiled. "Then we'll see you in two weeks."
The negotiations concluded smoothly. After seeing Katarina and Tracy off, Odis set up a small conversation again: "This 'ageless witch' wasn't telling the truth."
Bernadette nodded: "Very good, you weren't swayed by her words."
She took a deep breath and said, "I have a feeling they're about to carry out a crazy operation."
Bernadette then paused for a moment and said, "I didn't expect you to agree so readily."
Odis laughed and said, "Since you've become involved with 'Death' and have a Sequence 3 from the 'Death' pathway, it's enough to make the Church of the Goddess of Night take you seriously."
"To maximize the effectiveness of the operation, it is best to have someone involved in their operation to understand exactly what they are trying to do."
Bernadette smiled and said, "After hearing about their plan, you intended to contact the Church of the Night to sabotage their operation?"
"Yes," Odis said, "We can't just watch their plan proceed smoothly, can we?"
Bernadette pondered for a moment and then said, "The risk is too great. As far as I know, there are quite a few demigods in the 'Witch Cult.' They may not threaten your life, but they could very well affect your plans."
Odis, however, said solemnly, "The power of the 'Lord of Mysteries' has been further awakened."
This is Odis's true source of confidence. The current "Lord of Mysteries" is not afraid of the angels of the Witch Cult at all. If he cooperates with the Church of the Goddess of Night, he might even be able to severely damage their angels.