Chapter 164: Defection

With a slight movement of thought, the flames in my hand momentarily extinguished, feeling the invisible spirit that had clearly shrunk in size. Vilyric decided to seize the chance while they were still dazed and swiftly asked.

【Who is your master? Why are you attacking Spirit Butterfly Peak? How many forces have come?】

【Uh? Uh…】

The Priestess’s barrage of three questions left the Frenzied Spirit completely bewildered. Although they were named Frenzied, they didn’t seem particularly insane, instead hesitating as if they had some sort of taboo.

“Boom!”

The golden flames erupted again, even more violently than before, causing the representation of the Frenzied Spirit’s intentions to uncontrollably scream in agony.

【Ahhh!!! It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!!!! Don’t burn me, don’t burn me!! I’ll talk! I’ll talk, okay!!!】

Hmph… Dealing with these things really requires enough ferocity, just like how Oliver, the deputy leader of the Ghost Thieves, was locked up in Demon Town’s dungeon. Only when their hearts are filled with fear and they can’t think of any tricks can we hear the truth from their mouths.

【This is your final warning.】

As soon as the holy flames were released and then withdrawn, Vilyric intended to continue intimidating them, making them too afraid to plot any more tricks. But unexpectedly, this crazy spirit started arguing with itself right away?!

【Hey! Are you crazy? We can’t talk! If we do, we’re all finished!!】

【Yeah, don’t forget we’ve made a pact with that master! He hates betrayal the most!】

【Shut up! What else can we do!? Do you want to be burned to a crisp right now!?】

Huh…?

So, they actually have multiple thoughts existing within them?

Looking at these five entities who were inseparable, the Priestess initially thought they were completely merged, and 【Information Detection】 seemed to also assess them as a single entity… What on earth did the Summoner create here?

That said, Vilyric had no intention of getting involved in this internal debate among the upper spirits. To put it plainly, they were just squabbling over survival and interests, so she could just watch as they bit each other.

The more they talk, the more they slip up.

As expected, after some simple bickering, these guys seemed to quickly grasp the difference between “certain death” and “possible death,” unified their opinions again, and chose to bow down to the Priestess, who displayed overwhelming strength.

【Ahem, esteemed… esteemed one, to be honest, our master is called ‘Summoner,’ a powerful individual with incomprehensible abilities. As for attacking this mountain, it is naturally the will of the Summoner. It seems he wants to find some entrance here to go to another place.】

【To reach the entrance area, we first need to eliminate the resistance forces in the mountain. We were ordered to come for this purpose, but as for how many forces we truly brought, we really don’t know…】

Once they decided to speak, the Frenzied Spirit immediately spilled a ton of information, and what they said basically matched what Vilyric deliberately didn’t mention about the 【Summoning Alchemist】 and some intel gathered from Chief Vanessa.

Looks like I’m not mistaken. It can be essentially confirmed that the leader of this sudden attack on Spirit Butterfly Peak is Sylvester Burwell.

This shadowy mastermind, who has been lurking quietly behind the scenes, is finally surfacing and revealing his true intentions…

In other words, he thinks he is already fully prepared and has the victory in hand.

【How much do you know about that Summoner? Tell me everything you know.】

【Uh… We also… Ah no, no, no! Don’t burn me, don’t burn me!! Please, esteemed one! We really know very little about the Summoner! Here’s the thing…】

Almost without pause, the Frenzied Spirit, terrified by the holy flames, quickly relayed how they accidentally got to know the Summoner, how they were taken away from the 【Phantom Realm】, and how they reluctantly agreed to the transformation and merging processes due to the pact and the benefits promised by the latter.

【Hmm… So, there are many upper spirits that have also come to this world alongside him, and most of them have found bodies. They don’t stay close to the Summoner but hide and gather when he calls for them, right?】

【Yes, yes, esteemed one… Actually, before this, we didn’t even know the Summoner was going to attack this place called Spirit Butterfly Peak, let alone the specific arrangements and configurations. We merely follow his orders. You must understand, that master treats us like pawns; how could he share these real secrets?】

Pawns… more like mutual exploitation, right?

Speaking so grandly, the truth is that if they didn’t want to rely on the Summoner to escape the 【Phantom Realm】, would these sly creatures agree to sign such a semi-slave contract? Hmph… They’re still trying to play the pitiful card for sympathy…

Although I saw through the essence of things at a glance, Vilyric didn’t find it boring enough to expose them.

【Then, are there any other noteworthy existences by the Summoner’s side? Are they all just creatures that ran out from the Phantom Realm like you?】

The Frenzied Spirit pondered for a moment.

【Uh… Speaking of which, there is indeed one. That’s a human female named Aileen. Although she’s too weak to be of any use, for some reason, the Summoner seems to trust and value her very much. Not only does he forbid us from harming her one bit, but Aileen also often conveys some commands on behalf of the Summoner and coordinates actions.】

Aileen…

So, after the Ghost Thieves were wiped out, she directly teamed up with Sylvester and came to the Mountains of Ten Thousand Demons, huh? No wonder the United Kingdom has been unable to find her.

I wonder what this girl’s deal is. Bangs seems to trust her a lot, believing she’s inherently kind. However, based on everything I’ve observed and gathered so far…

【That Aileen also came to this Spirit Butterfly Peak?】

【Yes, she was here not long ago, conveying orders from the Summoner to us. She should be by his side now; after all, she’s quite weak, and without protection in this barrier, it would be easy for her to be killed.】

【Hmm… Last question, where did the Summoner and his main forces go? How long have they been gone?】

Having already leaked this much, the Frenzied Spirit seemed to throw caution to the wind and no longer hesitated.

【They continued up the mountain. It seems they’re aiming to break the second node of the barrier, leaving us to deal with this troublesome Guardian, who has killed many of our companions, so she can’t continue to obstruct. As for the specific time, we’re not very sensitive to it, but it should be at least half a day now. Esteemed one, I’ve shared everything I know; every word is the truth!】

They’ve already been gone for so long, huh…

Given the current situation, this guy doesn’t seem to be lying, but I can’t completely trust these cunning creatures either.

Vilyric pondered for a brief moment.

【You’re somewhat perceptive; I’ll spare your life for now. I need to continue tracking the Summoner, and you all will come along. If I find even half a lie in what you previously said… Hmph.】

Upon hearing this, instead of joy at surviving, the Frenzied Spirit immediately panicked and begged loudly.

【No! No way, esteemed one! Please, don’t take us to meet the Summoner! We’ve leaked so many secrets; he’ll definitely make us suffer unspeakably!!!】

【Cut the nonsense. Stay put obediently!】

   

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