With Greyaz leading the way, Lin Luo and the others no longer needed to rely on Lei's vague feelings to navigate. Coupled with the iconic box van and the Angel Guard team acting as chauffeurs, the journey was utterly smooth, making the travel surprisingly relaxing—truly, a driver, a guide, and an identification badge are indispensable for any family road trip.

Originally, barring any unforeseen issues, they would have proceeded according to the initial plan (when exactly was that plan formulated?), but a minor snag developed on the afternoon of the second day.

"Waaah... It hurts so much..." Cocowet clutched her stomach, tears streaming down her face, looking distinctly distressed.

"Cocowet, what's wrong?" Greyaz, positioned next to her, looked genuinely concerned.

"My stomach hurts terribly." Cocowet's brow was deeply furrowed, beads of cold sweat coating her face.

Lin Luo observed her state and couldn't help asking, "Is she going into labor?"

Cocowet instantly snapped back to life, lashing out, "Are you an idiot? At a time like this, you should be saying she's sick!"

Lin Luo spread his hands, slightly resigned. "My apologies. Since this volume doesn't require any intricate schemes, my IQ might have suffered a slight regression."

"...Does your intelligence fluctuate based on the situation?" Everyone present was left speechless.

"Well... you all know that if you don't use certain things frequently, they tend to get rusty. It’s like playing Touhou Project; I used to be able to clear it with one life, but now, even if I pray to the Spring Festival god, I’d spectacularly fail against UUZ's bullet patterns."

"We don't understand a word you're saying. It seems your intelligence has deteriorated significantly." Miss Rin shook her head, deciding to refrain from commentary for the moment.

"Can you all just stop talking? I think my stomach pain is the more pressing issue right now, isn't it?" Cocowet was on the verge of tears. These heartless people—even prisoners deserve basic human rights!

"Hmm, that's true. Even prisoners deserve the right to have their needs met," Lin Luo agreed readily.

"..." Silence descended.

After ten seconds passed without anyone offering the expected retort, Lin Luo suddenly felt awkward and tentatively reached out toward Cocowet. "Um... would you like me to touch it? If I just gently press your belly, I can cure any ailment. I guarantee it'll be gone after a touch."

Cocowet felt a surge of nausea and decisively turned her head away. "Not if I die trying!"

"Ah, such firm words mean you still have plenty of spirit. The illness must not be too serious, then. We can probably ignore it for a while."

"Waaah... Greyaz, this guy isn't human."

"This..." Greyaz also showed a pained expression as he tried to console her. "Coco, just hang in there a little longer. There’s a town not far ahead; we can find a doctor for you then."

At this point, Sishka turned her head from the driver's seat. "But given the constitution of a Holy War Angel, an ordinary doctor probably won't be able to treat her. We need to find a Holy War Angel Physician."

"A Holy War Angel Physician? What's that?" CC inquired. After a few days of acquaintance, she had developed a certain understanding of the Holy War Angels, finding them quite kindred spirits.

"Literally, a physician who specializes in treating Holy War Angels," Sishka explained. "But because Holy War Angels are inherently unique, treating them requires specialized knowledge and techniques. So, a doctor who treats regular people simply won't do."

"It’s like the difference between a veterinarian and a human doctor," Lei summarized it succinctly in ten words.

"..." Sishka was momentarily speechless, not knowing how to respond.

"Actually, in my opinion, Cocowet's ailment should be quite simple," Lin Luo said as everyone looked at him. "She ate such spicy noodles on the ship, and she’s only eaten spicy food for the past two days. It’s likely a simple stomach upset. Finding something mild to neutralize it should have her bouncing back in no time."

"I am a Holy War Angel! How could I possibly get a stomach bug..." Cocowet roared in anger, but immediately frowned again, "Ugh, it hurts."

"Alright, stop talking now. Rest quietly for a while," Greyaz soothed.

Miss Rin shot Lin Luo another glare. "If you don't speak, no one will mistake you for being mute."

Lin Luo shrugged and fell silent... But what choice did he have? The story in this volume was so mundane; writing it without injecting some comedic relief would be impossible. If he didn't keep up the pace like last month, his reputation would suffer.

"Oh, right." Suddenly, Greyaz's eyes lit up as if he remembered something. "I recall there’s a small mountain town nearby called Bariteste, and there’s a Holy War Angel Physician located there. We should take a detour and stop by."

Saying this, he looked at Lin Luo, almost pleadingly.

A Holy War Angel doctor... Bariteste... Could that city...? Hearing Greyaz, Lin Luo also recalled something. If he was thinking correctly, that place was indeed worth a visit.

Lin Luo nodded. "Fine. We’re taking a detour to Bariteste immediately. Sishka, change our course temporarily."

"Don't use that commanding tone with me!" Sishka roared through gritted teeth, then spun the vehicle around. After all, one person's energy is limited, so she and Longwei took turns driving.

Lin Luo’s sudden decisiveness slightly surprised the others, especially Greyaz and Cocowet... When did that tyrant become so accommodating? It was deeply suspicious.

Ten minutes later, the box van stopped on the main thoroughfare of the mountain town.

"Do you know how to get to the doctor's house?" Lin Luo asked Greyaz after stepping out.

Greyaz, still holding Cocowet, nodded. "Yes. Although I haven't been there personally, our organization keeps extensive records on rare professions like Holy War Angel Physicians, so we know his whereabouts."

"Then please lead the way."

The group of nine, led by Greyaz, proceeded toward the physician's residence. Along the way, due to the group’s unusual eloquence, their melancholic gazes, and their solitary silhouettes... well, the latter part was pure fabrication. However, the sudden arrival of nine conspicuously uncommon individuals in this small town did attract a strong contingent of onlookers.

"When did you suddenly become so friendly?" Sishka quietly asked Lin Luo on the road.

"Haven't I always been friendly?" Lin Luo genuinely didn't know what prompted the question.

"Don't even try to fool me," Sishka clearly didn't believe him. "How could a tyrant like you be friendly? I bet you have some ulterior, unspeakable motive."

...See, everyone? This is judging a gentleman’s heart by a woman's expectations.

"This is the doctor's house," Greyaz stopped walking when they reached a tall, three-story mansion.

"Wow, that’s incredibly lavish. How can this be a doctor's residence? This looks like a nobleman's estate. I bet he’s a doctor with terrible medical ethics," exclaimed Miss Rin, observing the villa that easily surpassed the grandeur of her own family's mansion.

"You’re mistaken on that point," Sishka shook her head. "Because becoming a Holy War Angel Physician is an extremely difficult qualification to obtain, there are only ten licensed individuals worldwide—far rarer than the Holy War Angels themselves. As the saying goes, rarity commands value; such living conditions are entirely expected. It's the same for the three doctors in our Angel Protection Association; their status far exceeds ours."

"Your Protection Association has three doctors? That means you control three-tenths of the world's resources... You really are capitalists," Miss Rin mused, stroking her chin.

"...I think your understanding has gone seriously astray somewhere," Sishka said, feeling utterly unable to counter.

"Ding-dong." While they were talking, Greyaz had already pressed the doorbell.

"I’m coming," soon a young girl in a maid's uniform came scampering out of the villa, asking through the iron gate, "What is your business?"

"We are here seeking medical help..." Since it was his partner who was ill, Greyaz naturally stepped forward, quickly stating their purpose.

"I see. In that case, please come inside," the little maid was very accommodating and immediately opened the gate to invite the group in. Her eyes brightened slightly upon seeing a certain figure.

As they followed the maid into the villa, CC quietly whispered to Lin Luo, "That maid might be problematic. Her expression shifted for a moment when she saw Lei."

"Oh?" Lin Luo was slightly surprised, but not by the maid herself, rather by CC’s ability to spot the momentary lapse in the servant's demeanor—incredibly sharp. If he hadn't known in advance, he wouldn't have noticed it at all.

"You noticed it too?"

Lin Luo nodded nonchalantly. "It was just a minor detail; not worth dwelling on."

"You truly fear nothing, do you?" CC chuckled, it was unclear if her tone held sarcasm or warning.

"CC, I know you are very smart. When it comes to conspiracy theories or overt plots, probably no one here can surpass you. However, when one's power reaches a point of absolute, overwhelming dominance, there's truly no need to fret over conspiracies or schemes."

"So, you won't care about any potential surprises?"

"At least, as long as those people don't show up, there is truly nothing in this world that warrants my vigilance."

"Those people?"

A flicker of confusion crossed CC’s face, but Lin Luo did not elaborate further.

A short while later, standing before a certain room, the little maid gently knocked on the door. "Physician Krankehyde..."

"I am busy right now; wait a moment," a man's voice called from inside.

The little maid looked troubled. "But I have brought the patient here. She looks very distressed, and you are the only Physician..."

"That patient... wouldn't happen to be a Holy War Angel, would she?" The voice inside shifted slightly in tone.

"Yes," the maid quickly confirmed, and then there was silence from within.

"What? He's not coming out?" Greyaz frowned.

"No," the maid smiled and shook her head. "If the Physician doesn't speak, it means there's no need to speak further. He will be with you momentarily. However, there is one thing I hope you will be careful about."

Saying this, the little maid suddenly adopted a serious expression.

"What is it? Is the doctor unskilled?" Greyaz couldn't help but feel nervous, worried that if the physician was incompetent, he wouldn't dare let Cocowet undergo treatment.

"That's not it. The Physician is indeed a famous doctor," the maid shook her head again, her expression showing a degree of embarrassment. "But he has a habit of groping female patients' chests or buttocks during examinations. I’ve been groped several times myself..."

"..." The entire group was momentarily dumbfounded. So, he was a lecherous doctor.

Greyaz and Cocowet’s complexions changed.

"Greyaz, it looks like you're destined to wear a little green hat after all," Lin Luo clapped him on the shoulder, feeling a pang of sympathy. "Maybe I should do it instead? I only intended to touch the stomach."

Greyaz: "..."

Cocowet: "..."

"...Even if he’s a perverted doctor, he is still a doctor. It's natural for doctors to have physical contact when examining patients; it’s something that shouldn't matter," Greyaz stated after a long deliberation.

Although he spoke calmly, Lin Luo could clearly sense the conflict in his words. Regardless... Greyaz, this is difficult for you.

The door then opened, and a tall man wearing glasses and a white coat stepped out. What he saw was astonishing: the dual beams of light piercing from behind his lenses, the powerful aura accompanying his entrance, and the supreme arrogance that proclaimed 'I alone reign supreme'—this image bore a striking resemblance to the menacing boss presence of Aizen Sousuke, radiating sharp intensity.

Is this man really a doctor? Several people inwardly questioned this.

But this imposing image did not last long. The moment this 'Aizen copy' began to speak, the strong boss aura instantly evaporated.

"Hello, my lovely patients... which one of you is it?" Smiling faintly, his gaze swept over Lei, Cocowet, and Chia through his lenses. Clearly, he identified which ones were Holy War Angels with a single glance—in that regard, he was indeed worthy of being called a Holy War Angel Physician... but judging by his expression, he was just a lovesick, neurotic male.

"Um, are you my patient?" the unscrupulous physician asked Lei kindly.

"I am not sick," Lei replied woodenly, shrinking back slightly.

"Is that so? You certainly look healthy." Nodding, the unscrupulous physician's tone held a hint of disappointment. He then looked towards the scantily clad but languid-looking Chia. "Then perhaps you are?"

"I don't think I'm sick either," Chia replied lazily.

"True enough. Although you look rather lethargic, it's just because you’re hungry. Eat more, and you’ll be fine."

As expected, his perception was razor-sharp. Longwei, being Chia's dedicated cook, couldn't help but admire this man.

"Then, my lovely patient... must be you." The unscrupulous physician bent down and gently lifted the chin of Cocowet, who was cradled in Greyaz's arms, smiling tenderly.

"..." Cocowet blushed crimson, unable to speak. As a Holy War Angel, when had she ever been treated this way?

"Crack." Veins pulsed on Greyaz’s forehead.

Before he could lose control, Lin Luo exchanged a look with him, conveying: Calm down. He’s a doctor. Didn't you just say it’s reasonable for a patient to be examined by a doctor?

Greyaz's eyelids twitched violently, signaling back: That’s when the doctor is acting purely as a doctor! Right now, he is definitely not looking at me like a doctor looking at a patient!

Although Greyaz was inwardly raging, seeing Cocowet’s tightly drawn expression, he ultimately suppressed his dissatisfaction and allowed her to follow the physician into the examination room.

"You are not allowed in!" However, just as Greyaz tried to follow, the door slammed shut with a bang, followed by a click.

"Oh dear, he locked the door," the little maid laughed, covering her mouth, unsure if she was gloating or simply amused.

"..." Greyaz instantly felt a massive label being placed upon his head.

But before he could take any further action, the examination room door opened again, and the unscrupulous physician poked his head out, smiling kindly. "Oh, right. My lovely Holy War Angels are welcome to come in. Come for treatment, or you can have a general check-up too—absolutely free, of course."

Lei and Chia decisively shook their heads. The unscrupulous physician sighed in disappointment and closed the door once more.

"..." Everyone was speechless. Greyaz’s body trembled violently. "This guy definitely harbors racial discrimination."

As if to refute his claim, the door opened a third time, and the man poked his head out again. "Also, if any of you young ladies feel unwell anywhere, I can attend to you too. Although I am a Holy War Angel Physician, I can treat humans as well."

"No, no, we don't need that," although CC remained composed, Rin and Sishka shook their heads as if they had encountered the plague spirit.

"What a pity," he sighed with disappointment, and the door clicked shut once more.

"Fine, he's a sexist."

The next few minutes were agonizing for Greyaz, feeling like an eternity. He either paced restlessly in the corridor or leaned against the door, listening intently to the sounds within. He had already resolved that the instant he sensed anything amiss inside, he would kick the door down and slice that unscrupulous physician into eighteen pieces.

Five minutes later, the examination room door opened again, and the unscrupulous physician announced, "Alright, the examination is complete. There are essentially no underlying issues."

Greyaz immediately peered inside. Cocowet was lying on a bed, seemingly undisturbed. He finally breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "So, what exactly was wrong with Coco?"

The physician adjusted his glasses and said, "It was a simple stomach upset. Her constitution isn't suited for spicy foods, but based on my observation, she seems to have been eating nothing but that recently. It's a wonder she didn't get sick sooner. Holy War Angels have much stronger vitality than humans, but there are still things they cannot consume. I’ve administered a neutralizing agent. She should stick to milder fare from now on."

"..." The group was dumbfounded, seven pairs of eyes turning simultaneously toward Lin Luo.

Lin Luo spread his hands. "As I predicted, my insight is impeccable."

"Speaking of which, as her contractor, you didn't even notice this? To let such a lovely girl suffer such pain, I’ll kill you!" As if his deepest conviction had been violated, the unscrupulous physician's eyes suddenly shot out rays of killing intent, and he moved with lightning speed, slamming Greyaz against the wall with two surgical scalpels pressed tightly against his throat.

"Um..." Greyaz broke out in a cold sweat from sheer terror.

"So fast!" Sishka and the others were also startled. Although he was just a doctor, his offensive capability seemed no joke. An ambush like that would be hard for even them to parry.

"Never underestimate doctors and chefs, because they are all masters of handling blades," Lin Luo offered a logical explanation.

"Hmph." With a cold snort, the unscrupulous physician retrieved his scalpels.

"Um... can I go in and see her?" Greyaz, still feeling a chilling sensation on his neck, asked.

"Stinking man, you are forbidden from entering my sanctuary!" The unscrupulous physician glared fiercely at him, quickly locking the door behind him, then turned away, facing Lin Luo and Lei.

"Are you her contractor?" After observing the two for a moment, he finally asked Lin Luo.

This is it. Lin Luo had been waiting for this moment and smiled. "Yes."

"Very well. Then... the lovely patient's issue is resolved. You two, follow me. I have something important to discuss with you." Without waiting for Lin Luo’s agreement, he strode toward another room nearby.

"Lin Luo?" Lei tilted her head, utterly confused.

"It's fine. You’ll know what’s going on in a moment," Lin Luo smiled, offering no further explanation. He told the others a few words, then pulled Lei along, following the unscrupulous physician.

"Being so secretive, what are they up to..." Miss Rin muttered with clear dissatisfaction.

In a spacious room, the unscrupulous physician sat at his desk, pulled a portrait from a drawer, and raised it, his gaze fixed on Lei. "You... are Lei Fletcher Melzaranth, who vanished five hundred years ago, correct?"

"Ah." A trace of surprise flashed across Lei's usually placid expression, not just at his words, but because the person in the portrait was undeniably her, and the artistic style felt oddly familiar.

The Physician continued, "There is a person who has been searching for you for five hundred years, for reasons that have kept my lineage—from my great-grandfather to myself—still looking for you..."

"That person... who is it?" Lei’s delicate body trembled violently as she asked, gripping her tension. It wasn't about capture, but searching, and it had been going on for five hundred years; a realization was beginning to dawn on her.

"That person is Glynna," Lin Luo interjected from the side.

"You actually know?" The Physician looked at him, stunned.

"Glynna is really Glynna?" Lei’s face was etched with disbelief. Guessing was one thing, but confirmation was another; that name made it impossible for her to remain calm.

Lin Luo smiled and rubbed her head. "Well, the reason I came here was precisely for this information. Since I’ve arrived in this city and know she lives here, I figured I had to arrange a meeting between her and Lei. Otherwise, it wouldn't make any sense."

Glynna was the closest thing to a Seraph of the Holy War in this world besides the Mezelans clan, and Lei's only remaining kin. The two had lived together since Lei was very young. Life might have remained peaceful, but everything changed when Lei began demanding to go to the Aediru Garden...

Glynna was fully aware of the secrets of the Aediru Garden, so naturally, she opposed the idea. It was no place for a pure and kind child like Lei. But Lei was determined to go, no matter what. If one had to describe their attitude, "unwavering resolve" might be too soft; they were both equally stubborn, neither willing to concede an inch.

Finally, taking advantage of a moment when Glynna was distracted, Lei ran away from home. However, due to her status as a Seraph of the Holy War, Lei's journey was anything but smooth—in fact, it was nearly impossible. The Jeweled Hunters were constantly after her, putting her in mortal danger several times. It could be said that the days she spent traveling alone toward the Aediru Garden were the hardest of her life.

Frankly, Lin Luo had always found this aspect difficult to comprehend. Was it truly necessary to leave her only family to venture toward such an ethereal, dreamlike place, all for someone she had only met a few times in what felt like a hazy memory?

But that was beside the point. After Lei fled, Glynna had been relentlessly searching for her. Eventually, the moment Lei was finally captured by the Jeweled Hunters, Glynna appeared just in time to rescue her. To prevent Lei from running away again, Glynna didn't hesitate to seal her away—a seal that lasted five hundred years.

Perhaps Glynna had initially intended only a brief seal before letting Lei awaken. However, during that sealed period, Lei vanished once more, and this time, Glynna could not find her no matter how hard she looked.

Five hundred years drifted by. Miraculously, Lei was never discovered by the Jeweled Hunters. Instead, some nobles collected her, treating her as an ancient doll... One had to admit, their eyesight was truly awful.

Then came the discovery of the Seven Luminary Tree—which was Lei—by Shiska and the others. Just before the trade with that noble merchant, the container holding Lei was transported into the world of Tsukihime due to the World Seed.

All the while, throughout those five centuries, Glynna never stopped searching for Lei, after all, she was her only family.

"Your Contractor is quite something; you even know Glynna," the Physician said slowly, regaining his composure after a brief shock. He knew very well that Glynna hadn't been active in the world for a long time, and few people knew of her existence. It was hard to imagine that a boy of sixteen or seventeen would know about her.

"If I didn't know, we wouldn't be meeting you here today," Lin Luo told him with a smile. "So, can you tell us Glynna's address now?"

"That is certainly not an issue; I intended to tell you anyway," the Physician nodded. "However, she's encountered some trouble lately. You should be careful when you go there, and try not to be discovered."

"Trouble?" Lei immediately grew tense.

"It's the people from Orkenard, isn't it?" Lin Luo stated gravely.

"You even know that?" The Physician was startled once more, but quickly composed himself. "That makes sense. Since you are the user of the Seven Luminary Tree, the Orkenard organization would naturally target you. It seems you’ve already clashed with them. That makes things much easier to discuss."

"I’m not entirely clear on the details of the Orkenard organization, only that their methods regarding the Seraphim of the Holy War are something I strongly disapprove of." Pausing, as if suppressing an inner rage, the Physician continued, "For an aged Seraph like Glynna, even if she can’t exert effective combat power, her Core Stone is incredibly useful. After all, centuries of battle experience are stored within that stone. If they could recycle it, they could mold an extremely powerful Seraph of the Holy War without any training required. That’s why they are so determined to obtain it."

"Then Glynna now..." Hearing this, Lei became visibly worried.

"There's no need to worry for now. Glynna is very skilled at concealing her presence, and my family has consistently tried to assist her. So, she is safe at the moment."

"That’s a relief." Lei sighed in relief.

Afterward, the Physician gave the two Glynna’s address, adding one final solemn warning: "Listen carefully: if you feel you are being followed, go somewhere else immediately. The Orkenard organization is omnipresent. You have no idea when or where they might appear. There might even be members of Orkenard right beside you."

"..." Lin Luo was momentarily speechless. He really wanted to point out that the girl he just treated and the nurse at his home were both members of the Orkenard organization.

"Alright, I'll remember that," Lin Luo nodded. Although he didn't care how strong the enemy was, since the Physician felt the need to say it, he might as well show superficial respect for his opinion.

"Are you coming too?" When they learned Lin Luo was going to see someone with Lei, everyone decided to tag along, except for Grayarz, who stayed behind to keep company with Cocowitt (likely fearing being cuckolded).

"Of course, are you trying to ditch us?" Shiska said warily, seemingly afraid the two might slip away on their own.

"Why would I ditch you? You all drive so well—smooth and fast. If I ditched you, where would I find such excellent, free drivers?" Lin Luo’s comment made Shiska and the others feel so frustrated they wanted to bang their heads against a wall.

"This matter is none of your concern, and we will be there. I just felt it was unnecessary for everyone to go. Resting here in the villa is better than wandering around aimlessly." Since this was the reunion between Lei and Glynna after five hundred years, Lin Luo preferred not to involve too many people.

"No, how should I put it..." The young lady Rin frowned, then stated, "I feel rather uncomfortable staying in this place... Doctor pervert."

"Even though I constantly argue with you, I agree on this point," Shiska vigorously nodded.

"...I see." Since they insisted, Lin Luo had nothing more to say, and Lei didn't object. Thus, the group of seven changed locations once more.

Although Lei had been happy knowing she would finally meet Glynna, as they got closer to Glynna’s residence, her sentimental nature flared up again, and she asked anxiously, "Glynna, can I... can I really see Glynna? She must still be angry with me, because I disobeyed her and ran away, causing her so much worry. She must hate me by now."

"If she hated you, she wouldn't have searched for you for five hundred years," Lin Luo consoled.

"But I’m still scared to meet her..."

"Doesn't Lei want to see her?"

"Of course I do, I’m thrilled to see her! It's just... I still want to go to the Aediru Garden, and Glynna will definitely stop me. She’ll surely be angry at my selfishness then."

You actually admit you're selfish.

"Well, anger would be natural, I suppose..." Lin Luo tried to think from another perspective. "If my child repeatedly disobeyed me and played the runaway trick, once I caught her, I certainly wouldn't let her off easy. First, twenty swats on her bottom, then three days locked in the dark room with only water and no food. All allowance confiscated, all favorite collectibles seized. If she still hasn't reflected after three days, I’d feed her nothing but her most hated carrots and onions until she cries her eyes out and obeys... Uh, Lei, what's wrong?"

As Lin Luo spoke, he suddenly realized that Lei had crouched down on the ground, clutching her head, her eyes glistening with tears, her body trembling slightly—like a small child awaiting a parent’s reprimand after making a mistake.

"Your words scared her," Rin gave Lin Luo a look, then reached out to help Lei up.

"I truly pity your future children, and I’m grateful I was born in the same era as you," Shiska added salt to the wound at that moment.

"You heartless brute devoid of love," CC chimed in with a rare critical remark.

"Uh," Lin Luo was speechless. Were his words really that terrifying? But looking at Lei’s shivering expression, perhaps, maybe, it seemed... a little scary?

Lin Luo awkwardly scratched his head and said to the terrified Lei, "That was... I was just speaking carelessly. Besides, deep love leads to stern discipline. Even if Glynna is angry with you, it’s because she loves you too much. So, Lei, you really don't need to worry."

"Really don't need to worry?" Lei looked doubtful. Evidently, the words of this savage who advocated child abuse held little credibility in her eyes now.

"..." Lin Luo felt like he had dug his own grave; he genuinely didn't know what to say for a moment. As he thought, his expression suddenly changed. "Wait, I smell blood!"

Saying that, he ignored everyone’s surprised looks and sprinted to the side. Moments later, behind a very dilapidated house, he saw the source of the blood.

"This person is... the little nurse from that unscrupulous Physician’s place?" Shiska and the others' shocked voices followed behind him. Before them, lying in a pool of blood, a corpse with a sharp object piercing its chest—it was the very nurse who had opened the door for them earlier. Her bright eyes were now dull and lifeless, staring wide open, as if lamenting her unjust death.

"Damn it, how could this happen? So cruel," Long Wei exclaimed righteously. He stepped forward and gently closed the nurse’s wide-open eyes. "Who killed her? To kill such a young girl..."

"She wasn't an ordinary person; she was a Philo," Lin Luo stated gravely.

"Philo?" Everyone looked at him, puzzled.

"Philo is a codename. They are artificially created Seraphim by the Orkenard organization. Although they cannot integrate with humans, they can transform parts of their bodies into weapons, possessing a certain level of combat ability. Look at her arm..." Lin Luo pointed to the nurse's right arm; the clothing there was shredded, and the joints showed a clear incompatibility with a normal human limb.

"This is... human modification?" Shiska was greatly shocked, but even more so, angered. "This is inhumane! That organization actually..."

"Then who killed her?" Rin asked solemnly.

"Who else but the Orkenard organization," Lin Luo sneered.

"But they created her themselves; why kill her?" Rin inquired, and the others felt the same confusion.

"Because she was useless, so she was discarded. Orkenard is exactly that kind of organization; the Philios are nothing more than disposable tools to them—they can create as many as they need. Just like roadside stones, cheap," Lin Luo sneered, then briefly recounted the story of the Philios.

"Unforgivable," after listening, Shiska gritted her teeth and punched the ground hatefully. "Creating them without permission and then killing them without remorse—do they think they are gods? This organization must not be forgiven!"

Except for CC, who remained impassive from witnessing death frequently, and Lin Luo, who showed no expression, the hearts of the others were filled with rage.

"We can discuss the Orkenard organization later. For now, we need to deal with the murderer," Lin Luo said.

Shiska looked up immediately. "You know where the killer is?"

Lin Luo nodded. "Of course, and his destination is the same as ours."

"Glynna," Lei's expression changed instantly as she recalled the Physician's earlier words.

"Then we need to hurry," Rin urged.

"But what about her? We can’t just leave her body out here in the wilderness, right? Why don't you go ahead, and I’ll find a place to bury her?" Long Wei pointed at the girl's corpse on the ground.

"That's unnecessary," Lin Luo shook his head.

"Huh? Why—" Before Long Wei could ask why, he suddenly knew the answer, because the girl's body had turned into a pile of sand, which was blown away by the wind, leaving nothing behind.

"This..."

"This is the fate of a Philo," Lin Luo said gravely.

Inside a church, a man clad in a black cloak and wielding a massive scythe was pressing an elderly nun to the ground. The scythe’s blade pointed toward the nun’s chest... where a Core Stone, unique to a Seraph of the Holy War, rested.

"All I want is your Core Stone. I’m not interested in your life, though I suppose losing it at your age will likely kill you. But I’m a busy man with an appointment waiting, so I must trouble you."

The young man smiled, and then the scythe descended.

Clang.

Just then, an orange-red beam shot from a distance, instantly deflecting the scythe blade. Then, a calm voice echoed in the air.

"My apologies. Since the plot has been altered this time, you must exit here. While it’s somewhat regrettable, for you, this should be... a BAD END."