Chapter 209: Not Loyalty to the Empire, but Loyalty to You
Shak felt that Lydia was not lying, and those were indeed words that Dorl would say.
However, if, due to such a desire, Dorl were to become a super Hive Mother, then he must suspect Lydia of being potentially misleading!
And Lydia's guilty conscience, indeed, appeared highly suspicious, prompting them to thoroughly investigate.
Lydia had been evasive all along, but in the end, unable to hide it any longer, she had no choice but to come clean honestly:
I...I just said something offhandedly. His moments of clarity are very limited, yet his obsession is remarkably strong, so his subconscious mind, amidst numerous possibilities of evolution, opted for the current state.
Lydia cautiously phrased her words, "He probably also wanted to help the maritime country, but in the past, he was powerless. Now, he just wants some abilities... Oh well, forget it, let me show you the original records of our communication at that time!"
While thinking that this matter had already passed, she was suddenly cornered. Unexpectedly, with one inadvertent slip of the tongue, Roger seized hold of it.
One can only say that the chief spy's level of professionalism is commendable, and truly detestable!
After painstakingly searching through the complex and chaotic experimental records, Lydia actually managed to find the magical projection records of Daryl's sudden moment of clarity and his communication with her (the flower pot).
Daryl did indeed experience a brief moment of awakening, but it was untimely. At that time, Shuck was in a confrontation with the old Sea Emperor and there was absolutely no way to establish a contact.
Under such circumstances, it was inevitable that Lydia had to personally communicate with him.
Daryl inquired about the outcome of the war with the Nagas, and learned that the sea kingdom emerged victorious. He revealed a contented smile, conveying feelings of joy am to celebrate the news of the prince brother's early advancement towards the throne.
There after, he began to concern himself with his own condition.
Lydia casually mentioned his treatment process, touching upon several potential outcomes of recovery. In passing, she mentioned that if he were to evolve properly, he might potentially contribute to the sea kingdom with an elite force numbering in the billions.
She dared to swear to the source sea that she was genuinely speaking casually, emphasizing the effectiveness of her treatment method and urging others not to doubt its efficacy.
"Who would have thought that Daryl's moments of consciousness would be so fleeting!" Lydia sighed.
The coral reef already possesses the ability to choose genes and autonomously control the evolution direction of both its individual body and the biofish population.
Within Daryl as the host, the evolutionary life form, has fortified this ability, unintentionally undergoing countless evolutionary changes to its own genes.
This includes many genes that were mistakenly born amidst nuclear radiation, among which there are also many errors that are exceptionally powerful. If utilized properly, they can greatly enhance one's own abilities.
Thus, the current outcome came to be. Each time Daryl makes an autonomous choice, it invariably leads to a branch that enhances reproductive capacity, driven by his subconscious desires.
Of course, this is still the result of Lydia's careless remark. It was her mention that Daryl could autonomously spawn an army of billions, which caused Daryl's judgment ability to decline in that state, resulting in this unfortunate situation...
She still felt guilty when Roger and Shake came knocking on her door, trying to avoid the topic as best she could, but she couldn't escape unscathed.
Having finished this conversation, as well as the analysis provided by Lydia, silence fell upon the room for a moment.
Lydia was just providing factual information; it was not her deliberate intention for Daryl to lose his memory. Furthermore, the transformation into his current "evolved" state was a result of his own choices.
In the end, the memory of steadfastly defending the Black Shark Fortress, for someone as proud as Daryl, is truly an unforgettable memory, isn't it?
Shake remained silent for a long time, then suddenly bowed to Lydia.
Please, Lady Lydia, forgive me for my earlier rudeness! I kindly ask you to take care of my younger brother.
Ah... certainly, it is what a doctor should do.
Thank you very much. I apologize for the trouble caused this time.
It's not a bother at all...
Suddenly Lydia didn't know how to respond; she was someone who respond better to persuasion than coercion.
At this moment, Shaq no longer referred to himself as "I", but as "we", expressing gratitude to her as a patient's family member. She couldn't display her usual dominance.
Although the biochemical witch resorts to any means in her research, she still possess great medical ethics!
From such circumstances, if Dal managed to save his life, Lydia would undoubtedly be credited with great achievements. It's indeed unrealistic to expect anything more, let alone bringing back an unharmed mermaid.
The current outcome, considering Dal's thirst for war, perhaps cannot truly be described as "bad"...
The upcoming battle with the Naga will indeed continue without pause. Therefore, it is hoped that on a broader battlefield, Dal will be able to grow all the way and surpass the limits of his current life form!
...
...
Next to the collapsed Dark Tree, there lies a dilapidated camp and at the end, a prison sealed with multiple layers of magical runes.
Roger, accompanied by a squad of Nightguards, returned to this place. He ordered his subordinates to stay outside while he entered the inner chambers of the prison, where he met Nicole, who had sought an audience with him.
She had long finished reading the information provided by the Green Vines Empire and had gained some understanding of the situation where the Seven Gods faction was united and initiating a merciless war that swept across multiple dimensions in the multiverse.
Under such circumstances, all races and forces in the Eternal Night world indeed have a common stance and should unite to seek survival opportunities.
Any belief, is merely hastening its own demise.
Nicole contemplated many matters.
The grand undertaking the Empire is engaged in, her life as a saint, the past history of this world, and the attempt to understand the true attitude of the deities towards their faithful, all these thoughts occupied Nicole's mind.
The result, of course, was disheartening to her.
The deities are beings completely surpassing mortal existence, with different concepts of time, abilities, and thoughts.
The deities have come to take advantage of mortals as a matter of course, with an attitude akin to nurturing livestock like nagas do.
The faithful are mere livestock to the deities. Alive they serve as beasts of burden, and upon death their flesh is consumed, their hides are fashioned into garments, and their fat is used to extract oil...
In short, there will be no wastage, countless hours of refinement by the Seven deities' craftsmanship, one could say they utilize every scrap of the lamb.
The Holy Maiden can be regarded as a shepherd dog, perhaps of higher value, as the deities will grant her a certain level of protection, but no more than that.
They don't even possess the qualification to regard themselves as equals to the deities, for receiving a response in prayer is an act of divine benevolence, while not receiving one simply implies your worthiness falls short.
This is an entirely unequal relationship, as the gods thrive upon the foundation of faith. It is not a transaction, but rather a plundering, where the faithful lack any means to counteract the Seven deities.
Otherwise, all that awaits them is destruction.
The zealous followers would never contemplate such matters, as their upbringing and limited exposure to information have confined their cognitive potential within a cocoon of thought.
It was this failure that shattered the blockade.
However, Nicole also harbors some doubts about the Empire. After pondering it thoroughly, she needs to have another conversation with Roger before making a final decision.
Inside the prison cell, Nicole's face revealed an unmistakable weariness, as if she had endured a prolonged period without rest. However, her eyes were even clearer and sharper than when they were first encountered.
She seemed to no longer be bewildered, as she had reconstructed her own spiritual realm within reality.
Now is the moment when she, based on this worldview, makes her decision.
Roger is very satisfied with Nicole's state. Having come this far, even if she doesn't find common interests with the Empire, she will not return to the embrace of the divine.
Just like the former Tasika.
Nicole smiled and asked Roger:
Lord Charles, is your commitment to the Empire still valid?
Of course, the Empire will not coerce you.
I'm curious, to what extent can the Empire guarantee the pursuit of freedom?
1%? Perhaps even less, at least according to the surface data, we have no advantage whatsoever.
Why then choose to resist? If we cooperate with the Seven Gods, the Empire and the Empress will undoubtedly receive the support of the Seven Gods, making it even easier to control this world.
Because the Seven Gods aim to transform this world into nothingness!
The chronological order is incorrect. Prior to acquiring this intelligence, the Empire had already severed ties with the Seven Gods.
Nico's gaze was as sharp as a blade piercing through the fabric of time, and through these documents, she seized upon the contradictory details in Roger's words.
Roger was also momentarily taken aback, but it was not intentional deceit on his part. It was due to the overwhelming events that had transpired, blurring the finer details.
"Oh, back then, probably because of a certain woman's arrogance, she felt invincible." Roger believed that the Empress of Eternal Night should shoulder the blame for this.
"Good and fine, suddenly expelling the Seven Gods Church, Blood Mother is truly too arrogant!"
Nico remained noncommittal, fixing her gaze on Roger. "But, sir, considering your non-arrogant nature, why have you never considered dissuading the Empress?"
Roger smiled awkwardly, yet politely. "Dissuade her? I am just a laborer, an exploited tool. Would anyone listen to what a tool has to say?"
Nicole pressed down on the documents in front of her and spoke earnestly, "Sir, according to these records, your opinions hold significant weight with the Empress."
Facing her confident gaze, Roger suddenly flickered and hesitated.
Do I really hold any significance in the mind of that increasingly enigmatic and cunning Empress?
It is clearly nothing more than a position of juniority!
He was unwilling to discuss these matters and impatiently said, "So, is this really important? Regardless of whether I have dissuaded the Empress or not, the Empire's allegiance has already been set, and it is you who needs to make the choice."
Nicole stared at Roger, making him increasingly uncomfortable, unsure of what exactly this cunning girl was up to.
Just as Roger was on the verge of eruption, she suddenly burst into laughter and whispered, "Sir, this is crucial because I need to know if you are the hero I have been waiting for."
Hero? Who wants to be someone, I simply desire to live a good life.
Is that so? Well then, sir, I have made my decision.
Nicole's smile suddenly faded, "I am not loyal to the Empire, I am loyal to you."
Roger was astonished by her response, "Ah? What does this mean? You refuse to become a noble of the Empire, yet you insist on becoming a maid in the Charles family?"
"I am loyal to you, and with my status, intelligence, and abilities, I will assist you, sir, in implementing your plans within the Nagha Empire. In the future, those who follow me in Nagha will also be loyal to you."
She softly twisted her slender waist, maneuvering behind Roger, and extended her dainty hand to knead the muscles on his shoulder, gently saying, "Of course, if you require me to serve as a maid, it is only natural for me to offer my loyalty."
The legendary priest is well-versed in human anatomy, with strength and perception attributes surpassing those of ordinary maids. Even without formal training, and despite being quite unfamiliar, the relaxation effect is unparalleled.
Roger felt quite indulged, but his wariness grew even stronger within his heart as he lifted Nicole's chin with his hand and inquired, "I still don't understand. You are, after all, a dignified saintess. Why must you demean yourself in this manner?"
Nicole gazed directly at him, smiling with a hint of resignation. "Because the Nagha have no choice. Your Empress possesses an unattainable heart, one that I cannot comprehend nor have the qualifications to stand before. Your empire is too vast, and Nagha is likely to be exploited by those with ulterior motives, drained of its value. Only you, sir, have your own pursuits and enough kindness. You are the person whom the Eternal Night Empress trusts the most. I offer my loyalty to you on behalf of Nagha, and you will safeguard our interests to the best of your ability. Of course, in the future, Nagha will also provide ample reciprocation to you, sir."
Roger furrowed his brow and said, "Do you think too highly of me?"
Nicole chuckled and said, "Since it's already a gamble akin to a moth flying into a flame, what difference does it make if we raise the stakes a little higher?"
Roger fell into contemplation, Nicole's choice had no influence on his fulfillment of the empire's orders.
Because Nicole listened to his commands, it was essentially equivalent to the empire gaining an additional Nagha saintess as an undercover agent, fulfilling the layout they desired.
However, Roger's personal gains are extensive: the loyalty of the Church and affiliated forces, an expanded influence supported by the empire, and a saintess who caters to his every whim...
One cannot help but say that this Nagha maiden is exquisitely beautiful.
Her appearance and figure are flawless, but what's even more important is the contradiction between her seemingly aloof demeanor and her inner fervor, creating a unique and captivating charm.
Of course, she is also excessively intelligent and ruthless, willing to wager everything for success. She is a femme fatale, a true embodiment of the term, and not someone ordinary mortals can control.
While Roger pondered, the young maiden with a supple and fiery body had already drawn near, pressing against him intimately, and cooed, "Sir, you will make the choice that is most advantageous for the empire, will you not?"
Oh, if I reject you, you will refuse to cooperate with the empire, won't you?
As a saintess, in order to avoid humiliation, my teacher has taught me numerous methods of self-destruction.
Your desire for death, what does it have to do with me? This is moral coercion.
However, sir, you are falling for this scheme. Because I represent not just one individual's life, but the lives of so many devoted followers of Nagas.
Nicole continued massaging, soothing the muscles and bones, as the temperature of her hands against Roger's body grew increasingly warmer. It was unclear whether it was due to nervousness or some other emotion.
Have you conducted research on me?
Roger felt a sharp pang of tooth sensitivity.
Nicole was indeed correct; he truly didn't want to witness that scenario unfold.
If Nicole were to cooperate with the Empire, guiding the Nagas' followers away from the non-believers under the guise of being a saint, then when the war with the Seven Gods breaks out, the Nagas would not erupt in internal strife.
However, if the Nagas were to have a new religious leader, then in order to resolve internal issues, blood would undoubtedly flow like rivers among the Nagas.
This is a slaughter that could have been avoided, and Nicole, this woman, really pinpointed Roger's vulnerability accurately.
Furthermore, in terms of how this situation is assessed, it is undoubtedly Nicole who will suffer a loss, while Roger gains an advantage.
Because she placed all her hopes in Roger's moral standards.
Roger's refusal and hesitation were merely attributed to the mysterious nature of this woman, unable to fathom her thoughts!
You always have better alternatives.
Perhaps Naga does, but I don't.
Nicole suddenly halted her movements, placing her face against the hollow of his shoulder, her arms tightly embracing Roger's waist. Her voice, light and reminiscent of a dream, trembled, "The god I have believed in since childhood, you have shattered it. My life is now tainted with guilt, and I am incapable of bearing the trust and adulation bestowed upon me by those innocent lambs. I am in need of a new faith, dear sir, and you are the sole figure capable of fulfilling this requirement."
Roger forcefully pushed away her hand, saying, "You're ill!"
Which believer is free from illness? And you are the sole remedy.
Nicole gracefully spun around and sat directly on Roger's lap, embracing him from the front.
Roger only then realized that the holy maiden's face was streaming with tears, though he knew not when they had commenced.
I unabashedly released the pressure that I had endured for over ten days before him.
Alas...such wickedness...
He gently tapped her back, and ultimately left with a sigh.
