Without further hesitation, Kitsune initiated a large-scale Meme contamination across the globe.
η-011: Hundred Birds Scroll.
Anyone who viewed this painting would lose a segment of memory; this was actually a secondary consequence.
The Object's true effect was that anyone who laid eyes on this painting would inevitably dream of a White Bird Grove that night.
Within that grove resided a creature known as the Soul-Devouring Bird.
This bird would drain people's essence, or spiritual energy, during their slumber.
When spiritual energy was drained, certain memories would also vanish, explaining the secondary effect.
Some individuals, after having a specific amount of spiritual energy absorbed, might never awaken again.
Of course, employing it once or twice was usually manageable.
The spiritual energy absorbed during dreams wasn't significant enough to cause immediate harm, but this certainly wasn't guaranteed for those possessing weak spiritual power.
Furthermore, this wasn't Byakuya's inaugural use of the Hundred Birds Scroll.
Soon, this painting was disseminated across every information network, compelling everyone to view it at least once.
As for those without mobile phones or computers, or those residing outside urban centers—
Kitsune would directly infiltrate their residences and, based on the specific headcount, deploy either a forgetfulness spray or the Hundred Birds Scroll.
If only a single person was present, they would apply a light spray.
If a large group was present, such as within a small town, everyone would be gathered and subjected to the Hundred Birds Scroll's effect.
Utilizing Object-based mental contamination to implement global psychological reprogramming was an inhumane strategy conceived under Byakuya's extreme governance.
009's discourse might have carried malicious intent to defame Byakuya, but the majority of the allegations were factually correct.
After all, if Byakuya hadn't committed those acts, his empty rhetoric wouldn't have persuaded those individuals.
Several matters were personally witnessed by the list members and were too clearly established.
This long-suppressed rage erupted, yet no one dared to directly confront Kitsune.
Many objectives could not be achieved overnight. They were angry, but not to the point of complete irrationality.
If unification and storming Byakuya's Kitsune base were viable options, Byakuya would never have driven these people to such despair.
It was precisely because they had attempted resistance, strived for change, and clashed directly with Byakuya that they comprehended the sheer terror of his power.
To counter Byakuya, more allies were essential.
If absolutely necessary, borrowing power from a non-existent Manifest World might not be entirely out of the question!
So, what was this power that held no place in the Manifest World?
The answer pointed in two distinct directions.
004 Queen Bee's Black Queen organization. She possesses the capability to descend into the Manifest World herself—that was the first avenue.
And the final avenue led to the Great Old Ones.
Perhaps many had already realized that certain Great Old Ones could interface with individuals in the Manifest World through dreams, applying mental contamination.
After the Sea King entered the Dream World, new Fish-Men continued to emerge in the Manifest World.
Why did this occur?
Because many overlook a fundamental truth: what appears to be a divided reality is, in fact, perpetually and tightly interconnected.
The 5th Step's Dream World is undeniably the closest nexus to the spiritual realm.
It connects to the dreams of all living entities.
When people dream, their spirits wander outward, infinitely approaching the spiritual world, thereby reaching the Dream World.
And some individuals encounter indescribable phenomena within their dreams.
...
Beiling City.
Inside a private residence, a squad of police officers was currently investigating a group of tomb robbers.
"The tomb bricks correspond."
"Do you believe me now?" Jihen stated with a shrug.
Yang Lin glanced over the room overflowing with artifacts. "I'll count this as a massive contribution from you. So, do you recall what you promised me?"
"Don't be impatient. Too many people speaking right now makes it inconvenient. Just wait a moment. I'll tell you everything slowly in a private, isolated location, alright?"
Yang Lin agreed.
He glanced at his wristwatch, then suddenly posed a question seemingly out of nowhere.
"What day is it today?"
"August 6th."
August 6th?
Yang Lin lowered his wrist. Today was not August 6th; it was August 12th.
Yet, everyone seemed to have forgotten the events of the preceding six days, and the calendar date had effectively been reset by a full six days.
It was as if the entire world had experienced a localized temporal rewind.
Everything began precisely after this image first appeared.
Yang Lin still retained memory of all of it, and he had been plagued by strange dreams for six consecutive nights.
During those six days, he would dream of a forest of desiccated trees strewn with skeletal remains.
The forest was infested with peculiar birds that, upon spotting Yang Lin, would collectively attack, striving to tear him apart and consume him.
And Yang Lin killed every single one of them.
But this nightmare knew no end. For the following days, he would still dream of the Bird Forest, and those birds would be exponentially stronger than before.
These birds were spiritual manifestations; they fed on the very essence of all things. As long as you were struck, you would lose a portion of your memory.
If someone had lost the memory of viewing the Hundred Birds Scroll, then naturally, they would no longer dream of the Bird Forest.
But if one's spiritual power was exceptionally robust, repeatedly defeating those Soul-Devouring Birds, then the nightmare would continue indefinitely, and the Soul-Devouring Birds would also grow progressively more powerful.
This resembled an unending cycle of Samsara.
Unless you willfully surrendered the struggle.
But to give up the struggle meant forfeiting a portion of one's memories.
The more potent the Soul-Devouring Birds became, the greater the memories they consumed. Once you had defeated them repeatedly, you could no longer afford a single failure.
Because failure meant they would gradually invade you completely, leaving absolutely nothing behind—scattering your very soul and spirit, ensuring you would never awaken again.
Yang Lin had now entered this irreversible predicament.
Unless he could somehow avoid sleep entirely.
This was not entirely impossible for Yang Lin. He had been an awakened individual since a very young age, having cultivated his spiritual power under the tutelage of Reinhard.
Strong spiritual power also meant he did not require frequent sleep.
After all, sleep was fundamentally a process dedicated to replenishing spiritual reserves.
Of course, this was the mental aspect; whether his physical body could sustain that regimen was an entirely different matter.
However, perhaps no one had noticed that the Bird Forest wasn't solely detrimental.
Because everything, by nature, possesses two sides: benefit and harm.
Yang Lin's process of repeatedly defeating the Soul-Devouring Birds functioned much like a reciprocal spiritual consumption.
The greater the number of Soul-Devouring Birds he vanquished, the stronger his own spiritual power grew.
This was the intended effect of the Object Hundred Birds Scroll—the trial set forth by the Soul-Devouring Birds themselves.
"Hm?"
Yang Lin suddenly discovered a wooden carving in one of the rooms.
It was an oddly crafted wooden sculpture depicting a marine creature.
A grotesque monster with the face of an octopus sat upon a chair, sporting two pairs of broken, unsettling wings jutting from its back.
Yang Lin picked up the carving. Jihen clearly noticed the statue as well. "Modern craftsmanship designed to look ancient."
Jihen couldn't perceive it, but there was a visible line on the carving, piercing through the wall and extending invisibly toward the sky.
"Do you see it?"
"See what?"
"The line."
A line formed of spiritual power, stretching high into the heavens.
Connected to some unidentifiable structure above.
...
Later that night.
Inside a cafe.
Yang Lin, dressed in plain clothes, sat with Jihen in a secluded corner of the establishment. Jihen, stirring the pattern on his coffee with a spoon, smiled and inquired, "Do you know why I targeted that fellow?"
"I don't concern myself with that."
Hearing Yang Lin's blunt reply, Jihen looked up. "Don't be impatient; let me finish my story. Prior to all this, my Second Uncle and Jin were sworn brothers."
"You can probably deduce what they specialized in without me elaborating. Although it might not sound noble, my ancestors were indeed associated with tomb raiding."
"The two started with minor dealings. Later, the team expanded, subordinates increased in number, and gradually they began taking on slightly more substantial jobs."
"Until one occasion, they located a major tomb near Hebi."
"Inside that tomb lay an artifact that could truly be termed a priceless treasure."
"Have you ever heard the idiom 'treasures must return to their rightful owner'?"
"The Heshibi jade?" Yang Lin showed slight agitation upon hearing the name.
"Unbelievable, right? At that time, my Second Uncle and his crew returned. Before they could even verify its authenticity, my Second Uncle was murdered that very night."
"Where is the Heshibi jade now?"
"I have no idea. It might have been sold overseas by that individual, or perhaps acquired by some domestic collector," Jihen admitted.
Yang Lin tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table. "Can you confirm that it was definitively the Heshibi jade?"
"Didn't I just say? Confirmation is impossible. After all, I've never laid eyes on it myself. It was only mentioned in a letter my Second Uncle left behind."
"What bearing does this have on the tomb you later raided?"
Hearing Yang Lin's question, Jihen's mouth twitched. "Am I raiding tombs? Excuse me, what exactly did I steal?"
"According to criminal law..."
"Stop. Can we skip the legal lecture? You wanted details about Kitsune, didn't you?"
"I will provide that information now. Kitsune is a unique organizational entity that supersedes national authority. All supernatural occurrences on this world fall under their jurisdiction," Jihen explained.
"And then?"
"What else is there to know?"
"More data regarding Kitsune."
"That constitutes premium content."
Yang Lin heard this and retrieved his phone. "Come on, let's head back to the station for a cup of tea."
"Hey, hey, comrade police officer, how about a deal? I'll give you another significant piece of intelligence. This specific piece of information is guaranteed to satisfy your inquiry."
"Then our current business arrangement concludes here. You continue pursuing your criminals, and I'll continue being a law-abiding citizen."
Yang Lin paused and lowered his phone. "I will assess that after hearing it."
Jihen pulled out his own phone. "Do you retain memories from six days ago?"
"I believe I must, after all, you posed that exact question to me earlier today."
"Then I can tell you with absolute clarity now: this is what Kitsune orchestrated. They utilized some form of supernatural phenomenon to execute a massive, worldwide memory erasure."
"Their original stated mandate was containment, protection, and control."
"But now, they have instead employed these very phenomena to enforce an iron-fisted rule that completely obscures the Truth."
"Why is it that people today have no knowledge of these occurrences, even though so many large-scale supernatural events have demonstrably taken place on Earth?"
"The answer is painfully obvious. Kitsune operates like a colossal hand covering the sun, blocking the light. They conceal the Truth, forcing everyone to live in manufactured darkness."
"Their targets are numerous, including—but not limited to—those possessing superpowers. These individuals form clandestine alliances, clustering together for mutual protection."
"I don't know the motive behind your investigation into this matter, but consider this a friendly warning."
"Ignorance is indeed bliss. The more you uncover, the more profound your terror of this world will become."
"I can only reveal this much. Stating anything further would be detrimental to you, and to me."
Yang Lin fell into a profound silence.
Jihen stood up, waving goodbye to Yang Lin. "This is the reality of this world. They are the jailers, we are the inmates, and you, Officer, are merely the lambs."
After Jihen departed, Yang Lin remained silent for a long duration.
It was only then that a figure clad in black robes and wearing a white mask suddenly materialized before him.
The newcomer was none other than Reinhard.
He had utilized the Snake Stone to conceal his presence and stealthily entered the cafe, appearing silently before Yang Lin.
"Any insights?"
Yang Lin looked up. "I don't entirely trust his word."
Reinhard placed the Demon Blade onto the table. "That's correct. You shouldn't feel obligated to fully believe others. This world contains numerous unexplainable phenomena. Kitsune refers to these anomalies as 'Objects.'"
"Such as this sword."
"Master, I have a query. What is your personal alignment?" Yang Lin asked calmly.
Reinhard's gaze sharpened instantly. "Alignment?"
"I am inherently selfish. I only stand firm on my own footing."
"The lives and deaths of the majority are irrelevant to my concerns. I neither actively oppose indiscriminate killing, nor do I endorse it."
"Everything I do serves only my own objectives."
"You are an anomaly."
Reinhard stated, pulling a document from within his black robe. "This is a transcript of Kitsune's high-level internal cultivation methods."
"Your innate potential is remarkable. Given sufficient dedication of time, you are assuredly capable of achieving greatness."
Yang Lin accepted the document, scanned it twice, and then retrieved a wooden carving from a satchel beside him.
"Master, there is an item I would like you to examine."
The moment Yang Lin produced the wooden carving, Reinhard's pupils, concealed behind his mask, dilated slightly.
"Where did you acquire this?"
"From a group of tomb raiders. They claimed they purchased it," Yang Lin replied.
"Dispose of it immediately."
Reinhard commanded, his physical form vanishing instantly. He recognized that wooden carving; it signified nothing good.
That object was intrinsically linked to 002 Chino. Ordinary individuals could not perceive the faint thread of spiritual energy emanating from it.
That thread connected directly to the Dream World—it was a harbinger of disaster, a potent ill omen.
If it held any function, its sole purpose was to facilitate communication with the ancient Old Ones dwelling within the Dream World.
This realization gave Reinhard a profoundly negative sensation. He had encountered this type of wooden carving before. These threads were analogous to fishhooks cast deep into the abyss.
They were slowly, incrementally, reeling an unrecognizable, terrifying entity up from the depths!
Dreams are, by definition, non-existent.
But when numerous individuals simultaneously share a single dream and collectively believe that dream to be authentic reality, that dream becomes real.
...
Dream World.
A colossal, octopus-shaped monster opened its eyes. "Enko... Reinhard."
"Do you truly believe you can remain concealed?"
On the opposing side of the Dream World, the pure energy forms of Principal Starry and Zero simultaneously locked their focus onto Chino.
5th Step, two forbidden potions.
"Satan" was classified as a forbidden potion because it was derived from the Death lineage, possessing the capacity to tear through both spiritual and material space—a mimicry of Death itself.
"Spirit" was classified as a forbidden potion because it represented a form of pseudo-immortality.
A pure energy body, by nature, could not be harmed by any conventional form of energy. It could even absorb energy directed at it from others' attacks.
Among the forbidden potions, none were deemed useless.
"002, long time no see."
Zero and Principal Starry's figures materialized simultaneously within the mist-shrouded, fairyland-like expanse of the sky.
And before them floated a colossal monster, whose magnificent form utterly blotted out the heavens.
Chino turned its head, effortlessly dispersing the massive cloud of mist. "You've only just reached the 5th Step, yet you're so eager to see me? You must miss me terribly, Zero."
Zero stood majestically in the sky, leaning upon a staff.
"It is as if destined, isn't it?"
Countless threads of spiritual energy converged upon Chino's body, extending upwards into the sky. Zero had first observed these threads back when he was in the Manifest World.
The earliest documented instance was in India, where Kitsune discovered a large number of the local indigenous population had begun to worship some mysterious entity.
They utilized primitive and cruel rituals to offer sacrifices to a specific stone idol, venerating an Evil God.
But this phenomenon was not confined to Africa; within the same year, numerous mysterious churches worshipping Evil Gods sprang up globally.
The idol's appearance allowed Kitsune to immediately identify the creature being worshipped.
It was 002.
Therefore, this entire affair must be connected to 002.
But 002 resided in a deeper reality. How it related to the Manifest World remained an unsolved mystery.
Based on his understanding of 002, Zero was certain that 002 would never act without significant purpose.
Consequently, every action taken by 002 would never amount to minor mischief.
The most logical deduction was that Chino had uncovered some underlying rule governing the Dream World and was actively attempting to break free from that constraint!
In the earliest days of metaphysical study, there was a fascinating hypothesis known as "perception determines reality."
Regardless of whether one leaned toward materialism or idealism, once consciousness recognized something as existing subjectively and objectively simultaneously, then it simply did exist.
To simplify: If every living being believed a god resided above, then this god would truly manifest, much like the practical abilities of a priest.
Applying this principle to Chino, the outcome was not difficult to anticipate.
The Dream World was inherently illusory, a non-existent dreamscape.
But through the focused perception of living beings, illusions and dreams could be forcibly solidified into reality.
Thus, Chino was deploying anchor points.
When numerous entities observed him, recognized him, and believed in his existence, he might then gain true existence within the Manifest World.
As Zero considered this implication, a profound chill ran down his spine.
If Chino truly anchored himself to the Manifest World through sheer perception, then this situation could no longer be described merely as a disaster.
No force could halt him; he could effortlessly take over the entire terrestrial realm.
Thus, the first action Zero took upon ascending into the Dream World was to confirm the validity of his growing suspicion.
Upon observing the dense spiritual threads woven around Chino's form, the answer became undeniable.
These threads pierced through the fabric of the Dream World, connecting directly to the Manifest World. Chino's power was actively escaping the confines of the dream!
For anyone else attempting such a feat, it would be virtually impossible.
But for an Evil God possessing the inherent quality of mental corruption, apparently, nothing was out of reach.
"Find a means to sever those threads binding him."
Hearing Zero's low command, Principal Starry subtly elevated his form.
This octopus-faced entity had left an indelible mark on Principal Starry's perception.
Back in that otherworldly domain, that visage had been etched deeply into his very soul.
"Such terrifying spiritual energy... precisely like that time."
The same instinctive shudder returned.
If spiritual power possessed an aroma, then Chino's would be the stench of decay and foulness lingering in a sewer drain.
If spiritual power had a color, Chino's must be the deepest, most grotesquely twisted black imaginable.
Principal Starry's own spiritual power, however, resembled the dazzling blue-violet hue of a starry night sky.
Chino watched the two figures slowly ascend. The moment he stood up, the blue sky and white clouds above him dimmed in significance.
"Let me pose a question: what is the genesis of conflict and struggle among all living beings?"
"After arriving in this dreamlike, ethereal ocean, I have continuously asked myself—what is the final destination for conflict and chaos?"
"How long will this seemingly endless abyss of dispute truly persist?"
Zero gripped his staff with both hands. "A self-proclaimed scholar and executioner; before reflecting on the origin of strife, have you ever considered laying down your own weapons?"
Chino offered a faint smile. "Living beings attribute the source of conflict and struggle to people's armaments, to individual might."
"But is that truly the case?"
"When a sharp sword is held, the intent to slay is aroused. A venomous serpent cannot be tamed unless its fangs are removed," Zero countered.
"Incorrect."
"Conflict, war, chaos—these do not originate from weapons. Even without manufactured tools, people would still resort to throwing stones," Chino declared.
"I am a pacifist. I now sincerely hope the world can attain genuine peace. I desire to terminate this endless, chaotic epoch."
Zero stated, "But your words and your actions are clearly contradictory."
Chino raised his colossal hand. "Peace is not achieved through mere declaration; it is conquered through imposition of force."
"I have pondered countless methodologies and finally concluded that the most reliable way to end war is war itself."
"As long as I preside over all things, tranquility will naturally follow, and chaos and conflict will cease."
In the end, it still boiled down to employing violence to suppress violence.
But coincidentally, Zero arrived at the exact same conclusion.
"Since everyone seems incapable of calming down to reason, then sheer force remains the sole argument."
Zero and Principal Starry simultaneously attacked Chino. However, their intense debate had inadvertently awakened another entity within the Dream World.
Their actions had disturbed Angel.
Zero suddenly sensed a presence rapidly approaching from directly behind him!
He spun around abruptly, only to see that Angel Moon had awakened at some unknown juncture!
"In this realm, I renounced the so-called struggle, choosing to enjoy this dream-like, profound slumber. Yet you wish to shatter this serenity. Have you considered the ramifications, Demon?"
Thud!
Zero's staff swept backward, colliding violently with Angel's wings!
The staff shattered, and the wing's edge sliced across Zero's body, instantaneously carving a rift!
This rift continuously expanded until it tore across Zero's entire form, ripping away his disguise.
Zero's human guise dissipated, revealing his true demonic aspect.
Crimson eyes, skin black as encroaching mist, an unrecognizable countenance, and towering, spiraling black ram's horns.
"Another old acquaintance."
Chino noted, his gaze falling upon Angel Moon.
Zero also looked toward Angel Moon. "Aiding him offers you no tangible benefit."
"Slaying you offers no benefit either."
Angel Moon stated, spreading her wings wide. Countless specks of golden light began to shimmer across their span!
The Demon clenched his fist. "Then you may certainly try. Let us see if I can strike you down once more."
Angel's expression instantly turned grim. "I acknowledge your capability, but your arrogant tone is something I thoroughly dislike."