Making his way through the crowd, Kael followed the older man to his residence. Along the way, he attracted numerous subtle glances, convincing him that the entire Melen was already under the Evilus's control.
The merchant who had previously traded with him likely had connections to the Evilus as well, possibly selling "Great Sacred Tree Branches" under the table.
However, in Kael's view, calling these people members of the Evilus was a stretch — they were merely opportunistic allies united by mutual benefit.
On the way, he asked the question that had been weighing on his mind.
"Mister, why did you join us?"
The shopkeeper turned his head, his pupils becoming hollow and lifeless, "So I can meet those children again in the next life."
So he's a believer... My apologies...
Kael didn't say anything more, but the shopkeeper seemed to have opened up:
"My parents, wife, and children have all gone to heaven. Now it's just my daughter and me left. This world is too twisted — people die every day. Eventually I understood — if you don't want to die for no reason, you have to join them. Once you become family, you won't be sent to your death."
Kael was stunned, "Great minds think alike, huh."
"That's what I originally thought, until my companions left me again..." The older man's lips unconsciously curved into a smile, "But it's okay! I saw that great lord, and he promised me that as long as I dedicate my life to Lord Thanatos, when the promised day comes, we can all be together again."
"Haa... then what about your daughter?"
The older man didn't answer Kael's question, but instead pushed open an old wooden door, "We're here."
"Papa, today I prayed properly for Lord Thanatos. When will we be able to dedicate our lives to the lord?"
A childish voice sounded from the room.
Kael peeked in and saw a little girl around 10 years old. She had fluffy deep blue hair with bangs covering half her eyes, wearing a black dress that resembled a uniform issued by the Evilus.
"Soon, we'll be able to see everyone again very soon." The older man stroked the little girl's hair, his face full of tenderness.
Well, this family is beyond saving. It's just a shame about a child so young.
Kael felt he should do something. If adults wanted to commit suicide, he had no interest in stopping them, but if a child was being coerced or indoctrinated with false beliefs...
Hmm... he wondered if leaving her alone in the world would be another form of cruelty. He frowned in thought.
The little girl suddenly noticed the stranger, instinctively shrinking back into her father's embrace, fear and confusion flashing across her face.
"Cassa-chan, this is Daddy's colleague. He's a fellow believer working for Lord Thanatos's grand vision."
Inside ten-year-old Cassandra's mind, terror bloomed.
Dad's colleague — a member of the Evilus! They were all lunatics!
Despite her young age, she had already learned how to dream prophetically, and the scenes in her dreams terrified her — her mother died, her sister died, her brother died too.
She had told her father about these dreams, hoping he would move them far away. But no one believed her. The tragedies happened anyway, and young as she was, she could do nothing.
First, her mother went to Orario and was killed by monsters, followed by her sister and brother... Three consecutive losses, each one predicted yet unavoidable.
Cassandra became timid, fearful of everything.
Finally, she saw it was her turn.
In her dream, she witnessed her father's decision — he brought home a man in black robes. When she refused to let her father join that strange faction, she was killed by her father's own hands.
To change her fate, Cassandra began playing the role of a fanatic.
During the black-robed man's inspection, she actively displayed fervent longing for death and her departed family members. Thus, she changed her future for the first time.
Since then, she had continued pretending to be a brainwashed, obedient daughter in front of her father. Until, a few days ago, her dream again warned of another black-robed colleague's visit.
But this wasn't the same as what appeared in her dream...
She recalled the prophecy from a few days ago and couldn't help blurting out, "The remnant soul passing through the vortex of chaos will sink the scales of justice and evil. On the disc, the fool and the joker dance together... the princess who sings of tragedy, trapped in a cage..."
"You're talking nonsense again, Cassa-chan." The older man pinched Cassandra's cheek, smiling indulgently.
"Is this your daughter? What's your surname, mister?"
"Oh, call me Ilion."
Hoho... Kael suddenly felt as if what should have been a nameless minor character had a quest notification pop up above his head.
Ding, your new cheat ability has arrived! Please check your account!
He stroked his chin, looking maliciously at the little girl hiding behind the older man.
"Your daughter is quite impressive. She looks like Lord Thanatos's most faithful believer."
"That's right!" The older man raised his head proudly, "Even the Familia executives praise Cassandra."
"Y-yes, I... I'm the most loyal... waaah, mama..."
"Hehe." Kael smiled wickedly.
According to the plot he knew, this girl would eventually be taken away by Apollo... From this perspective, she couldn't possibly be truly willing to give her life to the Death God.
So, right now...
"Don't make that about-to-cry face. It seems your faith in Lord Thanatos isn't strong enough." Kael looked at old man Ilion, "Why don't you hand her over to me?"
"Eh?" The older man's proud expression froze.
Kael narrowed his eyes, rubbing his hands together with a mercenary smile, "Don't you want the chance to quickly prove your loyalty to Lord Thanatos? You see, our Familia primarily deals in slave trading. We recently received a batch of slaves, including some high-quality ones that can be sold to the Entertainment District. Your daughter would fetch a good price — why not include her?"
"Entertainment District? How could Cassandra become a prostitute?!" The older man's voice turned harsh with anger.
Kael tilted his head in surprise, "Eh? You're already prepared to give your life for Lord Thanatos, yet you're unwilling to let her be a mere prostitute?"
"How can those be the same!" The older man took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, "That's not my agreement with the Death God."
Kael put on an enlightened expression, "Oh, I think you misunderstood. Being a prostitute is just the surface role. This young lady's true purpose is to eventually exchange her life for those prostitutes of the Ishtar Familia. This...is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Uncle Ilion, you...wouldn't refuse, would you?"
"But, that kind of suffering..."
"You're fine with suicide, but unwilling to endure a little hardship before the eventual end? And you claim to be devoted to Lord Thanatos?"
As if his worldview had been shattered, Uncle Ilion stood frozen, his lips trembling as he muttered:
"Am I… actually not devoted enough?"
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T/N: Favorite, comment and save to your library of best reads in the world, thank you for reading this far!
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That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)