"Whoa!"
Sea Breeze shouted in alarm, thinking he had been attacked. The young man stumbled into Captain Columbus, who was in the middle of awkwardly slashing at a Vengeful Sailor Beast with disgust. The captain's montum drove his sword through the creature, cutting it cleanly in two. Both the captain and the beast collapsed to the ground, leaving Sea Breeze sitting on top of Columbus, who was now face down, effectively kissing the decayed corpse.
"Captain, are you... ew!"
Sea Breeze turned to check on the man, only to gag at the sight.
"Bleh, Sea Breeze. Why'd you fall on !"
Captain Columbus yelled, wiping his mouth vigorously with the back of his hand.
"I didn't an to. Sothing hit my face so hard it knocked over!"
Sea Breeze defended himself, looking around for the culprit. Nearby, Brownie, who had overheard everything, busied himself pretending to fight the beasts with all his might, avoiding suspicion.
"Huh, you're unusually hardworking today, Brownie,"
Chang Long remarked, noticing her normally grumbling pet was putting in a surprising amount of effort.
"Of course, master. I aim to be as useful to you as I possibly can,"
Brownie replied, looking sincere while puffing out his chest. Chang Long chuckled at his theatrics.
'What a liar,'
Hulu thought, irritated as it fought nearby.
'Let it go. At least he's genuinely helping for once,'
Kitsune communicated telepathically, attempting to appease Hulu.
After the nauseating incident passed, Chang Long's group successfully defeated all the Vengeful Sailor Beasts blocking their path. The layout of the ghost ship resembled a maze, with countless rooms—so open, so requiring force to pry open, others locked and needing keys, and so leading into even more rooms. Along the way, they encountered various beasts: Level 48 Vengeful Sailor Beasts, Level 50 Skeleton Thrall Beasts, and Level 56 Wailing Spirit Beasts. Surprisingly, Captain Columbus's talisman proved incredibly effective against them.
While they found small treasures in so rooms, no one uncovered any clues about the rmaid's Heart. As they ascended to higher levels, the beasts beca more ruthless and increasingly difficult to handle. Among them, the Black Baron Beast was particularly deadly, charging unexpectedly on a spectral horse while wielding a long lance, only to vanish into mist. Its high level and devastating attacks nearly depleted Chang Long's health, despite her having reached Level 20.
"This isn't going to work. Chang Long's going to die before we find that heart,"
Sea Breeze muttered while feeding her several blood crystals.
"Right. Should we pull out, Chang Long?"
Captain Columbus asked, clearly worried.
"No, I've co all the way here. I wouldn't go back bare-barehanded,"
she replied firmly, her tone steeply with determination. Her resolute gaze made it clear she was angry. While she rested to recover, Sea Breeze, Captain Columbus, and her pets guarded her vigilantly. Once fully healed, Chang Long stood, gripping the Sovereign Sword tightly.
"For Level 65 beasts, Devi-chan's abilities will suffice,"
Chang Long muttered to herself, her spirit companion knew what she was going to do. Though concerned, none voiced objections—her resolve was unmistakable, and they knew there would be no stopping her.
"Black Baron. If you're so powerful, co out and face . Skulking around doesn't suit a warrior, you cowardly ghost!" Chang Long's voice thundered. Sea Breeze and Captain Columbus jumped, shocked at her bold challenge, especially given her clear disadvantage against such a foe.
Her provocation worked. The Black Baron appeared at the far end of the walkway. Both the Baron and its horse were entirely black. Chang Long could feel its furious gaze fixed on her. The Baron's horse pawed the ground a few tis before charging forward at breakneck speed, its steel-tipped lance aid directly at Chang Long's heart.
"Good. This is what I wanted. Devi-chan, spirit possession!"
The tip of the Black Baron's lance reached her chest just as her command rang out.
Clang!
The Sovereign Sword deflected the lance's tip just in ti, but not without consequence—her right shoulder bore a fresh wound. Ignoring the pain, Chang Long turned to face the Baron again. The spectral rider had reached the end of the walkway and was now galloping back at full speed to strike her once more. Chang Long locked her gaze on the Baron, eyes unflinching, then dashed forward to et her foe head-on, to the utter disbelief of Sea Breeze and Captain Columbus.
Clang!
Thud!
The Baron's steel-tipped lance snapped in two, clattering to the ground. It snorted in frustration, tugging the reins to turn its horse for another assault. Chang Long smirked mockingly, standing tall and ready to face the Baron again. Her pets watched with bated breath, their excitent growing as they recognized her serious deanor. They felt confident she would erge victorious easily—until the Baron unsheathed a long black sword from its side.
The Black Baron charged again, raising its sword high before slashing down with imnse force. The clash reverberated across the ship's corridors, sending lesser beasts scattering in fear. The Baron roared, swinging its blade fiercely to knock Chang Long's sword off balance before bringing it down again in a powerful arc. Stumbling back from the impact, Chang Long spun swiftly out of harm's way and retaliated. She struck with a horizontal slash aid at the Baron's body, the force of her attack drawing a chilling scream from the Baron as thick, black blood poured from its wound.
Chang Long did not give it a chance to recover. She pulled her sword back and drove it with brutal precision into the Baron's throat. The spectral knight's head fell to the ground with a heavy thud before it could even scream. Her calm, unflinching expression throughout the fight sent chills down the spines of her companions.
"Player Chang Long has slain a Level 65 Black Baron, receiving 2,425 EXP (split between pets and party mbers), 1,842 coins and 1 Black Horseshoe."
Chang Long dismissed Devi-chan from her body to reduce the strain. She took out her black rose tea for a drink, turning to find her companions staring at her in astonishnt. Before she could question their reactions, a loud creak sounded as a door flung open. They followed the noise to find a rusted heavy black iron doo. The passage beyond was wide but pitch dark and damp. Silence hung thick, broken only by the echo of their footsteps and the occasional drip of water.
At the far end of the corridor, faint orange light flickered as if from a lantern. A shadow floated near it, its shape unclear. Captain Columbus clung tightly to Sea Breeze's arm, maintaining a composed expression despite his action.
As the group approached a fork in the passage near the lantern, they hesitated, unsure of what awaited them. Devi-chan floated ahead to investigate. He returned shortly, his expression twisted in discomfort.
"What is it, Devi-chan? What's up ahead?"
Chang Long asked, concerned by his grim face.
"A woman, terrifying..."
Silence blanketed the group. Among them, two had strong nerves, while the third, Captain Columbus, had a deep fear of ghosts. Her pets, though were pure-blooded sacred beasts, making it easy for them to intimidate lower-ranked beast, they were still very young. This fact actually worked against them, turning them in to bait for the beasts that craved their blood, especially those of the ghost and demon type.
Wheeze...
An inhaling noise ca from where the orange lantern floated, followed by many more. It sounded like sothing sniffing the air to discern the scent. When the sniffs stopped, a raspy, haunting singing began:
~La la la, sweet treats, sweet treats, sweet sweet, la la la, I want to eat, I want to eat, la la la~
The voice sang the eerie tune repeatedly, its movents deliberate, revealing itself to the transfixed onlookers. The lantern erged first, swaying on a wooden handle tied with tattered ribbons. A pale, scarred hand followed, gripping the handle. Captain Columbus and Brownie bit their lips hard, suppressing the urge to scream.
"Level 76 Mistress of Treachery Beast King has appeared."
When the figure fully erged, even the most steadfast among them—Chang Long, Sea Breeze, and the sacred beasts—flinched.
Her slender, delicate fra and cascading golden curls seed designed to inspire care and protection. She wore a white ruffled gown. Yet everything about her was warped into horror. Her skin was ghastly pale and marred with scars. Hollow eye sockets was devoid of pupils. Her lips moved incessantly, singing that haunting tune. Her fragile, swaying gait seed as if she would collapse at any mont, yet her pointed toes pierced the wooden floor with each step.
"Sweet… treats"
Mistress of Treachery rasped, her pale, scarred face leaning forward ominously. But then, she recoiled suddenly in recognition as she detected sothing that instilled fear even in spirits.
"The Lord of Spirits, and the Soul Eater."
Her hollow voice trembled as she took several steps back.
"Where is my Black Baron?"
Her tone sharpened with anger as she called for him, but her call was t with silence.
"He's found peace,"
Chang Long replied. Mistress of Treachery's head, which had been turning slowly, snapped violently as she walked toward Chang Long. Her lips quivered with fury.
"This isn't looking good, Chang Long,"
Sea Breeze said, his voice trembling slightly. He stared at Mistress of Treachery, noting not only the trembling of her lips but also the violent quaking of her entire body. The lantern slipped from her hand, revealing that the light source was not a candle but dozens of glowing worm-like creatures. The worms sward toward Chang Long and her companions with startling speed.
Mistress of Treachery swiped a clawed hand at Chang Long, her sudden speed catching the young woman off guard as she never thought such a slow could be so fast. Kitsune spewed flas to intercept the attack. The flas set the Lady's hand ablaze, drawing a shriek of pain from her lips—a sound so piercing and mournful it far surpassed even the Black Baron's wail. Chang Long quickly invoked her skill and called Devi-chan to possess her once again before attacking the Lady without any hesitation.
anwhile, her companions and pets struggled against the glowing worms, whose slimy secretions made weapons sticky and unwieldy. To make matters worse, the worms attacked by hurling their bodies at their targets, causing the n to cry out in disgust.
Mistress of Treachery's pale claws lashed toward Chang Long with ferocity. After each strike, she darted backward with agility. Chang Long stood her ground, carefully observing the Lady's movents and preparing for the next onslaught.
"Master, let fight her,"
Alice-chan's voice broke the tension unexpectedly. Alice-chan, was usually reluctant to fight seriously and preferring to stand in the backline during battles.
"Are you sure, Alice-chan?"
Chang Long asked, hesitant.
"I'm sure. I've always wanted to test my Bloodsteel Fan in a serious fight,"
Alice-chan replied firmly, her gaze steady and focused on Mistress of Treachery.
"Alright. I'll use Devi-chan's ability then. Spirit Incarnation,"
Chang Long said, activating the powerful skill that could only be used when Devi-chan possessed her. A slender figure with flowing blonde hair erged from the void, taking everyone by surprise. Alice-chan's radiant beauty left Sea Breeze and Captain Columbus awestruck, while even Mistress of Treachery faltered, staring at her with seething hatred.
"A beauty must be destroyed!"
Mistress of Treachery roared, charging at Alice-chan with blazing speed. With their equal levels, Chang Long could not help but feel a pang of worry for Alice-chan. Still, she trusted her to handle the fight.
Alice0chan deftly blocked the Lady's assault with her Bloodsteel Fan, retaliating with the sharp claws she took pride in.
"Brownie, get out of my pocket and check that small crack in the wall over there,"
Chang Long said, her gaze never leaving Alice-chan's battle. Brownie, curled up in her pocket, flinched at the command before poking his head out sheepishly.
"You knew I was hiding, Master? Heh, he."
The mischievous thieving field mouse sheepishly defended itself, embarrassed that it had avoided fighting the glowing worms due to their unsettling size and bizarre attack thods.
"There! Do you see that small hole over there? It looks just big enough for you to squeeze through. Can you check out what's inside and report back to ?"
Chang Long lifted Brownie onto her palm and pointed toward the narrow opening she wanted him to investigate. Brownie nodded with determination before leaping off her hand and scurrying toward the hole to begin his exploration.
Sea Breeze, Captain Columbus, Kitsune, and Hulu finally managed to defeat the glowing worms, albeit in a disheveled state from being repeatedly slid by their foes. They turned their attention to Alice-chan's battle with interest. The two n were utterly stunned by her, while the two familiars, accustod to Alice-chan's presence, could not help but feel concerned. Alice-chan had never fought seriously before.
"Who is that? She's absolutely stunning,"
Sea Breeze remarked, his voice tinged with awe.
"One of master's spirits,"
Hisa-chan suddenly materialized beside him, answering the question and startling Sea Breeze so much he jumped.
Alice-chan's relentless attacks inflicted nurous wounds on Mistress of Treachery's body. However, no blood seeped from the gashes, not even a single drop.
"You will never see my blood!"
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