Chapter 124: If You Want to Bite, You Can Anytime

If You Want to Bite, You Can Anytime

Berren City, Sir’s Bridge District No. 15, inside the dining room of Avena’s residence.

The original large table had been disassembled into a small square table, around which four young women sat.

Due to important matters needing discussion, the exquisite dishes that were supposed to be served one by one were brought out all at once, filling the entire table.

After Avena dismissed the other maids and servants, leaving only Nia guarding the door, tonight’s private dinner began.

The dishes laid out all at once made the already famished Ciel’s appetite surge. She joined Adele in diligently working, devouring the delicacies before them at the fastest speed.

Meanwhile, Avena and Amy watched Ciel’s appearance, as if she hadn’t eaten in days, with curiosity. For some reason, just watching Ciel eat seemed to stimulate one’s appetite.

Avena, who originally had something to say, didn’t rush to talk business and ate some of the dishes before her as well. Amy, on the other hand, finished all the desserts first and had no room left for anything else.

Avena waited until Ciel and Adele were full before getting up and leading everyone to the study. Inside, four sofas and four cups of black tea, along with some refreshments, had already been arranged. Nia also followed closely behind everyone, entered the study, and closed the door behind her.

Sitting on the sofa, Ciel leaned her head back against the sofa behind her, closed her eyes, and gently patted her slightly protruding belly, letting out a long sigh.

It had been a long time since she had eaten such a hearty meal. The gradually rising blood sugar from being full, coupled with her already somewhat weak spirit, made Ciel start to feel drowsy.

Perhaps noticing Ciel’s drowsiness, Avena glanced towards Nia. Nia understood the signal, took a step forward, and said:

“Since Miss Amy has decided to embark on a transcendent path, I will briefly introduce the different paths to Miss Amy, and their approximate Reconstitution Rituals.”

“Mm-hmm.” Amy nodded repeatedly at Nia. This was her purpose for attending the banquet today; she had been looking forward to it for a long time.

Ciel, drowsy at the moment, didn’t open her eyes, because this scene had already been recorded in the simulation’s notebook and read by her.

The path Amy ultimately chose was “Gardener.” However, Ciel didn’t say it beforehand. This was also to let Amy learn more about the transcendent realm, as she was the main focus today.

Previously, through information Ciel collected herself, combined with information provided by Avena, Ciel had roughly figured out most of the paths, but there was still one whose name remained unknown.

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15 minus 1.

“Ascetic” and “Avenger,” closely related to the Church of the Savior Goddess;

“Listener” and “Instigator,” adept at healing or manipulating minds;

Led by the Deton Group, “Adventurer” and “Gambler,” who wager life and death;

The Redemption Society’s “Physician,” and their arch-nemesis “Poison Master”;

Avena’s family path, almost exclusive to nobles, “Detective,” and its extreme opposite, “Assassin”;

And the very artistic-sounding “Blood Painter” and “Musician”;

The rest were “Coroner,” “Gardener,” and “Butcher,” which Ciel found almost no connection to.

These were all the first-tier paths Ciel knew of. Ciel had already obtained many of the potions, but some things, even the Deton Group dared not sell.

Ciel could even buy potions like “Blood Painter,” “Butcher,” and “Coroner,” which required human lives for their Reconstitution Rituals, yet couldn’t buy others. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

Perhaps this was related to whether they caused significant social impact—after all, even the “Butcher” path, which involved the most killing, only required killing ten people in its Reconstitution Ritual.

Finally, while Ciel was thinking with her eyes closed, the conversation progressed to the “Gardener” potion.

Ciel opened her eyes. At this moment, she saw Avena sitting directly opposite her, her face seemingly somewhat conflicted.

“Is there a problem with ‘Gardener’? Avena.” Ciel asked.

“Not a major problem... I should be able to get the potion, just...” Avena hesitated for a moment, then said, “I’m not very familiar with this path, I might not be able to provide much help later on.”

“But Amy isn’t very interested in the other paths,” Adele, who had been listening on the side, chimed in. “When we went to Amy’s house before, those flowers and plants, were they all planted by Amy herself?”

“Mm, I usually enjoy growing some flowers and plants. I really like the fragrance of flowers and grass.” Amy nodded.

Currently, it seemed only the “Gardener” path was truly suitable for Amy.

Compared to others, Amy was a true novice in the transcendent realm. Before this, she was just an ordinary, innocent noble lady. Having her complete any other Reconstitution Ritual seemed unrealistic.

Even the seemingly simple “Listener” required certain talent and delicate thoughts, and even Avena couldn’t quickly digest the subsequent paths.

Fortunately, Amy seemed very interested in the “Gardener” path. However, the potion price mentioned by Avena made Amy slightly gasp.

Compared to ordinary people, Amy was considered very wealthy. Despite constantly spending lavishly, she still managed to save over a hundred Su pounds.

But the “Gardener” potion, Avena estimated, required 900 or even 1000 Su pounds. Compared to the potion’s price, Amy’s pocket money seemed somewhat insufficient.

However, there was no need to worry too much about this point. Avena would still help Amy gather the potion first. As for the Su pounds, Amy just needed to pay it back slowly.

After all, Amy was Ciel’s friend. For Ciel’s sake, Avena could afford to lend this amount of money.

It was getting late. After confirming the path and chatting a bit longer, Amy bid farewell to everyone. Although she still seemed somewhat reluctant, as if she hadn’t chatted enough, if she didn’t go back soon, her parents would likely send someone to find her.

Everyone saw Amy off at the door. Amy’s home was also in Sir’s Bridge District, not too far. Amy planned to walk back alone.

But this idea was vetoed by Ciel. Adele was heading back to Gem Avenue anyway, and her route passed by Amy’s house, so Ciel asked Adele to escort Amy.

This wasn’t out of concern for Amy’s safety. With the divine servant present, likely no one in Berren City could threaten her currently.

She was worried that if someone came looking for trouble with Amy, the divine servant might rashly counterattack, exposing the secret about Amy.

-

After Adele left with Amy, Avena looked towards Ciel and said, “Ciel... are you okay?”

“Me?” Ciel glanced at Avena and nodded, “Quite well.”

“Since just now, you’ve been looking at the sky... Is there something in the sky?” Avena asked somewhat curiously.

Hearing Avena’s words, Ciel, who was about to look up, stopped the urge, remained silent for a moment, then said, “I don’t know either.”

Ciel didn’t know if that shadow was still above her head now.

Unless she dared to pass through the Other Side gate directly in reality, she couldn’t see that raven shadow.

Seeing Ciel’s expression, Avena also realized something.

Something must have happened to Ciel.

Since Ciel went out to rent the house and came back, she had seemed somewhat tense.

Ciel’s routine was normal. Even last night at Deton Manor, filled with cultists, didn’t affect Ciel’s sleep, allowing her to sleep soundly until this morning.

Logically, she shouldn’t have fallen into that semi-conscious state just now, and Ciel’s spirit... was very weak.

“Are you planning to go back?” Avena asked.

“Mm, the house is rented, everything inside is quite complete.” Ciel nodded.

She didn’t know if she was affected by the misfortune rule. After this dinner, she still had to stay away from anything related to the transcendent as much as possible, including these friends of hers.

Avena spoke, “The Old Ansu script you wrote earlier, it should be something important, right?”

“Yes, I plan to find some time to translate all the text on it.” Ciel nodded, not hiding it.

Ciel doesn’t understand Old Ansu script? Avena was slightly stunned upon hearing this.

Then how could she write it?

After thinking for a moment, Avena said, “How about... just sleep at my place tonight? You look very tired, and your spirit is very weak. I can help you heal for the night.”

“Tomorrow morning, I can help you translate these Old Ansu texts together... If it’s just the general meaning, referring to books, I should be able to translate the original meaning.”

It had to be said, Avena’s suggestion was really good and perfectly matched Ciel’s current needs.

What she needed was spiritual comfort and the translation of Old Ansu script, both of which Avena could help with.

If Ciel didn’t know about the misfortune rule, she might have agreed directly.

But now, knowing about the misfortune rule and having witnessed the terrifying consequences, Ciel no longer dared to stay overnight at Avena’s house.

She worried the misfortune would affect those around her. Even though the house she rented was intended for her and her sister to live together, she didn’t plan to call her sister over anymore.

“It’s fine, I’ll just go back and sleep it off myself.” Ciel shook her head and said, “Thank you, Avena.”

Upon hearing Ciel’s refusal, although Avena showed no expression, there seemed to be a hint of disappointment in her eyes, which Ciel also noticed.

She thought of the help Avena gave her in the simulation. Rejecting Avena’s kindness like this in reality indeed made Ciel feel somewhat bad.

Suddenly, she remembered something Avena did to her in the simulation, something Avena held a grudge about, and after doing it, Avena’s mood seemed to improve significantly.

So, Ciel thought for a moment, took a few steps towards Avena, reached out, pulled her collar down slightly, and lowered her head slightly.

“Ciel?” Avena looked at Ciel’s actions, nervously took half a step back, completely bewildered.

“Previously, to avoid Sharon’s suspicion, I bit you,” Ciel looked into Avena’s eyes and said, “You can bite back.”

Ciel’s words seemed to trigger some memories in Avena. She looked at Ciel’s slender, fair neck, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. Avena bit her lip lightly, pretending to be calm as she said:

“No need, that was just a necessary situation, I didn’t take it to heart.”

Really?

Ciel blinked, looking into Avena’s eyes. Avena’s gaze didn’t waver at all, as if what she said was the truth.

Then why did Avena in the simulation hold onto this matter for a whole month and a half? Ciel almost forgot about it after just a few days.

Then it could only be understood that Avena only remembered it when she was angry... Thinking about it, after a month, the “friend fee” Eye of Order contract should expire. Perhaps only then would Avena truly “make a move” against her.

“Alright.” Ciel released the hand holding her collar, tidied her clothes, and said, “If you want to bite back, you can anytime. I’ll leave first...”

“Ciel,” Avena seemed to think of something and said, “On the 25th, someone from the Royal Family is coming over. There might be a banquet then... Can you accompany me?”

Banquet?

Go see Oppold and Lucy?

Previously, Oppold and Lucy had met at the banquet, but it didn’t trigger the raven shadow circling overhead.

But if she went... that might not be the case.

Ciel remembered, in the simulation diary, she didn’t attend the banquet because her calf bone was fractured from being hit by a carriage. Unexpectedly, that also counted as avoiding a disaster.

“Sorry, I can’t go.” Ciel looked at Avena and said, “Also, these few days, I’m afraid I can’t go to your clinic anymore. I need a long vacation... During this time, it’s best we don’t meet again.”

Ciel felt her own words sounded somewhat strange, so she added, “People from the organization will come to Berren City to confirm action details with me. This affects my evaluation and year-end performance review from above. It will be fine after this period passes.”

“Evaluation? Performance review?” Avena was somewhat puzzled. Why did this organization sound so much like a company?

However, Avena didn’t pursue this matter further. This was Ciel’s privacy. If Ciel didn’t want to say it, she wouldn’t ask.

“Okay, I understand. Good luck.” Avena nodded, then suddenly thought of something and asked, “Is writing letters okay?”

“Should be okay?” Ciel’s words were also somewhat uncertain.

“Can you copy those few lines of Old Ansu script for me? I’ll translate them tomorrow and mail the letter to you.” Avena pointed at the canvas bag Ciel carried and asked.

Regarding Avena’s suggestion, Ciel naturally couldn’t ask for more. After letting Avena copy it, she received several bottles of calming potion made by Avena. These potions didn’t have much effect on healing the spirit, but could help Ciel get better sleep.

Finally, Avena had the butler prepare a carriage to send Ciel back.

After bidding farewell to Avena, Ciel boarded the carriage.

-

In the carriage, Ciel couldn’t help but start dozing off. The comfortable soft cushions and faint fragrance in the carriage made her eyelids heavy.

Upon finally returning to the rented No. 71 Gem Avenue, Ciel took out the key from her canvas bag, opened the door, locked it from the inside after entering, staggered upstairs to the second floor, opened the master bedroom door, and directly collapsed onto the new bed the landlord had replaced.

Here, Ciel felt relatively at ease. After all, her simulated self and sister lived here for almost a month without anything happening.

Ciel placed the canvas bag on the nearby table, took out the calming potion Avena gave her, pulled out the wooden stopper from the bottle opening, followed Avena’s instructions, poured a few drops directly into a glass of water, then drank it down in one gulp.

Soon, lying on the bed, Ciel felt a heavy wave of drowsiness. She finally stopped resisting the biological instinct to sleep desperately and fell directly into a deep slumber.

...

June 24th, 7:44 AM.

Ciel, lying prone on the bed, let out a soft moan.

She turned over, stretched her arms, slowly stretched, then opened her eyes.

A night of undisturbed sleep restored Ciel’s energy. The somewhat harsh sunlight made her rub her eyes. She slept too hastily last night and seemed to have forgotten to draw the curtains.

Ciel, rubbing her eyes, sleepily looked towards the window. A black object silhouetted against the sunlight made Ciel’s originally relaxed spirit instantly tense up.

She quickly flipped over and sat up, staring intently at the black raven at the window, tilting its head as it watched her. It was almost as long as her forearm. The tips of the raven’s huge wings supported the ground. It calmly met Ciel’s gaze, without the slightest avoidance.

The next second, a silver light flashed in Ciel’s hand. 【Deadly Blood Roland】 was already held by Ciel, aimed directly at the raven before her.

But just as Ciel was about to pull the trigger, the raven before her abruptly vanished, as if it had never appeared.

Misfortune rule... began.

Based on the timeline from the simulation notes, Lucy and Oppold should have arrived in Berren City last night or even earlier.

Today is the 24th.

Her simulated self encountered Oppold and Lucy separately at the clinic with Avena on the 24th. They didn’t appear at the same time, which avoided the disaster.

Did the misfortune rule only start locking onto her today?

If she had immediately taken her sister and left Berren City after waking up in the simulation yesterday, would none of this have happened?

Silver light flashed in Ciel’s hand. The gunblade disappeared from her hand. Her thoughts were chaotic, her heart filled with regret.

What she didn’t know was that long before Lucy was still in Ansu City, a raven had already locked onto Lucy, though Lucy was completely unaware.

And she herself was likely targeted unknowingly long ago. Only when others were drawn to Berren City did the “game” officially begin.

Ciel quickly adjusted her mentality, not dwelling further on this matter.

Since it had already happened, it meant she had no choice. All she could do was strangle the disaster in its cradle before everything happened.

Right now, Ciel had more information than the other two, possessing a first-mover advantage they lacked.

Ciel had to end all this before the other two reacted.

But attacking directly or launching a sneak attack now was unlikely.

Those two were third-tiers at their peak, currently uninjured, both mentally and physically at their peak. Ciel facing Lucy and Oppold meant certain death.

Moreover, even if she had the possibility of killing them, even if she really killed them, Ciel wasn’t sure if it would trigger the final tribulation.

The first wave of lightning pillars, the second wave of fire tornado—Ciel could barely survive relying on her own strong life-preserving abilities. If she added some potions, she could even get through with minor injuries.

But the third wave meteorite was purely flipping the table, capable of overturning the entire city of Berren. Ciel had absolutely no confidence in surviving that kind of impact—even Nia likely couldn’t escape.

Ciel didn’t think she was tougher than dinosaurs against impacts.

After drawing the curtains, Ciel sat on the edge of the bed and directly opened the system panel.

Yesterday’s mental consumption was too great; Ciel found it hard to concentrate. Now she could carefully review the gains from the last simulation.

Fate Points 38, this was indeed understandable. Ciel hadn’t personally killed anyone in the simulation. Even the system’s evaluation of Ciel was just “Assist King.” She merely indirectly facilitated the occurrence of everything.

However, spending 100 Fate Points for one simulation but only gaining 38 was indeed not cost-effective.

Ciel now had 99 Fate Points. It was hard not to suspect the system deliberately stuck it just before 100, preventing Ciel from simulating beyond 30 days.

But even if she had 100, Ciel absolutely wouldn’t dare spend it all directly—she needed to leave room for error.

Ciel looked at 【Death Reversal Lv.2】. After upgrading to Lv.2, the description of Death Reversal changed slightly.

【Death Reversal Lv.2: When you are about to die, clear all negative states, consume a large amount of spiritual power to forcibly maintain a near-death state for a short period. If spiritual power is exhausted before escaping the near-death state, then death occurs】

【If the host is annihilated during this period, consumes a large amount of spiritual power to exist as a pure spiritual body for a period, then dissipates automatically after some time】

After leveling up, even annihilation allows survival for a period?

Ciel didn’t know what this pure spiritual body was yet. At least, it didn’t seem very useful to Ciel, and it still consumed a large amount of spiritual power. Ciel’s current spiritual power couldn’t withstand such consumption.

Temporarily skipping this, Ciel looked at the third reward she obtained.

Points Mall unlocked 【Basic Disciplines】 store?

-

Ciel exited the skills interface and opened the Points Mall.

The items displayed in the mall were still the ones Ciel obtained in previous simulations. In the last simulation, she was directly blasted to smithereens, not even clothing fragments remained, so naturally, nothing new was added.

However, Ciel found a new tab on the far right of the filter list, labeled 【Basic Disciplines】.

Generally, the system rewards based on what she did in the simulation. Opening 【Basic Disciplines】, what did she do in the simulation?

Ciel directly opened the Basic Disciplines tab. Three sections appeared before Ciel’s eyes.

【【Basic Disciplines】】

【Medicine (Learnable): 1 Fate Point】

【Law (Learnable): 1 Fate Point】

【Gardening (Learnable): 1 Fate Point】

【Cooking (Learnable): 1 Fate Point】

Medicine, Law, and Gardening?

Law, Ciel could understand. She herself planned to study law at Ansu United University.

Where did Medicine come from? And where did Gardening come from?

Subconsciously, Ciel indeed had no impression, but after recalling her simulation diary, Ciel understood.

Ciel in the simulation had written in her notes that she planned to try the “Physician” path, so she was learning medical knowledge from Adele, but later gave up due to misfortune.

And Gardening, naturally, was learned through osmosis while spending time with Amy.

As for Cooking, Ciel already knew how.

So, things done by her simulated self would be recorded?

“System, what’s the use of spending points on these?” Ciel asked the system inwardly.

Every Fate Point was precious. Without clarifying the specific effects, Ciel wouldn’t waste these points casually.

Soon, the system’s dialogue interface appeared before Ciel.

【Within 【Basic Disciplines】 are all basic subjects related to the transcendent, but not transcendent themselves, that the host has initially encountered. After purchasing, the host automatically obtains Lv.1 in that subject and can spend points to upgrade】

【Upgrading the subject level in 【Basic Disciplines】 does not directly grant knowledge, but each level increase enhances the host’s 【Aptitude】 and 【Inspiration】 for that subject, helping the host learn the subject quickly】

Looking at the system’s explanation, Ciel understood the function of the 【Basic Disciplines】 points.

【Basic Disciplines】 contained basic knowledge unrelated to the transcendent. Spending points could improve Ciel’s comprehension and learning ability in that subject.

Meaning, if Ciel wanted to quickly advance in the “Physician” path during a simulation, she just needed to level up the 【Medicine】 subject, and she could learn the knowledge required to become a “Physician” at an extremely fast speed...

This could accelerate the speed at which she completed Reconstitution Rituals for other paths.

Although not apparent now, Ciel could feel this was a very useful ability.

This could allow her to quickly complete some Reconstitution Rituals that would otherwise require a lot of time... such as “Physician,” which required a solid medical foundation, or “Blood Painter,” which required good drawing skills, and “Musician,” which required singing, rhythm, and music theory.

However, 【Basic Disciplines】 only included subjects related to the transcendent... Why was Cooking included?

Ciel thought carefully but couldn’t find any corresponding path.

Whose path relies on cooking?

Could it be the 1 from the 15 minus 1 that she still didn’t know?

Or was it a subsequent path for some existing ones?

Uh... Surely not “Butcher” or “Coroner,” right?

Somehow, Ciel connected these two paths related to corpses and killing with cooking.

Ciel shook her head, temporarily abandoning these thoughts. She hadn’t decided which path to take next, so she didn’t make a choice for now.

She currently had potions for “Blood Painter,” “Adventurer,” “Detective,” “Butcher,” and “Coroner.” She didn’t need the current 【Basic Disciplines】 yet. The most likely option now was to spend points on Medicine, then find Adele in the simulation to exchange for a “Physician” potion.

Ciel closed the Points Mall page and opened the simulation interface.

The simulation times for “Past Days” and “Future Days” were the main factors determining Ciel’s next actions.

A screen unfolded before Ciel.

【Future Days: 5 Days (Holy Year 741, June 29th, 12:58) (Cost: 10 Fate Points)】

【Past Days: 24 Days (Holy Year 741, May 31st, 8:55) (Cost: 10 Fate Points)】

【Old Days: ***, *** Days (???) (Cost: 10000 Fate Points)】

Five days later, twenty-four days ago...

The number of days for Past Days simulation didn’t exceed 30, so it only consumed 10 Fate Points.

Twenty-four days ago, what could I do to break the situation?

Five days later... The preparation time left for her simulated self was somewhat tight, plus the restriction of the misfortune rule...

Knock knock knock—

Just as Ciel was thinking, the sound of the doorbell ringing and knocking came from downstairs.

Who?

Ciel stood up, hands hanging by her sides, ready to summon 【Deadly Blood Roland】 at any moment.

She walked downstairs, reached the living room, stood behind the door, and asked, “Who is it?”

“Miss Ciel, sorry to disturb you. I am Milady Avena’s butler. There is an urgent letter here that needs to be delivered personally into your hands.” An old but resonant voice sounded from outside the door.

Ciel opened the door, saw the old butler standing there, nodded at him, then reached out and took the thick envelope handed over.

From Avena?

Is this the translation of those few lines of Old Ansu script?

Ciel thanked the butler for his trouble, took the envelope, closed the door, then walked upstairs.

She sat down at the wooden table, broke the wax seal on the envelope, took out the several sheets of fully written letter paper inside, along with a large stack of 5 Su pound banknotes.

5 Su pounds was a relatively common highest denomination banknote in Ansu. And because the denomination was relatively low, it wasn’t easily targeted by ill-intentioned people when used.

Ciel put down the Su pounds, picked up the letter paper, and began reading.

【Dear Ciel:】

【Hope this letter finds you well. No time for pleasantries. The Old Ansu script I copied yesterday has been translated. Details attached】

Translated? So quickly?

Did she stay up all night translating after we parted?

Ciel continued reading.