Chapter 84: How Did I End Up in Bed?

How Did I End Up in Bed?

【Reality】

【Saint Year 741, June 20, 16:05】

【Evaluation: Ho ho ho, you got kills just by sitting there, amazing^^】

【You’ve learned how to utilize the “Other Side,” effortlessly killing seven transcendents and blasting off the head of a second-tier transcendent with one shot... Pity, that doesn’t count as punching above your weight.】

【However, your actions have attracted the attention of many “Other Side” entities. They are very interested in you...】

【Take it, you deserve this based on your performance.】

【Reward: Fate Points × 26, 【Dexterity Lv.2】, 【Charm Lv.2】, 【Spiritual Summoning Lv.1】】

【Fate Points: 80】

【Spiritual Summoning: By sacrificing certain items, you can attempt to summon a low-tier spiritual entity from that world who is interested in you. They will not be hostile to the summoner, but their abilities are often unpredictable.】

Ciel slowly opened her eyes, her body instinctively curling up as if in a spasm.

The system screen displayed the results, but Ciel stared blankly, taking a long moment before slowly uncurling her body.

The phantom pain from being stabbed through the heart and disemboweled seemed etched into her nerves. Even though she was unharmed now, she felt waves of illusory agony.

It was like someone who had lost their arms years ago still feeling intense pain in limbs that no longer existed.

To distract herself, Ciel shifted into a more comfortable position, lying down on the sofa and reading the text on the system panel.

26 points rewarded... not too much, not too little, slightly less than Ciel expected.

It seemed her final shot at Kitty didn’t truly count as defeating someone above her tier.

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Dexterity had increased.

Once the phantom pain subsided slightly, Ciel tried lying prone on the sofa, slowly pushing herself up with her arms.

A standard push-up, effortless.

Next, Ciel attempted more difficult movements, including one-handed push-ups and planche holds, completing them easily.

Of course, her relatively low weight and height contributed to making these movements easier.

She felt a significant increase in her body coordination and strength, but she couldn’t test her overall agility at the moment.

Ciel sat back down on the sofa and looked at the remaining skill upgrades.

【Charm】 had reached level 2. Like 【Art of Conversation】 or 【Calm Mind】, this improvement wasn’t immediately noticeable.

Besides, according to the system’s previous description, increased 【Charm】 didn’t significantly affect ordinary people. Its greatest impact was on humans with transcendent traits and certain spiritual beings.

Ciel looked at the last skill she obtained. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

【Spiritual Summoning】

Sacrifice items to summon low-tier spiritual beings from the Other Side for help?

What exactly needed to be sacrificed? What were low-tier spiritual beings?

As if hearing Ciel’s silent questions, a screen appeared before her.

【Any item with transcendent traits can be sacrificed, including but not limited to various spiritual materials, transcendent flesh and blood, or sealed artifacts.】

【Spiritual beings do not have a specific uniform appearance. Rest assured, only spiritual beings favorably disposed towards the Host and incapable of harming the Host will be summoned.】

Sacrifice items with transcendent traits or the flesh and blood of transcendents...

That didn’t sound very friendly.

“Is each summon random?” Ciel asked inwardly.

If the summoned spiritual being was random every time, the skill would be somewhat useless.

A previous summon might yield a powerful entity helpful to Ciel, but there would be no guarantee of summoning it again in the next battle.

Highly unstable.

【Low-tier spiritual beings possess almost no cognitive ability or memory, but most have preferences for different sacrificial offerings. If the Host masters their patterns and preferences, targeted summoning is largely achievable.】

That sounds... like summoning an evil god.

Sacrifice specific items to summon them for assistance.

Ciel decided to try this ability in the next simulation. Since it was a simulation, she wouldn’t lose anything regardless of what she sacrificed.

Like in the previous simulation, with so many transcendent corpses lying around, if she had possessed this ability then, she could have experimented.

She wondered what kind of entity would be summoned from the flesh and blood of so many transcendents.

Ciel glanced at the current time—just past four in the afternoon.

At five o’clock in the simulation, she had made her first diary entry, noting Avena’s secret plan to contact Adele and report the cult together.

Avena would likely approach her soon to discuss involving Adele. Now that Ciel knew the danger, she would naturally prevent them from reporting it in reality.

Moreover, regardless of whether Avena reported it or not, in two days, a third-tier “Radiance Bishop” from the Divine Advent Church would arrive on the outskirts of Berren City to meet with Kitty at Deton Manor.

Ciel didn’t know the purpose of the “Radiance Bishop’s” visit, nor their subsequent plans.

If events unfolded according to the timeline where Ciel wasn’t involved, Kitty would likely present her plan to utilize Adele to the Bishop.

Kitty was probably already investigating Adele’s role in writing Sherlon’s papers. Depending on how far the investigation had progressed, if Ciel didn’t intervene, Adele would likely be captured and taken to Deton Manor on the morning of the 22nd.

Ciel had spent too much time with Avena and Adele recently. If the “Radiance Bishop” ordered Kitty to investigate thoroughly, Ciel, who had been in frequent contact with them, would likely be discovered soon.

Before the “Radiance Bishop” arrived, she had to ensure, by any means necessary, that Kitty took her secrets to the grave.

The best method Ciel could think of was to sacrifice Kitty’s flesh and blood to a spiritual being, erasing her existence entirely.

To guarantee the success of this plan, Ciel needed strength comparable to Kitty’s.

Even if she couldn’t match her evenly, she needed to be able to gain a significant advantage through an ambush.

Therefore, she had to run another simulation, promote the “Avenger” save file to the second-tier “Judicator,” and refine her plan.

If she gained the ability to transform into a second-tier transcendent, she would have enough confidence to approach Uris in reality.

Knock, knock, knock—

As Ciel contemplated her next steps, a knock sounded at her door.

As expected, it was Avena, coming to discuss her plan.

Ciel got up, walked to the door, opened it, and saw Avena standing outside, now changed into a simple dark gray dress.

Though intended to be plain, the exquisite gold-embroidered black lace still hinted at the garment’s considerable expense.

“Ciel,” Avena raised her hand, adjusting the thin gold-rimmed glasses on her nose expressionlessly. “I have a plan I need to discuss with you.”

Ciel reached out, pulled Avena into the room, closed the door, leaned in close, and whispered in her ear, “Don’t go looking for Adele.”

“Huh?”

Ciel’s swift actions caught Avena off guard. Holding her breath, she leaned back slightly, putting some distance between them before calmly asking, “Wh-why?”

Ciel: “I just received intelligence. Any action you take now could lead to unimaginable danger.”

Ciel thought for a moment but decided against telling Avena about the “Radiance Bishop’s” arrival on the 23rd.

She still had tasks to complete in subsequent simulations and didn’t need Avena introducing more variables for now.

“Is it that dangerous?” Avena was taken aback by Ciel’s serious expression. Her earlier lighthearted mood vanished. “Am I in mortal danger?”

“Yes,” Ciel nodded. “Nia might be able to protect you, but I advise you not to take the risk.”

“What about Adele?” Avena asked curiously. “She doesn’t have a bodyguard.”

Avena wasn’t close enough to Adele to risk her life for her, but if there was a chance to warn her and help her escape, she would.

“My intelligence network will handle it,” Ciel shook her head. “If necessary, they will inform Uris at the Church of the Savior Goddess and ask her to protect Adele.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Avena asked.

This concerned her safety too. If Ciel and her network resolved the entire situation without her involvement, she would owe Ciel another immense debt.

Two life-saving favors—she didn’t know how she could ever repay them.

What Avena didn’t know was that she had already helped considerably, just only within the simulations.

“Not at the moment.” Ciel thought for a moment, then added, “If I do need your help, I’ll let you know.”

“...Alright.” Avena nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Ciel. “If there’s anything I can do, please inform me immediately. Just come straight into my room.”

After saying this, Avena opened the door and left Ciel’s room.

Shortly after Avena left, Ciel sat back down on the sofa and opened the simulation interface.

Since she was prepared to complete the Reconstitution Ritual, everything was ready; she just needed the right opportunity.

Now, she could only hope the simulation timing would cooperate and not drop her into some abstract, inconvenient point in time.

Past simulations were mostly out of the question now, as they would likely place her at a time before she obtained the “Judicator” potion. Therefore, the simulation time almost had to be in the future.

Preferably before the 22nd.

The simulation interface unfolded before her, her gaze fixed on the future simulation option.

【Future: 12h (Saint Year 741, June 21, 4:05 AM) (Cost: 10 Fate Points)】

12 hours later?

Perfect timing.

Ciel breathed a silent sigh of relief.

She hadn’t been overly worried, though. If the random time had been later, she could have used the simulation to drink other potions whose rituals she had already completed, like “Instigator.”

It wouldn’t waste the simulation attempt, and she still had one re-roll dice saved, though she wouldn’t use it unless absolutely necessary.

As for the past simulation, she glanced at it—it was set for the 17th, three days ago.

At that point, Ciel had no abilities, let alone the “Judicator” potion. She naturally ignored this option.

“Future, No.2.” Ciel thought silently.

With only 12 hours, she didn’t bother leaving any instructions for her future self in the notebook.

Contacting Uris had to be done as the “Avenger,” and she needed the Radiance Bishop’s letter. Approaching Uris as an ordinary person, only to suddenly become the “Avenger” after the simulation began, would be difficult to explain.

All necessary intelligence had been gathered. Now, she just needed her future self not to do anything reckless.

A blinding silver light enveloped Ciel’s vision, her consciousness detaching from her body...

...

【Future】

【Saint Year 741, June 21, 4:05 AM】

【Countdown – 23:59:59】

Ciel slowly opened her eyes.

Pitch black darkness surrounded her. She could feel the soft mattress beneath her and a faint, familiar scent lingering in the air.

I just told you not to investigate, and you decided to take a nap instead?

But Ciel couldn’t really complain. If it were her with nothing to do, she probably would have done the same.

Doing more means more chances for mistakes. Maintaining the status quo is often best.

Ciel turned over, preparing to push herself up from the mattress, but her hand brushed against something soft.

What is this?

“Mmm...”

A soft murmur came from beneath Ciel, startling her. She quickly pulled her hand back, scrambling backward several steps, nearly falling off the bed.

A rustling sound came from where Ciel had touched. With a soft click, a small bedside lamp flickered on, illuminating the scene before Ciel.

This is...

As Ciel stared dumbfounded, Avena sat up beside the pillows.

She wore a pale yellow silk nightgown trimmed with white lace. Her left hand braced against the soft mattress, while her right pulled the blanket up to cover her chest.

Avena could no longer maintain her usual stoic expression. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she bit her lip, staring intently at Ciel.

“This... why are you in my bed?” Ciel asked, then immediately realized something was wrong.

Though the light was dim and soft, Ciel could faintly discern from the headboard decorations that this room was much more exquisitely furnished than her guest room.

It wasn’t Avena in her bed—it was Ciel lying in Avena’s bed.

Instantly, Ciel roughly understood what must have happened.

Her simulated self had definitely played a prank on her.

So what exactly is the situation now?

Ciel glanced around but didn’t see her notebook anywhere—she hadn’t brought it with her.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” Ciel apologized instantly, without hesitation. After a moment of silence, she still had to ask, “Why was I sleeping here?”

By now, Avena seemed to have calmed down slightly, though a trace of pink remained on her cheeks. She took a shallow breath and said, “You don’t remember?”

Avena felt... that the Ciel before her was somewhat strange.

Not just her hair and clothes—though the face was Ciel’s, her overall demeanor felt vastly different.

The previous Ciel had seemed more reserved, speaking slowly and deliberately.

But this Ciel appeared more assertive, even somewhat rougher in her movements. Her words seemed tinged with impatience.

If it weren’t for the familiar, beautiful face, Avena might have thought she was a different person entirely.

And most importantly, Ciel... had forgotten what she had done?

Was this the kind of mistake the meticulous Ciel would make? They had only been lying together for less than five hours.

As if testing something, Avena pulled the blanket tighter around herself, drew her knees up, and hugged them.

According to the notes of other “Psychologists,” this was a defensive posture.

Seeing Avena suddenly fall silent and curl up without answering her question, Ciel felt bewildered.

Although her simulated self could be a little rebellious...

She wouldn’t go this far, would she...?

I... seem to have actually done something to her...

A wave of guilt washed over Ciel. She crawled a few steps closer to Avena, placed a hand on her shoulder, and said, “I... I didn’t mean to.”

What did I do?

Only then did Avena slowly raise her head. Her dark purple eyes shimmered slightly. She looked at Ciel and asked expressionlessly, “Who are you?”

“I...”

In Ciel’s eyes, the bed, the lamp, even Avena herself began to blur. The only thing coming into sharp focus, rapidly expanding in her vision, were Avena’s dark purple pupils.

Suddenly, a cool sensation washed over Ciel’s mind, like a mild electric shock. Her previously unfocused pupils snapped instantly into focus.

It’s the “Listener’s” ability!

A black shadow instantly shot out from behind Ciel, lunging towards Avena, restraining her from behind. The shadow’s hand clamped tightly over Avena’s mouth.

Ciel reached up with her bandaged hand and rubbed her temples. Only now did she feel the intense dizziness flooding her mind.

“Listener” was the opposite path to “Instigator.” Caught completely off guard, Ciel had just been hypnotized by Avena.

The realization sent a shiver down Ciel’s spine.

If Avena had used this hypnotic ability on the ordinary Ciel in reality, as long as Avena didn’t intend to harm her, she could bypass the Eye of Order contract entirely and secretly hypnotize Ciel, making her do anything.

Even if 【Calm Mind】 allowed Ciel to realize it, as long as she couldn’t control Avena, Avena could keep trying to hypnotize her until Ciel no longer had the mental energy to activate 【Calm Mind】.

“Listen, Avena.” Ciel spoke soothingly. “I am Ciel. It’s just that the situation is a bit complicated to explain right now. I mean you no harm.”

“Mmph mmph...” Avena mumbled something through the shadow’s hand.

Ciel controlled the shadow to loosen its grip slightly, allowing Avena to speak.

“Then why don’t you remember how you ended up here?” Avena looked at Ciel. “And, you’re a transcendent... I checked many times, Ciel couldn’t possibly be a transcendent.”

This question silenced Ciel completely.

How should I explain? That I traveled from the future to help Ciel?

There were still tasks waiting for Ciel to complete. Impatience brewed in her mind, feeling like the fire in her chest was rising rapidly.

Ciel knew the potion was influencing her, but the more she tried to suppress the feeling and calm down, the louder the indistinct whispers grew in her mind.

Ciel crawled a step closer to Avena. Simultaneously, the shadow restraining Avena shifted, covering Avena’s back and forcefully pinning her down onto the bed.

“You answer my question first.” Ciel took a deep breath, trying hard to control her emotions.

Even while restrained, Avena didn’t feel much panic.

She knew Nia was nearby. If she were harmed in any way, Nia would arrive instantly.

Lying immobilized on the bed, Avena looked at Ciel for a long moment before slowly speaking, “I thought our rooms were too far apart. If something happened to you, Nia might not be able to reach you in time.”

“So I asked you to sleep in my room with me, and you agreed...”

Ciel looked around the room, then called out, “Nia!”

After a moment, the door to the servant’s room on the other side opened, and Nia, clad in silver-white armor, emerged and took in the scene.

“Watch Avena. Don’t let her wander off.”

After instructing Nia, Ciel released her control over Avena, immediately rolled off the bed, and headed towards the door.

Only after Ciel had closed the door and left did Avena sit up again, leaning against the headboard, exchanging glances with Nia who stood nearby.

“What took you so long to come out?” Avena asked Nia.

“I... didn’t sense any danger,” Nia hesitated for a moment, her voice muffled by the armor’s metallic resonance. “So I didn’t intend to interrupt your... good time?”

“It’s nothing, you can go back.” Avena shook her head, gazing towards the direction Ciel had left.

I answered first, but Ciel left without answering my question...

Avena noticed a significant change in Ciel, especially her much stronger personality. She even touched her...

Avena looked down at her chest, a flicker of confusion in her mind.

Normally, if someone touched her private areas, she would definitely be angry.

But for some reason, she didn’t feel any revulsion towards Ciel’s touch.

Could it be that she liked it?

Avena sat there, beginning to doubt herself.

She probably wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

Meanwhile, Ciel had already returned to her own room and retrieved her “Judicator” potion.

She left Avena’s estate and hurried towards the “Good Night Inn.”

Upon entering the central district, she leaped onto the rooftops, darting between buildings.

【Dexterity Lv.2】 made her body feel lighter and more reliable than she had imagined. She moved across the rooftops without pause, using her shadow to leap across wide gaps between buildings.

It was as if she had become a top-tier parkour master overnight.

Ciel estimated that with just one more level up to Lv.3, her agility and strength would likely surpass the limits of ordinary humans.

Soon, Ciel reached her destination. She vaulted down from the roof, descended along the window frames level by level, and finally clung to the outside of Room 202’s window.

She slowly slid the window open and slipped inside.

The candlelight inside flickered. Two white shadows, having already heard the noise, stood waiting, blocking her path.

“Who’s there?”

From the bed, Uris, with her long silver-white hair, looked alertly towards the window. She wore a pure white cotton nightgown, her expression slightly dazed, as if just woken up.

“Saint Year 739, January 17th.”

Ciel looked at the figure on the bed and spoke directly. “You told me that if I encountered you and said this date, you would believe everything I said afterward.”

Hearing this date, High Priest Uris trembled slightly, her confusion deepening. She simply raised her hand, dismissing the two white shadows, and asked, “You...”

“I saw you in the Goddess’s divine oracle. This is the code you gave me, the day you lost the light, High Priest Uris.”

Ciel fell back on her tried-and-true tactic—impersonating a Saintess.

Hearing this, Uris stopped questioning. After a moment of silence, she asked, “What happened?”

Ciel raised her hand directly. A silver light flashed, and a letter appeared in her grasp. This letter, used multiple times before, proved useful once again.

“I need your help to destroy a Divine Advent Church stronghold and complete my ‘Judicator’ Reconstitution Ritual.” Ciel stated calmly.