Mystery: But the Witch's Path

Altair returned to the second floor and entered the room, where he saw Eileen massaging Vivian.

Upon seeing him enter, Vivian said cheerfully, "You're back. How did the banquet go today?"

As Altair approached, he said, "Not bad. Nothing much to do today? You usually wouldn't be back at this time."

Vivian chuckled twice and said, "It's all thanks to you. The industrial zone is in chaos right now, and no one will investigate if a few people die. I've just let those little guys go hunting on their own, so I don't need to clean up their messes."

Altair asked in surprise, "This time, the Witch Cult is offering 'assassins' at a discount?"

As Vivian helped Altair undress, she said, "It's the Gnostic Society. Because there's disagreement among members of the Witch Cult, they've involved subordinate organizations this time. The Witch Cult doesn't publicly acknowledge this plan."

After removing the corset and crinoline, Altair felt her body freed from its constraints and relaxed. She said, "Although the Gnostic Society is related to the Witch Cult, they are not in a superior-subordinate relationship. It's just a training facility that you and others have established. I really don't understand which faction you belong to, being both a member of the Witch Cult and the Gnostic Society."

Vivian patted his chest and laughed, "Actually, I haven't joined any faction, not even my witch lineage. All this hard work is for the 'High Sequence' extraordinary trait."

After saying that, Vivian couldn't help but shake her head, and then explained, "The materials for the Assassin's Path are basically monopolized by the Witch Cult. This means that if you want to advance, you can only obtain materials by completing tasks."

Altair asked curiously, "Have you finished digesting it and are you ready to advance to Sequence Five, 'Witch of Pain'?"

"It's not that simple," Vivian retorted. "Even with you helping me digest the information every day, it's impossible to advance this quickly. At the current rate, I need to continue playing the role for at least another three months."

"Besides, I haven't prepared the materials yet, so it's hard to say when I'll advance."

Altair was very curious and asked, "Aren't there any high-sequence materials that have been lost to the world? Can't they be purchased through trade?"

Vivian thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "There are some, but they are very difficult to trade. Firstly, it's to ensure that the materials don't flow back to the Witch Cult, and secondly, high-sequence materials are extremely valuable, so they are generally not used for trading."

This is indeed true. While money can buy things, it also depends on whether the other party is willing to sell. If they don't want to sell, no amount of money will help.

Fortunately, Altair set additional conditions for them during the cooperation negotiations, hoping to conduct an extraordinary trait trade. In a couple of days, they can go and conduct an extraordinary trait trade with Uncle Rafe and his group.

These families have been established for at least several hundred years, and after so many years, they should possess high-sequence characteristics. Even if they can't use them themselves, they'll likely collect them and see if they can be traded later.

This turmoil has allowed Altair to fully digest the 'Instigator' potion, but he hasn't chosen to advance yet. Vivian is happy with his actions and hasn't tempted him to take the 'Witch' potion.

After a moment of pleasure, Vivian, panting, nestled against Altair's chest and asked, "Shouldn't we, before you advance in rank, leave a child?"

Altair stroked Vivian's hair, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's not. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. We're already in a precarious situation; having another child would undoubtedly increase the risks."

Vivian nodded and sighed, "If only we were both ordinary people."

Altair did not reply to this. If they were both ordinary people, they probably would never have met, let alone fallen in love.

........

The next day, everyone was busy with their own affairs, except for Altair, who sat alone in his study reading.

It wasn't until nearly noon that Altair finished his studies for the day, casually dismissed the spiritual book, and prepared to leave.

Looking up, he saw a priest dressed in a simple white robe, with a thick, light-gold beard that covered the lower half of his face, and golden eyes as clear and innocent as a baby's. The priest smiled and nodded gently at him, his tone gentle, making him feel no hostility or wariness whatsoever.

"Good morning, Ms. Altair or Mr. Lucius. Very impressive. Were you just looking at 'Fundamentals of Mechanical Design'?"

When Altair saw him, he panicked and thought, "Damn, I've run into the boss right at the start." After calming himself down, he smiled and asked, "What is your name, Father? I don't recall any other denominations dressing like you."

"Just call me Adam," the blond priest introduced with a smile, but then added, "I think I don't really need to introduce myself, since I can tell from your reaction that you should know me."

Altair's expression instantly fell, and he pursed his lips, indicating he wasn't going to laugh. He said, "I know a little bit. May I ask what business Mr. Adam has with me?"

"And when did you first observe me?"

In response to Altair's question, Adam maintained his smile and said calmly and gently, "After you created the new weapon, I didn't initially doubt you. After all, given the development of the times, people like you would inevitably appear in this era."

"But the system you subsequently built the factory and established confirmed my identity about you."

After listening to Adam's words, Altair smiled wryly and said, "So, I have still revealed my differences from this era."

Adam smiled and nodded: "Although you are trying your best to hide it, you don't belong here after all. No matter how much you hide it, you can't change the fact."

Altair lowered his head in thought. Indeed, no matter how hard he tried to hide it, he couldn't change the fact that he wasn't from this era.

While Altair was still pondering, Adam explained, "I've already covered for you to some extent. Make them think you're an innocent child. Don't worry about the subsequent identity issues; only your contemporaries will discover them."

Looking at Adam, whose expression remained unchanged, Altair asked, "What price do I need to pay, and what is the purpose of your visit to me?"

"It seems you've adapted to the rules of this world." Adam thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "I need you to do something for me when I need it. Don't worry, it won't go against your wishes."

"As for the purpose, it's just to have a meeting in advance."