Chapter 40: The “Infectiousness” of Parasitism

Chapter 40: The “Infectiousness” of Parasitism

So Mr. Fool also has authority in the domain of Concealment… Leonard immediately came to a realization. He understood why the Old Man had specifically mentioned the protection of Concealment.

Before Leonard could respond, Klein added,

“Also, tell Pallez Zoroast that Amon most likely knows there is an angel of the Marauder pathway hidden around the Böklund Street area.”

This… Leonard’s pupils widened, and he blurted out,

“How would He know that?”

That isn’t very convenient to tell you… Klein muttered inwardly. Then he spoke with great seriousness:

“I am not Amon.”

“You inferred it from some of His actions and words?” Leonard instinctively asked in return.

No, I “told” Him… Klein chuckled, which counted as an answer.

As expected… Leonard nodded inwardly.

“No problem. I’ll pass it on to the Old Man.”

He paused, then asked,

“You want to wait for Him to come up with a specific plan?”

Klein gave a soft “mm.”

“When it comes to understanding Amon and the Marauder pathway, very few existences are stronger than Him.”

Having said that, and having already deduced that Amon would not come to Böklund Street for some time, he calmly added,

“There is no need to respond urgently. Give me feedback tomorrow at the Tarot Gathering.”

Looks like the matter is not extremely urgent yet… Leonard interpreted the most important piece of information from Klein’s words and nodded slightly.

“All right. We can discuss the details at tomorrow’s Tarot Gathering.”

Once this matter was settled, Klein immediately rose and bowed toward the position where the Door of Light was located.

“Mr. Fool, we are finished.”

Leonard had just stood up as well, and before he could make any movement, his vision blurred. Surging crimson starlight completely enveloped him.

When he came back to his senses, he had already returned to the sparse woodland on the outskirts of the North Borough.

“Is there anything you need to pass on to me?” Pallez Zoroast’s slightly aged voice sounded right after.

Leonard cleared his throat.

“Klein told me that he is a favored one of Concealment and can try praying for help.”

“A favored one of Concealment. As expected…” Pallez sighed. “Tell him that as long as he can truly pray for the protection of Concealment, I am willing to provide help in matters like dealing with Amon and finding all of His avatars hidden in Backlund.”

Leonard was not surprised by that answer. He gave a “heh” and said,

“Old Man, you aren’t as weak as you say you are!”

Pallez Zoroast was not angered at all. He laughed.

“Haven’t you read Quotations from Roselle? I remember there’s a saying in it: ‘A starving camel is still bigger than a horse.’”

“That depends on the breed of horse and the breed of camel,” Leonard instinctively retorted. Then he asked instead, “Old Man, how should we deal with Amon? Do you plan to use yourself as bait?”

“Cough!” Pallez answered in irritation. “If that happens, what you will face will be Amon’s main body, not an avatar. At that point, a war between gods will most likely be triggered. I might still have a chance to escape. As for you, perhaps you won’t even be able to return to Evernight’s dark heavenly kingdom.”

“…” Leonard could only respond with an embarrassed smile.

Pallez Zoroast continued,

“Unlike similar abilities from other pathways, Amon’s avatars can rapidly strengthen themselves by absorbing Beyonder characteristics of the Marauder pathway, splitting out more Worms of Time and parasitizing different living creatures. As long as there are enough Beyonder characteristics, this process can continue indefinitely…”

“Isn’t that like the spread of a plague?” Leonard once again felt a chill run down his back.

If there were enough Beyonder characteristics of the Marauder pathway, Amon’s avatars could develop from parasitizing one person to parasitizing everyone in an entire city!

“More or less.” Pallez Zoroast affirmed Leonard’s guess and sighed. “If you want to…