Lynne knew neither of these messengers was reliable. This wouldn't do! They had to be combined.
Lynne quickly turned his attention to the Turtle King, who had managed to shuffle forward by a whopping ten centimeters.
...
Minutes later.
Lynne dusted off his hands, gazing contentedly at the Void Leaper, which he had forcibly stuffed inside the Turtle King's shell.
The principle was quite simple. There was ample space within the Turtle King's shell, and the Void Leaper had a physique that was flexible yet prone to sudden death. Shoving it into the shell and pulling its limbs out through the openings created a unique fusion.
In a way, they achieved a sort of combined evolution. The Void Leaping Turtle!
Balancing the speed of the Void Leaper with the defense of the Turtle King, the speed might have been somewhat reduced due to the added weight, but the defense capabilities were significantly enhanced.
No longer would there be fears of the Void Leaper crashing at high speeds and killing itself. But for extra precaution, Lynne implemented some additional safeguards. He sealed off any excess openings in the shell. This way, there was no risk of the Void Leaper moving too swiftly and flinging the Turtle King out!
"Embark!" Lynne patted the heads of the two creatures squished together, saying sternly: "Turtle, you're in charge of safely delivering the letter to the recipient. Leaper, you're responsible for quickly transporting the Turtle to the recipient's location. I believe that once combined, you two will undoubtedly become a refreshing change in the messenger realm!"
With a slap on the turtle's shell, he commanded: "Depart!"
A resounding boom!
In the blink of an eye, the Void Leaping Turtle blasted a massive hole in the wall, vanishing into the black mist with unimaginable speed.
Without any delay, Lynne sat down, taking up his quill with a serious and solemn expression, and began writing his second letter.
[Dear Master],
[It's me... your apprentice, Lynne... I can't hold on much longer. I'm dying... my body's bleeding, my brain matter's spilling out... I feel like I'm about to split open...]
[Despite your warnings... they were too strong... those wretched beings have smashed our store, torched our sign, and assaulted your favorite disciple...]
[Master, my time is near, but my mind is still filled with your last instructions. I failed to protect our store, I let you down. Yet, on the brink of death, my only thought is...]
[Are you still alive?]
[I've spent my last bit of strength and coins to hire this messenger. I'm not sure if this letter will reach you, but I need to tell you...]
[Once a master, always a father. On this day next year, please... do not forget to mourn your apprentice.]
[Your dying disciple who still yearns for you, Lynne.]
Tears almost welled up in Lynne's eyes as he was moved by his own words. Quickly sealing the letter, he replicated the method to conjure a second Void Leaping Turtle.
With a slap on the shell, the messenger zoomed away with urgency.
Lynne gazed solemnly at the exit, murmuring, "Now, it's a race against time."
...
Several hours later.
Amidst a vast temple complex on the Edge Lands, a grand ceremony of unparalleled scale was underway.
This realm belonged to one of the Seventy-Two Dark World Kings, the Unihorn Ghost King. Led by him, the Unihorn Ghosts held significant renown across the many realms of the Abyss.
It was no surprise given that a King-level being in the Dark World was a fearsome existence, second only to the Origin-level creatures. For this reason, the Unihorn Ghosts thrived within the Dark World.
Although, among the Seventy-Two Kings, his strength ranked towards the end. Yet even the highest-ranking Kings hesitated to provoke this clan. All elite beings knew that the three Origin-level Headhunters that ruled the Dark World had, in their past lives, been close allies with him. And so, the Unihorn Ghosts rose to become one of the premier powers within the Dark World.
"Brother Titan, your acceptance of my invitation has truly humbled me," exclaimed the Unihorn Ghost King, standing proudly with a goblet in hand, twice his size. He toasted to the three massive skulls seated in the temple's primary position. "Three thousand years! Having you briefly with us again, dear brother, calls for a toast!"
He tilted his head back, gulping down the goblet's blood-wine contents in hearty swigs.
On either side, many Unihorn Ghosts hoisted fresh corpses, reverently and fervently pouring the blood into vessels before the three headhunters.
These were freshly slaughtered offerings. And if Lynne had been present, he would've instantly recognized, among the three large skulls, the relatively petite one was Little, whom he had treated for a dental check-up not long ago.
"Ding——"
Little opened her massive jaws, revealing a set of gleaming teeth, which struck terror into the Unihorn Ghosts below.
"So shiny!"
The Unihorn Ghost King exclaimed, giving Little a thumbs-up, "I didn't expect my niece to become even more radiant and captivating since our last encounter!"
Beside Little, a clearly discernible, enormous female skull let out a rush of tentacles from its gaping mouth. They rapidly ensnared the fresh corpses from the vessel and began chewing vigorously. She revealed a sinister grin, her eyes oscillating between chaotic flares and moments of clarity.
"She—found—a—doctor— made my daughter—so pleased—"
Copious amounts of blood streamed from between her teeth, drenching the temple with an overpowering scent of gore.
In contrast, the even more massive skull at the center remained eerily silent. Its gaze, when compared to the two beside it, appeared even more tumultuous, occasionally pierced with fleeting malicious intent.
Only on rare occasions did a glimmer of lucidity shine through that chaotic gaze. If it weren't for that hint of clarity, the mere malignant and frenzied aura it emitted could drive the surrounding Unihorn Ghosts to madness.
"Sister-in-law, how fares my big brother?" the Unihorn Ghost King asked tentatively.
The massive female skull cackled with malice, "He's full of regrets—being decapitated back then—it was malevolence and curses that allowed him to persist in this Dark World— He's constantly consumed by the thought—to rise and seek vengeance—hahaha—to rise and attack—"
With a swishing sound, terrifying tentacles suddenly erupted from the titan skull's neck, malevolently wrapping around the female skull's cheek, relentlessly tearing and assailing.
"I wasn't defeated—it was you, vile witch—it's the curse—the curse you've brought upon us!"
Large chunks of flesh from the woman's face had been torn away, yet the smile that remained was ever more vivid and malicious.
"Ha ha ha— You, a powerless god— You can't defeat them— Only taking out your anger on your own woman— Hee hee ha ha ha— If not for the curse— Heh heh— You'd be nothing but dried bones now— A madman— Ha ha ha hee hee—"
That chaotic and terrifying tearing and frenzied assault lasted for several minutes. All the Unihorn Ghosts within the temple watched, their hearts filled with fear, trembling uncontrollably.
It wasn't until the clarity in Its eyes gradually balanced out the chaos that It finally began to calm down.
Unihorn Ghost King couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. For if his big brother truly lost control at that moment, their entire clan might face annihilation. But he understood the resentment in his big brother's heart. For in the past, his big brother was...
He shook his head, no longer dwelling on the past, and said with a bold and solemn voice: "Big brother, sister-in-law, niece, please feel at ease staying here with me for the next few days. I, as your younger brother, will ensure a steady supply of fresh blood meals for you, as a welcome gesture."
Little reached out with her tentacles, sweeping up a high-ranking Unihorn Ghost from the ground, playing with it as if it were a plush toy.
"Mirror—"
"Yes!"
The Unihorn Ghost's face turned pale as he quickly held up a large mirror, standing still, not daring to move.
Ding—
Little opened her mouth wide, revealing a set of beautifully white teeth reflected in the mirror, and once again started to admire herself. This had been the daily routine of this headhunter for the past few days. The reason remained a mystery for now.
After a hearty meal and drink, the Unihorn Ghost King was thoroughly intoxicated. However, just as he was about to stand and make a toast, his gaze sharpened, and the drunken haze vanished instantly.
"Who's there?! Sneaking around, daring to trespass on my territory!"
In an instant, with a single punch, he broke through the void, extending his hand swiftly, and from the emptiness, he grasped a massive turtle.
Crack, crack, crack—
His claws and the turtle's shell constantly clashed, sending out intense sparks.
"Is this... a messenger?"
Unihorn Ghost King furrowed his brow. Having heard of such a highly secure Turtle King messenger, he was naturally familiar with it given his status.
"What's—happening?"
The female head turned its ghastly eyes, focusing on the Unihorn Ghost King.
Unihorn Ghost King promptly responded, "It's a void messenger, likely for me. I'll handle it right away."
Without further ado, he immediately connected his consciousness to the Turtle King in his grasp. If someone was using a Turtle King to send a message, it must have been dispatched at least several hundred, if not a thousand years ago. Could it be from an old acquaintance of his? He was slightly puzzled.
However, the next moment, after receiving the Turtle King's message, he was taken aback, muttering, "Not for me?"
Immediately after, he furrowed his brow, turning his gaze to the Unihorn Ghosts below, and shouted, "Who named Little?! Damn it, step forth!"
But before he could finish, a voice emanated from the platform behind him.
"I am—Little—"
Shiver—
Unihorn Ghost King trembled. Instinctively, he turned, staring in astonishment at the headhunter who was grinning at her reflection in the mirror.
He then shifted his gaze to the adjacent female head, utterly bewildered, evidently not believing that his sister-in-law would give their daughter such an eccentric name. Moreover, it hardly sounded like a proper name; it was more akin to a pet name for a kitten or a puppy!
"Um..." He looked utterly flustered.
The female head slowly rotated, clarity occupying a portion of her gaze, and she queried, "Our daughter—has a—name?"
Little turned her head, grinning wide.
Ding—
A flash of brilliance reflected off her shining teeth.
The female head's gaze immediately softened, much like melting. Extending her tongue, she affectionately licked her daughter's cheek, showing an immense fondness for her.
Unihorn Ghost King paused in astonishment. Seeing no response, he assumed it to be an affirmation.
Click—
Behind the Turtle King, a small door slowly opened, revealing a letter within.
Unihorn Ghost King pondered for a moment, picking up the letter sealed with wax, feeling wave after wave of oddity.
Who would write to an Origin-level being?! It's well-known that most Origin creatures are incredibly chaotic in nature. To have even a moment of lucidity is quite rare.
"Niece, this is your letter."
"Can't—read." Little continued to admire her gleaming teeth.
"Who—wrote it?" The female head asked, eyes closed.
Unihorn Ghost King thought for a moment and then checked the letter. It didn't take long before he caught a name.
"Lynne?" He was taken aback.
Instantly, Little, who was still admiring her teeth, shifted her gaze, turning around with a (ω) expression, demanding, "Read!"
"..."
Unihorn Ghost King's eyes widened, that odd feeling growing more pronounced. He had never seen such an expression in the eyes of his headhunter niece, apart from her usual fierceness.
Something's off! Something's definitely off! Who exactly is this Lynne? Just from that gaze alone, he felt that this Lynne must be someone truly extraordinary!
Dumbfounded, he unfolded the letter, scanning its contents swiftly.
And when he finished reading, his expression instantly morphed into a bewildered (((;꒪ꈊ꒪;))).
Is... is... Should he really read this out loud?! The tone and phrasing in the letter felt like they shouldn't be read aloud in public!
"Read!" Little (ω) insisted.
Unihorn Ghost King muttered, "Well, I'll read it then…"
"Dear Little..."
Buzz—
The movement of the female head, which had been affectionately licking her daughter's cheek, halted. The chaos in the eyes of the titan head also paused momentarily.
The surroundings went eerily quiet for a moment.
Little (ω) moved her tentacles slightly, instructing, "Hmm— continue—"
With trembling hands, Unihorn Ghost King drenched in sweat, read: "I am Lynne, your dentist. Do you still remember me? It was not long ago that you became the first lifetime member of our establishment. I feel incredibly honored and delighted about that..."
Both enormous heads perked up.
Little (ω) replied, "I remember—"
Casting a nervous glance at his silent big brother and sister-in-law seated in the main position, Unihorn Ghost King swallowed hard and stutteringly read: "You are a truly kind and... adorable girl… Ever since you left, I've been thinking of you every day and night, yearning for you. I've been so restless that I've lost a significant amount of weight."
In an instant, the entire place fell silent.
"…"
"…"
Lynne knew neither of these messengers was reliable. This wouldn't do! They had to be combined.
Lynne quickly turned his attention to the Turtle King, who had managed to shuffle forward by a whopping ten centimeters.
...
Minutes later.
Lynne dusted off his hands, gazing contentedly at the Void Leaper, which he had forcibly stuffed inside the Turtle King's shell.
The principle was quite simple. There was ample space within the Turtle King's shell, and the Void Leaper had a physique that was flexible yet prone to sudden death. Shoving it into the shell and pulling its limbs out through the openings created a unique fusion.
In a way, they achieved a sort of combined evolution. The Void Leaping Turtle!
Balancing the speed of the Void Leaper with the defense of the Turtle King, the speed might have been somewhat reduced due to the added weight, but the defense capabilities were significantly enhanced.
No longer would there be fears of the Void Leaper crashing at high speeds and killing itself. But for extra precaution, Lynne implemented some additional safeguards. He sealed off any excess openings in the shell. This way, there was no risk of the Void Leaper moving too swiftly and flinging the Turtle King out!
"Embark!" Lynne patted the heads of the two creatures squished together, saying sternly: "Turtle, you're in charge of safely delivering the letter to the recipient. Leaper, you're responsible for quickly transporting the Turtle to the recipient's location. I believe that once combined, you two will undoubtedly become a refreshing change in the messenger realm!"
With a slap on the turtle's shell, he commanded: "Depart!"
A resounding boom!
In the blink of an eye, the Void Leaping Turtle blasted a massive hole in the wall, vanishing into the black mist with unimaginable speed.
Without any delay, Lynne sat down, taking up his quill with a serious and solemn expression, and began writing his second letter.
[Dear Master],
[It's me... your apprentice, Lynne... I can't hold on much longer. I'm dying... my body's bleeding, my brain matter's spilling out... I feel like I'm about to split open...]
[Despite your warnings... they were too strong... those wretched beings have smashed our store, torched our sign, and assaulted your favorite disciple...]
[Master, my time is near, but my mind is still filled with your last instructions. I failed to protect our store, I let you down. Yet, on the brink of death, my only thought is...]
[Are you still alive?]
[I've spent my last bit of strength and coins to hire this messenger. I'm not sure if this letter will reach you, but I need to tell you...]
[Once a master, always a father. On this day next year, please... do not forget to mourn your apprentice.]
[Your dying disciple who still yearns for you, Lynne.]
Tears almost welled up in Lynne's eyes as he was moved by his own words. Quickly sealing the letter, he replicated the method to conjure a second Void Leaping Turtle.
With a slap on the shell, the messenger zoomed away with urgency.
Lynne gazed solemnly at the exit, murmuring, "Now, it's a race against time."
...
Several hours later.
Amidst a vast temple complex on the Edge Lands, a grand ceremony of unparalleled scale was underway.
This realm belonged to one of the Seventy-Two Dark World Kings, the Unihorn Ghost King. Led by him, the Unihorn Ghosts held significant renown across the many realms of the Abyss.
It was no surprise given that a King-level being in the Dark World was a fearsome existence, second only to the Origin-level creatures. For this reason, the Unihorn Ghosts thrived within the Dark World.
Although, among the Seventy-Two Kings, his strength ranked towards the end. Yet even the highest-ranking Kings hesitated to provoke this clan. All elite beings knew that the three Origin-level Headhunters that ruled the Dark World had, in their past lives, been close allies with him. And so, the Unihorn Ghosts rose to become one of the premier powers within the Dark World.
"Brother Titan, your acceptance of my invitation has truly humbled me," exclaimed the Unihorn Ghost King, standing proudly with a goblet in hand, twice his size. He toasted to the three massive skulls seated in the temple's primary position. "Three thousand years! Having you briefly with us again, dear brother, calls for a toast!"
He tilted his head back, gulping down the goblet's blood-wine contents in hearty swigs.
On either side, many Unihorn Ghosts hoisted fresh corpses, reverently and fervently pouring the blood into vessels before the three headhunters.
These were freshly slaughtered offerings. And if Lynne had been present, he would've instantly recognized, among the three large skulls, the relatively petite one was Little, whom he had treated for a dental check-up not long ago.
"Ding——"
Little opened her massive jaws, revealing a set of gleaming teeth, which struck terror into the Unihorn Ghosts below.
"So shiny!"
The Unihorn Ghost King exclaimed, giving Little a thumbs-up, "I didn't expect my niece to become even more radiant and captivating since our last encounter!"
Beside Little, a clearly discernible, enormous female skull let out a rush of tentacles from its gaping mouth. They rapidly ensnared the fresh corpses from the vessel and began chewing vigorously. She revealed a sinister grin, her eyes oscillating between chaotic flares and moments of clarity.
"She—found—a—doctor— made my daughter—so pleased—"
Copious amounts of blood streamed from between her teeth, drenching the temple with an overpowering scent of gore.
In contrast, the even more massive skull at the center remained eerily silent. Its gaze, when compared to the two beside it, appeared even more tumultuous, occasionally pierced with fleeting malicious intent.
Only on rare occasions did a glimmer of lucidity shine through that chaotic gaze. If it weren't for that hint of clarity, the mere malignant and frenzied aura it emitted could drive the surrounding Unihorn Ghosts to madness.
"Sister-in-law, how fares my big brother?" the Unihorn Ghost King asked tentatively.
The massive female skull cackled with malice, "He's full of regrets—being decapitated back then—it was malevolence and curses that allowed him to persist in this Dark World— He's constantly consumed by the thought—to rise and seek vengeance—hahaha—to rise and attack—"
With a swishing sound, terrifying tentacles suddenly erupted from the titan skull's neck, malevolently wrapping around the female skull's cheek, relentlessly tearing and assailing.
"I wasn't defeated—it was you, vile witch—it's the curse—the curse you've brought upon us!"
Large chunks of flesh from the woman's face had been torn away, yet the smile that remained was ever more vivid and malicious.
"Ha ha ha— You, a powerless god— You can't defeat them— Only taking out your anger on your own woman— Hee hee ha ha ha— If not for the curse— Heh heh— You'd be nothing but dried bones now— A madman— Ha ha ha hee hee—"
That chaotic and terrifying tearing and frenzied assault lasted for several minutes. All the Unihorn Ghosts within the temple watched, their hearts filled with fear, trembling uncontrollably.
It wasn't until the clarity in Its eyes gradually balanced out the chaos that It finally began to calm down.
Unihorn Ghost King couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. For if his big brother truly lost control at that moment, their entire clan might face annihilation. But he understood the resentment in his big brother's heart. For in the past, his big brother was...
He shook his head, no longer dwelling on the past, and said with a bold and solemn voice: "Big brother, sister-in-law, niece, please feel at ease staying here with me for the next few days. I, as your younger brother, will ensure a steady supply of fresh blood meals for you, as a welcome gesture."
Little reached out with her tentacles, sweeping up a high-ranking Unihorn Ghost from the ground, playing with it as if it were a plush toy.
"Mirror—"
"Yes!"
The Unihorn Ghost's face turned pale as he quickly held up a large mirror, standing still, not daring to move.
Ding—
Little opened her mouth wide, revealing a set of beautifully white teeth reflected in the mirror, and once again started to admire herself. This had been the daily routine of this headhunter for the past few days. The reason remained a mystery for now.
After a hearty meal and drink, the Unihorn Ghost King was thoroughly intoxicated. However, just as he was about to stand and make a toast, his gaze sharpened, and the drunken haze vanished instantly.
"Who's there?! Sneaking around, daring to trespass on my territory!"
In an instant, with a single punch, he broke through the void, extending his hand swiftly, and from the emptiness, he grasped a massive turtle.
Crack, crack, crack—
His claws and the turtle's shell constantly clashed, sending out intense sparks.
"Is this... a messenger?"
Unihorn Ghost King furrowed his brow. Having heard of such a highly secure Turtle King messenger, he was naturally familiar with it given his status.
"What's—happening?"
The female head turned its ghastly eyes, focusing on the Unihorn Ghost King.
Unihorn Ghost King promptly responded, "It's a void messenger, likely for me. I'll handle it right away."
Without further ado, he immediately connected his consciousness to the Turtle King in his grasp. If someone was using a Turtle King to send a message, it must have been dispatched at least several hundred, if not a thousand years ago. Could it be from an old acquaintance of his? He was slightly puzzled.
However, the next moment, after receiving the Turtle King's message, he was taken aback, muttering, "Not for me?"
Immediately after, he furrowed his brow, turning his gaze to the Unihorn Ghosts below, and shouted, "Who named Little?! Damn it, step forth!"
But before he could finish, a voice emanated from the platform behind him.
"I am—Little—"
Shiver—
Unihorn Ghost King trembled. Instinctively, he turned, staring in astonishment at the headhunter who was grinning at her reflection in the mirror.
He then shifted his gaze to the adjacent female head, utterly bewildered, evidently not believing that his sister-in-law would give their daughter such an eccentric name. Moreover, it hardly sounded like a proper name; it was more akin to a pet name for a kitten or a puppy!
"Um..." He looked utterly flustered.
The female head slowly rotated, clarity occupying a portion of her gaze, and she queried, "Our daughter—has a—name?"
Little turned her head, grinning wide.
Ding—
A flash of brilliance reflected off her shining teeth.
The female head's gaze immediately softened, much like melting. Extending her tongue, she affectionately licked her daughter's cheek, showing an immense fondness for her.
Unihorn Ghost King paused in astonishment. Seeing no response, he assumed it to be an affirmation.
Click—
Behind the Turtle King, a small door slowly opened, revealing a letter within.
Unihorn Ghost King pondered for a moment, picking up the letter sealed with wax, feeling wave after wave of oddity.
Who would write to an Origin-level being?! It's well-known that most Origin creatures are incredibly chaotic in nature. To have even a moment of lucidity is quite rare.
"Niece, this is your letter."
"Can't—read." Little continued to admire her gleaming teeth.
"Who—wrote it?" The female head asked, eyes closed.
Unihorn Ghost King thought for a moment and then checked the letter. It didn't take long before he caught a name.
"Lynne?" He was taken aback.
Instantly, Little, who was still admiring her teeth, shifted her gaze, turning around with a (ω) expression, demanding, "Read!"
"..."
Unihorn Ghost King's eyes widened, that odd feeling growing more pronounced. He had never seen such an expression in the eyes of his headhunter niece, apart from her usual fierceness.
Something's off! Something's definitely off! Who exactly is this Lynne? Just from that gaze alone, he felt that this Lynne must be someone truly extraordinary!
Dumbfounded, he unfolded the letter, scanning its contents swiftly.
And when he finished reading, his expression instantly morphed into a bewildered (((;꒪ꈊ꒪;))).
Is... is... Should he really read this out loud?! The tone and phrasing in the letter felt like they shouldn't be read aloud in public!
"Read!" Little (ω) insisted.
Unihorn Ghost King muttered, "Well, I'll read it then…"
"Dear Little..."
Buzz—
The movement of the female head, which had been affectionately licking her daughter's cheek, halted. The chaos in the eyes of the titan head also paused momentarily.
The surroundings went eerily quiet for a moment.
Little (ω) moved her tentacles slightly, instructing, "Hmm— continue—"
With trembling hands, Unihorn Ghost King drenched in sweat, read: "I am Lynne, your dentist. Do you still remember me? It was not long ago that you became the first lifetime member of our establishment. I feel incredibly honored and delighted about that..."
Both enormous heads perked up.
Little (ω) replied, "I remember—"
Casting a nervous glance at his silent big brother and sister-in-law seated in the main position, Unihorn Ghost King swallowed hard and stutteringly read: "You are a truly kind and... adorable girl… Ever since you left, I've been thinking of you every day and night, yearning for you. I've been so restless that I've lost a significant amount of weight."
In an instant, the entire place fell silent.
"…"
"…"
