Rhett narrowed his eyes slightly. He had long been puzzled about the origin of the orcs.
In fact, ever since he first crossed over into this world, he had been curious, but limited by his knowledge, he could only attribute it to the wonders of the world, accepting it as a given. Just like on Earth, where many strange creatures are explained by evolution and adaptation, most people can’t delve too deeply into the reasons.
But in this extraordinary world, as Rhett's level of understanding grew higher, his perspective had changed drastically. While he hadn’t yet uncovered the truth of the world, he was getting closer.
For example, orcs, a species that shares similarities with both magical beasts and humans but is fundantally different, couldn’t possibly be a hybrid. At least, Rhett was certain they weren’t a product of this world’s humans and beasts.
If they were creations of another world, that would actually make more sense…
"Royal orcs co in eight varieties. You just ntioned the giant bear and the dragon. What about the others?" Rhett asked.
"The records don’t ntion them, or perhaps... these projections are random, only succeeding under specific conditions," Master Niru mused. "I believe those notes left by predecessors aren’t just stories; they seem credible. So, the idea that orcs originate from the projections of the Higher World is highly likely. As for the other types of orcs, just because we haven’t found traces of their projections doesn’t an they don’t exist in the Higher World."
Rhett agreed with Niru’s deduction and nodded. "Thank you, Master Niru, for sharing this. Is there any other information you can provide?"
Master Niru thought for a mont before replying, "No, but there’s an unconfird theory that I find quite plausible."
Rhett perked up, ready to listen.
"Around ten thousand years ago, after the King of the Fishn broke through to the Holy Domain, he disappeared, and it was suspected that he returned to his original world.
Later, so Holy Domain experts speculated that these beings, affected by the projections of the Higher World, might feel a connection to that world once they reach a certain level of power. That world might hold a strong attraction for them.
So, after breaking through, they return without hesitation.
Otherwise, why would they abandon the vast empire they built in the ocean?"
"That makes sense," Rhett nodded. He quickly reacted, his expression changing. "Then doesn’t that an orcs who break through to the Holy Domain could also return to their Higher World?"
Master Niru smiled slightly. "Exactly. At least, many believe so. The current Orc King has already reached the peak of the Holy Domain, and many Holy Domain experts are eagerly awaiting that mont, hoping to learn more about the truth from the Orc King when he breaks through."
But won’t they be afraid of being killed? After all, humans and orcs are sworn enemies... Rhett mused to himself, but he knew this wasn’t sothing he should worry about. The affairs of the Holy Domain were still far beyond his reach.
"Now that you ntion it, I’m a bit curious myself," Rhett shrugged. "Of course, I’d rather see a human break through first."
"I agree. Perhaps when a human reaches beyond the Holy Domain, we’ll uncover more truths. But in history, no one has ever surpassed the Holy Domain, so the future remains uncertain for everyone," Master Niru replied, spreading his hands. "Earl Rhett, can you tell more about that evil organization?"
Rhett adopted a thoughtful expression, then shook his head. "This is all I know. Further details will require your investigation."
Master Niru nodded. That was all he could expect. The information he had gained from this visit already exceeded his expectations, so he didn’t ask for more. He had enough to report back.
As Niru fell silent, Rhett recalled his earlier plan and suddenly spoke quickly:
"By the way, Master Niru, Black Star once told a little gossip about you. Would you like to know what he said?"
"What? Who is Black Star?" Master Niru looked bewildered, clearly confused. "Earl Rhett, what do you an?"
Rhett feigned a slight displeasure. "Master Niru, given our relationship, there’s no need to pretend anymore. Black Star already told that his organization is actually the Ring Tower."
Then Rhett shifted to a tone of admiration. "Honestly, I didn’t expect the Ring Tower to be such a noble organization in secret. I suppose investigating Rean was all about eliminating evil?"
Hearing these seemingly nonsensical words, Niru and Julie exchanged puzzled glances.
Julie asked with concern, "Earl Rhett, are you feeling alright? We’ve never heard of anyone nad Black Star, and... the Ring Tower is purely an alchemical organization. What do you an by eliminating evil?"
Master Niru frowned as well. "Yes, who is Black Star, and what gossip did he say about ?"
Rhett’s smile stiffened slightly.
Looking at the two before him, who didn’t seem to be acting, Rhett narrowed his eyes again. Could his test have failed?
"That can’t be... The simulation clearly confird that Black Star’s organization is the Ring Tower. But just now, I practically spelled it out, yet Niru and Julie didn’t show any signs of deception…" Rhett was perplexed.
After a long silence, Rhett suddenly smiled. "I apologize. Lately, I haven’t been in the best ntal state. Please don’t take my ramblings to heart."
He thought that since he couldn’t confirm anything now, he might as well leave the opportunity for later.
Perhaps the two before him genuinely didn’t know Black Star, or maybe Black Star wasn’t associated with the entire Ring Tower but rather so secret faction…
Since it was a simulation, Rhett didn’t waste too much ti. After a brief chat, he hurriedly bid farewell to Niru and Julie.
Returning to his room, Rhett once again took out the Blood Source Pearls and Aurora Potions, beginning a new round of absorption.
【The real simulation has ended. Please choose one attribute to retain:】
【1. Constitution】
【2. Battle Qi】
【3. Spiritual Power】
"I choose Spiritual Power!"
When the ripples in front of his eyes faded, a screen popped up.
Having made his choice, Master Niru had just finished introducing part of the Higher World’s secrets and was now asking Rhett for more details about the Blood Source Pearls.
Knowing that this was now reality, Rhett replied, "I understand your concerns. I, too, am willing to help protect the world. But regarding Rean, I truly know nothing more. Those evil alchemists were quite stubborn. They not only kept their mouths shut but also destroyed all their loot. There’s really nothing I can do!"
After speaking, Rhett put on a look of regret.
Master Niru’s eyes showed a trace of urgency as he studied Rhett’s expression, finding no flaws.
Unwilling to give up, Niru asked, "Earl Rhett, could you perhaps think again? You can na any conditions. I even brought an alchemy manual with this ti. If your information is valuable enough, I could even give you this secret to…"
Well, well, it seems you were prepared all along. In the simulation, you looked reluctant, but it was all a trap. Good thing I already got it for free... Facing Niru’s gaze, Rhett had to play along, adopting a thoughtful pose for realism.
Finally, he sighed in resignation. "The encounter was brief, and I really don’t have any valuable information. But I’ll keep an eye out. If I find anything, I’ll let you know right away!"
"Alright, thank you." Niru sighed in disappointnt.
Rhett deliberately eyed the alchemy manual in Niru’s hand, his eyes gleaming. "Master Niru, is there any other way I could acquire that manual…?"
But before Rhett could finish his sentence, Niru discreetly put the manual away, politely smiling. "I’m sorry, Earl Rhett. There were strict instructions when I brought this. It can only be exchanged for important information or that sinister pearl. It cannot be used for any other purpose.
So, I’m afraid I can’t help you this ti."
Feigning regret, Rhett said reluctantly, "Are you sure there’s no way?"
Master Niru shook his head in silence.
"It seems I’m just not fated to have that manual," Rhett said with a helpless shrug.
"Heh, if you ever rember sothing useful, feel free to co to us for a trade," Master Niru subtly shifted the topic.
It seems Niru hasn’t fully trusted yet, despite what I just said... Rhett put on a standard smile. "Information can’t just be conjured up. If I discover sothing valuable in the future, I’ll be sure to inform you promptly."
"That’s great."
With the inquiries about the Blood God Cult concluded, Rhett glanced around before extending an invitation. "You’ve seen most of the scenery in the estate. How about you both co and relax in my castle?"
"That sounds nice. And if you could prepare a glass of red wine, that would be even better." Niru, intending to maintain the relationship with Rhett, agreed. Though he hadn’t achieved his goal this ti, Rhett’s talent alone made the connection worthwhile. Besides, he still hoped Rhett might provide useful information later on.
"No problem. How about chilled wine?"
"A perfect touch. That would be wonderful."
The evening seafood banquet, though subdued, carried a hint of joy.
Master Niru and Julie from the Ring Tower, perhaps because of their long dedication to alchemical research, weren’t as socially inclined as the nobles.
In the end, it was one of the quietest gatherings Rhett had ever hosted for foreign guests.
After seeing them off, Rhett found himself alone in the fifth-floor hall, sitting on a long bench, his back against the warm fireplace that radiated waves of heat.
The warmth enveloped him, bringing a sense of peace. Rhett closed his eyes, drifting into a half-dreaming state, letting his mind go blank.
For a brief mont, Rhett felt as if he had returned to the ti just after his discharge, to that mont of despair when he was poisoned by the White Eagle venom and had lost hope in life.
He opened his eyes, gazing at the large red carpet on the floor, inhaling the faint scent of blueberries in the air, his eyes filled with a distant haze.
"Fortunately, it’s all behind now…" Rhett mused.
Thud, thud, thud.
Footsteps echoed through the hall.
Butler Swita, carrying a candle, walked up the stairs. "Good evening, Master. I apologize for forgetting to replace your blueberry juice during the day. I’ve brought a new bottle for you now."
With that, he removed the empty bottle that still held a faint scent and replaced it with a crystal goblet filled with dark blue liquid.
"It’s fine. I don’t have much of an appetite right now," Rhett waved him off before asking casually, "Swita, how are things going between you and Maru?"
Swita knew what Rhett was referring to. His expression turned slightly embarrassed, and after a mont’s hesitation, he replied, "Things are fine between us right now. It doesn’t interfere with my service to you, Master."
"I don’t need that much service. Most tasks can be handled by the other servants," Rhett said softly, his face shadowed by the firelight. "What I’m saying is, it’s not a good habit to keep soone waiting without taking responsibility. Whether or not things work out, you should at least be clear about your intentions."
Swita was silent for a long ti before sighing. "I understand, Master."
"Good. As long as you know. It’s late. You should rest now," Rhett dismissed him with a wave.
"Goodnight, Master." Swita bowed and walked back down the stairs.
In the stillness of the night, Rhett pondered life for a while.
Then he returned to his room, cald his mind, and imrsed himself in his study of profound mysteries.
Ti flew by, and nearly two months passed in the blink of an eye.
On December 5th, after carefully planning his day, Rhett was leisurely strolling through his territory when he encountered three n and one woman walking together.
The three n dressed simply, wearing hooded cloaks, while the woman wore a brimd hat with ruffled edges and a long skirt that reached her ankles. Golden tassels hung from her sleeves and skirt, shimring in the sunlight and adding a touch of elegance.
As soon as the four spotted Rhett from afar, they seed to recognize him and walked straight toward him.
"Hello, Earl Rhett," said the eldest of the group, a white-haired man with a smile.
"Hello," Rhett responded politely before feigning curiosity and asking, "May I ask who you are?"
"We are the three alchemists sent by the Third Prince to work in your territory for the next five years. Earl Rhett should be aware of this," the white-haired elder explained. "My na is Mandy Kane."
"I’m Maceo," said the shorter of the two alchemists beside him.
"And I’m Maruna," added the taller alchemist.
Rhett's expression brightened with delight as he quickly said, "Welco, all three of you! I hope you enjoy your ti at the Alchemy Tower. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask."
"You’re too kind, Earl Rhett. Is that the Alchemy Tower over there?" Mandy asked, pointing to the tall round tower in the east. He had already familiarized himself with the territory’s layout before arriving.
"Yes, it is. Let take you inside for a tour and help you get settled," Rhett offered, pretending not to know what had already been arranged.
Mandy quickly waved him off. "That won’t be necessary, Earl Rhett. We’ll explore on our own. Oh, and I almost forgot to introduce the lady behind . She is Karina, the Royal Court’s Chief Painter and a Grand Magus."
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