Chapter 1842: Chapter 1842

"Alright, I'll go then. You've saved me yet again. I owe you far too much."

Hearing his friend's words, Mr. Hood assumed Jenkins had taken on a job from the black market and didn't insist on staying to face the enemy with him.

"Don't say that. You're being too kind. The gatherings have helped me a great deal, too. Has your arm not healed yet? That Mechanized Body Curse from last time... does it have a stronger effect on bodies that aren't entirely flesh and blood?"

Jenkins, still disguised and with the cat on his back, stepped out from behind Mr. Hood. He pressed a hand to his friend's right arm, channeling the power of the [World Tree Seedling] to stimulate the tulip seed within and encourage the flesh and blood to regenerate. The gap in power between the [World Tree Seedling] and [Life Source] was even vaster than the one between [Life Source] and the most basic [Contact Healing]. Even so, Jenkins couldn't heal Mr. Hood instantly. There was a serious problem with the metallic components of his arm.

"This is a big problem. That Mechanized Body Curse wasn't particularly potent, but it's as if the power of a Cursed Item has activated it... We need to meet again, and soon—within the next few days. I recently acquired something that can repair any kind of machinery. I can find the time to fix that arm for you. Alternatively, we could just remove it, and I can grow you a new one. The choice is yours, but we must act quickly. I'm worried this will spread from your arm to the rest of your body."

Though he had a new wrench, Jenkins couldn't very well just tuck it into his belt and walk around with it. The tool was currently resting in a cabinet in his basement, right next to [Mr. Hunt's Fruit Platter].

Mr. Hood nodded, grimacing slightly from the discomfort in his arm. After a moment's thought, he proposed:

"Today is Thursday, so let's meet on Saturday night. Speaking of which, it's been nearly two months since our last gathering. I think we should take this opportunity for everyone to see each other. The world is hardly a peaceful place these days, after all. Who knows how long it will be until the next meeting after this one... Do you remember the notification method we agreed upon last time? We'll use the same one. If you're a bit hazy on the details, I'll send a letter to the address at the entrance of the black market bar. You can pick it up tomorrow."

"Are you sure you'll be alright?"

Mr. Hood couldn't help but glance at the priest. But the "priest" standing in the alley's shadows hadn't made a single move since Mr. Candle had shown up.

"It's definitely better for me to stay here alone than for both of us to be here. Go out through the back of the alley and turn right. Don't take to the rooftops. Stick to the northern edge of the warehouse district. The Orthodox Church has people nearby, so be careful not to run into them."

"Alright then. I owe you my life for this. I will repay you."

With that, he hurried away.

Only after Mr. Hood had completely vanished did Jenkins shake his head and revert to his true form. The white cat, Vanilla, on his shoulder transformed back into a black-and-white kitten named Chocolate. Together, they turned their gaze to the "priest" standing in the shadows, clutching a black book.

The "priest" took a step back, melting deeper into the shadows, his expression becoming unreadable.

"I have no desire to be your enemy. If you allow me to depart in peace, I am willing to lead my 'priests' in a temporary withdrawal from this city."

The voice was strangely theatrical, like that of an opera performer.

Jenkins asked. It was a genuine question. Very few Cursed Items could see through to his true identity at a glance, and this one didn't seem particularly powerful.

"I am the sole cleric who serves my Lord, preparing sustenance for Him. I am exceptionally sensitive to the presence of other deities. I have no wish to be your enemy, and I apologize for the harm caused to your friend."

The creature's composure was impressive; it showed no signs of chaotic tendencies, likely a result of its given mission. But the coverless black book it clutched drew Jenkins's attention. The spiritual aura emanating from the book was even stronger than that of the "priest" itself. He had no idea what kind of strange object it could be.

"Why were you chasing my friend just now? As I recall, you're more inclined to preach to ordinary humans."

"That is true, but that human was different. He has great potential. His soul is exceptionally noble. His value was worth making an exception for."

Jenkins nodded. He, too, recognized Mr. Hood's noble spirit. Reaching into the air, he summoned his cane and plunged it into the dirt before him. In the darkness, the exquisite wooden staff began to emanate specks of green light, as if it could sense its wielder's newfound power—the potential of the World Tree.

"Leave Nolan. Do not appear in the material world again until the next Epoch begins. Otherwise, you'll have to fight me."

Chocolate, perhaps thinking this was all a grand game, let out a "roar" of its own, echoing Jenkins's threat. To Jenkins, however, the sound was no more intimidating than the little meow a kitten makes when it stretches in the morning.

The "priest" hesitated, its gaze flicking to the cat, then it gave an almost imperceptible nod. The most update n0vels are published on novel-fire.net

"As you wish. Very well."

"I have a few questions for you before you go."

"Do you wish to learn of my Lord? That would be splendid! My Lord is—"

"Stop," Jenkins cut in. "I'm not interested. I just want to know why you're in this city. Did someone summon you?"

"No, I came of my own accord."

The priest took another step back. The shadow behind it was clearly unnatural; even Jenkins couldn't pierce the depths of that darkness to see what lay within.

"It is the end of the Epoch. As the final stage for this era, this city has accumulated the greatest concentration of sin. It is the most suitable place for our activities. To miss this chance would mean waiting thousands of years for another 'work environment' so comfortable and efficient. It is not only me; I imagine more of my kind will appear in this city soon. Of course, some of them will recognize you, while others are foolish and blind to what is right in front of them. Regardless, since you have asked me to leave, I shall... May I go now?"

Half of its body was already submerged in the impenetrable darkness.

"Take the priests you've converted with you. I know the transformation is irreversible, so I won't ask you to resurrect those poor, ordinary men."

"In truth, I lack such an ability... I hope we never meet again."

It retreated completely into the darkness and vanished.

For a fleeting moment, Jenkins felt as if the darkness before him was the gaping maw of some colossal beast. The sensation vanished as quickly as it came. When the darkness dispersed, only a thin mist remained, drifting through the alley.

He reached out, trying to touch the swirling mist, but his hand met only empty air. Squinting, he gazed up at the twin moons and the purple star glittering beside them. Jenkins stood there for a long time, utterly silent.