The next day, on the main road outside the prison, Aiden boarded a rental carriage.
"Sunset Boulevard," he told the coachman.
Today, he planned to visit "Illusory Moon" to meet Melissa.
Arranging this trip wasn't due to Mephilia's suggestion, but rather the perceived necessity of contacting Melissa to gather more information.
After yesterday's meeting with Mephilia, some of Aiden's previous speculations were confirmed.
Melissa was Mephilia's avatar and wielded the "Desire" Authority.
Having confirmed Melissa's true identity, Aiden felt somewhat wary of her.
Unlike Mephilia, who was confined in prison, Melissa was an Authority Dominator with no restrictions.
Furthermore, this Dominator had a "criminal record"—although Mephilia insisted she and Melinda, the Goddess of Love, weren't the same person, Aiden knew clearly that since they were avatars of the same individual, her style of operation likely wouldn't differ much from Melinda's.
Up to now, Aiden couldn't be sure whether she had used that mind-assimilating power on him, like she did with the Nameless Witch... No, the key point wasn't "if she had," but "if she would." Even if Melissa hadn't done so yet, there was no guarantee she wouldn't in the future.
And regrettably, based on Aiden's understanding of the "Goddess of Conspiracy," even if she wouldn't do it now, she could very well do it anytime in the future.
Honestly, Aiden's aversion to this was far greater than being killed—compared to being forcibly brainwashed into another person, he would rather have his heart blown out by Mr. Blood Robe.
Of course, strictly speaking, he didn't want to encounter either situation.
Mr. Blood Robe was still an opponent he might be able to handle if he found a way to ascend to the Saint level.
But the "Goddess of Conspiracy"... Aiden couldn't see any chance of winning. Even disregarding Mephilia, who was willingly staying in prison, Melissa alone was a bona fide Dominator.
When Mephilia revealed the whole truth to him, he surprisingly didn't feel overwhelming anger or fear—because he clearly realized that facing this Goddess of Conspiracy, neither impotent rage nor meek begging would achieve anything but make him look ridiculous. This Dominator possessed neither shame nor compassion, only a playful spirit completely alien to humans. Hating or seeking revenge against her was largely meaningless—she simply didn't care. Perhaps even if he truly managed to seal her and Melissa in prison, she would still find it amusing.
But this didn't mean Aiden wasn't anxious about it. After further understanding Mephilia's schemes and methods, he realized his situation was even more dire than he previously knew.
To live this second life normally, he had to deal not only with Mr. Blood Robe but also the "Goddess of Conspiracy."
Even thinking optimistically, assuming he didn't have to deal with the imprisoned Mephilia and only needed to face Melissa—Melissa herself was still a Dominator of an Authority. Head-on confrontation offered absolutely no chance of victory.
Ascending to Dominator of "Order" was certainly one solution, but it was entirely within their expectations... Rather, it was fundamentally a plan arranged by them. Standing constantly in someone else's palm made it impossible to devise a way to counter them.
In that case, while seizing the "Order" Authority, he also had to find "support" outside of Melissa and Mephilia's control.
To restrain one Dominator, it was best to use another Dominator... At worst, a sufficiently powerful force was needed.
But the only Dominator he could think of who might hold hostility towards the "Goddess of Conspiracy" was Death, worshipped by the Vampire-led Blood Moon Coven. And he, having previously defeated Death's proxy, could basically be considered Death's enemy already.
Moreover, judging by the past evil deeds of Death and his proxy, he wouldn't be a suitable ally...
As his thoughts reached a standstill, Aiden suddenly jolted awake—No, now is not the time to think about such countermeasures.
He was currently preparing to meet Melissa to gather intelligence, and Melissa possessed mind-reading abilities.
Even if he had a brilliant idea, after meeting Melissa, that flash of brilliance would instantly lose its meaning.
Just then, the carriage stopped at its destination. Aiden got out, paid the fare, and strode towards Autumn Leaf Lane.
After walking about ten meters, he heard a horse neigh behind him, followed by the coachman he just paid cursing, "Hey, watch it!!"
He glanced back. Another carriage coming from behind had pulled over too sharply, nearly startling the horse. Not a particularly uncommon sight.
Aiden turned and entered the lane, then found the "Illusory Moon" jewelry store. The "Open" sign hung on the doorknob.
(TN: 幻之月 (Huàn zhī Yuè) - Illusory Moon / Phantom Moon.)
The Dominator of "Desire" was certainly terrifying, but at least for now, Melissa wouldn't break her toy yet.
Mentally prepared, Aiden opened the jewelry store door.
Instantly, he felt something fall from above his head.
His body's reflexes made him quickly step back outside, simultaneously placing his hand on his sidearm. However, he then realized what fell wasn't some trap mechanism, but a suspended celebration party popper ball.
The ball opened, showering colorful paper strips.
Aiden stared at the scene, somewhat stunned.
"Oh dear, why did you dodge?" Melissa's voice came from inside the store. "Didn't that waste the surprise I worked so hard to set up?"
After a brief thought, Aiden pushed aside the hanging streamers and entered the store.
Then, he saw Melissa standing in the center of the shop, holding a bottle of sparkling wine.
"..." After about two seconds of silence, Aiden asked, "What is this?"
"Isn't it obvious? A celebration," Melissa's face showed it was perfectly natural. "To congratulate you on obtaining the Unique Authority you've desired for so long."
"I haven't desired it for so long," Aiden corrected. "Ultimately, this thing was basically semi-forcibly delivered into my hands by you."
"Then congratulations on passing the trial. Even if I delivered it to you, this is still the Unique Authority countless people dream of," Melissa smiled. "You should at least be a little happy."
"..." Aiden remained expressionless, not replying.
"Why do you look like you're wary of me?" Melissa tilted her head, seemingly puzzled. Then, she realized something.
"I see..." After reading the thoughts flashing through Aiden's mind, her expression gradually faded... Then, it transformed into the very familiar smile, identical to Mephilia's. "You already... know everything."
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