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Chapter 38: Six Golden Apples
Despite the current world peace, most areas remain tranquil.
But after four years, the curtain will rise.
That will be interesting.
However, Locke is neither from S.H.I.E.L.D. nor Hydra, and he is not interested in getting involved. He is more intrigued by another piece of information about his opponent than by the demise of Hydra.
In the Middle Ages, the most famous was the Knights Templar.
But...
There was also the League of Assassins, the so-called Brotherhood.
In the years of struggle, the Knights Templar, backed by the kingdom, naturally had the last laugh. The Brotherhood was crippled and disappeared into history.
Or rather, it was fragmented.
But...
A few years ago, a man named Callum Lynch appeared, and the Roman Brotherhood rose again from the ruins. Three years ago, the London assassination that shocked the world was reportedly orchestrated by this Callum Lynch.
It is said to have been for an item code-named "Golden Apple."
Moreover, according to the Red Devils' information, this mysterious organization also had contact with Callum Lynch three years ago, and there seemed to be a conflict, though the outcome is unknown.
Locke touched his chin, opened his chat software, and sent a message to the Red Devil: "Do you have any information on the Golden Apple?"
He raised his eyebrows.
The next second, Locke's right hand moved, and suddenly, a golden, round object appeared in his hand.
All right.
He lied.
He did take something from inside the textile factory.
This golden ball was discovered when Locke opened Sloan's safe. He noticed a hidden compartment behind it and simply broke it open, allowing the ball to roll into his hands.
Wealth is not to be flaunted.
No, he can respond however he wants if others ask.
Please.
He is not a three-year-old child. These days, which adult doesn't live with a facade? Genuine communication is rare, and taking things seriously can lead to loss.
Locke learned this superficial truth in his previous life.
In this life, it came naturally.
That's one of the main reasons Locke went to school.
At the very least, friends made in school still have the potential to be lifelong friends.
"So this thing is the Golden Apple?"
Locke raised his eyebrows and played with the golden ball in his hand. "Unscientific, where are the leaves?"
A humming sound.
The golden ball in Locke's hand seemed to emit light. Then, with a bang, a golden light emerged from the ball, and another "Locke" in a suit and tie appeared in the study.
"Here."
Without a hint of panic, Locke pushed the wine on the table toward "Locke."
"Locke" grabbed it, took a sip, and looked at Locke. "Thank you."
The corners of Locke's mouth rose as he controlled the clone created through the Golden Apple, talking and drinking with himself.
Some say that drinking alone is different. After a while, the remaining half bottle of bourbon was gone, consumed by the two Lockes.
But in reality, Locke drank it alone.
This clone is lifeless; it looks like the real thing, but if Locke doesn't control it, it won't move.
Moreover...
Locke could feel that this clone continuously drew energy from his sea of consciousness.
If not for his seemingly infinite energy, Locke felt that his sea of consciousness would be drained in just ten seconds.
It seems to rely on his energy to operate this golden ball.
At least, when Locke first played with the golden ball, it had no reaction at all.
After some time, Locke put the clone away.
Although he felt that his energy was inexhaustible and could support the clone's existence, he also sensed that prolonged use might not be sustainable.
It's like reaching the peak of bliss and then continuing.
After destroying the textile factory, Locke originally planned to find an appraiser to estimate the price of the Golden Apple and then auction it on the underground black market.
After all, Locke didn't know how useful this thing was.
But after gaining the supreme talent Drow Extraordinary, Locke thought about how to use this talent.
Like a transformation magician or something.
But...
Locke felt that he had endless energy, but no matter how he tried, the energy remained in a state of ignoring him.
It felt to Locke like he had an inexhaustible gold mine, but except for the Golden Apple, nothing else could be extracted.
Until Locke took out the Golden Apple and played with it.
A change occurred.
At first, the clone's appearance almost surprised Locke, but now he was used to it.
This might be a trump card for him.
One more ace in the hole.
Good.
At this time, the news about the Golden Apple from the Red Devils arrived.
But...
The more he read, the more Locke felt a sense of déjà vu.
"The Golden Apple, also known as the Fruit of Eden, the Forbidden Fruit, is said to be a powerful weapon."
"But it comes at the cost of the user's life."
"There are six Golden Apples in total!"
"One to three apples are said to have the special ability to create illusions and control minds. The first Golden Apple was originally owned by Adam and Eve, then passed to Abel and Cain..."
"The second Golden Apple belonged to the Queen of Blood, Elizabeth I..."
"...
"The fourth and fifth Golden Apples have technology that can surpass the times by sacrificing life. It is said that the notorious German Führer had one, but when experimenting with the Cosmic Cube, it was destroyed by the cube, indirectly reversing the balance of the war..."
"...Good grief."
Locke opened the software, edited a message, and sent it to the Red Devils: "Do you also know about the Cosmic Cube?"
"Ding dong!"
The Red Devil quickly replied: "Who doesn't know? The dark world has been searching for the Cosmic Cube for ages, but I heard it fell into the hands of the Five Rogues. I'm still trying to find out where it is. Interested in taking a job?"
Locke twitched the corners of his mouth and edited his response: "You really can't afford the price of the Cosmic Cube, but if I get interested and acquire it in the future, I might show it to you to help you secure your position as the top intelligence dealer in the dark world."
Red Devil: "..."