594-600

Chapter 594: Confused Heart (II)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

[Spirit Swordsman Advancement Special Mission — Perishment in the dark]

[You have touched the doors to the spiritual road and are about to enter a whole new realm to experience the spiritual test. Use your spiritual powers to eliminate the presence before your eyes and as long as you overcome this obstacle, you will receive new summoning powers...]

[Requirement: Destroy the Mind Devil]

[Mission Reward: 329,000 EXP. Talent Skill Level +1. Receive Advancement Ability 'Reflective Blade'. Skill Point +1. Activate one of the Talent Skills without using a Skill Point]

[Mission Progress: 0%]

Isn't this ridiculous...

Rhode let out a long sigh. He had suspected that there were some flaws in the game system. Normally, the game system wouldn't respond when Rhode represented the Guild to accept missions, which made him believe that this was the difference between reality and the game. However, to his surprise, the game system would distribute some missions randomly. Apart from the Guild construction missions that were traceable, the other missions would pop up without any reason, which left Rhode somewhat annoyed. Although he could receive a lot of EXP from completing missions, the random occurrence of missions was similar to driving an uncomfortable old car that was close to being scrapped. The system didn't distribute any mission to him when he wished for it, but when he didn't ask for it, he would be forced to accept some random missions... That didn't feel good.

Fortunately, Rhode wasn't an OCD sufferer who had to accept and accomplish all missions before proceeding. If not, he wouldn't have given up the 'Fiery Rose' mission in the Fiat region. However, it was different this time. As the Spirit Swordsman Class Advancement Mission, it would be tremendously beneficial for him. The Talent Skill Level +1 would allow him to enjoy endless benefits because the skills in the Talent Tree couldn't be increased further once they were maxed out. However, if he could complete this mission, he could forcefully upgrade one of the skills above its maximum capability by 1 level. Take the Taboo Halo, for example. Rhode could increase its effects to boost the summoned spirits' offense and defense by 4 points, instead of 3 points in its maximum capacity. If he used it to strengthen the Legion Horn, he could decrease the amount of spiritual energy consumption by one-fifth.

Rhode was familiar with the mission which required to eliminate the [Mind Devil]. It was a monster born between the cracks of Chaos. However, unlike most Devils, the Mind Devil didn't possess powerful strength. Although it was a level 55 Elite monster, its physical and magical attacks were about the standard of level 30. However, it relied on its special technique—Mental Manipulation. It would capture those with weak willpower and enlarge the emotions and trauma in their hearts endlessly. The emotions would be materialized and used to engage in battle where even an innocent-looking rabbit would become terrifyingly powerful as an Elite Devil.

Although this monster seemed hard to deal with, Rhode wasn't afraid. After annihilating the Duke Fiend, the [Sisko's Fantasy] equipment that Rhode looted would be effective against it. Even though the Mind Devil's Mental Manipulation was a rare mental attack, it wasn't high in level. After the Mind Devil lost the support of this skill, it would become as week as an Elite monster between level 30 to 35 and Rhode wouldn't have any problems dealing with it. This wasn't the first time Rhode faced such an enemy and he knew what its weaknesses was. Therefore, there wouldn't be many dangers with sufficient mental preparation.

Although the inn owner didn't give too many descriptions about Emerald Valley, Rhode didn't need to consider the possibility of other monsters emerging since the system mission had indicated that it was the Mind Devil.

The monster wasn't powerful and Rhode had the ability to go against it. The biggest problem for him now was candidates.

There wouldn't only be the Mind Devil in the Devastated Grounds, just like how there wouldn't only be a BOSS in the dungeon without its critters. Rhode wouldn't enter Emerald Valley alone because the situation would be dire if he expended most of his strength in dealing with the critters before facing the Mind Devil.

Normally, Rhode would bring Anne and Lize along. Anne was straight forward and survived on instincts which would be effective against the Mind Devil. The Mind Devil was an expert in facing enemies with clouded minds and would be helpless against a Half-Beast like Anne who relied on instincts. Whereas for Lize, she wouldn't be in huge trouble if she cast spiritual defenses using her spells.

However, the situation was different now. Lize was acting really peculiar and her emotions had been fluctuating a lot recently. It would still be fine for normal battles, but for a battle that involved mental strength, it was hard to guarantee that Lize wouldn't be bewitched by the Mind Devil.

In the end, Rhode made his decision.

After resting for a night in the inn, Lize seemed to have returned to normal. When Rhode exited his room and arrived at the hall, Lize and Anne were having breakfast. Anne presented a rare, quiet side of her and savored the delicious bread. She spotted Rhode and the little mermaid and she waved her arm cheerfully.

"Ah, Leader, good morning."

"Good morning, Anne, Lize. It seems that you two had a great rest."

"Good morning, Mr. Rhode."

Lize lifted her head hurriedly. Then, she lowered her head in uncertainty.

"I'm really sorry about yesterday..."

"You don't have to apologize to me. I was the one who didn't consider the monthly troubles that every female has... Sorry about that."

"Ah..."

"Hmm?"

Anne tilted her head curiously as though she didn't understand what Rhode meant. On the contrary, Lize looked with a little flush across her face as though she had a fever. She tried to explain, but she eventually lowered her head and quietly ate her food.

"Leader, what are we doing next?"

Anne looked at Lize and shifted her gaze to Rhode obediently without skipping and clinging to his arm like she usually did. Rhode pondered for a moment.

"Lize."

"Ah. Yes, Mr. Rhode, is anything the matter?"

Lize laid down the utensils and wiped her lips with a handkerchief before standing up and pressing the creases on her clothes. Rhode nodded in satisfaction before sweeping a glance to Anne who was watching them curiously.

"You went back for a rest early yesterday, so you weren't aware of the possible dangers on the route toward Emerald Valley. We heard from the inn owner that Chaos is wreaking havoc there, so we may not act according to plan. I have decided to bring Anne along to check on the situation. During this period, I hope you can purchase some supplies from the market, so we can have some suitable food for ourselves after we enter the Elf Dominion. Although the Elves don't treat wild animals like how the Druids worshiped them, it will still get under the Elves' nerves if we hunt wild animals under their watch. I'll leave this matter to you."

"Alright, Mr. Rhode. No problem."

Lize didn't suspect anything strange. After breakfast, she left the inn and headed into the market. Anne always loved the bustling environment and she had almost gone along with her. However, unsure if she was held back by Rhode's gazes or due to the conflict from the day before, Anne sat quietly beside him and awaited his orders.

After confirming that Lize wasn't within their sight anymore, Rhode placed the wine glass which he had been fiddling with on the table and stood to his feet, caressing the sword hilt by his waist lightly.

"Get ready to move out, Anne. It will be dangerous this time, so be prepared."

"Yes, Leader. No problem!"

Anne raised her shield and responded with a smile.

This was the final solution Rhode had come up with. He didn't wish to risk their lives by bringing Lize along. Considering her unstable emotions, and he felt that safety was the main priority. However, it wouldn't be kind of him to leave her behind without giving a proper reason. This was why Rhode came up with this excuse to occupy her, while Anne and the little mermaid followed him into Emerald Valley. Although they would be without a Cleric's support and healing, the little mermaid who had been by his side wasn't just there for display. After experiencing battles along the way, Snow had leveled up several times and she currently had 8 Offense and 12 Defense, which was comparative to the high-defense Nether Tentacles. Moreover, the little mermaid had also learned quite a few support skills, which included 'Healing Rain', 'Frozen Barrier', 'Water Cell', and 'Detoxify'. Even though these support skills weren't as powerful as a Cleric's, they had the upper hand on variety and were useful to a certain extent. Rhode was confident that the little mermaid could stand in for Lize's absence.

Emerald Valley wasn't far from Blackberry Town. It took the trio two hours to arrive at their destination and the merciless, afternoon sun was at its peak. Exuberant trees spread across the Country of Law borders and Emerald Valley was no exception. Lush shrubs and forest could be seen everywhere, and the stream flowing along the river course. Normally, such scenery would be picturesque and magnificent.

However, it was entirely different here.

Chaos had eroded the edge of Order. The warm sunlight had become dark and dull. Even the bushes on either sides looked like pitch-dark nests as though monsters were hidden within. Turbid water flowed through the river silently like a thick layer of grease.

"Leader, is this the place?"

Anne furrowed her brows. Rhode had told Anne everything about the Mind Devil along the way. However, she didn't expect that the invasion of Chaos could actually turn such a beautiful place into this unbearable state.

"That's right, we're here."

Rhode nodded slightly and gestured to the little mermaid. The little mermaid revealed a cheerful smile and nodded with might. She swiped her tiny webbed hands to the side and a trail of light emerged in the water ball, releasing clear bubbles out of the water ball and cooled the sultriness. Then, specks of ice crystal crystallized around them and formed a translucent ice shield. Although the ice shield wasn't as powerful as a Cleric's protective barrier, it would still be useful in resisting ambushes.

"Let's go."

Rhode drew the twin daggers from his waist in a smooth motion while Anne took down the shield from her back and the trio entered Emerald Valley.

It was noon.

"Hu..."

Lize wiped the sweat beads off her forehead and gazed at the items she had arranged neatly before her. It was already noon and Rhode and Anne hadn't returned yet. Lize felt ill at ease. She walked to the window and gazed out with complicated emotions. However, the view of Blackberry Town failed to assure the young lady's anxious spirits. Rhode suspected that Lize had taken the initiative to join their journey into the Elf Dominion due to the complex emotions that she was feeling after witnessing Anne's actions.

Anne was an adorable, straightforward young lady with well-defined likes and dislikes, which were her good points. But now, they had become the reasons that Lize was worried the most.

Lize had been observing along the way and tried to pluck up her courage to compete with Anne. However, the more she observed, the less confident she felt. She wasn't as cheerful and outgoing as Anne, and she couldn't disregard others' opinions like Anne could. Lize wished that she could be like Anne—rely on Rhode. Wrap her arms around his arms. Speak to him casually about daily topics. However, she just couldn't do it. Whenever she tried to, something from deep in her heart always stopped her.

I want, but I don't dare to.

I can't do it.

It's still the same now.

Lize turned her gaze into the room with much more complicated emotions. Mr. Rhode brought Anne along to check on the situation and he left me here. Lize didn't wish for this to happen. She didn't want Rhode to be alone with Anne.

She equally disliked having such thoughts, but...

"Why is Mr. Rhode not back yet..."

Lize murmured. After a few moments, she lifted her head firmly as though she had made up her mind. She looked out of the window once again, but this time, her eyes weren't wandering worriedly anymore. She fixed her gaze on the indistinct mountain in the distance.

If I wasn't mistaken... Mr. Rhode said that they were heading into Emerald Valley to check on the situation...

Chapter 595: Confused Heart (III)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"This is..."

Lize sucked in a deep breath. She immediately spotted the unusual environment. Everything before her eyes were emanating with unprecedented dangers. Her instincts were warning her to stay away from this dangerous region.

What should I do?

Lize stood by the entrance of the valley hesitantly. She had never entered any dangerous regions alone as a Cleric. In the beginning, she used to be incapable of doing it, but now, she didn't have such a chance even if she wanted to. Even though she had learned quite a few battle techniques from Mini Bubble Gum, she had never done this before. Besides, she also knew the dangers of the spreading Chaos. The terrifying, lurking monsters might charge out from anywhere and everywhere. If she were to be encircled by the monsters, she would definitely have a hard time escaping. Besides, Mr. Rhode didn't allow me to enter the valley. If I enter on my own accord...

"Argh..."

Suddenly, Lize heard a deep groan and she widened her eyes as soon as she turned around. Anne was covered in ghastly scars and blood everywhere as she leaned on a large boulder. The shield that had never left her side was nowhere to be seen.

"Anne?!"

Lize shrieked in horror. She hurriedly cast a protective barrier on herself and bolted forward.

"Anne, what happened? Where's Mr. Rhode? Anne?!"

As Lize was about to arrive at Anne's side, a burst of strong wind blew against her face and forced her to shut her eyes. In the blink of an eye, Lize opened her eyes and realized that Anne had vanished.

"Anne?"

There was nothing before Lize except for the swaying shrubs. There were no signs of Anne as though she was never there.

Have I been tricked?

Lize was no longer the newbie from before anymore. She swiftly turned around and leaned back against the boulder. Then, she waved her arms and two protective halos spread apart with her in the middle. She felt much more relieved now. She puckered her brows and scanned the surroundings cautiously. However, nothing had changed. The entire river valley was equally silent. Although it felt like an illusion, Lize knew that she was like a butterfly who had flown into a spider web. If she didn't escape sooner, she might be eaten. But...

Lize turned her gaze to the entrance where she came from and it was replaced by dense, lush shrubs and forest. She frowned and extended her arm forward to cast a spell that could break the illusion. However, it was ineffective.

I'm in trouble...

Lize approached the dense forest. The densely packed tree branches and vines had interwoven. The hard shrubs on the ground and the entire forest seemed like a natural barrier and it was impossible to pass through. Lize touched the texture of the withered bark and she realized that it wasn't an illusion at all. However, if it was real, how did it appear? Lize remembered that only the Elves were capable of manipulating nature. However, she didn't offend any Elves. Besides, Elves wouldn't lure her inside by creating an illusion of an injured Anne.

Lize turned around and her heart sank. She had only been attracted by the scenery inside and when she turned around, she discovered that the environment around her had changed itself entirely. The valley was nowhere to be seen. It was replaced with an endless, dark forest surrounded by shrubs and vines. Apart from the indistinct path that led the way, there were no other ways.

Is this an illusion spell or trap?

Lize hesitated no more. She tapped on her earring lightly and the deep blue earring glowed warmly. Then, the invisible magical signal spread forward.

"Mr. Rhode? Mr. Rhode? Can you hear me? I've met with some trouble..."

"..."

No response.

This Magic Transmission Device which Lapis made was only worn by the higher-ups of the Guild and it didn't seem to work.

It seems like the only way is to move forward.

Lize hesitated for a few moments as she looked into the indistinct trail that led into the forest. In the end, she made a desperate decision.

Lize didn't think that her choice was right. But she had no other choice.

Perhaps due to the dense trees blocking out the sunlight, the forest was strangely dark. Lize had to widen her eyes to see everything clearly before her. She didn't dare to cast her illumination spell because she knew that it would attract trouble and danger. Besides, she wasn't powerful as a Cleric. Although Mini Bubble Gum had taught her well and wholeheartedly, the differences in their personalities couldn't be changed.

After walking for up to two hours, or even longer, the dark space finally brightened and the surrounding tree branches and vines that resembled snakes became sparse. Lize hurried her footsteps toward the source of light.

"Hu hu hu..."

As Lize was about to step out of the forest, suddenly, a burst of chuckles sounded in her ears. She came to a halt abruptly and scanned the surroundings. At this moment, a figure in the forest caught her attention.

"Mr. Rhode?"

Rhode's back was facing her as though he was focused on something else. Lize yelled out in surprise and scuttled two steps forward subconsciously. However, she reminded herself of Anne's illusion which made her fall into this situation. She didn't wish to be had for the second time.

Lize inched forward sneakily from the side.

That is really Mr. Rhode.

Lize was sure of it. Rhode seemed to be doing something there, but the dense shrubs had blocked her vision. Lize stepped forward and this time, she heard someone gasping for breath—a really familiar voice.

However, everything revealed before her eyes before she figured out who it was.

Anne laid on the ground without a single piece of cloth on her. Her beautiful curves were trembling. She let out satisfied and alluring moans. Rhode was thrusting this enticing, active body.

"Ah... Leader... So strong... Anne feels so comfortable... Leader...!"

Anne lifted her head high and pressed her hands on the ground. Her legs were trembling and her twisting waist welcomed Rhode's invasion wildly. Smack smack smack... The collision of their bodies rang loudly in Lize's ears. Lize stood blankly on the spot. Although she was standing by the edge of the shrub, neither Rhode nor Anne seemed to realize her presence. Rhode bent over and rubbed his hands around Anne's soft, ample chest, at the same time biting her earlobe. Anne shuddered violently.

"Ah... Leader. Anne likes you so much! Continue to like Anne more and more, Leader...!'

Lize turned around and her head was in a complete blank. Although she knew that such weird things wouldn't happen in reality, the immense stimulation forced her away. Even though she had turned around, she could still hear the resounding collision of their bodies and their moans. She couldn't hold it in anymore and she darted away.

"Haa... Haa..."

Lize came to a half after the voices had vanished entirely. She held onto the tree trunk for support and panted for air. Her heart was in a mess. That was just an illusion. Just an illusion. It wasn't real. Although she kept telling herself that, she felt that her heart was about to explode as soon as she thought about that scene. Wake up, Lize. That's the enemy's illusion spell. Don't be fooled... Lize gritted her teeth and lifted her head. Then, she froze on the spot.

"Mm... Mm..."

Canary poured her naked self into Rhode's embrace. They kissed passionately and separated thereafter.

"Rhode... How was it? My skills are still the best, right?"

Canary glanced forward with a taunting look as though she was mocking Lize.

"No, you're not. Rhode, it should be my turn next."

Lize turned around stiffly, fearing to witness the next woman.

Marlene crawled up from behind Rhode and wrapped her arms lazily around his neck. She was also completely naked. Rhode stretched out his left hand and touched between her legs. Marlene closed her eyes and let out a satisfied moan. At this moment, Canary chuckled.

"How seductive, Marlene. Is this fine? Lize is watching from there."

"Lize?"

Marlene opened her eyes and turned toward where Canary was pointing. However, she hugged even closer to Rhode.

"So what? Just let her watch if she wants. Anyway, Rhode is the most important to me... Mm... Rhode, stop teasing me. Give it to me..."

"That's right. Lize won't join us anyway, right?"

Anne walked out with her usual smile. Like the other two young ladies, Anne was also fully unclothed and white, sticky liquid was flowing down her thighs from between her legs. She lifted her head high and gazed at Lize in disdain.

"Besides, she wouldn't dare to do it. Leader belongs to us. Cowards should go away and stop annoying Anne from having fun."

"S-Sisters, don't go overboard."

Lapis licked her lips as she peeked her head out from behind Canary and enviously observed her interactions with Rhode.

"Lize also wants to join us, but she's just not brave enough..."

"No! I... I don't...!"

Lize reacted as though she had regained her senses. She stepped a few steps back subconsciously and shook her head as though the world was collapsing before her very eyes.

"I-I'm not thinking of..."

"How dare you lie. Anne knows what you're thinking. Hmph, you also wish to crawl before Leader and sway your bum to satisfy him, isn't it? Isn't it normal for females to crave for males to mate? Anne hates people who act all high and mighty like you."

"No! I have never thought of this before! I-I have never... Never..."

"You see, Anne. Didn't I tell you that Lize wouldn't have such thoughts? To her, we are just a bunch of animals craving for love and indulging in carnal desires."

"No! Marlene, it's not like that! I have never thought of it that way. I have never, never thought about that..."

"Still trying to deny? What a stubborn little girl. But isn't it better since she doesn't wish to? We have one less competitor snatching Rhode away from us. That's fine. Lize, go get yourself another man and stop annoying us. How about that?"

"I... I... No! I beg you girls! Don't say that! I have really never thought of it this way!"

Their every remark crushed her heart like an iron hammer. She shook her head in denial and screamed frantically. Lize didn't dare to look forward anymore. She turned around to escape the horrifying nightmare.

At this moment, a pair of gigantic, blood-red eyes came into view.

And Lize's conscious came to an end.

Chapter 596: Confused Heart (V)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

How strange.

Rhode brandished his dagger and smashed a Chaos critter into nothingness. He couldn't help but furrow his brows. They had entered Emerald Valley for about two hours and they should have covered half the distance by now. The spread of the Chaos here wasn't that rapid and the critters that were tainted by the Chaos were low-level creatures which didn't pose any problems. Although the journey had been smooth, the most crucial Mind Devil hadn't been discovered yet. He suspected if his over-cautiousness had prevented the Mind Devil from showing itself. He had indeed felt traces of spiritual-probing slipping by him and Anne when they entered the valley. However, nothing happened afterward. Back then, Rhode thought that as long as they moved forward, the Mind Devil would surely strike for them. A human's mental strength and thoughts were its best food and he believed that it wouldn't let this delicious meal slip.

But now, Rhode didn't detect the same mental interactions from before as though the Mind Devil had lost its interest.

Or perhaps I've behaved too prudently?

Rhode let out an inward sigh. Of course, he couldn't be blamed because the Mind Devil focused on mental attack, which was unlike magic or any other physical attacks. Rhode certainly didn't wish to be outplayed by it, which was why he acted more cautiously. But now... What's going on?

Rhode didn't believe that the Mind Devil would obediently wait for someone to annihilate it. If that was the truth, Rhode would have a much easier time and it would be as easy as having a meal to fight a level 30 BOSS that didn't use any mental attacks. However, Emerald Valley wasn't a path that would lead to a dead end and the Mind Devil naturally wouldn't be waiting at the end... Rhode had even considered tricking the villagers into being bait for the Mind Devil.

"Leader, something isn't right."

Anne said and Rhode came to a halt as he had also sensed the unusual environment. Thick white fog was spreading and enveloping everything. It was so fast that they almost couldn't even react in time.

"Stand beside me, Anne. Hold my hand and don't let go!" Rhode yelled out.

Anne nodded hurriedly and grabbed his hand... At this moment, the fog shrouded them completely.

"W-What is this? Leader?"

Anne gazed curiously at the murky smoke that had masked their vision of everything within two meters of their sight. If they weren't holding hands, they wouldn't be able to confirm each other's position. However, the duo didn't stop moving forward.

"This isn't fog."

Rhode swept glances around him. He didn't feel any water vapor from it and the little mermaid's skill failed to disperse it. This proved that the fog was just an illusion to conceal their vision.

Rhode took large strides forward while holding onto Anne's hand. In the white fog, no one could verify time and distance accurately. However, Rhode continued to move forward regardless until the fog disappeared before his eyes.

"This is..."

Anne widened her eyes in astonishment. It wasn't the picturesque scenery of a valley. Instead, it was a long, dozen-meters wide corridor with a pitch-black ceiling. Tall, round pillars of stone lined along the corridor supported the dome. Anne turned back and realized that the path that they had come through from turned into an ice-cold wall.

"Hu..."

Rhode let out a long breath, but Anne didn't know if he was relieved or felt helpless.

"Alright, we've found it, Anne."

"Eh? Is this the 'something Devil' that Leader mentioned?"

Anne turned around in surprise and Rhode nodded firmly.

"That's right. The place that we're in now is a mental world created by the Mind Devil and as long as we walk into the core of this world, we can find that fella and annihilate it. It's that simple, but..."

Rhode paused for a while. At this moment, he was rather doubtful of the situation. It wasn't strange of the Mind Devil to call upon a mental world, but neither of them seemed to be affected by it at all. As for the little mermaid, Rhode could understand her every action since she was his summoned spirit and there weren't any signs of her being attacked mentally.

However, this phenomenon didn't appear to be an 'illusion spell' used by the Mind Devil when capturing prey. Instead, it was a true mental world, which was the most powerful part of the Mind Devil. Although it had weak strength, it could materialize its prey's mental world and receive powerful strength from it. Or perhaps, the Mind Devil wasn't powerful itself, but it could borrow its prey's mental strength to create such things, which was the most terrifying.

But this was where the problem presented itself. Whose mental world did this belong to? Rhode wasn't affected by it and it was impossible for Anne to have such a strange mental world. The mental world was built from the deepest scenery in one's heart and it wasn't possible that Anne was interested in such quiet and lifeless buildings. But now, it meant that someone had been affected by the Mind Devil, which was why this mental world existed. But who exactly was that?

"Let's go. Be careful."

Rhode shook his head and beckoned.

The stone corridor seemed never-ending. Rhode scrutinized the view as he sought out some features of the mental world owner. However, what took him by surprise was that this mental world wasn't as simple as it seemed.

This corridor resembled those in lofty palaces and the Church. As a matter of fact, the spotlessly white, round pillars and oval dome proved this point. Moreover, the dignified and gorgeous floral patterns added a bit of a solemn atmosphere to this place. Rhode's first impression of this place was that this was a mental world which belonged to a serious and noble person.

Yes, that's right. First impression. However, it was entirely different after he scanned the details.

And the reason laid in the statues on the round pillars.

In the Church, these statues were Angels carved on the round pillars. They widened their arms and spread their elegant wings apart, posing magnificently. However, the statues on the pillars were rather... Hmm... How should I put it...

Rhode turned his gaze away from an Angel statue that was hugging the round pillar tightly as though it was 'rubbing it for electricity' to the other end. Another Angel statue that had her hands rubbing her chest and legs tightening with each other while exposing an infatuated expression... Yes... This is... How should I put it... In other words... Undignified. Yes, really undignified.

Compared to the stern, elegant patterns on the corridor, the statues were frivolous and obscene, which was unbearable for Rhode to look at. On the contrary, Anne made a big fuss.

"Woah, Leader. Those two are hugging in a weird head to leg position. How strange!

"Woah, Leader. Her legs are wide open. What is she doing, anyway?

"Woah, Leader. That statue's legs have split into a straight line.

"Woah, Leader. Look at that..."

Rhode felt that he had made a great decision in bringing Anne with him. If it were Marlene, Canary, or Gillian, perhaps they would be so embarrassed that they couldn't even move. Even Rhode couldn't bear to lay eyes on the ridiculous statues. After all, they were far worse than those movies prohibited for under 25 years old. Rhode had seen lots of adult movies on the web, but he had never seen such creative poses. If this happened in the game, he would surely record them down and show it to everyone. It would definitely cause an uproar and possibly change human views on sexual positions.

Fortunately, there was still an end to the corridor where a heavy wooden door presented itself. Rhode stepped forward without hesitation and pushed it.

A round hall, which wasn't as indecent as the corridor, revealed itself. The entire hall was spacious and tidy with a round fountain in its middle. Clear spring water sprayed from it and covered the entire hall while plain, simple black and white stone stelae were erected in the surrounding.

As Rhode and Anne stepped into the hall, a voice sounded in their ears.

"You're finally here, Mr. Rhode."

"Lize?"

Rhode and Anne lifted their heads to the source of the voice. They widened their eyes in astonishment.

Lize stood above one of the black stelae. However, she was totally different. Her smile wasn't as warm and she lifted her chin to look down at them with a proud, arrogant smirk. Not only that, but her dressing was also shocking. She wasn't wearing her usual Cleric robe. Instead, she wore an extremely revealing two-piece leather clothes that covered her most feminine parts like a set of bikini. She also wore long boots and black leather gloves that extended to her elbows. Lize lashed the whip in her hands and gazed at Rhode.

"I've been waiting for you, Mr. Rhode. Ah... You're finally here. I thought I had to wait for you forever. But now, you're finally by my side. Fate has proven that you're eventually mine and you can only return to me... Huhuhu. Come, Mr. Rhode. Come to me and follow my orders. As long as you're willing to, I'll give you the paramount award in this world. You shall indulge in never-ending happiness and become my most loyal servant forever!"

"L-Lize?"

Anne shrieked in horror.

"What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that? You..."

Lize's expression darkened and she lashed out the whip at Anne.

"Shut up, you bitch."

"Huh...? Huh??"

"You thought that I was unaware? You oestrus bitch are always pestering Mr. Rhode for his attention to satisfy your shameless desires. Hmph. How daring of you. Let me tell you clearly. Mr. Rhode belongs to me. Don't touch him with your dirty hands, or you'll be sorry!"

"Ah..."

Anne was left speechless. Then, at this moment, Rhode disappeared in a flash and two blade rays emerged beside Lize, striking for her neck. Lize instantly sprung back and lashed her whip forward, colliding with Rhode's twin daggers. Then, she somersaulted backward using the recoil and landed steadily on another stela. But this time, her face had distorted.

"Mr. Rhode, how can you attack me because of this bitch. I'm really disappointed. It seems that I must teach you a lesson... I must make you mine and you will listen to all my orders. This is your duty as my servant! I will make you understand this!"

Then, Lize vanished in the blink of an eye.

Chapter 597: Confused Heart (VI)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Rhode furrowed his brows and shook his head slightly at Lize's disappearance. Then, he landed back on the ground and realized that Anne was looking at him with a pale complexion.

"L-Leader, did Anne... Anne do something that Lize dislike? Why..."

The innocent and cheerful young lady appeared really depressed. Her body was trembling slightly as she clasped her shield as though she would fall without this support. Rhode had rarely seen Anne behaving in this manner. However, Rhode understood why she felt this way. After joining Starlight, Anne had the closest relationship with Lize. Their relationship had always been great and Anne was always the one responsible for protecting Lize and her subordinates. They had never quarreled. But now, it was no wonder that Anne suffered such a huge blow after Lize had berated her. Anne was innocent but wasn't a dummy, after all. It was apparent that Lize had some opinions about her.

And this was where it hurt Anne the most. A close friend who had always been with her suddenly fell out with her and treated her as worthless. Such humiliation and insult far exceeded the abuse from strangers.

"No, Anne. This isn't your fault."

Rhode had to diminish the thought of chasing after Lize after looking at Anne who was as though a puppy abandoned by its owner. Anne was in an unstable condition and Rhode didn't expect this to happen. If he didn't resolve the bewilderment in her heart, the Mind Devil would capture her weaknesses and worsen the situation.

Fortunately, it was much easier for Rhode to console Anne than Lize.

"Although that person you saw was Lize, she actually wasn't Lize at all."

"Anne doesn't understand..."

Anne lifted her head and gazed at Rhode with tears welling in her eyes.

"You do remember that the Mind Devil doesn't have powerful strength, which is why it will manipulate the willpower of others and use their mental world as a battle weapon, right? I told you about it plenty of times along the way."

"Yes..."

Anne nodded and wiped her tears to listen attentively. Rhode heaved a sigh of relief. Then, he positioned in front of her and continued.

"But, if that monster traps us by materializing other's mental world into physical form, how is it possible for it to manipulate the person to attack us? For example, let's say you've been affected by the Mind Devil's attack and I'm trapped in your mental world. Will you still attack after you realized it's me?"

"Of course not!"

Anne shook her head with all her might.

"Anne will never, ever lay hands on Leader. No matter what the monster does, Anne will never do it!"

"That's right, you wouldn't. But that monster naturally wouldn't act in accordance with your intentions. It will cast a series of illusions before you and in the illusions, I will betray, hurt, or abandon you. In other words, you will see every scenario that will make you hate me. As long as your mind is swayed by it, the monster will take advantage to control your mind to reach its goals."

Rhode lifted his head and gazed at the oval-shaped hall.

"Just as you've thought. If Lize knows that we've entered her inner world, she will not destroy us. But before that, the Mind Devil must have shown her something to sway her mind and it seized the chance to enter her mind and magnify her negative emotions. It is as though a simple, harmless joke turning into a humiliating, shaming, or even vengeful insult under the Mind Devil's instigation. Her subconscious will instinctively drive out or eliminate the things that make her feel painful and unbearable. And we..."

Rhode pointed at himself and to Anne.

"Have become the subject of her anger. This is why the Lize that you saw wasn't the real Lize. She was just a phantom created by the Mind Devil. Besides, didn't you realize...?"

Rhode shrugged and spread his arms apart.

"If that was the real Lize, do you think she would be able to dodge my attack?"

"Ah..."

Anne widened her mouth in enlightenment. She gazed at Rhode with glinting eyes. Indeed. Anne also knew the strength of her companions. If that were the real Lize, she surely wouldn't be able to dodge Rhode's attack and retreat swiftly without casting any spells.

"So, the phantom is simply a puppet who resembles Lize only in appearance. You have to remember that we are currently in Lize's mental world controlled by the Mind Devil, so the Lize who appears here isn't real. She will think of all ways to make you suffer in pain and the Mind Devil will manipulate you if you take her words for real. You should trust your friend, Anne. You know how Lize is. Do you think she is a shrew who would hurl abuse at her friends?"

"Of course not!"

The uncertainty and sorrows showing on Anne's face had faded completely. She shook her head firmly and raised her right fist, displaying a brilliant smile at Rhode.

"Anne believes Lize. Lize isn't someone like that!"

"Good."

Rhode nodded in satisfaction and patted her shoulder.

"Let's go."

In fact, Rhode had only told her half of the truth.

That Lize was indeed extracted from deep inside her heart by the Mind Devil. However, the Mind Devil could only manipulate her mind and couldn't create something from nothing. As a matter of fact, the phantom wasn't as simple as a puppet controlled by the Mind Devil. It was born from the deepest parts of Lize's spirit and mind and its performance was the manifestation of Lize's will. In other words, Lize actually detested Anne deep down. However, Rhode felt that this was ridiculous since Anne and Lize always had a close relationship together. Besides, even though Anne might be lively and playful, she was never disruptive. This shouldn't have caused Lize to have such thoughts about Anne at all. Also, the phantom's last sentence...

I didn't expect Lize to be a hidden sadist...

At this moment, Rhode finally understood the saying that was passed down from the ancestors. One may know another for a long time without understanding their true nature.

If this was a game, Rhode and Anne would be facing a never-ending maze filled with side-roads and dead ends. They might need to eliminate many monsters and increase their levels before facing the BOSS. Fortunately, Lize's mental world wasn't that complicated. Her mind was like a magnificent, massive church without several perplex pathways and confusing maze. However, this didn't mean that their road ahead would be easy.

Shing!

Rhode dodged the slashing blade from the statue. At the same time, Anne leaped forward with her shield. She struck the statue and crushed it into exploding bits. The statue flew off and shattered into fragments on the ground, damaging the flawless marble ground. Another Angel Statue leaped down from the stela and slashed her sword. However, a thick, ice wall prevented it from hacking further. The little mermaid had spread her tiny arms apart and the water ball rippled to the surrounding. Then, ice blades shot out from the water ball and struck the statue, sending the Angel Statue to the ground. As it crawled to its feet, Rhode emerged sneakily and slashed it into chunks.

The decorative statues had become their only enemies along the way. Besides, perhaps due to the words that 'Lize' had said earlier, the statues were mainly headed for Anne. Fortunately, the statues weren't powerful in strength and Anne was capable enough to deal with them. Moreover, with Rhode and the little mermaid around her, she wasn't in any form of danger.

"In front of you!"

Rhode gazed at the gorgeous, dignified door ahead after eliminating another statue. Anne and the little mermaid nodded with might. The little mermaid extended its arms and chilly aura emanated from her water ball to form a halo which extended in all directions. Shortly after, the ground beneath their feet froze and formed specks of hoar frost. The statues that had entered the halo slowed down slightly. Even though the little mermaid's containment of the statues was next to nothing with her current level, this instant was more than enough for Anne.

Anne took half a step forward and swung out her shield which swept forward like a gigantic boulder. At the same time, she stepped back and pulled back the handle and steel chain in her hand abruptly. Then, dazzling green elemental radiance glowed on her body.

The large shield roared a violent whirlwind from the ground and engulfed everything in its path. The statues were drawn into it like filthy dust and their shattered fragments launched out of the whirlwind and smashed into the stelae and walls. Anne laid her hand down and the devastating whirlwind came to an abrupt end.

"Let's go."

Rhode twitched his brows as he gazed at the destroyed place. Then, he turned around and headed for the white door.

He opened the white door slowly and shortly after, a new location revealed before Rhode and Anne.

But after taking a closer look, both of them were stunned.

"..."

Rhode thought that he had seen enough things that had overturned his impressions after entering Lize's mental world. But now, he was left speechless.

"It's truly Mr. Rhode, indeed. It seems that the worthless crap out there was totally useless."

In the sacred hall filled with warm sunlight that had spilled through the roof, Lize crossed her legs and sat on the throne in the middle of the hall, wearing pitch-black leather clothes. She lifted her chin proudly and looked at her guests in disdain. Her dress wasn't too different from when they met previously. The only difference was this time, Lize held a steel chain in her hands.

The pitch-black steel chain drooped beside her and the other end of the steel chain was locked onto a scarlet collar that was attached on a young lady's neck. The fully naked young lady was kneeling beside her with her arms bound behind her back and she could only lift her upper body upward. Her eyes were concealed by a black eye mask.

"I shall give you one more chance, Mr. Rhode."

Lize stood up and rested her arms on her waist.

"Surrender now and kiss my toes. Swear that you'll become my possession. Obey me forever and I shall bestow you the supreme happiness in this world. I shall make you indulge in unforgettable happiness. Now! Get down on your knees!"

Lize raised her voice and lashed the whip in her hands.

"Whereas for that slut beside you... She has to leave. I've had enough of her. I feel disgusted every time I see her spinning around you like an oestrus bitch. You belong to me and not to that slut!"

"Sorry, I'm not interested."

Rhode gave a snort of contempt and chuckled.

"I've always loved to dominate women and have never preferred being dominated by them, especially when I'm unwilling."

"..."

Lize sulked. But, shortly after, the cunning smile returned.

"That's fine too, Mr. Rhode. I shall satisfy you since you defy me... Huhuhu. I feel so excited just imagining your groans and yells to my whips. That's right. I love those eyes of yours. Those eyes that show rejection and disdain shall be conquered by me completely. Ah... Just this thought makes me..."

Lize placed the whip between her legs and rubbed her upper thighs together. Then, she lifted her head with a little flush across her fair face. She drew out the whip between her legs slowly and translucent, thick liquid trickled down from its surface.

"Did you see it? Mr. Rhode, I've become like this just by looking at you. Would you like to have a taste of it? It is surely a kind of blissfulness which other females can't give you, you know?"

Lize shuddered and let out a chuckle. She lashed the whip in her hands heavily on the young lady kneeling beside her. The resounding sound of the whip echoed and left a ghastly scar on her fair delicate skin.

"Ah...!"

The young lady let out a blood-curdling screech.

"Ah... That's right. It's this voice. The kind of pleasure that creates a sense of supreme conquest! Mr. Rhode, I can't wait to hear this voice of yours!"

Rhode and Anne laid eyes on the young lady because they recognized her voice.

"L-Lize?"

Anne stared unbelievably at the young lady. The kneeling young lady curled up after hearing Anne's voice and struggled to cover up her naked body.

"Ahhh! Please don't look! Mr. Rhode! Anne! Please, don't look at me!

"Shut up, you whore!"

the phantom grabbed 'Lize's' hair and pulled her up furiously.

"A whore like you likes it, isn't it? Bare naked before others and eager for them to rape you! Look at your slutty self! How about it? Mr. Rhode is standing right there and looking at you. It seems that he is looking down upon you. Hmph, I guess Mr. Rhode isn't aware that this adorable-looking young lady is actually such a filthy slut!"

"No... Don't say that... Don't say that..."

Tears flowed down Lize's face and she shook her head in denial. However, she didn't dare to resist.

"Was I wrong? You relied on your innocent appearance and tricked so many people. Actually, you wish that others would ridicule you, mock you, beat you up, and enjoy themselves by treating you like a toy. You derive thrills from these sufferings, am I right?"

"You're wrong... You're wrong..."

"Shut your mouth!"

Smack!

The phantom lashed out on Lize's chest. Lize shuddered, but this time, her groans were somewhat flirty. The phantom let out a snort and threw her to the ground heavily. Lize gasped for air and trembled all over. At this moment, the phantom raised its right boot and stamped on her body.

"You see, Mr. Rhode."

The phantom spread her arms apart.

"This is Lize. She carves to be your pet and plaything. She's a psychopath who enjoys a good beating and humiliation. Her pure, innocent looks are all fake. This is her true self. But I'm different. I don't wish to be your pet. Instead, you should become mine! Only I have the rights!"

The phantom lashed her whip once again and pointed to Anne.

"You, and that Canary, and the Half-Elf. All of you met Mr. Rhode later than me, so he belongs to me. You cheating bitches keep trying to touch my possession again and again. I will make all of you pay. Not only you bitches, but also the women who touched Mr. Rhode. I will punish them myself and make them suffer in pain forever and ever!"

"Haa..."

Rhode let out a sigh and drew out his dagger.

"Are you ready, Anne?"

"Anne is ready, Leader!"

Anne nodded immediately.

"Anne will not forgive the Mind Devil for treating Lize this way!"

Rhode glanced at Anne before shifting his attention back to the front.

Not sure if she's easy to convince... or easy to trick...

"You're asking for death."

The phantom sulked and the bright sacred hall darkened instantly.

"Mr. Rhode. I will make you my only plaything and you will stay with me forever... As for you, cheating bitch... I will turn you into fodder!"

Chapter 598: Confused Heart (VI)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

This battle wasn't easy for Rhode.

If the phantom possessed Lize's actual strength, Rhode would've gotten rid of her in a split second. Although he wasn't sure what the Mind Devil had done, it had magnified Lize's mental strength and in her mental world, she possessed powerful competence and strength. It was due to this reason that Rhode and Anne didn't have an easy time against her.

From their previous encounter, Rhode realized that the phantom was a BOSS between level 60 to 65. Fortunately, the phantom didn't have Lize's strength and its speed, strength, and reaction was similar to the BOSS. Apart from that, she couldn't use any special skills nor the usual spells which Lize used.

However, the fight was still tough.

Because Lize understood Anne and him too well.

As a Cleric, Lize had always acted as the supporting role during battles and she naturally had to understand her companions' battle styles. But now, her experiences had become Rhode and Anne's deadly weakness. Even though the phantom couldn't cast any spells, it managed to dodge Rhode's fatal ambushes with its level 60 BOSS attributes. Not only that, but the phantom had also deflected Anne's attack and healed herself.

Clang!

The ear-deafening crash numbed their ears.

The twin daggers and the pitch-black whip collided, releasing countless sparks into the air. The phantom twitched her brow and let out a chuckle. Then, she swung forward with all her might. Rhode felt an immense might coming from the whip and he retreated decisively with a somersault. At this moment, a dazzling spiritual radiance exploded from the whip and streaked across the air, brushing Rhode's clothes. Bam! The flat marble ground shattered with trails of ghastly damages and the powerful blast pushed Rhode forcefully away for up to 10 meters.

"Aiya. What a waste. You've avoided it again, Mr Rhode."

The phantom withdrew her whip and caressed it gently. She revealed a tyranny grin that Rhode had never seen before.

"But this makes it interesting, doesn't it, Mr. Rhode? I've never seen you yelling out in pain. You've always looked like this: confident, like nothing can waver your spirit. But, what now? Do you think you can defeat me here? What a foolish thought. But I don't care at all. You can try, Mr. Rhode. And I will let your taste the pain of failure and despair. By then, I will make you kneel by my feet and pray for my favor. Ah... Just this thought is enough to send chills down my spine!"

The phantom trembled as she spoke. She let out a soft moan and lashed the whip in her hands forward, breaking the sound barrier in the air.

Rumble...

A deep rumble like rolling thunder sounded. Then, the sky above him darkened instantly. He stepped back subconsciously and he disappeared into the shadow that expanded wildly. At this moment, a massive figure descended from above and landed before him.

It was a massive, 3 meter tall Angel Statue. But, unlike the other statues, it didn't have feathers on its wings. Instead, the wings were bare bones, moving like spider legs. It held a large stone hammer in one hand and a shield in the other, facing forward expressionlessly like a puppet. Frankly speaking, it indeed was only a puppet.

There's no end to this.

Rhode puckered his brows. In this mental world, the owner of this space was the most powerful. Although the Mind Devil could entice, it couldn't manipulate the mental world. This was why it borrowed this method to lure its prey and destroy the threatening enemies on its own accord. This process was also used to lure its prey into repeating itself and for self-recognition. There was a saying that a lie that was repeated thousands of times would become the truth, which was especially applicable in this mental world. If the Mind Devil continued to misguide Lize into thinking that Rhode and Anne were enemies which she must annihilate, Lize would be brainwashed into thinking that it was the truth. Even without the guidance of the Mind Devil, Lize would make the same decision and this phenomenon had already shown itself. Initially, there was nothing else apart from the phantom and Lize in this sacred hall, which proved that the Mind Devil could only manipulate the phantom in the deepest part of her mind. But now, with the appearance of other enemies, it showed that Lize was slowly repeating this knowledge and recognizing their existence.

If Rhode didn't get rid of the Mind Devil quick enough and release Lize from the mental world, Lize would take over the baton from the Mind Devil and destroy them while following the repeated process. When that happened, Rhode and Anne would be incapable of saving the situation. This was Lize's mental world and in other words, it was a micro world where Lize was the God. In this place, nothing could stop her from doing as she pleased.

Even after Rhode defeated the Mind Devil and released the mental world, it might also permanently affect Lize's spirit and mind. There was such a setting in the game where there was a limited time for players to stay in the mental world. If the player defeated the Mind Devil in the given time and released the mental world, the victim would be safe. However, if the player exceeded the timing, the victim's spirit and mind would be impacted due to the deep brainwashing by the Mind Devil. The victim could count themselves lucky if they were left in an unstable mental state after being released. Some might even become walking corpses or go crazy in worse case scenarios.

Rhode didn't wish to face such a situation, so he had to put an end to this battle as quickly as possible. However, meeting force with force wasn't a great solution in the mental world. Lize didn't know any swordsmanship and she used simple battle techniques to resist and attack Rhode.

If it were others, they would be seeking death if they did that. However, this was Lize's mental world and she held the most authority. Her strength, speed, and reaction were above Rhode, which was why even though the phantom used only the basic techniques, Rhode couldn't deal with her easily.

"I'll leave the statue to you, Anne."

Rhode said without turning around.

"I will get Snow to help you. Protect yourself well and it will be good enough to contain it. Don't think about destroying it entirely, understand? Hold it back as far as possible away from me."

"Anne understands, Leader."

Anne nodded. She raised her shield and stared at the statue. At this moment, Rhode activated his [Dark Dance] and in the blink of an eye, he blended into the shadows and bolted toward the phantom like a slithering viper.

"—!"

The Angel Statue detected Rhode's movements. It raised its stone hammer and smashed it on the ground, sending a deep, deafening impact that shook and resounded in the entire sacred hall. The slithering shadow slipped past its stone hammer and struck forward swiftly. The Angel Statue lifted its weapon once again...

Boom!

Anne's shield streaked across the air and crashed heavily on its chest. The Angel Statue flinched and forcefully stomped its feet on the ground. Then, it turned to face Anne.

"Come on, big guy!"

Anne had no sense of fear at all. She smacked her shield loudly to taunt the enemy.

"Show Anne what you're made of!"

The Angel Statue lifted its stone hammer and brandished forward without hesitation.

The shadow emerged.

The crisscross blades flitted by the phantom and she sprung back to dodge Rhode's attack nimbly. She displayed an arrogant smile and gazed at Rhode.

"Mr. Rhode, it's useless no matter what you do. Isn't it easier to be obedient? No, that's fine too. It's more fun for you to disobey me. Huhuhu. I like the way you are now, Mr. Rhode. Only will I feel the blissful happiness after dominating you this way. Resist all you want, but no matter how you resist, Mr. Rhode, you will eventually become mine."

"I didn't expect that you longed for me that much, Lize."

This time, Rhode didn't launch forth another attack. Instead, he laid his daggers before him in a crisscross stance and gazed at the phantom.

"Yes, Mr. Rhode. You're too naive."

The phantom narrowed her eyes.

"I've always been by your side, but you've never known my feelings for you. Why? Why have you always been unwilling to respond to me? Forget it. It's useless talking about it now because from now onward, you will become mine. You're only allowed to live and die for me. You can't hug other women other than me and you can't do shameless things with them all the more! Your entirety belongs to me!"

The phantom clasped the straight, stiff whip in her hands and bent it so hard that it cracked slowly. The corner of Rhode's mouth twitched and he revealed a mocking smirk.

"I didn't know that you're so possessive, Lize. But it's a pity that I don't belong to you."

Kacha.

The air around them froze instantly and it felt as though a thick layer of ice had enveloped the entire sacred hall. The phantom widened her eyes, bit her lips, and gazed at Rhode with a pale expression. Her ears revealed anger, hatred, and disbelief.

"What... What did you say?"

"As for me, I don't like to be controlled by a woman and I don't belong to only one woman because I have too many women around me." Rhode spread his arms apart and revealed a prideful smile. He gazed at the ashen phantom. "That's why, I can only say that there are too many women who wish to have their share of me. Ah, I guess you knew about Canary already. After all, you've seen it with your own eyes that day. Whereas for Anne... Yes, her body is nicer than yours, but she's still too young for me. It's not too late for me to enjoy her after she's grown up. Oh, by the way, I guess you wouldn't have expected this other woman, Marlene. We have had our wild encounter during the Midsummer Festival and she was extremely satisfied with my performances. It is too boring to be bound by only one woman..."

"Shut your mouth!"

The phantom bellowed and lashed her whip at the distasteful man before her. But this time, Rhode didn't dodge her attack surprisingly. Instead, a glint flashed in his eyes and he brandished his daggers.

Countless stars exploded in an instant. Specks of starlight connected to form an omnipresent ocean of light above them. The phantom was taken aback. She never knew that Rhode could use such a swordsmanship. Besides, Rhode came in strong this time and the powerful blade rays struck the phantom distinctively. At this moment, the phantom's weakness in the lack of battle techniques revealed itself. She stepped back and swung the whip before her. Along with this motion, two spiritual rays flickered like razor-sharp blades that tore into the dense layer of stars.

But Rhode was no longer there.

On the left!

The phantom turned around and defended with the whip. As expected, the black chain sword ejected forward and drew two mysterious arcs in the air. Although Rhode was exceptionally quick and his movements were mysterious, the phantom's attributes were much higher than his and she swiftly lifted her whip to deflect the viper fangs that were about to tear into her neck.

Clang!

The pitch-black chain sword sideswiped the whip, but the phantom didn't let this opportunity slip. She rotated her wrist and flicked the whip upward, striking the chain sword once again. This time, Rhode flung to the side after he succumbed to her immense force. The phantom let out a snort and took a step forward. Then, she came to a stop abruptly and desperately rolled to the side.

Shing!

The meteors brushed her cheeks and strands of her golden hair fell gently to the ground. She turned around and gazed at Rhode with an ashen expression. How did Rhode emerge behind her when he was just in front of her seconds ago? The phantom turned around and she had gotten her answer. Celestina held her thorny whip and looked at her with twitched brows.

"Ah, I forgot to introduce to you, Lize. She is also one of my women. Perhaps you're also aware that she's a Demon. Yes... You said that you will give me happiness, but I got to say, I've received supreme enjoyment from Celestina. So, I don't think I have to give up the entire forest for a single tree."

"Master is right, Little Girl."

Celestina glared at Rhode and continued.

"I'm much more attractive than a little girl like you, isn't it?"

"No!"

The phantom's facial expression distorted completely.

Chapter 599: Confused Heart (VII)

"No!"

The entire sacred hall shook as the phantom screamed at the top of her lungs. She lifted her head and glared fiercely at Rhode. Rhode had never seen such an expression on Lize's face. It felt as though the herbivore had turned into a ferocious carnivore.

"No! Rhode...! You're mine...! I will never let you go. You're mine forever... Forget it, it doesn't matter even if I can't win your heart. Having your body is good enough! You shall forever be mine and be my pet like that bitch over there!"

She raised her whip and lashed out violently. The invisible sharp blade tore the air and struck one of Rhode's afterimages. Then, a white radiance emerged before the phantom and transformed into a bolt of lightning that struck into her chest. The phantom let out a snort and took half a step forward, brandishing her whip.

"Dream on, Little Girl!"

Celestina's thorny whip arrived in time. It wrapped the phantom's wrist tightly and halted her from moving forward. But it made the phantom even more furious.

"Get lost, you slut!"

The phantom shook her wrist and lashed the thorny whip. Celestina felt as though a gigantic hammer swinging toward her and she hurriedly released the whip in her hands and expanded her wings to escape. However, the phantom's body vanished in the blink of an eye and charged forward.

"Argh!"

Celestina let out a horrified shriek. The flesh in her arms ruptured instantly and the powerful force penetrated her body like an enormous claw slashing from above and its razor-sharp nails tore her clothes. Her dark bat-like wings snapped like a fragile tree branch and the force threw her into the air like a tattered doll. She crashed to the ground heavily, crushing her usual arrogance. Every part of her body below her collarbone had been ripped apart with her skin turned over and blood splashing everywhere, tainting the white marble floor. Her body twitched, but she couldn't stand up. The phantom disregarded her and struck toward Rhode immediately.

Clang!

The pitch-black whip collided with Starmark and sparks splattered in all directions. The immense pressure from above shook Rhode's stance. At this moment, the phantom decisively lashed out her whip once more and in a loud_ clang_, Rhode's Starmark flew out of his hands. This time, Rhode finally failed to withstand the force and he flung to the ground and rolled miserably. Before Rhode stood to his feet, the phantom had followed him closely. She gritted her teeth and gave a resentful look at the man. This was the third time she lashed out her whip with such a powerful might.

However, she failed this time.

Shing!

Two spiritual blade rays struck out from Rhode's sides and deflected the phantom's attack. She had no choice but to retreat and dodge the daggers aiming for her neck and chest. Rhode used this chance and sprung up, laying the twin daggers before him in a crisscross stance to defend against her attack. But this time, Rhode revealed a strange smile.

"I haven't finished my sentence, Lize. It isn't a good habit to be too anxious."

Rhode stole a glance at Celestina who was gritting her teeth and crawling to her feet. Although she was gravely injured by the phantom and he had thought of withdrawing Celestina, he didn't expect this proud Demon young lady would stop him. Even though he could forcefully withdraw her from battle as her summoner, he agreed to her request.

"I've just told you that I won't be yours. But I haven't finished my sentence. Have you forgotten? Lize? You belong to me, so I can't belong to you."

"What did you say!?"

The phantom's expression changed slightly and she weakened the pressure applied in her whip instantly.

"Have you forgotten what I told you before I left the Paphield front line, Lize? You're my woman, just like Marlene and Canary. All of you only belong to me. But it seems that you've forgotten about it..."

"No! I haven't!"

The phantom revealed a complicated expression. However, it lasted only for a second and she returned to her vengeful self.

"I can't possibly share you with other women, Mr. Rhode. I want you to be mine only. I want you to speak and listen to me only. I want you to look at me only. I want you to stand beside me only. I don't want to see you with other women! Never!"

The phantom brandished her whip angrily. However, Rhode was ready for it. The instant she moved her arm, Rhode leaped up and dodged, landing on the other side cleanly. Then, he revealed a stern expression.

"I knew you would say that. But, whatever. Because I didn't say it for you."

"What... What did you mean?!"

The phantom's movements stopped abruptly. She raised her eyebrows and gazed at Rhode in bewilderment.

"It's simple."

Rhode spread his arms apart and turned to the throne. On the steps, the fully naked young lady chained to the steel chain like a dog had curled up her body and was trembling slightly.

"I'm speaking to the other Lize. I want her, and not you... Lize."

"What... What did you say?"

The phantom's expression turned ashen.

"Am I wrong?"

The corners of Rhode's mouth perked up and he poked fun at her.

"I'm a man, Lize. What kind of woman does a man want to have? A man wants to have an obedient, submissive woman who will not be jealous of rivals and stay by his side forever and never betray him. So, isn't the Lize over there more suitable for me? Just like you've said. She craved to be my pet and she would feel the thrill even if I insult her or beat her up, so isn't she better? I don't have to worry about her betraying or leaving me. Besides, I can tease her anytime I want. She won't hate me for abandoning her after I've had my fun with her. Isn't such convenience and fun better than anything else? What about you? You said I belong to you only, so wouldn't I be the unlucky one if you were sick of me one day, Lize? Furthermore, you and her have the same body with different personalities. Since that is the case, what's the difference between me enjoying her and enjoying you? I like Lize and I want her. But, I don't want you... Now, do you understand?"

"..."

The phantom didn't launch an attack on him instantly. She widened her eyes and looked blankly at the man. Then, her body trembled and a complicated glint emerged in her eyes—filled with astonishment, fear, anger, distortion, and hatred.

"Ah—!"

The phantom hugged her head and yelled at the top of her lungs. The sacred hall shook violently as though an earthquake of 8 magnitude had struck, spreading cracks on the walls wildly. However, the phantom disregarded everything. She knelt on the ground and continued to scream.

The gamble paid off!

Rhode heaved an inward sigh of relief.

This was Lize's mental world and the two Lizes that emerged before them were two phantoms 'refined' by the Mind Devil. Although the Mind Devil could misguide her, it couldn't force or brainwash her into making decisions. This meant that Lize's true consciousness had always been accepting information from the outside world through these two illusory 'terminals'.

After entering the sacred hall, Rhode immediately realized that things were off, especially after witnessing the extreme cases of Lize becoming a masochist and sadist individually. He discovered another important factor. No matter which Lize it was, her dependability on him was really high. However, both of them performed on the other extreme end. The Masochist Lize would rather become his pet and follow around him while the Sadist Lize would rather treat him as a pet.

No matter which Lize it was, they reflected an important point in Lize's true willpower and that she wished to be with Rhode and didn't wish to leave his side.

And this had become the lethal weakness of the Mind Devil.

The Mind Devil created these two extreme personalities to force Lize into a dead end. The Sadist would be for battle while the Masochist's job was to humiliate. Just as the Sadist had said, the Masochist had the constitution of being abused, but when she realized that Rhode and Anne were watching her, the extreme humiliation made her escape instinctively and finally escape from her mental world as though nothing had happened. By then, the Mind Devil could happily take over Lize's abandoned control and devour its prey entirely.

But now, Rhode's method had wavered the Mind Devil's manipulation.

He had chosen the Masochist which Lize felt shameful of and kept the Sadist out of the picture. And this time, even though her subconscious was being manipulated, she could receive the information from the two 'terminals'. This was what Rhode had been gambling on: Lize hoped to be with him, so she wouldn't reject his advancements. However, he had clearly rejected the Sadist's request and accepted the Masochist instead.

So, how would Lize make her decision through knowing everything from the 'terminals'?

If she truly wished to be by his side, there was only one thing that she could do now.

And that was to expel the Sadist and destroy her entirely.

And now, the current situation had proven that Rhode's guess was correct. The sacred hall was crumbling while the Sadist knelt on the ground and yelled at the top of her lungs. Her body was deteriorating. Her fair tender skin was cracking wildly like a damaged wall. She clawed the ground like a crazy wild animal and rays of white radiance erupted from the cracks of her skin. At the same time, powerful mental strength had wrapped her up entirely.

This was Lize's mental world and she was the only presence in this place.

And now, she was exterminating the phantom for the sake of herself.

Which was irresistible.

Suddenly, the mental powers enveloping the Sadist became pitch-black. At the very next moment, the pitch-black powers exploded into thick billows of smoke that shrouded the entire space. In an instant, the sacred hall, statues, Anne, and every single thing were gone. The only thing remained was the phantom in front of Rhode.

It was dead silent in the pitch-black space.

"No... No..."

The Sadist shuddered as she stood to her feet. She had returned to her usual self. She was no longer that powerful queen and was nothing more than an ordinary young lady. She looked at Rhode with bloodshot eyes, but she was less threatening than an exhausted kitten baring its fangs and brandishing its claws.

"I will not lose, Mr. Rhode. I will definitely not lose... You're mine... You're mine..."

How stubborn.

Rhode puckered his brows. Lize was a stubborn person to begin with, and it seemed that this hadn't changed no matter on which personalities. He thought that this stimulation would bait out the Mind Devil hiding behind the scenes, but it seemed that Lize's extraordinary stubbornness had become a double-edged sword. On one hand, her stubbornness had stopped Rhode from breaking the Mind Devil's cage quickly and on the other hand, her stubbornness was like a solid fence keeping the Mind Devil out. After all, the Mind Devil was only capable of inducing and didn't have the ability to intervene directly. If Lize didn't give up on her own accord, things would be troublesome.

It seems that I can only resort to that now.

Rhode knitted his brows as he gazed at the Sadist before him. This wasn't the mental world of the true Lize. This was the 'space' of the Sadist herself._ So, if I'm not mistaken..._

Rhode disappeared in a flash and in the blink of an eye, he appeared before her.

"I'm not yours, Lize. Instead, you're mine. And now, I will make you understand it."

"You..."

Rhode lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers roughly.

"Argh... Argh..."

The Sadist widened her eyes in bewilderment. She pushed Rhode's shoulders away, but he didn't budge. When she tried to bite his lips, he pinched her mouth and forced his way through.

"Argh..."

The Sadist struggled violently, but Rhode didn't care at all. The Sadist had lost the support of its original self and she had the same strength as a normal human, which was no match for Rhode.

"Let me go! Mr. Rhode, don't even think about—"

"Sorry, I just had to."

Rhode grabbed her wrist with one hand while the other ripped apart the leather top covering her chest. Her soft round bosoms bounced and he grabbed them ruthlessly.

The Sadist let out a painful moan, but even so, she glared fiercely.

"Don't even think you can get away with it, Mr. Rhode. I'm not that perverted slut. Unless you agree to be mine, I will not let you do that... Ahh!"

Before she finished her sentence, Rhode had pushed her to the ground.

"You... Stop... You bastard. I will never... Ahhhh!"

A thick, warm presence penetrated and broke her defense mercilessly. The wild, violent thrusts disrupted her thoughts and she instantly lost her strength to resist.

If this happened in real life, perhaps I'm considered a perpetrator already.

Rhode let out a bitter smile inwardly as he gazed at the young lady glaring intensely at him with tears welled up in her eyes and her body twitching painfully to his pounding. However, Rhode didn't pull any punches. This sadistic personality craved to dominate and not be dominated. As long as he broke her persistence completely, everything would be resolved.

Making love should have been an enjoyment, but it had become humiliation for her. She fought to break free from Rhode's restraint, but he pressed himself on her body and invaded her mercilessly. The pain from her lower body spread to her fingertips and a sense of numbness enveloped her entirety. There was nothing more suitable to describe Rhode in this scene as 'worse than a beast'.

Her clothing had been brutally ripped off and her fair tender skin was scarred with bloody gashes while Rhode pushed her down like an irascible beast and disregarding her painful groans and screams, just to satisfy his own desires.

"I... I will never... surrender... Don't think... that you can make me... Argh... I'm not that... pervert... You don't..."

"Although you said so, your body is reacting really honestly, Lize."

Rhode ridiculed softly into her ear.

"You're also a part of Lize and you're aware of it, right? She's just like you and you're just like her, isn't it? Just like now... Even though you said no, your body is still responding truthfully."

"I-I'm not... I'm not that kind of pervert... No! That isn't me... Don't think you can dominate me! I will never... Ah... Ah..."

Suddenly, she widened her eyes that were filled with unprecedented fears. She felt Rhode's presence becoming bigger and stronger. Even though she didn't understand why, she instinctively felt that danger was approaching.

"You can't... You can't do that!"

"I can."

Rhode held her down and lowered his head with a dangerous smile.

"Didn't you wish to be with me? Lize? From now onward, we will become one."

"No! No! No! This isn't what I wanted. This isn't...!"

Rhode entered into her deepest and spurted out the warm, slimy liquid.

"Ahhh!"

She lifted her head blankly and extended her arms in despair. Specks of light dust slowly emerged from her body.

Then, the pitch-black space shattered entirely.

Chapter 600: Confused Heart (VIII)

The darkness that had shrouded everything receded. Rhode and the Sadist reappeared in the sacred hall again. She gritted her teeth and laid on the ground with tears welling in her eyes, gazing at Rhode in desperation. However, Rhode simply disregarded her and pressed down the creases on his clothes before walking toward the throne.

"Mr. Rhode. Ah... Mr. Rhode...!"

The Masochist bound by the steel chain attached to the throne stuck out her chest and turned to Rhode. Then, she stooped down like an obedient dog and rubbed her head against Rhode's leg. "Ah... Mr. Rhode, I'm so touched that you've chosen me. I'm yours. My everything belongs to you. My body, my soul, my skin, and every single strand of my hair belong to you. No matter how you treat me and no matter what you make me, I will do it with all my heart. As long as you allow me to stay by your side, I don't need anything else, not even my dignity. You can treat me as a bitch, a pet, or anything else. As long as you like it, I don't mind being a tool to sate your lust!"

"Are you willing to do everything for me?"

Rhode lowered his head and caressed Lize's cheek. Lize shivered in excitement.

"Yes, Master. I'm your most humble servant. I will do anything that you ask me to!"

"Good. Now, I have something that I need your help for, Lize."

"No problem, Master. What do you need me to do?!"

"It's simple."

Rhode's voice and merciless dagger pierced into her chest. The Masochist widened her mouth and the flickering dagger stuck in her chest emanated faint radiance. Scarlet blood flowed out of her wound, tainting her body and ground. She shuddered and opened her mouth to yell, but sucked in a deep breath of air instead due to the immense pain.

"Your suggestion is pretty attractive, but I'm sorry. I prefer the usual Lize, and not a pet who has lost its self-conscious and only knows how to beg for pity. If you're my enemy, I'd be glad to see you behaving like this. However, as my companion, I don't wish to wipe out your conscious."

Rhode stroked her cheek. It would be a lie if he apparently wasn't moved by her words. Just imagine how arousing it would be for a close, beautiful young lady who had abandoned her pride and displayed a defenseless manner before one. It was especially so when she was ready and compliant and one could do anything to her without any follow-up responsibilities. This was exactly a man's dream.

But Rhode had no intentions of doing so.

Because he understood Lize's feelings and he had no need to deal with her using such a cruel method. Besides, he didn't wish for such a Lize.

Although this personality appeared harmless, Rhode had to kill her because these two personalities weren't naturally created in Lize's mental world. Instead, they were extreme personalities formed and misguided by the Mind Devil. If Rhode kept this personality alive, Lize would slowly draw close to it and grow into that personality. However, Rhode didn't wish to see this happen.

That was why this had become the only choice for Rhode.

"Wake up, Lize. The dream is over."

Rhode drew out his dagger.

Blood spurted out from her chest and splashed into the air. The Masochist fell on her back and gaped, but she didn't make a sound. Shortly after, specks of light dust emerged from her body and fluttered into the sky while parts of her transformed into a pile of sand completely.

"What a... heartless human, Master..."

Celestina crawled to her feet and her wounds were slowly recovering. She ground her teeth and gazed forward. After Rhode murdered the Masochist, the Sadist on the other side crumbled and shattered into light dust simultaneously. Celestina lifted her proud chin and let out a snort.

"Humans have strong desires and these are the sins for us, Demons, to lure them into the trap. Desires that are too strong will only lead to destruction and this is the same for both Humans and Demons. However, Humans are incapable of self-control. They know that it is a glass of poisonous wine, but those idiots still fly into the flames bravely like moths. They abandon their rationality, all for the sake of their instinctive enjoyment. How foolish."

Celestina turned to Rhode.

"Frankly speaking, I thought that you wouldn't make this decision. But it seems that you still pass as my master."

I see.

Rhode twitched his brows to Celestina's remarks. He was still wondering why she stayed behind despite her grave injuries. It was actually because she was observing his choice. Indeed. Lize with the masochist personality was indeed attractive and it was extremely difficult for a normal man to reject her advances. But even so, Rhode had chosen to annihilate her.

"Since I've seen the interesting ending, I shall return for a rest. I hope you will remember this, Master. Human sins and desires are extremely amusing, yet dangerous..."

Celestina gazed at Rhode with a complex glint flashing in her eyes before transforming back into a hovering summoning card. Then, the card flew to Rhode's hand in a beam of light and he captured it subconsciously.

But strangely, the card didn't land in Rhode's palm. Instead, it seemed to have maintained its summoned status and spinned non-stop. The pitch-black card emanated specks of magical radiance and the residual light spots in the positions where the two Lize personalities had died floated toward it. When the light spots arrived, the pitch-black card suddenly released dark ripples. The light spots responded and slowly gained shape. Shortly after, they transformed into equally pitch-black cards with scarlet pattern by their borders and appeared before Rhode.

Celestina's voice sounded once again in Rhode's ear.

"Take this as a reward for satisfying me, Master. Be grateful in accepting it."

"Leader!"

At this moment, Anne's loud voice sounded behind him. He turned back and saw Anne darting toward him with her raised shield.

"What happened? That huge monster suddenly shattered. What about Lize? How is Lize doing?"

"Lize is... Be careful!"

Rhode's response turned into a warning. Anne rolled to the side swiftly and plunged her shield into the ground. At this moment, two dark tentacles struck the shield and the collision released glaring sparks. Rhode dodged to the side abruptly and brandished his daggers without hesitation. The dazzling blade rays instantly interwove into a net of light and shredded the ambushing shadow into bits.

"You're finally here. I thought you would be hiding forever."

Rhode lifted his head and gazed at the sky in the distance. A pitch-dark round sphere hovered in midair and countless dark tentacles fluttered around it. Above the sphere was a pair of red eyes, which made the monster looked exceptionally strange. However, Rhode disregarded it and shifted his vision downward. He spotted his target. Beneath the pair of red eyes, the true Lize was there. The Mind Devil was devouring its prey slowly. If Rhode failed, Lize's will would be affected deeper and deeper under the Mind Devil's influence. In the end, her mind, will, and spirit would be devoured completely. When that happened, the Mind Devil would leave Lize's body and seek for a new prey. Then, Lize would be dead.

Hiss!

It was apparent from the fluttering tentacles that the Mind Devil was exceptionally furious. But it couldn't be blamed. Its delicious meal had indeed been disrupted by Rhode and Anne.

Shing!

The Mind Devil hissed and struck several black tentacles forward. However, they were no threat to Rhode and Anne at all. Without Lize's mental strength, the Mind Devil was nothing more than a basic level 30 BOSS and for Rhode who had reached level 40 and with a swordsmanship standard that had entered the Legendary Stage, it was nothing hard for him.

"Anne!"

"Got it! Leader!"

Anne raised her shield and threw it forward instantly, which deflected and tore apart the black tentacles. The Mind Devil instantly realized the source of danger and retreated desperately. However, Anne's spinning shield was much quicker than it.

Clang!

The shield crashed into the Mind Devil's body and it trembled violently. The powerful impact flung Lize out of its body and she fell toward the ground. The Mind Devil saw its escaping prey and it extended its black tentacles to recapture her.

However, dazzling spiritual blade rays erupted in an instant and ripped apart the black tentacles nearing Lize. Facing this ambush, the furious Mind Devil released a dozen more tentacles toward the other direction.

A meteor-like radiance shot out from the shadows and streaked across the darkness.

Rhode emerged in the blink of an eye. He grabbed Lize's wrist and dragged her out of the Mind Devil's control. Then, he gazed at the Mind Devil with a smirk.

"You've had a hard time. But my apologies. This is the end for you."

The Mind Devil didn't launch another attack on Rhode. Instead, it exploded into a burst of blood-curdling screeches because Rhode's dagger had penetrated one of its red eyes.

Kacha.

Along with a crisp crack, the sacred hall shook violently. Rhode looked up and the ceiling had revealed ghastly lines of cracks. However, the fragments flew upward instead of falling to the surface. It wasn't the azure sky that Rhode saw through the cracks of the ceiling. Instead, it was dazzling white. The glaring radiance spilled through the cracks and shone on the sacred hall, tearing the walls and ground like an incoming typhoon. The Mind Devil shuddered and collapsed under the bright radiance. The radiance shone increasingly brighter and pure whiteness shrouded the entire place. Then, Rhode felt a cold breeze blowing against him.

The dazzling radiance blinded his eyes and when he opened his eyes again, the view of Emerald Valley appeared before him. However, Emerald Valley was no longer as dark and murky as before. The limpid, downward-flowing river refreshed his mind, the exuberant shrubs swayed to the wind, and the warm sun comforted him.

"Eh? This is..."

Anne widened her eyes in astonishment and touched herself. There were no signs of injuries and the shield in her hand was behind her as though both of them had just experienced a long dream. However, this was actually the truth. The mental world and reality was different. They might have spent a few hours in Lize's mental world, but in reality, that was nothing more than 10 seconds.

But Anne wasn't too mindful of such details because someone was more important than the situation.

"Lize!"

Lize was lying unconscious on the prairie. Anne yelled out and bolted forward. She shook Lize's body to wake her up.

"Lize! How do you feel? Wake up, Lize!"

"Argh..."

Lize groaned softly. She opened her eyes and looked into the sky above vacantly as though she was lost in thought. Shortly after, she regained her focus and she was startled by Anne.

"Anne?"

"Lize!"

Anne pounced forward and hugged Lize tightly.

"You scared Anne... Lize, you're finally awake!"

"Anne..."

Lize was at a loss and her expression stiffened shortly after. It was impossible for Lize to remember everything that had happened as she was being manipulated the whole time. It felt more like an indistinct dream to her. But the vague impression she had about this dream was enough to make her realize what she had done. She extended her trembling arm and hugged Anne dearly.

"Lize?"

Anne gazed curiously. Lize hugged the young lady before her closely and shut her eyes. Tears escaped the corner of her eye.

"Sorry... Anne... Sorry, Anne... Forgive me...!"

"L-Lize?"

Anne was at her wits' end.

"What's wrong? You didn't do anything that needs Anne's forgiveness. It's all that monster's fault and the monster had been gotten rid of by Leader. Don't worry, Lize."

"Anne...!"

Lize couldn't hold it in anymore. She buried her head in Anne's chest and burst into tears.