Chapter 703: Happy Franca (First of Three, Requesting Base Monthly Votes)

In the Memorial District, Apartment 702, 9 Aoluosaijie.

Franca, wrapped in a camel-colored cashmere coat, shivered and said to Lumian:

"When I have money, I'll rent a villa with underfloor heating!"

Underfloor heating was a concept proposed by Emperor Rosel, using pre-laid metal pipes to circulate heated water, creating a summer-like warmth within enclosed spaces and keeping the cold out.

It is now an essential feature in all high-end residences in Trier.

"Why are you afraid of the cold, you witch?" Lumian scoffed.

His gaze swept over Jianna, who wore a black cotton dress and wore dark, somber makeup, as if role-playing "witch" or "vampire" in everyday details.

"I'm not an arsonist—witches' black fire has no temperature!" Franca replied with a beaming smile.

Lumian sat casually on the long sofa:

"Witches are good with ice, aren't they? Don't you have some resistance to cold or frost, uh… you know, the kind you mentioned?"

Franca lay back in her armchair, pulling a thick cashmere blanket over herself, and chuckled:

"I admit my behavior was a bit exaggerated, but Trier's winter really is cold—mostly because it's so damp, like being soaked in half-frozen lake water."

After some small talk, Franca said with deep feeling:

"I've obtained more information on Moran Avini and the corresponding security details—we can now move the 'Capture Plan' forward. And you, my friend, are about to attend the 'Dream Festival'—everything's colliding."

Lumian's expression remained unchanged:

"The 'Dream Festival' is over."

Franca and Jianna both froze.

Already?

Lumian recounted everything that had happened during the 'Dream Festival,' including the 'Magician' lady's post-event explanation.

Of course, since no language could utter the name "Fabuti," Lumian referred to the demon king as "the Demon Sovereign" and used "the devil with a very long name" instead of "Naporedisli."

Upon hearing that Lumian had seen what appeared to be a figure of the Mingdaoren while wearing the golden mask, Franca's breathing grew heavier, and the description of the Mingdaoren 's clothing made her eyes gleam like sunlight on a lake.

Fortunately, her self-control was excellent—she held back until Lumian finished the entire story, then asked urgently:

"Will there be a 'Dream Festival' next year?"

"You want to attend next year's 'Dream Festival' and directly encounter the Mingdaoren?" Lumian instantly guessed Franca's intention.

Franca nodded firmly:

"I figure if Amandina could receive the power of the 'Night' Path from the Mingdaoren, then I, uh, as a witch, shouldn't have any problem—I don't mind making Him my master!"

"Don't worry, I won't lose control and go feral during the 'Dream Festival' while staying conscious."

She teased herself.

You meant to say "countrywoman," not "witch," didn't you? Lumian chuckled:

"It's not impossible to attend, but only if you become an angel."

"… " Franca fell silent.

Jianna mused aloud:

"There's one thing I don't understand: isn't it said that once you gain the ability to remain conscious in a special dream, the corresponding dream projection gradually fades? Why hasn't 'Siso's' disappeared?"

Lumian had already considered this question:

"Perhaps this is one reason why 'Siso' had to leave Tizamo Town."

"The ability to remain conscious in special dreams probably isn't permanent—once you leave Tizamo Town, it gradually fades. So Siso must leave Tizamo Town, yet return two or three times a year, each visit lasting at least a week, just to maintain the dream projection."

After discussing the 'Dream Festival,' Franca briefly mentioned the documents she'd received from "007" last night:

"Moran Avini's family has a very long history, with members spread across the military, politics, arts, and business. Combined with some intelligence from the 'Judge' lady, I suspect this is one branch of the Tamara family—deep gray eyes are one of the Tamara family's hereditary traits!"

"Of course, not everyone with deep gray eyes is from the Tamara family—only that Tamara family members most likely have deep gray eyes."

"Given that a major branch of the Tamara family has close ties to the witch cult, the 'Black Witch' Clarice likely also has Tamara blood."

"According to my speculation, the 'Black Witch' may be the hybrid offspring of a branch of the Soren family that defected to the witch cult and the Tamara family."

Only this could explain Clarice's reactions to anything related to the Soren family—and her excessive affection for Brune Soren!

Lumian didn't interrupt Franca's monologue, listening as she continued:

"We're not just facing Moran Avini—we're also up against the hidden Tamara family and the 'Man in the Mirror' faction. Moran Avini himself may possess formidable supernatural abilities, and every day, the Eighth Bureau, the 'Purifiers,' and the 'Mechanical Heart' rotate one elite Feifanzhe team to guard him."

"My friend's point is, if you're willing to sacrifice yourself, assassinating Moran Avini is still possible—but capturing him alive or contacting his spirit is extremely difficult and perilous."

What "007" truly meant was that the "Purifiers" would never openly slack off or assist—but if Moran Avini's death exposed his true nature as the "Man in the Mirror," he could arrange for the captured assassin to escape, just like when Jianna killed Yu Ge Atua? But if we don't intend to extract more "Man in the Mirror" intelligence from Moran Avini, wouldn't it be better to tell the authorities everything and let them arrest him? Lumian pondered for a moment, then said to Franca:

"Don't rush to devise a plan yet—wait until tomorrow."

"Why wait until tomorrow?" Franca held up the stack of papers from "007."

Lumian smiled:

"I need to find a safe place first to ascend and become a 'Soul Hunter.' Then, perhaps a unique, hybrid, fate-related ability will emerge—this might give us new insights and a more effective plan."

Within the current four-person team, Lumian's power from the "Fate" Path was no secret.

Franca blurted out in shock:

"You can get a new blessing so soon?"

"Didn't I just say?" Lumian grinned. "I harvested nearly twenty Blessings from Sequence 6 and Sequence 5 practitioners—the elixir was mostly digested."

Franca pursed her lips, her eyes silently telling Lumian:

Look, look at my eyes—they're overflowing with envy!

Lumian turned to ask about Anthony:

"What did you mean by your 'real identity'?"

Anthony, who had been quietly listening and nearly forgotten, explained simply:

"It was a hint from the 'Justice' lady. The identity is strange—birth, education, and experience are all real, but no such person ever existed. Those who might expose this are either long dead or moved away and won't return for years."

"Looks like it was cultivated years in advance as a false identity," Franca judged, drawing from her own experience.

Since today's discussion didn't involve planning against Moran Avini, Anthony didn't stay long—he left to prepare for tonight's banquet.

"Where are you going to ascend to 'Soul Hunter'?" Jianna asked Lumian. "The sacrificial plaza in the underground crypt?"

That place belonged to two true gods and could shield the ascender from extra interference.

"I'm afraid I'll trigger a taboo and get purified by sunlight," Lumian laughed off the suggestion. "Ascending to 'Conspirator' and ascending to 'Soul Hunter' are completely different."

One is from the Path of the Gods—the other is from the domain of the False Gods!

Lumian had already decided where to ascend.

It would be the "Realm of Night."

Thelmiripolos's passivity had made Lumian worry that He was waiting for the right moment to strike. And since the "Soul Hunter" begins to touch the core abilities of the "Fate" Path, Thelmiripolos might interfere at this sequence.

So Lumian chose caution—he planned to ascend in a sufficiently safe location, one that could exclude many external influences.

Among all options, the "Realm of Night" was the best. Besides, Lumian had intended to contact "Hela" these two days to share what he'd learned about the Mingdaoren and the "Dream Festival."

Franca looked at Lumian with sudden understanding:

"You want to ascend at our esoteric gathering place?"

"Yes." Lumian gave a slight nod.

"I'll write the letter for you!" Franca, in high spirits, offered to help.

Once she entered the bedroom and closed the door, Lumian turned to Jianna:

"You've been unusually quiet today."

"A skilled actress knows how to play a lady," Jianna smiled.

Lumian glanced at Franca's door:

"'Red Boots' seems in high spirits today—joking constantly."

"She's been in good spirits lately," Jianna replied honestly.

Lumian nodded thoughtfully and said no more.

Jianna's lips curled into a smile:

"Why don't you keep asking?"

Lumian leaned back against the sofa, self-deprecatingly smiling:

"My sister once taught me: some things aren't worth asking too deeply about. Knowing too much might lead to regret—or force you to face problems you'd rather avoid."

Jianna listened carefully, then propped her chin in her hand and asked softly:

"What are you afraid of?"

Lumian took a sip of black tea:

"It's not fear—it's respect."

Jianna stared at him, then suddenly laughed.

She didn't press further, instead chatting with him about the details of Tizamo Town.

Soon, Franca opened the door and called out cheerfully:

"Tonight!"

…………

At ten p. ., in the "Realm of Night," inside the ancient, dilapidated palace.

Lumian and Franca's figures swiftly materialized; Hela had already been waiting.

PS: This chapter is an extra for being #1 in March's monthly vote. Two regular updates will follow today—at 12: 0 p. . and 7: 0 p. . please support April's base monthly votes~

(End of Chapter)