bookbashuk Chapter 422, Level 4 Painting: "Blooming Life"! The most harmonious episode of the family
Chapter 422, Level 4 Painting: "Blooming Life"! The most harmonious episode of the family
Chapter 422: A Fourth-Order Painting - "Blooming Life"! The most harmonious episode of the family (two episodes combined).
"Ugh!"
The soaring flute melody was like a steel nail piercing the brain, and everyone immediately clutched their heads and screamed in agony!
"Damn it, I'll be smashed to pieces!!"
Chief Croc's eyes widened in fury as he raised his wand with all his might and unleashed a spell at the monster.
however.
"Bang!"
A magical screen suddenly rose up, instantly blocking the spell!
"Well?!"
Chief Crocker stared wide-eyed in shock at the figure blocking the monster's path.
Sasha, who had been silent until now, held her wand and erected a magical barrier.
Her once lively and bright eyes were now dim, and she murmured, "Don't...don't hurt him..."
"Are you insane?!" the director roared. "Why are you helping a monster—ugh!"
His brain was buzzing from the torment of the flute music, and he collapsed to his knees, barely able to hold his wand.
"He's not a monster..." Sasha shook herself twice, then her features contorted in anger as she roared, "He's my dearest brother!!"
"What?"
Director Crocker was taken aback and looked up.
Only then did I recognize a hint of familiarity on that spliced face.
...not only Sasha's brother, but also the other twenty-two people who had entered the veil and never came out again.
It was as if everyone's appearance had been mixed together.
Paul, Jessica, Cyril, Hunter...
A strong sense of incongruity mixed with familiarity washed over me.
"Hammering...yes, you are the eldest brother of the Moss family and the leader of the first expedition team exploring within the veil."
"Hamerin Moss!!"
Kroc began to tremble.
That was a tragedy that occurred before he became director, or rather, it was because of this tragedy that he became director.
The recklessness of the Bureau of Mysteries resulted in the loss of twenty-three lives.
It turns out they had never left.
They've always been waiting for them behind this curtain.
"Ah... Ahhh..."
95
Kroc's eyes widened to their limit, his pupils trembling.
Finally, the fear reached an unbearable level, and under the influence of the flute music, he broke down and screamed in agony!
He and the Minister of Magic were both wrong.
This veiled land, accessible only to the dead, is not a place for the living to tread!
All living beings that pass through that gate will be twisted into blasphemous shapes.
"Ethan Vincent... if it weren't for you, we would never have restarted this project... you've ruined us."
'
The director murmured in despair.
Struggling against the flute music, I slowly raised my wand and pointed it at myself.
Rather than becoming that kind of monster, it's better to be free from this impending doom.
A clear voice rang out from the side: "Ethan's fault? I can't agree with that."
The words fell.
Then, an even more resonant chant rose into the sky!
The sound of the flute, like a spring breeze blowing away the miasma, instantly cleared everyone's minds!
"Didn't I bring you all here to explore such an interesting place? How can you repay kindness with enmity?"
"Between the curtains, that's the closest place to death! Look, you can even see creatures you'd never see in the mortal world!"
The "newcomer" excitedly opened his arms.
The monster playing the flute looked at the monster with curiosity and a desire to explore.
Everyone was stunned.
For a moment, no one knew which side was more strange!
[...]
The piper squinted, looking down at Ethan with his two eyes of different shapes and colors.
He took a deep breath, let out a blissful "ah," and slowly said:
You're different from them... You have a wonderful scent...
Upon hearing this...
Ethan raised an eyebrow, lifted a hand, and politely said, "I'll have to decline. I have family waiting for me at home."
"Sigh~ Sometimes being too charming can be a problem~"
Ethan sighed and tossed his hair.
Sure enough, no one can resist the charm of art students.
Piper: ?
Everyone:”
'
Please, can you please check the atmosphere?!
Director Crocker sometimes thinks about it.
Where on earth did such a talent come from?
"You possess a very strong magical power," the piper's lips twitched, and he continued, "My most precious core tells me that if I consume you, I can escape this dark prison..."
[Pass through the curtained gate, and once again, return to that beautiful sunlight!]
The piper raised his head as if to pierce the sky, his eyes flashing with an evil light.
[Go spread the word, go gather more companions! Let more people live happily with me forever!]
Ah! Light!!
"Merlin, what kind of monster have we disturbed...?"
"
The researchers were sweating profusely, their faces radiating genuine fear.
They dared not imagine the calamity that would ensue if they were to release the monster.
They will be condemned as sinners for all time!
"I see," one researcher exclaimed, suddenly realizing, "Ethan Vincent must want to use this monster to exacerbate the pollution and destruction of the world—ugh!"
He suddenly couldn't speak.
Scratching his lips, he felt them gradually sticking together in horror.
"Hmph," Ethan withdrew his hand and muttered, "It seems there are still some people who have serious misconceptions about me."
Destroy the world?
He was just a little wizard who loved art and wanted to spread the beauty of art to the world!
How could someone do such a terrible thing?
It seems we still need to let them witness it with their own eyes.
Ethan: "If I understand correctly, you accidentally came into contact with the remains of the Grim Reaper hidden within the veil and absorbed its power."
"So, you didn't die like everyone else, but instead became this inhuman, ghostly thing."
Either fully integrate, or remain an individual.
This kind of monster that doesn't fit into either category is the least artistic.
"don’t worry..
Amidst the astonished gazes of others, Ethan casually ripped off the bulky protective suit he was wearing.
He raised his hand, and a card appeared at his fingertips.
He said, slowly and deliberately, "I will help you redraw it into something beautiful."
Bring me that lost child, my dear sister.
The piper gently stroked Sasha's head, pouring streams of dark magic into it.
"Ho, ho, ho...!"
Sasha's breathing grew heavier, a crimson hue spread across her eyes, and bulging, menacing veins sprang from her fair skin.
finally.
She let out a hoarse, furious roar, lunged forward, and swung her wand violently!
"boom!!"
Darkness suddenly rose from the ground!
Like a gaping maw, it swallowed Ethan whole!
'
—！！ "
Chief Crocker opened his mouth as if to shout.
But then he suddenly realized that he still didn't know the newcomer's name.
...Strange, why does it feel strangely familiar?
[Hehehe...] The piper grinned, slowly extending his hand, [Become my nourishment, become the power that allows me to see the light again, hmm?]
He suddenly stopped.
The pupils constricted.
Suddenly, specks of crimson light seeped through the darkness.
As if emerging from a cocoon, cracks appeared on the surface!
The next second, a "whoosh!!"
A gigantic rose made of flames bursts through the darkness and blooms suddenly!
"Whoosh!"
Like a meteor shower, the fire roses burst forth with streaks of flame.
They transformed into smaller roses, blooming around everyone, dispelling the gloom and bringing bright and positive warmth.
"What a nice view...
The researcher saw the fiery roses in full bloom reflected in his eyes, and a glimmer of hope and courage slowly rose in his heart.
I feel like I can fight again.
[A fusion of "The Shrine of Life" and "The Heart of the French Rose"]
[You have received a new work: "Blooming Life"!]
Title: Life in Full Bloom
[Rank: Tier 4 - Blue Rare!]
[Type: Concept]
[Description: This heart is willing to burn for you, willing to give its all for you]
[Effect: Raise the torch to unleash the magic of the Flame Rose without consuming mana. Blocks all curses within a certain range and heals friendly units: Inspires morale, providing each friendly unit with a 20% magic bonus.]
[Once it blooms on an enemy unit, it will never extinguish, dealing continuous damage.]
[Evaluation: The first fourth-tier painting after the advancement. Although the tier is not high, it still possesses some god-killing power.]
"call!"
Ethan held a torch shaped like a shrine, from which blazing crimson flames continuously burst forth.
It made Ethan's diamond-blue eyes appear tinged with a vibrant crimson.
"Gurgle..."
'
Sasha lingered outside warily, gazing at the Fire Rose with a hint of fear in her eyes.
[What a disobedient child...]
The piper squinted, coldly looking down at his hesitant sister, and placed his multiple slender arms on the flute once more.
I will grant you great power... Go, bring that child to me, my dear... sister.
The words fell.
A low, hoarse, and piercing flute note burst forth!
"Ughhhhh!!!"
Sasha screamed in agony and curled up on the ground.
In the darkness, countless blood-red eyes swarmed out, squeaking and piling up on Sasha's body.
The fur intertwines and the claws merge and lengthen.
finally.
Like a helmet, a huge rat head was biting Sasha's head.
It transformed into a gray rat monster the size of a medium-sized dragon!
Its long gray fur fluttered in the air, and it landed on all fours, each paw bearing a dagger-like claw.
Holy crap, a suited man.
The image of a "lion dance" immediately popped into Ethan's mind.
Or, it would be more appropriate to call them "dancing mice".
"I...I want to protect my brother...I want to take him home...Please, don't stop me..."
'
Tears streamed down Sasha's pale face.
"He's no longer your brother," Ethan said. "Now, he's just a monster corrupted by the power of an evil god."
Ethan's rational and calm tone drew the attention of the other researchers.
"Having witnessed such a horrific scene, how can you remain so calm?" one researcher exclaimed in astonishment. "Why does it feel so familiar?"
But as a normal wizard, it's impossible for him to be "experienced" in such scenes, right?
"You...you lied to me!!"
Sasha let out a fierce roar.
Controlled by the flute, it leaped up with a speed that no human could possibly make, and pounced on Ethan!
"Ya-le ya-le".
Ethan shook his head, the torch in his hand scattering streaks of light.
Looking up, the azure eyes reflected the rapidly enlarging, blood-red maw.
"Lost little mouse, you'd better go back to your cage!"
next second!
The torch was suddenly raised and struck the sharp teeth of the rat's head with a snap!
It was stuck firmly between her upper and lower front teeth, rendering her unable to move for a moment!
"call!"
Taking this opportunity, the flame in the torch roared up!
It condenses into a huge flower bud, and then suddenly bursts into bloom!
Each rose petal, forged from flames, was so intense that it even illuminated this dark land of death!
The force of the impact instantly ripped off the heavy rat skin!
"roar!"
Sasha roared in pain, and crimson fire roses bloomed all over her body like falling seeds.
Its gray fur was being scorched.
"Quickly restrain her, what are you standing there for?"
Ethan said calmly.
His command brought the others back to their senses!
He hurriedly waved his wand, and spells shot out, firmly binding the struggling behemoth to the ground!
"It's no use," the piper said leisurely, "I control this darkness; I can generate an endless swarm of rats."
[When you came, you must have felt it too, right? Your magic will eventually run out, and you will never be able to burn all my lovely children to ashes—hmm?]
The piper paused.
Looking down at Sasha, who was struggling in pain on the ground, he finally sensed that something was wrong.
...Why does this flame keep burning endlessly?
"So you finally noticed."
A clear, melodious voice rang out.
Ethan was seen holding a torch, his body surrounded by blazing flames.
With eyes blazing like torches and a slight smile playing on his lips, he gazed at the bewildered flute player and slowly spoke: "The flames on my side will also never be extinguished."
—From the indomitable Auror, with that stubborn heart.
We will not rest until we have completely burned the enemy to ashes.
It even broke the cycle of magic power → magic, and could burn forever without consuming magic power!
This is the power of a fourth-order painting!
What?!
The piper stared in astonishment at the fire rose that had "parasitized" him.
Sasha, who looked as if she had been transformed into a flower field, flashed a look of anger and disgust on her face.
[I've given you immense power, yet you disappoint me so much! Sasha, you're still the same as before, utterly useless.]
"No, brother... I'm useful, I won't hold you back anymore."
"
Sasha's eyes were filled with tears.
Enduring the burning pain, he scratched at the ground with his claws, struggled to his feet, and slowly crawled toward Ethan.
Looking up, I met a pair of diamond-blue eyes.
In an instant.
My feverish, chaotic mind felt as if it were being scalded with icy seawater, and past memories surfaced vividly.
...Her brother had always stood in front of her.
My brother is always the top student in his grade, a brother who has won countless awards, a brother who was recommended to the Department of Mysteries of the Ministry of Magic for his outstanding grades, and a brother who is deeply loved by his parents.
Sasha clearly remembers the devastated state of her parents after learning of her brother's disappearance.
I remember it clearly.
For the first time since her brother's passing, her parents truly focused their attention on her.
The joy that surged within her in that instant has gnawed at her heart for years.
It made her despise herself utterly.
How could I, even for a moment, think that my brother's disappearance was a good thing?
My brother is just lost. I must take him home.
This is the most important thing I, your incompetent sister, can do.
"6
...So that's how it is. What a twisted obsession.
A clear, melodious voice rang out, pulling Sasha back to reality.
She stared blankly at the young man in front of her.
At this moment, it was as if I saw a dazzling soul beneath this unremarkable exterior.
Regardless of appearance, it can deeply reside in people's minds.
Ethan ignored her, instead focusing on the enormous, flower-clad monster, and said calmly, "I don't know your definition of 'incompetence.' By my standards, everyone here is useless."
Everyone:
Why did I suddenly get insulted out of nowhere?
Ethan: "But you and I figured out the light source together, and you even went into the perilous veil without hesitation."
"Over the years, you have never given up your obsession with finding your brother."
"In my opinion, many people who consider themselves 'powerful' can't even reach your level."
Ethan tilted his head slightly, looking at the stunned Sasha, a faint smile curving his lips: "You're already quite impressive, Miss Sasha Moss."
"6
'
Sasha opened her mouth.
Before the words came out, there was a sob and two lines of tears.
"I...I don't want to become like this! I'm so scared!!" she cried loudly, desperately reaching out her claws towards Ethan, "Help me, 5
She suddenly stopped.
She suddenly realized that she didn't even know the young man's name.
But at this moment, the young man had a more fitting title: "Savior".
"receive."
Ethan's smile widened as he reached out and grasped the sharp claw.
"Didn't we agree that I would be the bodyguard? I'm a man of my word."
The instant the palm made contact with the claws.
"boom!"
On Sasa's gray mouse skin, several fire roses the size of millstones suddenly bloomed!
Like a grand fireworks display, it burned away all the evil fur!
"Pfft!"
Ethan pulled Sasha out with a tug.
He ruffled the little girl's messy hair, turned her around, and made her face the furious piper.
You actually killed my lovely family!
He never expected that he, who had already obtained supreme power, would suffer a setback at the hands of a mere human!
The piper glared at Sasha and snapped:
【You're the most useless sister I've ever met! You actually ran off to the enemy's side... You don't deserve to be my family!】
"I...I..."
'
Sasha couldn't help but tremble, her little face turning deathly pale.
But then...
His shoulders were then gripped by a pair of strong hands.
Ethan bent down, placed the torch with a clang beside Sasha, and whispered, "Give your brother 'release, Sasha.'"
"You should be able to tell that he's no longer the brother you used to know."
You dare!!
The piper's eyes were bloodshot, yet a hint of fear flickered in them.
He played his flute with all his might, but the rats he summoned did nothing to harm Ethan.
In the end, he was nothing more than a cursed and twisted mortal.
Sasha stared intently at the twisted monster.
In any case, it is impossible to equate him with the person in one's memory.
Is it truly impossible for mortals to enter the Land of Death?
66
"When I was little, I was clumsy and often got lost." Sasha lowered her head and said slowly, "But no matter where I was, you could always find me, take my hand, and lead me home."
She looked up, tears glistening in her eyes.
However, it was tinged with a touch of determination.
She suddenly smiled and grabbed the scorching torch!
"This time, it's my turn to take you home, brother."
9
—May your tormented soul return to a place of peace and tranquility!