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Chapter 540 541-Convergence
Chapter 540 541-Convergence
Chapter 540 541-Convergence
??If the previous booklet harbored Code 19's secrets, safeguarded by a unique encryption, then it was inevitable that Code 19 would prepare a contingency for certain dire situations.
Perhaps in the event of his demise seeking someone to exact revenge? Or if wronged, to seek retribution?
The information within the booklet was accessible and easily interpretable by Code 19 himself, yet he must have also devised a key for those who found the cipher incomprehensible—a means to "unlock the door" for them.
Could this booklet serve as that very key?
Ali picked up the booklet and opened it.
Its pages were yellowed with age, clearly having existed for some time.
The contents were sparse, mainly comprised of symbols and equations.
By identifying a starting point and embarking on a simple deduction, Ali discovered these to be the derivational equations of a spell matrix.
Though incomplete, Ali could approximately discern the matrix's function: it directly influenced the ability to shape mana, allowing for the precise molding of mana.
Nearly half of the booklet was filled with related equations, the remainder blank.
After perusing the booklet, Ali's confusion didn't dissipate but deepened.
Was this supposed to be the key? Or had Code 19 not left any key at all? Or perhaps, had she overlooked something crucial?
Ali reviewed her own actions and those of Code 19, assuring herself that her deductions were correct.
Code 19 didn't come across as a deeply scheming individual; rather than a hitman, he seemed more akin to a straightforward warrior.
He preferred direct combat and liked to use his own strength to defeat enemies.
Would such a person concoct an intricate series of contingencies?
It wasn't impossible, but it seemed overly taxing for his intellect.
Thus, the primary concern remained with the booklet.
Perhaps trying out the spell matrix? It might conceal something significant.
Yet, it could also be a trap.
However, now wasn't the time for these endeavors.
Ali needed to ascertain Jelia's situation first.
"Roronora, take me to Jelia."
After packing up all discovered items and casting a final glance at Code 19's body, Ali dusted off her hands and stood up.
"This body, do you have any ideas for dealing with it?"
Leaving it here was definitely not an option.
Aside from the risk of decay and attracting wild animals with the stench, if Gick had left any surprises within Code 19, they might activate at any moment.
"Burn it?"
One of the best methods to eliminate traces was fire.
A simple blaze could ensure there was nothing left to worry about.
"That makes sense. Let's burn it."
Ali nodded, and with a flick of her wrist, mana coalesced and swirled into a flame-like crimson, rolling and flickering in her palm as though it were a real flame.
Having accumulated a sufficient amount of mana, Ali flicked her wrist, sending a roaring orb of mana flying out, striking Code 19's body on the ground.
Flames burst upon impact, the intense heat causing Ali's bangs to curl slightly.
"The fire seems a bit too large? Well, it'll do."
Ali established a circular mana barrier around the corpse to prevent the flames from spreading.
After confirming the fire would reduce Code 19's body to ashes, she and Roronora turned to leave.
The fire, formed purely from concentrated mana, was fiercely dangerous, with high temperatures and rapid combustion.
Moreover, due to the small amount of mana contained within human flesh, the body itself could serve as a special kind of fuel, even in the absence of conventional materials.
By the time Ali decided it was okay to depart, the scent of roasting meat wafted through the air.
Despite the grim source, the aroma of grilled meat was unmistakably similar.
Shaking her head to dispel the nauseating thoughts, Ali looked up and saw Roronora's silhouette ahead.
Was there something different about this Werewolf?
A faint sense of unease lingered in Ali's mind, yet she couldn't pinpoint the source.
The hideout where Jelia and Roronora were staying wasn't far from the site of their confrontation with Code 19.
If it were, Roronora wouldn't have been able to arrive so promptly.
As Ali approached within a hundred meters of the hideout, Roronora had already sensed her presence.
The defenses and alerts around the hideout were all crafted by Roronora.
In other words, if the hideout was considered a nest surrounded by a web, then Roronora was like the large spider lurking within.
Any disturbance in the web, and he would react immediately.
And Jelia? She was the spider's boss.
Despite her young age, she carried herself like a mafia boss, exuding authority and control.
Amid such boundless musings, Ali arrived at the new hideout.
Another cave... or rather, a burrow.
The entrance, barely large enough for a person to enter while stooped, was located at the foot of a mound about one and a half meters tall, surrounded by weeds taller than a person.
Ali looked around and then noticed smoke stains on a hollow in a withered tree next to the mound.
It seemed this was the ventilation shaft, ingeniously set up.
Roronora led the way into the burrow, with Ali following two meters behind.
The burrow extended downwards, gradually enlarging, and after walking about five or six meters, Ali could stand up straight.
A few torches inserted into the cave walls provided dim lighting, casting long, distorted shadows that danced and swayed with the flames, giving the impression of a chaotic dance of shadows.
About twenty meters further in, the space suddenly opened up.
It was a unique area, spanning hundreds of square meters, with the ceiling rising more than four meters above the ground.
The floor was made of solid bluestone, and the walls were also compacted, resembling a windowless room.
It was more than adequate for a temporary dwelling.
In the center of the cave, a campfire had been built with stones, and an iron pot, sourced from who knows where, was suspended above it.
Jelia, her hair in disarray, squatted beside the pot, her gaze dripping with anticipation, saliva flowing uncontrollably.
The pot bubbled with wild vegetables, dried meat, and chunks of bread.
Though the fare was simple, the aroma wafting up after seasoning was surprisingly pleasant.
Hearing the footsteps, Jelia reluctantly shifted her gaze from the iron pot, then saw Roronora and Ali.
The moment she saw Ali, a radiant smile spread across her face, and she sprang to her feet.
"Ali! You're finally back! Help me comb my hair! There's no mirror here, I can't do it myself, and Roronora is all thumbs."
A shadow crossed Ali's face.
So, your joy is merely because someone is here to comb your hair? Howard has spoiled you rotten.
Clattering across the bluestone floor, Jelia approached, holding a large soup spoon she'd found somewhere.
Stopping in front of Ali, she scrutinized her from head to toe, then nodded in approval.
"You're not hurt. Roronora rushed out so hastily, I feared you'd encountered serious trouble. Now that you're unharmed, hurry up and help me with my hair! Do you even know what time it is?"
"In this wilderness, who's there to see your hair anyway?"
Ali huffed, her affection for the girl's concern evident despite her retort.
But that was just lip service, a bit of banter.
If she truly refused to help Jelia with her hair, who knows how long the young girl would persist in her requests.
Retrieving a comb from her bag, Jelia dragged Ali to a corner of the cave and sat down on a stone.
The rock was cool, and though covered with a layer of unknown animal fur, a chill still seeped through.
Ali frowned; after all, this was a cave, and even with a fire going, the warmth was limited.
Staying here too long could prove challenging for Jelia's health.
"Roronora, keep an eye on the pot for me, will you?"
Once seated, Jelia, still preoccupied with her culinary endeavor, asked Roronora to monitor the cooking.
Roronora nodded, dutifully squatting by the iron pot, mirroring the position Ali first saw Jelia in.
Watching Roronora's somewhat clumsy actions, a twitch flickered at the corner of Ali's eye, as she barely suppressed a laugh.
Was it true that the nature of the underling reflected the character of their leader?
Despite Roronora's formidable presence, capable of standing toe-to-toe with Code 19 without falling short, he seemed utterly docile around Jelia.
And then there was Howard, usually so calm and rational, yet somehow always at a loss around Jelia.
lights??v?l ??m Was this a case of 'every strong man has his weakness'?
Though Jelia expressed urgency, combing hair wasn't exactly challenging; it's just that doing it alone without a mirror could indeed be tricky.
Quickly tidying up Jelia's hair, Ali patted her on the head.
"It's best not to linger here too long these next few days. This place is quite damp and chilly, and the cold is intense. If possible, getting some fresh air outside wouldn't hurt, but safety comes first."
"Got it," Jelia nodded, pushing off the stone to spring up and scampered back to the pot with a patter of feet.