"Now that the Extinction Branch is headless, they must be in desperate need of an excellent administrator to lead them onto the right path."
Lanqi wore a look of deep concern as he spoke, picking up a pouch of identity documents resting on the cabinet beside him.
Opening it, he drew out a special magic card glowing with a pink luster.
This was none other than the Holy Son of Extinction's [Proof of Saint - Extinction].
"Earlier, while you were asleep, Xiaya brought over the cards stripped from Anello along with all his papers. We'll set off tomorrow and head openly to Box Mountain Province."
Lanqi brandished the [Proof of Saint - Extinction] in his hand, speaking to Side with a smile.
"...I originally thought your Demon Script [Polymorph: Human] that bypassed imperial detection was absurd enough, but what's even more outrageous is that you can actually craft a targeted [Polymorph: Human] based on your own knowledge."
When Side had first seen Lanqi craft a Purple Rare right in front of her, she had thought his baseline in the Southern Continent Card Makers Association was probably at least Silver rank. Now, thinking about it more carefully, she realized she had been far too conservative.
Just the drafting prowess required to see an enemy's face once and recreate their likeness with flawless precision was nothing short of miraculous craftsmanship.
"Fortunately, luck was on my side. At first, I thought worst case it might take three or four days to make," Lanqi explained, tracing patterns lightly in the air with his fingers.
Currently, the only two card makers in the world who knew how to make this "ancient Demon Magic Script polymorph that bypasses the Protos Empire's magical detection" were him and Talia.
Yet Talia could not craft a targeted polymorph suited for a flawless disguise; only he could do that.
Of course, the prerequisite was having enough time to craft the card.
The process of creating a targeted polymorph card was far more tedious than the standard version, and it typically required numerous failures before producing a single finished piece.
"...Meow."
Boss Cat was dumbfounded.
When a person looked identical to the Holy Son of Extinction, the Empire's detection magic couldn't detect any illusion on him, and he carried [Proof of Saint - Extinction], then he was the Holy Son of Extinction.
If this guy went to Box Mountain Province now, he could escort Sigrid back to the Imperial Capital out in the open. Even if the Extinction Prelates sensed the power of the curse seal on Sigrid, not a soul would stop him!
Boss Cat had never realized before that Lanqi possessed such a dangerous ability to perfectly disguise himself as someone else.
In truth, it should have realized this back when it first saw the Poet of Great Love, a summon that pirated Tata's likeness. As long as this guy was willing and patient enough, he could essentially pirate anyone.
It couldn't help but suspect whether Lanqi was secretly holding another polymorph card that could truly turn him into Loren!
This scoundrel had already put Loren through endless misery with just a few casual maneuvers in Ikerite; if he personally transformed into Loren to play matchmaker for him, Boss Cat would want nothing more than to pack up and move out of the royal capital of Ikerite!
In the brief quiet of the workshop, Lanqi dispelled his transformation as the Holy Son of Extinction and reverted back to the appearance of Luoqi McCarthy.
"Though I can't bind this [Proof of Saint - Extinction] right now," Lanqi said helplessly, looking at Side.
Proofs of Saint from different branches were mutually exclusive to carry. Carrying [Proof of Saint - Domination] meant he could not successfully bind [Proof of Saint - Extinction]. Furthermore, unbinding a Pink Sacred card required special materials and procedures, and it would leave the person weakened for a period of time; as long as a card was at the Pink Sacred rank, even a Tier 0 card was no exception.
Still, if he wanted to temporarily unbind [Proof of Saint - Domination], he needed to consult Sigrid first.
"There's no need to unbind it. Just return your [Proof of Saint - Domination] to me for now. I can temporarily take it back in the form of a punitive confiscation."
Side reached out nonchalantly.
"Besides, whether you hold that proof or not, you're still mine."
Lanqi nodded and returned the Domination Holy Sigil to Side. Side took it and merged it into her own Proof of Bishop—the Silver Moon Crown Holy Sigil radiating an orange glow.
Just like that, Lanqi successfully bound this new [Proof of Saint - Extinction].
Looking at the proof of the Holy Son of Extinction, Lanqi felt that this academic research trip of his had indeed deviated very little from course.
"Whew... so sleepy."
Lanqi walked over to the window and drew back the curtains. Gazing into the distance beneath the starry night sky, he stretched vigorously.
"We set out tomorrow. We can't let the Extinction Branch keep causing trouble for the empire's ordinary citizens at the transit hubs of Box Mountain Province."
Covering his mouth, he mumbled incoherently, nearly nodding off from his own yawn.
...
Far away on the other side, Northwestern Province, Milford Domain.
In the early morning of Milford's main city, the thin, blue-gray clouds at the horizon were gradually dyed a faint gold by the dawn light, while the air carried the crisp scent of dew, shrubbery, and flower gardens.
At the entrance of the Milford family estate, the magnificent architecture was softly illuminated, appearing even more solemn and tranquil.
In front of the estate lay an open stone plaza, where an ornately decorated classical deer carriage stood parked and ready for departure. The Milford family crest was carved upon it, and two silver-gray Demon Realm elks had been groomed until their coats gleamed. Shuffling their hooves, they seemed to sense the excitement of the journey ahead.
The Milford family's young countess, Mixiula, stood at the entrance alongside Hyperion. Dressed in travel-friendly attire, they still radiated aristocratic refinement and elegance.
Luggage of all sizes was swiftly loaded into the carriage's cargo compartment by attendants, while the head steward held a ledger, conferring with the servants and conducting inventory to ensure everything was properly prepared.
Soon enough, they would be taken to the Milford Domain's mana rail train station to begin their journey toward the Protos Royal Magic Academy in the Imperial Capital of Herrom.
Count Milford stood before the portico. Though his expression remained as stoic as ever, the worry flickering occasionally in his eyes betrayed his reluctance to part with his daughter as she prepared to leave for the Imperial Capital.
"Lord Count, we are departing."
Hyperion bowed to Count Milford, who stood nearby, thanking his family for taking care of her over the past week and for their irreplaceable aid to the church.
Count Milford nodded, gesturing for the two of them to board the carriage.
"Milian, take care. If you run into trouble, come right back. The Milford Count's estate will always be your home."
Escorting the two to the carriage, he watched Hyperion and spoke.
Though they had not known each other long, the whole family had grown fond of this lonely, steadfast, and kind young priestess. If everything settled down in the future and she wished to remain in the Protos Empire, their family would gladly adopt her formally.
"Thank you, Lord Count."
Hyperion felt a prickle of emotion in her nose and thanked him sincerely. In this journey to the Northern Continent, practically every step had gone contrary to expectations, yet every single day had left her with precious memories she would never forget for the rest of her life.
"Mixiula, once you leave the Milford Domain, listen to your elder sister in all things. Understand?" Count Milford then turned to his daughter, admonishing her.
"I understand."
Mixiula climbed into the carriage and nodded earnestly. She knew her sister was strong, intelligent, and kindhearted. With plenty of dangers remaining on the road ahead, following her sister's lead was undoubtedly the right choice.
"Be sure to beware of the Extinction Branch's main forces garrisoned in Box Mountain Province. In particular, the Holy Son of Extinction is likely there right now. If by any chance you encounter that man, do not draw his attention or suspicion. He is an inhuman madman capable of anything; you cannot judge him by common sense or logic."
Count Milford rested his hand against the carriage door as he looked in at the two of them, offering his final warning.
"Understood."
Hyperion knew Count Milford had said those words specifically for her benefit.
Although she had spent seven dreamlike days in the Milford Domain, it was time to wake up. The true trials lay ahead.
And she, no matter how arduous and rugged the road ahead might be, would not waver or flinch in the slightest!
Chapter 357