Chapter 125: Horrifying

Although Matt is primarily a research-oriented figure among alchemists, that does not mean he lacks magical resistance—in other words, the extraordinary ability to withstand strange phenomena. While those closer to mystical powers are more prone to encountering the bizarre, their own strength naturally grants them corresponding resilience.

Moreover, at this moment, Matt was not alone in the room; Mulan Jonster was also present.

“Lord Jonster, I hear a chaotic whisper...” Matt began.

“Oh? What kind?” Mulan asked.

“It’s just...” Matt started to explain in detail but suddenly noticed the seriousness on Mulan’s face. He paused, then suddenly realized something and widened his eyes, looking intently at her.

It was a vague sensation, as if perceiving an intangible force that could summon mental illusions from the mind’s imagination—like witnessing a terrifying power emanating from Mulan, repelling everything: sunlight, air, chaos, and spirit, yet seemingly drawing it all together.

This fleeting feeling lasted only an instant before Matt regained clarity.

“It’s making my head a bit confused, but perhaps it’s because I’ve been exhausting my magical energy lately and am somewhat tired...” Matt abruptly stopped himself from saying more. The young noble from Dirga he had thought he understood now seemed profoundly inscrutable and distant.

Matt recalled the changes during their previous battle, Mulan causing the weather to shift, the clash of light and darkness...

Mulan reached out and patted Matt’s shoulder, smiling gently.

“Alchemists do pour immense energy into their research. You need to rest well.”

“Thank you for your concern, my lord...” Matt quickly replied, grateful.

“Is there a particular reason you asked me to stay?” Mulan looked seriously at Matt, whose mind was active yet cautious. He had seemed flustered moments ago but now feigned calm.

Mulan knew that some of her spiritual energy had influenced Matt—a dark power feeding him certain information, which must have frightened him.

“Don’t be nervous. Let’s sit down and talk.” Mulan moved a stool beside the desk and sat down again. Matt hesitated but soon joined her, feeling none of the earlier ease.

“As a scholar, how much do you understand about power? About the world?” she suddenly asked a profound, almost lofty question, leaving Matt momentarily puzzled. After some thought, he answered earnestly.

“My journey into alchemy and the mystical world is not deep. I consider myself unqualified to define this clearly. Personally, I share views similar to those in some magical tomes—we seek power, growth, and endless novelty.”

“And does what you gain match that?” Mulan pressed.

“As some books record, perhaps we attain much desired, but also inherit persistent fears and troubles—sometimes like curses attached to wishes.”

Mulan studied Matt intently once more. As one who delved deeply into ancient alchemy, his insight was remarkable. Many magical texts are ambiguous or contradictory on this point, yet Matt’s words held a unique clarity.

Leaning back comfortably in her chair, Mulan nodded in approval.

“Indeed, it is profound. Like a curse accompanying the path. Many extraordinary paths bear this meaning—constantly evolving, strengthening oneself, avoiding danger, yet entangled ever deeper with this ‘curse.’ In my view, every extraordinary being carries their own curse...”

This was a vague feeling Mulan had beyond her extensive magical studies, a theoretical framework pointing to the ominous nature of overreliance on chaos and dark godly powers. Matt’s offhand remark struck her as uncannily apt.

“Matt, our world is undergoing constant change. The mystical realm grows, and various forces extend—might they also carry a curse?”

Matt furrowed his brow. His usual focus was on alchemy and avenging enemies; he had never considered this. Yet following Mulan’s words, he could not help but contemplate. The more he thought, the tighter his brow grew, and an inexplicable dread crept over him.

His scalp tingled as if he heard a hoarse, dreadful roar from the void, sensing distortions among the elements...

As an imaginative alchemist, he felt a touch of fear.

“Lord Jonster, what you say is not impossible. Perhaps the inner world itself is such a curse—or one of its manifestations...”

“Or something far more terrifying. Of course, there might also be wondrous changes. Who can say?”

Mulan closed her eyes slightly, reclining against the chair’s backrest for a few seconds before reopening them to look at Matt.

“Who do you think that figure in the darkness is? What does he want?”

“I? I’m not sure... but he seems very concerned about you.”

“Hmm, his words about the future worry me deeply. His presence might signify some dreadful catastrophe ahead. Though I don’t want to admit it, his words weigh heavily on me, even stirring a strange and profound unease—as if he might be right... Well, that’s just my private thought. Don’t mention this to anyone else...”

Mulan, who had seemed formidable lately, now showed signs of weariness and unease as he looked at Matt.

“As an alchemist and seeker of arcane knowledge, I hope your wisdom might shed some light for me. Haha, I might be putting pressure on you with this. Let me put it differently—I just want to chat and ease some of my own stress.”

Matt felt a slight relief and finally smiled faintly.

“You’re too tired, my lord. As a Radiant Knight, your power naturally opposes his. His words may hold some truth, but certainly not all. Most development of extraordinary powers remains under control. Though not always positive, the great nations and factions won’t allow too great a deviation.”

“Indeed, when the sky falls, there are tall ones to hold it up. That does lighten my mind considerably, hahaha...” Mulan laughed, and Matt joined in.

Yet inwardly, Matt’s spirit grew solemn. He knew Mulan Jonster had been affected—and perhaps he himself as well. That spiritual interference just now could be a sign of dark forces encroaching.

‘I must warn Mulan Jonster! But...’ Matt hesitated, feeling fear and reluctance. A strong premonition told him Mulan was about to face grave trouble, and he might be caught in the crossfire. If drawn closer, some mysterious power’s influence could endanger him too.

And the source was undoubtedly that terrifying darkness. The adversary might possess means to utterly annihilate a Radiant Knight. Their departure was deliberate!

Matt shuddered silently, unwilling to voice his fears aloud.