Chapter 367: A Turn of Events in Crisis
As Irving, Aron, and James left the Green family's secret base, their moods were quite heavy. The three of them felt that the threat posed by Sophia had not improved their current situation at all. On the contrary, the troubles they needed to handle were only increasing.
At the entrance of the Green family secret base, Aron spoke directly to Irving and James. "I think we shouldn't head straight back to the City of Warding. We need to ensure the safety of Starling City first. While I have confidence in Nick, we must confirm things ourselves."
Although Aron believed that Nick could take care of the remaining werewolves in Starling City, he felt it was essential to check thoroughly to prevent any unforeseen complications.
Irving and James did not oppose this idea. The three of them made their way back to the downtown area of Starling City.
By the time they reached downtown, there were no werewolves left, but the situation in the city was still dire. Survivors had emerged from their hiding places and were helping one another. However, the official organizations were not able to return to Starling City quickly. As a result, only personnel from the Angel Guild were currently managing the situation.
They quickly found Nick.
"I've taken care of all the remaining werewolves in Starling City. The members of the Angel Guild base here have been cooperating with my efforts. They're also assisting the survivors of Starling City," Nick reported, his mood relatively upbeat.
After all, Nick had not engaged in direct combat with Sophia, nor had he faced a truly desperate situation. Therefore, he believed that their recent operation had been a significant success.
The mood of the other three was in stark contrast to Nick's. Nick quickly noticed their deep concern. Although he didn't know the specifics of the situation, he put away his smile.
"What should we do now? Should we stay here, or head back to the Angel Guild headquarters? Should we inform Anna at headquarters about what's happening here as soon as possible?" Nick felt that these decisions were beyond his purview, so he turned to Irving and Aron for guidance.
Aron didn't make a decision immediately; instead, he looked to Irving. Irving slowly nodded. "We can leave this situation to others. Other official organizations, aside from the Angel Guild, should be able to arrive shortly. Starling City shouldn't face any further major danger. We can return quickly."
Since Irving had made the decision, the others naturally followed his lead. When they returned to the Angel Guild headquarters, Anna was already waiting at the entrance.
Seeing everyone return safely, a faint smile finally appeared on Anna's face. "I've gathered some information about what happened in Starling City. The fact that you managed to resolve the crisis caused by Sophia is quite remarkable. You don't need to put too much pressure on yourselves."
Anna understood that Irving and the others were feeling very low, so she hoped to help them relax a bit. The group merely nodded in response, not saying a word.
Once they reached the conference room, Irving asked Aron to recount the events they had experienced in detail. After hearing about the challenges Irving and the others faced, Anna and Nick finally understood why their moods were so heavy.
"So, you're saying the crisis we face is now even greater than before? Has Sophia gained such a level of control over the Blood Moon's powers? And now, aside from killing Sophia, we have no other way to help her escape the influence of the Blood Moon?" Anna never imagined the situation could be this dire.
Irving sighed. "You're right. However, there are still some potential turning points within this crisis. Although Jony told me he didn't know how to help Sophia break free from the Blood Moon's influence, he also wasn't sure if others might have any knowledge about it. So, there's still a chance we could get help from others to assist Sophia."
Although Irving's words brought a glimmer of hope to Anna and the others, they could all sense that Irving himself lacked confidence. At that moment, Irving suddenly turned his gaze to Anna.
"I just realized that Sophia's situation is quite similar to yours. Sophia is being eroded by the Blood Moon's power, while you are being affected by the forces of Chaos. The only difference between you and Sophia is that you received help from the Knowledge Fairy, allowing you to maintain your independent consciousness. If we can find a way to help Sophia rid herself of the Blood Moon's influence, we might also be able to assist you in overcoming the Chaos power."
Upon hearing Irving's words, the others in the conference room were struck with realization. They had not considered that within such a grave crisis, there might be a chance for a turning point. Moreover, this potential turning point seemed to offer them a greater advantage, at the very least, a way to resolve their most pressing troubles.
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Anna was now extremely excited. With a hint of disbelief, she asked, "Are you really sure? If you can truly help me escape the influence of the Chaos power, then I can provide you with much more assistance afterwards."
Although Anna had never complained to anyone, she was constantly suffering from the torment of the Chaos power's erosion. If Irving could indeed help Anna rid herself of this influence, she would undoubtedly be able to contribute significantly more in the future.
Irving nodded solemnly. "This is merely my hypothesis! However, I will take action as soon as possible! You don't need to be too anxious; just focus on resting and preparing for the potential battles ahead."
After saying this, Irving left the conference room. Instead of leaving the Angel Guild headquarters, he chose to head down to the lowest level of the building. He intended to negotiate with the Knowledge Fairy once more. He needed to understand how the Knowledge Fairy had helped Anna restore her consciousness.
When Irving arrived at the area where the Knowledge Fairy resided, the Knowledge Fairy appeared before him.
"I predicted your arrival. I also know what questions you want to ask me," the Knowledge Fairy said, taking the form of a massive book.
"In that case, will you answer my questions?" Irving asked.
"I will certainly answer your questions, but only if you can provide me with a satisfactory reward," the Knowledge Fairy replied, indicating that a negotiation would take place.
Irving chuckled at the Knowledge Fairy's words. "No problem at all; I can offer you information related to the Dark Overlord." In truth, Irving was well aware of a great deal of information concerning the Dark Overlord.
Irving had previously shared some information with the Knowledge Fairy, but he still had a few pieces of intelligence he could provide in multiple installments. However, this time, the Knowledge Fairy did not accept Irving's proposal.
"The information about the Dark Overlord is indeed very important to me. However, I won't need it in the short term. I would prefer if you could provide me with other types of information instead," the Knowledge Fairy stated.
This response made Irving feel a bit uneasy. He suspected that the Knowledge Fairy wanted information that was critical and hard to obtain. "What kind of information do you want me to provide?"
"I want you to give me information related to the Blood Moon's powers," the Knowledge Fairy replied.
As soon as the words left its mouth, Irving fixed the Knowledge Fairy with a cold stare. He felt that the Knowledge Fairy was trying to manipulate him. After all, it had to know that he had just fought Sophia and still bore the remnants of the Blood Moon's aura.
"Why?" Irving asked coldly.
The Knowledge Fairy maintained its previous tone and replied, "Is the answer to that question important to you? I assume you are aware of quite a bit of information regarding the Blood Moon's powers?"
"You're right; I know a lot about the Blood Moon's powers. But why are you suddenly so interested in them? If you can't give me a satisfactory explanation, I will not cooperate with you," Irving declared firmly. He was determined to obtain an explanation.
At that moment, the Knowledge Fairy transformed into an owl. It flew to a bookshelf and said mockingly, "You should have come here to request my assistance, right? Do you really think you have the right to bargain with me?"
Irving paid no heed to the Knowledge Fairy's taunts. He coldly replied, "I'm not here to seek help; I'm here to seek cooperation. You have provided me assistance before, and now I am offering you the reward you desire. We are partners in this; it is not a one-sided relationship."
Having stated his position, Irving left no room for further discussion. The Knowledge Fairy, unable to change the subject, transformed back into its original form. It said softly to Irving, "The Blood Moon's powers are related to the apocalypse. In the apocalyptic scenarios I have predicted, a blood-red moon will linger in the sky. Therefore, I must gather enough information related to the Blood Moon's powers."
Despite the Knowledge Fairy's explanation, Irving remained skeptical. He retorted coldly, "Since you have the ability to predict and can discern additional information from me, why can't you obtain the information you need from the Blood Moon's aura that lingers around me?"
At that moment, the Knowledge Fairy suddenly realized something. It understood why Irving had been so adversarial toward it. The Knowledge Fairy let out a couple of chuckles.
"I finally understand why you have been so hostile toward me! Let me explain: I cannot detect the aura of the Blood Moon on you because the Blood Moon's power can suppress us, the Knowledge Fairy clan. That is why I need you to provide me with sufficient information."
Although the Knowledge Fairy's explanation still had some gaps, Irving ultimately chose to accept it. "No problem! I will provide you with information related to the Blood Moon's powers!"