Chapter 597: The Cells in the Basement

In the dark passage, Shien was unknowingly walking slowly forward, heading towards the deepest part of this space alone.

This time, no one guided him, and he couldn’t use his previous search method to confirm the location of others or the terrain.

Here, if Shien recklessly released his magic power, he would definitely be detected by the High Priest.

Therefore, Shien could only rely on the information detected by the perception ability of [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree] to find his destination.

The direction of airflow.

The texture of magic power.

Vibrations caused by various movements.

Faint, unusual sounds.

Such things became the basis for Shien to gather information about this space, allowing him to ponder while maintaining his concealed state under [Inner Awareness of Heaven’s Decree]. He followed the passage, moving forward slowly but steadily.

Along the way, Shien didn’t encounter any patrolling knights.

Perhaps because this area was relatively important, and unauthorized personnel weren’t allowed to approach, Shien didn’t find any traces of patrols.

But the lack of patrols didn’t mean that there were no “other beings” guarding this place.

Shien stopped at the end of a passage, looking at the scene before him, speechless for several seconds.

“—”

A rather terrifying pressure permeated the air here.

The source of the pressure was a massive creature lying on the ground.

Shien was quite familiar with such a creature.

Because he had one at home too.

It was…

“A dragon…?”

The massive creature lying at the end of the passage was indeed a dragon.

No, more accurately, it wasn’t a living dragon, but a “dead dragon.”

It had a pair of tattered dragon wings, the membranes on the wings torn and battered, and a lot of flesh and blood missing, exposing the bones.

Its entire body was decaying, at least half of it, with no intact parts visible, even its internal organs seemed to be gone. Only a very large magic crystal was embedded in its chest, as if replacing its heart, emitting a magical glow as it spun.

This couldn’t be called a dragon anymore, only a dragon corpse.

But this dragon corpse had clearly been modified, emitting a very strong death aura. It was currently lying there as if dozing, and in its empty eye sockets, ghastly green light flickered instead of pupils, telling Shien that this dracolich could move.

Undoubtedly…

“This is a dragon resurrected and controlled by the High Priest’s necromancy, right?”

Its level was as high as ninety-one, possessing Legendary-level combat power.

“A small secret base, and there are actually two Legendary-level beings inside…”

When did Legendary-level beings become so worthless?

Of course, this dracolich was the necromancer’s familiar, strictly speaking, a magical creation, not a complete Legendary-level being.

But even so, its Legendary-level combat power was undeniable.

“As expected of the legendary necromancy, the forbidden power that once created an army of millions of undead.”

Magic that could manipulate the dead and subvert death was truly amazing.

However, Shien was more interested in what was behind the dracolich.

It was an entrance, with steps leading downwards.

“So, is that the basement they mentioned just now?”

Shien confirmed this.

“It seems that place is indeed not allowed to be entered casually.”

A Legendary-level dracolich guarded the entrance, even lying in front of it, completely blocking it.

Under such circumstances, unless it moved, no one could enter.

Fortunately…

“This is still useless against me.”

Shien estimated the direction and distance, then teleported directly to the entrance.

He bypassed the Legendary-level dracolich guarding the entrance and entered.

“Let’s go down.”

After entering, Shien didn’t hesitate. Glancing at the dracolich still dozing behind him, he swaggered down the steps.

Surely, no one would believe that someone could infiltrate to this extent so silently without attracting any attention, right?

Even the highest-level assassin couldn’t do this.

According to Shien’s estimation, besides himself, only Leisha, the Spatial Magician, could infiltrate to this extent so silently.

Of course, Nadue, the Goddess of Nature, could also do it.

Her ability to merge with nature was somewhat broken. If it were her, she might even be able to explore this place more thoroughly than Shien.

Shien went down, activating the perception ability of [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree] to observe the surroundings and avoid triggering any traps.

But there didn’t seem to be any traps here.

“They probably think that Legendary-level dracolich is enough to block everything, right?”

Shien thought so.

When Shien reached the bottom of the steps and finally entered the basement, he realized that his previous thoughts were too naive.

Although there were no traps here, it definitely wasn’t just guarded by a single dracolich.

“Groan…”

In the dim basement, beast-like growls echoed.

Figures slowly wandered here, like walking corpses, a terrifying sight.

Ironically, calling them walking corpses wasn’t wrong.

The figures wandering here weren’t human at all, but mummies.

They were the dead.

They were undead.

Like the dracolich outside, these ghouls, decaying, with ghastly green eyes, ragged clothes, and ferocious faces, wandered here.

“…Did I enter a zombie world?”

Shien felt a wave of discomfort.

Now, he somewhat understood why Anima was so enraged that she descended directly and annihilated that arrogant necromancer.

It wasn’t just because of their harmful actions, but also because using the corpses of the dead was too blasphemous, understandably angering the Goddess of Life.

Shien even saw two somewhat familiar figures among them.

“Aren’t those two from Duke Strimm’s First Knight Order?”

Shien stared intently in one direction.

There, two figures walked unsteadily, entering Shien’s sight.

Shien recognized them.

Back in Cosmos, before the evil aura erupted and they were about to enter the Dark Temple, Shien had seen them.

“Yuri Strimm…”

He was the Knight Commander of Duke Strimm’s territory, Barry’s older brother, and Limgir’s uncle, an expert at level eighty-eight, not far from Legendary-level.

He disappeared along with Limgir during the Cosmos incident.

Unexpectedly, when Shien saw him again, he had become a ghoul, one of the many undead wandering here.

Beside him was the First Knight Order Commander who had targeted Shien before.

“I remember his name was Sona, right?”

This First Knight Order Commander was Yuri’s brother-in-law and was also level eighty.

But now, he had also become one of the many ghouls, a guard dog of this basement.

While Limgir was still alive and well outside, even holding great power, the two Strimm experts who disappeared with him were reduced to this state. Even Shien felt a little sympathetic.

“I advised you before not to enter the land of evil aura, but you didn’t listen. Therefore, you can only blame yourselves.”

Shien shook his head, putting their matters aside, and observed the surroundings.

Upon observing, Shien discovered that there were many cells in this basement.

Iron bars separated the stone caves from the outside space, with ghouls wandering outside the cells, and people imprisoned inside.

Shien frowned, then helplessly walked forward, blending in with the numerous ghouls.

There was no other way. He couldn’t approach the cells otherwise.

Shien carefully avoided touching the ghouls while observing the inside of the cells.

Then, Shien discovered that female knights were imprisoned in the cells.

Some sat huddled on piles of straw, trembling, some sobbed and shed tears, and some stared blankly, lost in thought. But without exception, they were all stripped naked.

This sight didn’t arouse Shien’s lust.

Because it only made him feel that these female knights were being kept like livestock.

They had iron collars around their necks, their hands and feet shackled, and there were scars all over their bodies, clearly having been tortured.

𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Of course, this wasn’t the most important thing.

The most important thing was that Shien recognized the identities of these female knights.

“They’re from the Broken Blade Knight Order, right?”

That’s right.

These female knights were the personal guards of the second princess of the Ragna Empire, the princess known as the Valkyrie.

Shien had interacted with them in Cosmos and thus recognized them.

“So…”

Shien seemed to have thought of something, narrowing his eyes. He stopped observing slowly and instead dashed towards the deeper parts of the basement.

“Groan…”

A few ghouls that brushed past Shien seemed to sense something and stopped, growling.

Shien ignored them and continued forward.

Soon, Shien reached the deepest part of the basement and saw the largest and darkest cell.

Inside, a figure entered Shien’s sight.

“As expected…”

Shien stopped, staring at the person for a long time, and finally, called out their name.

“Capeline Ragna…”

It was the princess.

“Ugh…”

In the dim cell, a soft moan of pain echoed, clearly audible.

Shien Buztout teleported directly into the cell, his brow furrowed as he looked at Capeline.

Capeline was chained to the wall by four chains, even wearing a collar around her neck, tightly bound.

These chains and collar were inscribed with magic runes, the same type as the handcuffs Harvis wore.

Their effect was to suppress the magic power of the person bound, preventing them from using any magic-related abilities.

Under such circumstances, unless it was a high-level Beastman or a demon with exceptional physical abilities, no one should be able to break free from these chains, right?

Clearly, Capeline was being given special treatment, not allowed to move at all.

And like the female knights of the Broken Blade Knight Order, she was also stripped naked, her body covered with whip marks, causing her to moan in pain even in a semi-conscious state.

All of this was probably the work of Mara, the Imperial Consort.

The High Priest had also said that this was the Imperial Consort’s exclusive playground.

So, including Capeline, all the female knights were probably the Imperial Consort’s playthings, right?

As for what she found amusing, one could tell from the wounds on these female knights.

Shien frowned for a long time, pondered for a moment, then extended a hand towards Capeline.

“[Celestial Breathe].”

As starlight flickered, Capeline’s wounds slowly healed.

The speed wasn’t fast.

Shien didn’t recklessly release his magic power, using only a small amount to cast [Celestial Breathe], greatly reducing its healing effect.

But Capeline wasn’t seriously injured. The wounds on her body, although shocking, were only flesh wounds, not serious at all.

Therefore, although the speed wasn’t fast, Capeline’s wounds still healed one after another, her fair skin gradually returning to normal.

Capeline only felt that her aching body suddenly became warm, a comfortable feeling she hadn’t felt in a long time.

This made Capeline open her hazy eyes and look forward.

Shien’s figure immediately entered her sight.

“You…”

Capeline’s eyes widened, and she tried to say something, but her voice was hoarse and dry.

This princess probably hadn’t had water in a long time.

Shien frowned again.

“[Bestowal: Water].”

He raised a finger, casting Bestowal Magic, imbuing the air at his fingertip with the “water” property, causing the moisture in the air to gather, forming a stream of water.

Then, Shien flicked his finger, and the water stream shot into Capeline’s chapped lips.

“Cough…!”

Capeline choked on the sudden influx of water.

But after recovering, she immediately gulped down the water, moisturizing her throat.

“How about it?” Shien stopped, looking at the disheveled princess, “Can you speak now?”

Hearing this, Capeline didn’t answer immediately.

She just pursed her lips, her hazy eyes finally regaining their light as she looked at Shien.

Her gaze was incredibly sharp, as if trying to pierce through Shien.

Shien didn’t react, just standing there quietly, waiting patiently.

A suffocating silence filled the air between them.

After a long time, Capeline finally seemed to confirm something and spoke.

“It seems you’re not one of that venomous Consort’s people.”

Capeline confirmed this.

She didn’t recognize Shien.

Because Shien still wore his cloak.

However, Capeline saw Shien using Bestowal Magic just now.

If she hadn’t seen Shien use Celestial Magic before, she would have definitely recognized him.

As for now, she only confirmed that Shien wasn’t one of Mara’s people.

“I thought that venomous Consort was tired of torturing me and was planning to give me to one of her dogs.”

Capeline sneered.

Even reduced to this state, the Valkyrie was still full of spirit and unyielding pride.

However, within this spirit and pride, there was a hint of hatred and resentment.

Undoubtedly, Capeline’s hatred for Mara was overflowing.

“That Imperial Consort really has such a hobby?”

Shien said indifferently.

He was naturally referring to Mara’s hobby of torturing others.

However, this statement wasn’t entirely accurate.

“She doesn’t have a hobby of torturing others.” Capeline said hatefully, “She just enjoys hearing the cries and screams of Hero descendants like me. Even the torture of my female knights was done by that venomous Consort to torment my mind and spirit.”

These words made Shien narrow his eyes.

“Hero descendant?”

He remembered that Harvis had also said that the Imperial Consort abnormally hated Heroes, even everything related to Heroes.

So, she didn’t have a hobby of torturing others, but was only targeting Capeline, a Hero descendant?

Just as Shien was thinking this, Capeline changed the subject.

“Who are you?” Capeline asked in a deep voice, “Since you’re not one of the venomous Consort’s people, did you sneak in here?”

“You guessed right.” Shien didn’t hide it, saying directly, “Of course, I didn’t come here specifically to save you.”

“But you can get me out of here.” Capeline looked at Shien intently, “As long as you get me out of here, I can promise you anything.”

Undoubtedly, Capeline was trying to seize this hard-won opportunity to escape and save herself.

“I’m the second princess of the Ragna Empire. As long as you get me out of here, whether it’s money or power, I can satisfy you.”

Capeline tried to persuade Shien.

Unfortunately…

“Are you sure?” Shien said noncommittally, “Don’t think I don’t know that the power of the Ragna Empire is now almost entirely in the hands of that Imperial Consort. You’re just a princess, what power do you have to give me money or power?”

Shien naturally wouldn’t be moved by Capeline.

He was a little curious about what this Valkyrie would use to save herself in this situation.

Capeline didn’t know yet that the person she was asking for help from was the same Shien who had defeated her in Cosmos.

Therefore, Capeline said,

“Indeed, that venomous Consort is very powerful, but my status in the Empire isn’t comparable to that of an ordinary princess.” Capeline said, “I inherited a replica of the royal family’s Holy Sword, and I’m the number one genius in the Empire. Even my father, the Emperor, wouldn’t dare to do anything to me, because many people in the Empire are hoping that I can become a powerful figure who can support the entire country.”

Just as Lucy’s status in the Kingdom and even in the human world was different from ordinary people, not comparable to that of an ordinary princess, Capeline, as the number one genius in the Empire, was the hope of the Imperial Family, who hoped she could bring honor to the Empire, suppress the Kingdom’s development, and become the future pillar of the Empire.

“That venomous Consort wouldn’t dare to do anything to me without a reason, so she deliberately sent me to Cosmos, away from the Empire’s protection, and then took the opportunity to capture me and my female knights when I was trapped in the land of evil aura.”

Speaking of this, hatred once again appeared in Capeline’s tone.

She truly hated Mara.

Not only did she hate her for using such despicable means to capture her, but she also hated her for daring to torture her like this.

Capeline had sworn that she would get her revenge on that venomous Consort.

But she couldn’t escape from here, let alone break free from this cage.

Now, having finally found an opportunity to escape, Capeline naturally tried her best to seize it.

“Tell me, what do you want?”

The Valkyrie of the Empire was willing to risk everything.

Seeing this Imperial princess willing to risk everything, Shien smiled.

“Don’t speak too soon, Your Highness.” Shien blatantly glanced at Capeline’s naked body, “I’m surprised you can promise me anything in this state. Aren’t you afraid that what I want is you?”

Shien’s words made Capeline look down at her own body, as if she had just realized her current state.

Then, she fell silent again.

After a few seconds, Capeline raised her face, her expression unchanged.

“You can make such a request.” Capeline said indifferently, “As long as you can handle the consequences.”

Her words were cold and indifferent.

“Ha.”

Shien finally couldn’t help but laugh.

A disdainful laugh.

“Come on, Your Highness.” Shien curled his lip, “Don’t think you’re so precious. You’re not as beautiful as my Lucy, not as talented as my Lucy, your breasts aren’t as big, your butt isn’t as perky, and your skin isn’t as fair. Do you really think I want you?”

Upon hearing this, Capeline’s pupils constricted.

Seeing this, Shien smiled playfully and finally pulled back his hood.

“It’s you…!?”

Capeline’s face darkened, and she gritted her teeth.

“It’s me.” Shien said openly, “Didn’t expect the person you’re asking for help from would be me, did you, Your Highness?”

Capeline stared at Shien, as if trying to confirm his identity, or perhaps unwilling to accept this reality, her teeth gritted.

She really hadn’t expected the person who came here to be Shien.

Thinking of how she had shown such an unsightly side of herself in front of him and was even compared to her biggest rival by him, Capeline was truly furious.

Gradually, her eyes became slightly moist.

Seeing this, Shien was a little startled.

Is this girl going to cry?