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Ernie's arrogance was probably not without reason. He actually had a deep understanding of some ancient secrets concerning "Sichen," and could even reveal some unknown, profound relationships.
After all, he was known as the "Viper Who Drinks from a Candle." Before the gates of history, the serpent-like creature carrying the key was an unavoidable visitor. And as an ancient disciple of that deity, it was equally inevitable to come into contact with and peek into various long-forgotten secrets.
"We've gone a bit off-topic. Let's get back to the main point: the decline of the 'Ant Scale Gate'."
"Before that apocalyptic catastrophe, the Lord we worshipped had already shown signs of instability. He no longer responded to sacrifices, nor did He send forth revelations. And when His voice resounded in our souls again... our ordeal began from there."
“The swarming, pitch-black ants appeared along with the naturally emerging spirit, relentlessly gnawing at our minds and bodies, which could not be cleansed no matter how much we cleansed them. Many believers—including high-ranking priests—went mad on the spot. In the end, only a small number of those who maintained their original faith continued to endure the torment.”
"More and more people began to worship that filthy, wriggling thing and gave it the false name of 'god.' Nothing could be more pathetic and ridiculous than this, as they foolishly knelt and worshipped the culprit who caused all this chaos, like headless mosquitoes."
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Chapter 147 The Holy Wound of the Spirit
"Mr. Erne, judging from your tone, it seems you are also one of those who uphold the original faith?"
Fran rested his cheek on his hand and inquired about this with great interest.
"of course."
Ernie chuckled softly, his answer extremely confident.
"The Mother of Ants is sacred and sublime, appearing from the blood that coils around the wound. She opens the bewilderment, reveals the ignorance, and brings salvation. Even if darkness stains and climbs onto my robes... I will never turn away from Her commandments."
"Besides, only a hopeless and utterly disloyal fool would believe in worms, which would only bring about a more disgusting end than utter destruction."
"If I were to truly convert to a different faith, you would probably only see a wriggling, living insect nest."
After speaking, he narrowed his eyes, observing Fran with a solemn expression. He wanted to know how this unknown Feathered One would respond. Compared to a foreseeable death, the unpredictable future was far more terrifying.
But the doctor's expression remained unchanged, maintaining that seemingly unchanging professional smile, his true feelings hard to discern.
"Given your frankness, I think we can discuss some more practical matters. Orne, why did you become Crown Prince Murphy's bodyguard back in Morion?"
Ernie curled his lip, one could vaguely sense his contempt and disdain for the royal court and its nobles.
"I have little to do with those despicable traitors in the Geronsen Royal Court; it was just a deal. They offered me a price I couldn't refuse, so I accepted it without question."
Search ÷ QQ group'. : Art ∫' 裬"〓 Seven △ Lu…∈ Wine 〓〈↓≯⊥≈ Umbrella ¢ “Oh?”
Fran's amber eyes flickered slightly; although it was not yet confirmed, she had already guessed the content of the deal between the two parties.
"If I'm not mistaken, they must have given you something to suppress the pollution in your body, right?"
"exactly."
Ernie did not hide anything and readily admitted it.
"They offered a bottle of Heil's Tears extract as a deposit, which calmed the restless ants within my body. A serene and ethereal melody echoed within my consciousness, and the strange movements of the bookworms crawling around my eardrums ceased."
"I have been pursuing this tranquility for countless years."
Upon hearing this, Fran nodded slightly, roughly understanding why this guy immediately went into a frenzied state upon seeing Shiodia. Part of it was his confidence in his own strength, and another part... was that his mind had become somewhat unstable due to years of mental torment.
Before Fran could ask again, Ernie had already begun recounting the story of how he intercepted Yaheng back then.
"It's somewhat ironic, really. Neither I, who accepted the commission, nor the Royal Court of Gallonson, who issued it, knew what we were about to face. According to the available intelligence, the Chief Hunter was at most at the fifth tier. Even though his 'Throne of Decapitation' was classified as a first-class forbidden relic, almost a synonym for death..."
"But I still believe I can keep him at bay for a while, and not be defeated at the first meeting."
As he said this, he grinned, revealing a self-deprecating smile through his fanged mouth.
"As for the result, as I said before... he simply swung his scythe and ripped open my chest and abdomen, depriving me of all mobility and leaving me with deep, unhealable wounds."
"Who would have thought that such a young apostle would still exist after the cataclysmic end of the era? He's not even fifty years old yet, and he's survived the horrific plague that swept through Norrington. Even in our time, this Lord of the Undertaker, known as the Red Wolf, is an unparalleled monster."
Listening to his account, Fran gained a more detailed understanding of Yaheng's assassination attempt.
In a way, Orne was quite unlucky... If we only consider pure physical strength, most high-ranking priests couldn't match him. But his spirituality was tainted by the filth of ants, and his mind was also tormented, so that every time he used a secret technique, it was accompanied by the risk of endangering his life.
Otherwise, he shouldn't have been so severely injured and brought to the brink of death by Yaheng's attack. He should have been able to withstand the second blow...
However, this also saved him.
If Erne truly manages to attract enough of Aheng's attention that he seriously considers the enemy before him as a hunting target... then, the only outcome for this Ant Scale disciple will be death.
"What else do you want to know, Ms. Feathered One? I can stay conscious for about ten more minutes, which is the limit for a brain."
Seeing the doctor's thoughtful silence, Ernie asked him a question.
After a moment, Fran lightly touched his lower lip in response.
“I’m considering what kind of medical treatment can cure your ailment. I have some experience with this type of illness on Luara before, but mythical creatures have very special constitutions, and what works for her may not work for you…”
She was actually just waiting for the monthly outpatient schedule to be released in June, but the medical module in the gray fog didn't give her a notification. After all, it was a random trigger, so she couldn't be too demanding.
Regardless of whether Ernie is a monthly patient or not, Fran's tasks remain unchanged.
Although this guy showed an extremely aggressive attitude when they first met, most high-ranking disciples with little humanity are arrogant and rotten, and she would not refuse to provide medical services because of that.
"Heal me?"
4. Ernie squinted his eyes in confusion.
Those ancient and proud Feathered Apostles would never tolerate any form of offense, yet she seemed unconcerned about his direct attack… It was a strange feeling. Perhaps dying would be easier to accept than this unknown “treatment.”
The bait, "The ants, emerge from the new life force that arises with each sleep, and as long as consciousness remains and thought continues... they will keep appearing. Even if you use certain relics with purifying effects to completely cleanse them for a while, you can only gain a moment of peace."
"The next time they appear, they will only be more hungry and ferocious. I don't think this can be solved by 'curing' them."
His tone was somber and resolute, clearly indicating that he had made countless attempts that were subsequently deemed futile.
However, Fran certainly wouldn't give up on further treatment just because of this.
"The glorious era of pure white has vanished into history. Given the drastically reduced medical conditions that followed, it is perfectly normal that your chronic illness cannot be cured. However, please do not lose faith in a complete recovery because of this... The technology I possess is unlike anything you have ever seen or known before."
Through the previously revealed secrets and his cooperative attitude, Wu had already categorized Ernie as a patient by Fran. It was well known that this doctor was always very patient with his patients.
"Since you insist... then fine."
With a sense of foreboding, Erne finally agreed.
After all, with only a head remaining, he had no right to refuse. Even if he insisted on expressing his opposition, it would be of no practical use and might even anger the feathered person in front of him, who seemed to be a little mentally unstable.
"Now that the patient has agreed, let's begin implementing the first treatment plan. Oh, by the way... Mr. Ernie, would you like to sign a written contract? That would make it seem more formal."
This question made Orneel glance down at his severed neck, a somewhat absurd sense of humor welling up within him. If the situation weren't so inappropriate... he probably would have laughed out loud.
I don't think I need to.
"Ok."
Fran nodded, then lightly raised her index finger, and a chaotic, deep yellow flame ignited at her fingertip like a flower. Within the Fog Street Clinic, she could easily manipulate the frenzied fire used to suppress the lysozyme.
"Lady Feathered One, the treatment you're talking about... wouldn't be..."
Looking at the flickering flame, Ernie's expression became somewhat complicated.
Destroying spiritual awareness, annihilating matter, and plunging into chaos. Even with just the naked eye, he could vaguely sense the terrifying spiritual energy burning within the fire. It was an indescribable "hatred," as if it wanted to burn everything tangible to ashes.
"you guessed right."
As he spoke, Fran gently bent his knuckles and flicked the burst of flame into Ornie's mouth. Deep yellow flames immediately ignited, spewing from his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose.
Along with them came a few scattered black ants. They struggled and gnawed with all their might, but ultimately could not escape their fate of extinction.
If Fran hadn't controlled the eruption and spread of the mad fire, that single, drifting spark would have been enough to char Ornie's head. Of course, even so... Zhong QuN:一‰∠lin鲮⊥∑柒溜《≯一寺伞... his condition wasn't very good at the moment either.
"call……"
Ernie exhaled a wisp of grayish-white smoke with a burnt smell, his eye twitching slightly. More than questioning the doctor about his brutal treatment, he wanted to know why he hadn't died.
Before the ant-scale disciple could even form a complete sentence from his chaotic thoughts, Fran had already placed his palm on his forehead.
The alchemical process [Dissolving Bone and Blood] has begun running.
The charred scales and outer skin peeled away, revealing newly grown flesh and scales beneath. At the same time, she dripped on some extract of Heil's Tears to prevent the patient from dying during treatment.
Several minutes later, Ernie managed to regain a sliver of consciousness.
"Ms. Feathered One, I'm curious. Did any of those who received your treatment... actually survive?"
"What's the problem? My medical services have consistently received positive reviews. There are no negative reviews."
Faced with questions about his professional competence, Fran immediately made a statement with great confidence.
"Feel the state of your psychic awareness now, Mr. Orne. Is there still new impurity gushing forth?"
"Um……"
After observing carefully for a while, his brows furrowed slightly, and his tone carried a hint of uncertainty.
“It still exists, but both its scale and frequency have decreased significantly.”
Upon hearing this, Fran raised his eyebrows slightly.
Although she wasn't too surprised by the situation, her amber eyes began to flicker slightly, as if she were deep in thought.
“The filth cannot appear out of thin air; it must have some source. The reason why Luyala could disinfect it by burning it was mainly because the contamination was external... Once it is removed from the outside, it will not regenerate.”
“And the worms inside your body, 4 scars, four? ▲three∩:钐◇√〇儛蒐索◆℃: 'originate from within'.”
After gaining a deeper understanding of the specific symptoms, she used [Soul Shaping] to pull out the entire soul essence that Orne had attached to her skull. She then carefully examined the grayish-white, hazy, invisible object in her hand.
On his spirit body, one could see a barely perceptible wound constantly oozing contamination. However, some scorch marks were visible on it, seemingly beginning to close due to the burning from the earlier mad fire.
"The lesion was originally here."
After understanding the situation, a surge of madness reignited at Fran's fingertips. However, it was much smaller than before, and its shape was more stable.
As a flame capable of burning away reason and spirit, it is perfectly suited to close this wound. However, this thing is too destructive, and the soul itself is extremely fragile. Once damaged, it may even cause the entire structure to collapse.
Therefore, it is needed to perform a delicate and highly precise surgery... requiring unimaginable control. And this is precisely where Dr. Fran excels.
After a brief period of burning, the wounds on Ernie's spirit body gradually closed, leaving only a shallow burn mark. Having lost the passage that served as the "door," the black ants ceased to emerge, and the soul returned to its pure state.
"Speaking of which, the feeling of using the 'Epileptic Fire' in spiritual surgery is very similar to that of an ultrasonic scalpel. However, it is much more difficult to control; if the heat is even slightly too high, it turns into grilling. Even the strange burnt smell is very similar."
"Hmm... you can put it back now."
After briefly sharing his experience with the treatment, Fran stuffed Ornie's soul back into his body, which now only had a head. Almost simultaneously, the Antscale Disciple opened his eyes in horror.
Even though Ernie had been tormented by the ants for nearly a thousand years, the pain of his soul being burned was still close to the limit of his endurance. He could clearly feel that this pulsating, mad fire was drooling over him, as if it would devour him completely at any moment.
But in the end, the flames "obediently" maintained their original form, intense yet stable. Like a ferocious dog tightly bound by a collar around its neck, unable to cross even half a step.
"So, how do you feel now?" Fran asked the question again.
"Very...quiet."
After a long silence, Erne uttered a soft murmur.
“I can no longer feel the restless, wriggling things in my brain, in my eardrums, and in my blood vessels. I feel myself returning to purity.”
If he weren't now just a head, he might have run, roared, or even cried out, releasing the shock and joy of finally ending his millennia of torment. This would have completely dissipated his previous desire for death.
A person who longs to die is often invincible because they will use their life without hesitation. But when their hope for life is rekindled, they will naturally not be as reckless as before.
"Mr. Ernie, do you still have any doubts about my medical skills?"
Fran seemed to have anticipated Orne's near-mute state. Her tone remained calm, as gentle as a delicate brushstroke.
“In the lost days of the past, I visited more than one physician who was called a genius… but all they could do was suppress the pollution. Compared to your skills, Feathered One, those fellows were nothing but vulgar things with empty names.”
"I know nothing about your methods, nor can I understand them at all. The only thing I can do is exclaim 'amazing skill!'"
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Ah! With such a daily feast, what can possibly stop it?
Chapter 148 Revitalization of the Divine Remains
"The most important phase of this treatment is over... All that's left is to create a new body. However, your body has become highly mutant, and we need to use the same type of flesh to ensure a proper reattachment."
After carefully observing Ernie's current condition, Fran then began to explain the further treatment plan.
Upon hearing this, Wu's expression became somewhat strange.
If the other party's purpose was merely to study the pollution hidden within his soul essence, there would be no reason for them to reshape his body. After all, his original body was shattered by the Heir nobleman who followed this doctor using a first-class secret technique.
Although Liu had doubts about Miyo... that didn't mean he didn't want to live.
"Lady Feathered One, you intend to create a new body for me... Why? By all accounts, I should be the enemy. I showed no mercy when I first attacked you, and besides, I am by no means benevolent. While I am not depraved, I do not follow the commandments like the Hunters."
After a moment's hesitation, Ernie finally asked the question.
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