NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 156: Fusion Begins
[The Host does not have to worry and can focus on watching the circus. However, please be prepared for any potential discomfort when I remove a part of my Soul from your Soul.] The System warned one last time before it began the process.
Subsequently, a metallic cube with mysterious writings on its surface flashed into existence in Lucian's mind.
Lucian knew the letters were Runic symbols, but their meanings were foreign to him. He had never come across such a language before.
[The process will commence once the Host has been led to his seat.] The System informed him.
Before Lucian could respond to the System, Number One's cold and detached voice echoed in the surroundings, "Please, everyone, with the special invitation, proceed into the courtyard. The ceremony will commence shortly after."
As soon as these words were spoken, the Mages, who had received a special invitation, all stepped out of the line onto the sidewalk and calmly walked toward the gate. Among them were Lucian, Lily, and the rest.
'Tch, they have a special invitation?' Peng Ting frowned in displeasure as he looked at Lucian and the others. The words he was about to say to ridicule them were swiftly taken back, as he went into the courtyard.
"Esteemed guests, may I see your invitations?" One of the dozen guards standing to the side of the gates bowed in their direction and respectfully asked.
James nodded and handed her the invitation his butler had received.
After opening the envelope and taking out the paper from within, the guard's eyes widened as she read the words, 'VVVIP James Orchard'.
Gulping nervously, the guard placed the paper back into the envelope and respectfully handed the envelope to James. As the envelope left her hands, she immediately bowed as low as possible, then spoke respectfully, "Please forgive this lowly guard. I was not aware of your identity, Sir James Orchard."
"I don't mind." James shook his head.
Hearing this, the guard sighed in relief and signaled with her hands, "Please follow me, your Excellencies."
The guard then proceeded to lead them past the gates.
As they went past the gates and entered the courtyard, they could feel the heavy, solemn atmosphere enveloping them.
The Wang Family members, dressed in black attire, were sat with their heads bowed. Some had tears streaming down their faces.
Experience more on empire
"These are your seats, Sir James." The guard said in a low voice after they approached the row behind the Wang Family.
"Thank you," James said to her, then took a seat, followed by the others.
Soon after, the chairs were occupied by the servants, maids, and butlers of the influential people in Harmony City.
Since the influential and high-Ranked Mages were all at the Moon Grove Forest, they had sent whoever remained in their houses to attend the funeral to keep up appearances.
Meanwhile, once Number One saw everyone had taken their seats, he addressed the rest, who were in the queue.
"The ceremony will now begin."
Immediately afterward, his figure vanished.
A few seconds later, he reappeared at the memorial area.
His black robe and the number one mask gave the spectators an air of mystery and authority.
"Today, we gather to honor the memory of Young Master Wang Chen. Though his life was tragically cut short, his spirit and legacy will live on in our hearts for all eternity; his life, his achievements, and the impact he had on those around him."
Before his voice faded, Number One threw another Astral Eye Crystal into the air, this time for the people in the courtyard to view. Using his Mana, the Artifact in the courtyard and outside glowed, and the holographic image changed, showing the scenes from Wang Chen's life. There were many moments of joy, painting a picture of a happy young man full of promise and potential.
Lucian, who saw this, suppressed a smirk of disdain. As the person who took over Wang Chen's body and acquired his memories, he could tell at a single glance that the images were false.
[James was right, this is an interesting event. Also, Popcorn was definitely the right choice for such an occasion.] Lucian said as he retrieved the bucket of Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn.
*Shua*
Before the fragrant aroma could diffuse into the surroundings, using his Mana, Lucian encased his entire body and the bucket.
[Very nice choice, System!] Lucian praised the System, leaned back in his chair, and tossed a piece of popcorn into his mouth.
The crunch, followed by the salty, buttery garlic flavor, coupled with the three-dimensional interactive movie, made Lucian feel he was in Heaven.
Lily, who saw her Big Brother Lucian's appearance like he was watching a movie rather than attending a funeral, suppressed a giggle as she rolled her eyes.
'Big Brother Lucian, is too naughty.'
James and the rest, on the other hand, were speechless.
'Senior is truly different from the rest.' James chuckled and turned his attention back to the hologram, wondering if the scene depicting Wang Chen running away from an Undead Skeleton was real or false.
Meanwhile, the people sitting in the chairs were unaware of Lucian eating popcorn; however, Number One, who was on a raised platform overlooking them all, the guards, and maids stationed around the courtyard could clearly see him.
'This… Who eats during a funeral?'
'Is this the time and place to be eating? And popcorn of all foods? Does this brat think he's attending a movie theater?'
The guards and maids frowned at the obvious disrespect and turned to Number One. They needed to ask for his opinion; otherwise, they would have taken action. Even though he was sat together with James Orchard, they did not believe he had the same status as him.
However, Number One shook his head lightly, indicating for them not to act.
After enjoying a few more popcorn, Lucian grew bored of the clown show; therefore, he said to the System, [Begin the fusion.]
At that precise moment, the metallic cube in Lucian's mind began to spin and the Runic Symbols started lighting up one after the other, their white glow intensifying with each passing second.
As the last Runic Symbol lit up, his mind was engulfed in a golden radiance, forcing him to stop viewing his mind. The golden light was overwhelming akin to staring directly at the sun.
[The process of fusion will now begin. Please brace yourself for any discomfort, Host.] The System kindly reminded him with an undercurrent of excitement.
*Shua*
With the sound of something tearing from his Soul, Lucian felt a strange and painful pull within him. It was as if his very Soul was being forcefully pulled apart in two. He took a deep breath and focused on maintaining his composure.
Moments later, Lucian felt a sharp, piercing pain, like a needle being driven deep in his Soul. This time, he could not remain composed and let out a wince, instantly attracting the attention of everyone. However, they quickly turned their focus back to the projection showcasing Wang Chen's bleeding body stabbed through by an Undead Skeleton hand.
However, Lily, and the rest, who came with Lucian, raised their eyebrows.
[Wow! Chef Lucian, I admired you before for your godly cooking ability, but now, I admire you even more. Your acting is top-notch! That shocked gasp was so real even I was almost fooled] Hervy praised him with a thumbs up.
After they formed a friendship with James, he told them not to believe Wang Ming's lies and even said he would use any means possible to blame someone or something as the cause of Wang Chen's death. Otherwise, they would be just as clueless as everyone else.
Lucian was momentarily confused by his praise, so he merely nodded after composing himself again.
Lucian then returned his gaze back to his mind, only to realize the Celestium Shard had disappeared.
[System-] Before he could continue, the System explained, [Host, while you were forced out of your mind and later experienced the tearing pain of a part of my Soul separating from yours, that part fused into the Celestium Shard. The rest of my Soul remains fused with your Soul. ]
[So, where has the Celestium Shard gone?]
[The Celestium Shard is like a Soul Artifact and is currently within my Soul. As a result, I can freely control the Celestium Shard as if it is an extension of my being.]
[Show me your Nine-Tailed Fox form after this farce is over.] Lucian said, then returned his attention to the holographic image. It was still showing scenes of Wang Chen's supposed happy life.
As for how the Wang Family acquired those scenes. It was just as dubious as the scenes being shown.
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Meanwhile, back in Antares Universe's Immortal Hell, the dim light of the perpetual blood-red moon bathed the sparse room where a short-statured woman with the head of a lizard and a long, scaly tail was sleeping on her side.