..
Boss! Boss!
Wood walked into the room carrying documents and saw the Boss having a gentle conversation with several white-haired elders dressed in robes—to be precise, the Boss was sitting on the sofa with a relaxed and indifferent demeanor, while the elders all stood before him with bowed heads and bent backs, standing in humble submission.
—Sorry, I didn't know you were receiving guests, Boss.
Wood said, feeling a bit embarrassed.
It's fine, my conversation with them has ended.
It's alright, my conversation with them has ended," Master said with a smile, glancing at the Old Men standing before him. "All of you, leave.
As you wish—
The Old Men responded in unison, cautiously withdrawing from the room, pausing briefly as they passed Wood to bow their heads in greeting to him.
“..”
A wave of inexplicable displeasure welled up in Wood's heart. Although he had regained part of his memories and learned his original identity from Master, the emphasis on social hierarchy still made him, a man accustomed to the modern civilization's concept of equality, feel a profound sense of discomfort.
The Old Man did not notice Wood's discomfort; having finished his salutation, he immediately retreated to the wall and vanished silently into the shadows.
“These people—”
You can think of them as Believers, or you can think of them as Shadows of the Era.
Master spoke indifferently, but in the middle of his gesture, his wrist was bitten tightly by the suddenly appearing Jormungand Cat.
That guy! This time I'll definitely bite through your—ah!
The Jormungand Cat turned into a black arc and flew out of Wood's line of sight.
“Little Jormungand, he—"
Wood was deeply worried.
Master did not care about this: "Even if all living things in the world die, He will be fine."
“But—”
Is the file folder in your hand from Jason?
Yeah.
Wood revealed a file folder marked with top-secret stamps: "He said these documents record the greatest secrets of America from the time of its founding to the present."
As expected of a nation that has existed for only a little over two hundred years; even the papers recording its secrets are but a mere handful.
"As expected of a nation that has existed for only a few hundred years; even the papers recording its secrets are few and far between," Master said with a hint of sarcasm. With a slight movement of his fingers, the document folder in Wood's hands opened automatically, the pages flew out one by one, hovering in the air around Master.
.. So that's how it is.
Having skimmed through the documents in a flash, Master said softly, asking Wood, "Do you want to see the files?"
I..
Wood hesitated slightly.
If you want to see it—
I think it would be better if I wait until tomorrow to see it!
Why?
I was afraid that once I knew the Truth, I'd have a mental breakdown and wouldn't be able to fully enjoy our beach date tonight—
Wood took a breath: "When he handed me the file, Jason's expression was one of utter despair."
I understand.
Master waved his hand, the documents returned to the sealed bag like snowflakes.
And then—
Get ready, we are going to the seaside.
..
..
The party venue was hung with brilliant colorful lights. In the massive glass cups, male and female dancers wearing only swimwear were dancing. Seeing Wood approach, one of them intentionally reached out a wet hand to strike up a conversation: "Hey, can I go to your room later?"
Uh..
Wood glanced guiltily at Master beside him.
If you like it, just accept it. A third party every now and then can add some spice to life, don't you think?
“..”
Wood's cheeks flushed instantly, he wiped the back of his hand that the dancer had moistened. "I'm not that kind of person!"
Really?
Master let out a low chuckle, then led Wood into the brilliantly lit and decadent Party venue.
By this time, the venue was already crowded with people, more than half of whom were darlings of the Media, including even political and business figures usually only seen on news programs.
An attendant pushed forward a wobbling champagne tower, Master reached out, taking a glass from the very top: "I am delighted that you could attend my party!"
Receiving your invitation is an honor for us.
We are honored to attend your banquet!
Is this your partner? As the rumors say, she is truly beautiful and noble~
Tonight has been the most wonderful night I have ever experienced~
“That's wonderful~”
“..”
People scrambled to offer compliments, echoing Master's opening remarks.
Master turned his head and looked at Wood, who was still in a state of shock: "Do you have anything you want to say to everyone?"
I..
Wood bit his lip: "I don't think I'm quite suited for an occasion like this."
Oh?
Even though I've remembered the past and know who my true self is.. just thinking about how ten months ago I was a penniless, wandering refugee without any identity, having to be careful of the **Police** and their arrests, even perhaps.. it makes me feel like the splendor of this moment is like a dream.. Perhaps I really am dreaming, having a beautiful dream just as I was about to die..
However, everything in this moment is real.
Master lowered his head and bit Wood's ear: "Everyone attending this banquet—whether they mean it or not—is doing their utmost to make us believe they truly love you and me, all to win our favor and affection."
“..”
“You feel uneasy because you still view these guys as equal individuals capable of communication. In reality, they are neither civilized nor exceptional; they are merely a group of slaves, a group of slaves who would sell their souls without hesitation for a high enough bid.”
—Cain has said such things before.
Wood said with frustration, "He said all of his Followers were—"
People in sufficiently high positions all have such thoughts, not to mention Cain and I are both.. Come, let us host our banquet together! In the capacity of Master!
But..
Wood was still a bit shy.
Encouraged by Master's whisper, he finally overcame his inner timidity and unease, raising his champagne: "Welcome, everyone, to our banquet. This is the first time I have met you all, but it will certainly not be our last."
You are truly a witty person~
Your personality is as lovely as your looks~
Can you give me an autograph in a moment?
“..”
The crowd smiled and echoed Wood as if by habit, but amidst the cheering masses, he spotted a discordant note—it was as jarringly conspicuous as a drop of ink falling into clear water.
The anomaly came from an old man deep within the crowd, a man with white hair and an eye patch over one eye. He was tall and burly, with the corners of his mouth curled into a faint, eerie, half-smile.
(That Guy.. why does he look a bit like Odin from Norse Mythology..)
Wood muttered to himself, just as he was about to focus his gaze to discern the truth, the one-eyed Old Man in the crowd of guests vanished into thin air.
(Was it an illusion?)
(Or could it be—has Odin really come looking for him?)
Thinking of this, Wood tugged at the man's sleeve. The latter understood immediately, finished his champagne, then led Wood to a side Restroom.
“What happened?”
I.. I just saw a figure in the crowd that looked like Odin..
Oh?
But when I blinked and looked again, He had already vanished..
Wood gripped his hair in distress: "I'm so scared right now. I hope the Odin I just saw was an illusion, but.. but I also feel that thing definitely wasn't an illusion.."
-----------------------
Author's Note: Thanks to readers "Qing Yun", "Gu De Mao Nai", "Xiao Xiong Bing Gan Beng Tiao", "Xiao Mao Diao Da Yu", "Min", "Wo Bao Lu Chang Xi Ri Mu", "Riyue Taosan Huan", "Lan Mei Xiao Yang", "Meng Li Jian", "Yuan Zhong Ren De Yi Yu Zhong Li", "Qian Duo", "Zhen Zhu Xue", "Courage is Lifelong Reliance", "Shi Yi", "Li Yu", "★★★★★", "Nai Pi Nai Pi Wo Shi Chao Pian", "Dian Ji Ke Kan Dao Chao Ji Mei Nu", "Mu", "Huan Le Song Huan Le", "Fish Blowing Bubblegum", "Yue Xia Yin Cha", "Lei Zhuang", "Xing Ye", "Yi Tuo Da Yan", "Yang Liu", "Lan Wu" for Irrigation Nutrient Solution
Chapter 80: Odin and the World Tree (2)
“Don't overthink it. Even if the Odin in the crowd is not an illusion, you still have me by your side, and—"
Master looked unhappily at Jormungand Cat and Anubis Dog, who were restricted by the Barrier and could only stand up and scratch at the air, said slowly, "And them."
[Papa~ Papa~ Send me into the crowd right now to find that old thing! I promise I'll bite Odin's head off in one bite!]
I don't know what kind of grudge exists between Odin and Papa, but since his existence makes Papa so unhappy, he shall become my enemy as well!
Papa~ let's think of a way to deal with this old thing together!
Jormungand Cat licked his paws, eager to try.