After work, start to speedrun the other world-Chapter 79 - 5: The Gathering of the Evil Cultists

Chapter 79: Chapter 5: The Gathering of the Evil Cultists

"Witch, would you like a peer?" Xi Mu asked earnestly, as he saw the Witch of Death’s expression reveal surprise.

He explained the reason.

"My mentor, Hecate, wishes to advance to become a Witch; however, there are specific conditions that must be met."

"..."

The Witch of Death fell silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "You really are full of surprises, always getting involved in all sorts of affairs."

He had initially become entangled in the assassination of a deity and then, in an attempt to prevent the Flame Giant Surter from being unleashed, had become infected with Surter’s flame.

And now, he found himself embroiled with someone who aspired to become a Witch.

"Perhaps it is the mentor who is surprising," Xi Mu casually deflected the blame, "Seeing my mentor is the result of her manipulating fate."

Everything he did now was of his own volition, but attributing his experiences to his mentor also reasonably explained his legendary deeds.

After all, in this game, the setting was that Astrologers fabricated many Heroes and epics, and his mentor Hecate, being a being that grasped the threads of fate.

Creating legendary deeds for him was also entirely plausible.

"..."

The Witch of Death gave a slight nod, uncertain if she believed him, but seeing Xi Mu’s straightforward manner, she did not engage in further conversation and stated her intention to summon a Witch.

"I hope your followers in the Church of Death can assist my mentor in becoming a Witch."

"..."

The Witch of Death did not immediately agree but brought up another matter, "Haven’t you already deceived them in my name to help you slay dragons?"

"I am sorry, that was my mistake," Xi Mu apologized immediately without hesitation, and the Witch of Death sighed, rubbing her temples. Originally, she intended to reprimand Xi Mu, to warn him against recklessly exploiting her reputation for his ventures.

However, since he had already apologized, she no longer felt the need to pursue the matter.

"I will allow you to borrow their power, but on the condition that you ensure Hecate becomes a Witch; otherwise, you will not be permitted to use the Church of Death’s power in my name in the future."

"Of course," Xi Mu promised solemnly. He understood the Witch of Death too well—unexpectedly cold, yet... tender.

This stemmed from the Witch of Death’s unique perspective on life and death, a transition most people feared greatly, but for her, it was simply a transformation of a life form.

And the act of collecting souls was just a means to uncover the truths of the world.

"..."

The Witch of Death nodded slightly, then her body ignited with pale blue flames and vanished from the spot, leaving behind a piece of advice.

"Human, you’d better not rely too much on the power of death."

"..." Xi Mu looked down at the center of the magic circle, where a noble family had been reduced to ashes, then climbed out the window and left.

He took the Witch of Death’s sincere warning to heart during his first playthrough, feeling that using the attribute of death might trigger some negative status effects.

However, by the time of his second playthrough, he realized that even if he overused the power of death, it wouldn’t matter; after all, before his life force was depleted, he would either have transformed into a race with a long lifespan or found many ways to replenish his life force.

Reducing the use of the power of death was entirely unnecessary.

...

...

Afternoon.

Underground Tavern.

Pushing the door open, the most vicious Cultists inside looked up in unison, setting their eyes on Xi Mu as he walked in.

Their gazes were as sharp as knives—mocking, playful, and curious. An ordinary person facing such scrutiny might’ve already felt their legs go weak.

After all, these were the world’s most dangerous followers of death.

But Xi Mu seemed oblivious to the danger, walking over and sitting at the nearest table, then gesturing to a Bunny Girl nearby to bring him a drink.

Seeing this, the crowd withheld their assessing looks, perhaps having recognized that Xi Mu had the necessary courage and wasn’t merely relying on his looks to receive the Witch’s favor.

"We meet again, Ahtal." Like the sound of rubbing wood, a voice reached him, and Xi Mu looked toward the sound to see an old woman with a cane, shakily approaching and sitting down beside him.

"What would you like us to help you with this time?" she asked with a smile, her cloudy eyes fixed on Xi Mu.

To this, Xi Mu appeared puzzled.

"Didn’t the Witch tell you?"

"Heh heh heh... She did mention it," the old woman chuckled, then sighed, "But the specifics, you must relay."

Xi Mu nodded and asked, "Is everyone assembled?"

"Let the old woman introduce everyone to you," the old woman stood up and began the introductions, starting with the bartender sporting a small mustache and dressed in a suit.

"Jack the Ripper, who issued fifteen assassination notices in the Dragon Kingdom, each one resulting in a successful hit and clean getaway," she said.

"..." Xi Mu nodded toward the bartender, exchanging a look, then moved on, each apparently uninterested in further engagement.

If it weren’t for the Witch of Death’s orders, Jack might never bother with Xi Mu.

It’s not disdain; it’s purely a lack of interest.

"This is the Bloody Countess, whose story you surely know, once bathed daily in the blood of maidens to preserve her youth," the old woman pointed to a corner of the tavern, where a beautiful woman in a red dress elegantly lifted her wine glass, smiling at Xi Mu.

Then she downed it in one gulp.

Xi Mu, in response, merely took the drink that the Bunny Girl servant brought him, calmly reciprocated the gesture, and continued to listen as the old woman proceeded with the introductions.