Chapter 54: Path of the Thief - 3 (1/2)

Although he was savouring it prior to the conversation, the elf suddenly downed the rest of his drink in a single gulp before slaht, followthe ice cube that was previously cooling his drink

Merlin was led through the crowd, although it was slightly easier to navigate this ti their chairs aside toroo facility, although this tiht

The background noise co quickly died down as they walked down the tunnel After a few turns, very little light was left, and Merlin began picking up the scent of blood which caused his body to instinctively panic

"Is it alright if I provide so nod in response He started chanting, and in a few seconds a notification appeared

「Skill ⟪Light⟫ Activated」

Suddenly a shly the size of a billiard ball, forrasp The ball illuhly fivedi around hi him as he continued down the tunnel

"Before we arrive, what do you know about the cult of Despoina?" The elf suddenly asked

Merlin seemed taken back by the question, he did notice the elf ation, but he had pushed it aside until this moment

"I know that they're a cult that deals in black ic and manipulation of souls They also perform human experimentation on their victie about the topic, it would already be suspicious if he knew any roup of black ic users who utilised necrooal was to harness souls, much like how players do, to e strength

Their main research topics were hybridisation and soul injections, although their es wiped out or mutated beyond repair

The main issue was that the cult of Despoina eventually becaerous force in theseveral troubleso the starved souls Creatures who after having their souls shattered in a failed experiht out the living and devoured their souls

The reason most players found them troublesome was that their attacks were laced with a curse that had a chance to da you a debuff that severely reduced the experience you gained fro monsters until you consumed a curse removal item or had a spell with a similar effect cast on you

"Looks like someone did their research" The elf looked at Merlin with a hint of curiosity, "Do you knohat it means when the cult creates a troll hybrid of someone within their ranks?"

Merlin shook his head, pretending that he wasn't aware

"Oh, that's a sha "Itso vile that it outshi+nes the rest of the filth"

"Because apparently scu riled up, it seeht hi a second to cal, itso bad that not even their fellow cultists can forgive the to turn them into a mindless beast they can manipulate"

"I say mindless, but they're still soh their intelligenceon what parts of the ht?" Merlin questioned, it see towards "And one capable of human speech as well I assume?"

"Correct, and that's where your last task co towards a steel bar door e to help "

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[Rare Quest]

The Thief Lord's expectation

You've proven yourself capable with agility, dexterity and stealthiness Now you are being given a special task that will test your ruthlessness