Death Notice-Book 3: Chapter 1: A New Beginning

Death Notice-Book 3: Chapter 1: A New Beginning

The black dot on the lake was a hollowed-out canoe, crafted from a giant tree in the Moonlight Forest. Its space was large enough to hold over a dozen people. The canoe bore no deliberate carvings or decorations, its simple shape and pure natural wood grain showcasing the Elven Race’s innate sense of art.
The canoe swiftly carried over a dozen people to the small lake island. This island had no artificial structures, appearing like a naturally formed flower garden. Lush grass dotted with beautiful wild flowers gave even the prisoners a sense of relaxing freedom.
Were it not for the ever-present survival crisis looming overhead, the Moonlight Forest would indeed be a wonderful home.
At this moment, few people were on the lake island. Besides their group, most Probationary Apostles from Moonlight Town had already seen the Starry Sky Gate. The Elf guard who brought them over rowed away quickly; he still needed to fetch the remaining people.
“Lin Feng, Demon King Qin Lun, look, am I pretty?” Little Lian came shouting and running over. A small yellow flower was tucked into her hair, setting off her round, baby-fat face. Flushed red, she looked lively and adorable.
“Do not pick flowers on the island!” Qin Lun frowned slightly, looking at Little Lian expressionlessly.
“Oh!” Little Lian seemed to realize something, lowered her head in disappointment, and turned to leave.
“The world always calls us Serial Killers, not knowing that in the eyes of all life, humans themselves are the devils!” A calm voice spoke up behind Qin Lun. “We just hold different views than most devils!”
Qin Lun felt stirred inside. He turned to see who was behind him.
“Greetings, Qin Lun. I’m Hill.” The man called “Shepherd” gave a slight respectful bow. He had slicked-back hair and a smiling face.
Among the five great Serial Killers, Hill was the oldest, a white man in his fifties. With his peaceful features and constantly polite gentlemanly demeanor, it was hard to imagine this former Catholic priest was a cannibalistic psychopathic Serial Killer.
When arrested, Hill did not defend himself. Instead, he uttered a phrase famous among the prisoners instead.
“Mankind is God’s lambs, and the Shepherd always secretly pilfers!”
Qin Lun nodded slightly at Hill, his peripheral glance catching a small mysterious symbol on the priest’s hand. It was a black double-headed serpent hissing, coiled around a silver cross.
After the canoe delivered the last batch of Probationary Apostles, the lake island held over thirty people. The Elf guards did not leave again; it seemed only these people would witness the opening of the Starry Sky Gate.
As time passed, the group on the lake island suddenly felt a faint trembling beneath their feet. Outside the crystal dome covering the Moonlight Forest, an illusionary band of colored light appeared. It somewhat resembled the auroras seen at Earth’s poles, and also a bit like an immense, transparent tapestry.
The people on the island watched the dazzling scene in silence. The colored light band twisted and transformed continuously in front of the Floating City, resembling a slowly flowing, magnificent star river.
The colored light band extended across the sky towards both sides, gradually becoming a magnificent star gate that reached sky and land. Unlike a Space-Time Portal’s vortex shape, this star gate held flowing colored light within, dotted with twinkling starlight.
The huge Floating City, moving like a hesitant snail beneath the star gate, slowly moved towards it and was finally swallowed.
As they passed through the star gate, the people on the lake island felt as if a cool breeze brushed over them. Compared to a Space-Time Portal, they remained more conscious and felt nothing odd physically.
After a short moment of awe, the regained Apostles finally noticed that the outside of the Moonlight Forest—where they now were, on the Suspended Continent—was vastly different from the environment of the Crimson Gobi.
“Where is this place? It’s terrifying!” The little Goblin looked nervously at the land beyond the Moonlight Forest, its eyes wide as it pulled at Qin Lun’s clothes.
If the Crimson Gobi, where the Moonlight Forest had originally been, was a desolate, uninhabited no-man’s land, then the Suspended Continent it had reached through the Starry Gate could only be called “hell.”
Dry, cracked brown earth was everywhere, yellow sulfur fumes floated and drifted, while active volcanoes belching fire and ash were vaguely visible on the horizon. In the eyes of any Sapient Race, only the term “hell” could describe such a place.
“Did our teleportation coordinates go wrong?” Lin Feng asked somewhat blankly to the Elf guard beside him.
“No, it’s correct.” Facing Lin Feng’s query, the Elf guard’s eyes shifted awkwardly, giving a sheepish reply. “We really do need to stay here for a while.”
“What is this place?” another prisoner frowned and asked.
“This is the Demon Clan’s Scorching Plain. It is a midway stop on our journey back to the Elven lands,” the Elf guard replied, appearing somewhat embarrassed. “But please rest assured; we are safe here and won’t suffer attacks from the Demon Clan. As for the specific circumstances, when you all return to Moonlight Town, an Elf Elder will explain.”
The Apostles didn’t shout or make a fuss. They had all experienced one space-time teleportation and had seen bizarre things to a greater or lesser extent. Besides, if the sky fell, the taller ones would be there to handle it. If the Elf Race wasn’t afraid, why should they be?
In the Shattered Starry Sky, encountering any Sapient Race, having the title of Probationary Apostle was their best protective talisman.
Back in Moonlight Town, sure enough, an Elf Elder soon came to explain. His explanation was similar to the guard’s, offering everyone reassurances of safety, stating this was merely a midway point for the Starry Gate teleportation. At the same time, he hinted they should avoid going outside if possible to prevent unnecessary dangers.
Before the Elf Elder finished speaking, Qin Lun walked away with Didi, a strange light flickering in his eyes.
Not long after returning to his room, Adeline visited, accompanied by several Elf guards.
“Put on these robes. Take important things with you.” The Elf beauty tossed two hooded robes to Qin Lun and Didi.
“Okay,” Qin Lun agreed without asking for reasons. He smiled, pulled on the hooded robe, and then put on a mask handed by Adeline. One last glance was spared for the wooden building he had lived in for half a month. Then, resolutely turning, he led Didi to follow the Elves.
The Elves brought Qin Lun and Didi out of Moonlight Town and deep into the Moonlight Forest. They didn’t stop until they reached a clearing in the woods.
In the clearing, more than ten Apostles, also wearing masks, were already waiting. At the center lay a complex Teleportation Array, surrounded by several pieces of crystal-clear magic crystal stones.
In front of the Teleportation Array stood a very old Elf Elder. Qin Lun recognized him — Feron Boggwang, Dean of the Academy Eiflit Bogg. He was also a descendant of the Legendary Elf Eiflit Bogg and the head of the Boggwang family of the Moonlit Elves.
“Esteemed guests, the Moonlight Forest is both the home of the Moonlit Elves and your first stop after entering the Shattered Starry Sky. The Moonlight Forest is honored to serve you, and I personally very much look forward to hearing the tales of your future legends.” Feron’s gaze swept unhurriedly over the gathered Apostles.
“We adhere to the principle of equivalent exchange. You owe nothing to the Moonlight Forest. Our services in the Apostle’s adventuring life are minuscule, and we won’t forcibly demand any promises in return. We only hope that, remembering our connection, you’ll prioritize accepting commissions from the Moonlit Elves should they face trouble. Feron would be endlessly grateful!”
The old Elf placed his right hand over his chest in a salute. The masked Apostles bowed politely in return.
Qin Lun scanned the group, a faint, barely visible smile touching his lips. He knew these Apostles were all Formal Apostles; possibly Hansen, Hill, and others were among them.
“Master, are we about to leave the Moonlight Forest?” Didi tugged lightly at the youth’s clothes, whispering.
“Yes. We are going to a special Apostle City. Many Sapient Races, including the Demon Clan and Elf Race, jointly manage it.” Qin Lun patted the little Goblin’s head, his voice calm.
“Ah, I get it! The Moonlight Forest didn’t just pass by the Scorching Plain by accident. It deliberately teleported here specifically to send Formal Apostles into the Apostle City! Right, Master?” Didi’s big eyes, hidden behind the mask, sparkled brightly.
“Heh, little guy, you’re smarter than most,” Qin Lun chuckled softly. “But you only guessed half of it!”
“Only half?” The little Goblin, frustrated, scratched its pointed ear. It blinked its big eyes rapidly, putting on an adorable expression as it looked at Qin Lun.
“You’re smart. Figure it out yourself!” Qin Lun looked at its expression, both amused and annoyed. Giving it a light flick on the head, he shook his own, refusing further explanation.
He didn’t know exactly how much resources it took for a Floating City to cross the Star Void to another Suspended Continent, but it obviously wasn’t a small amount. Sending a dozen or so Formal Apostles to the Apostle City on the Scorching Plain only required opening a small Starry Sky Gate. Such a massive undertaking now seemed unnecessary.
After hearing Adeline’s explanation yesterday, Qin Lun had gained a vague understanding of the Apostle City. The Apostle City was much like a membership corporation. The Apostles were the members, and the Sapient Races who jointly built the city relied on elections by the members to gain management rights.
The current location of this Apostle City within the Demon Clan’s Scorching Plain suggested the Demon Clan had recently secured the primary management authority. The Elf Elder was right; Apostles faced no real danger on the Scorching Plain. To the Apostles now, the Demon Clan were not demons, but caretakers.
Of course, the reason the Moonlight Forest made those Probationary Apostles who hadn’t seen the Starry Sky Gate witness the Starry Void teleportation was, one, to dispel their doubts upon first seeing the Scorching Plain, and two, to use the harsh environment to deter them from leaving the city.
They weren’t afraid of Probationary Apostles facing danger, but rather that these Probationary Apostles might be lured away to the Demon Clan’s Floating City.
As for why the Moonlight Forest went to such great lengths to teleport to the Scorching Plain, Qin Lun suspected it had something to do with the troubles the Elf Race was facing. The tranquil environment of the Moonlight Forest made everyone forget the true nature of a Floating City.
For what purpose were Floating Cities originally built? Of course, to find and attract Apostles!
And why attract Apostles? Naturally, to gain an advantage in the wars between races and Suspended Continents, ensuring the reproduction and survival of the Sapient Races themselves.
Floating Cities built with this purpose, regardless of their functions or types, had one unchanged aspect: they all possessed armed forces.
Even the smallest Floating City was a fortress – and the nature of a fortress implied military facilities with armed forces.
“It seems the troubles the Moonlit Elves face this time are not small!” Qin Lun gave a wry twist of his lips, muttering low.
The Scorching Plain was the Demon Clan’s stronghold. Besides that Apostle City, there undoubtedly was another Demon Clan Floating City nearby. For the Moonlit Elves to transport an academy-type Floating City onto the Scorching Plain spoke volumes about their intentions.
It was both a means to increase their bargaining power and a desire to avoid a complete break in relations. After all, an academy city wasn’t a true frontline battle fortress.
Then, if the Elf Race had transmitted a Floating City into the Scorching Plain, could the Demon Clan, or the other managing Sapient Races of the Apostle City, call in yet another Floating City?
The answer was no. Competition was competition, but all the Apostles within the Apostle City wouldn’t permit the managing Sapient Races overseeing the city to actually fight a war right beside them. The weaker side, the Elf Race, bringing in an academy city to exert pressure, barely stayed within the Apostles’ tolerance limits. If another city transmitted over, they would lose all sympathy.
This was the political wisdom of the Elf Race’s elders. The arrival of the Moonlight Forest could briefly strengthen the voice of the Elf Clan within the Apostle City, granting them leverage to secure certain benefits at the negotiation table.
Otherwise, if everyone tore off all masks and caused a big mess on the Scorching Plain, resulting in a mutual parting of ways, the Elf Race would definitely lose management rights of the Apostle City. But the Demon Clan wouldn’t fare well either. They would surely be replaced by other Sapient Races in the next Apostle City management election.
However, for the usually gentle, peace-loving Elf Race to resort to such a rogue tactic, clearly the Moonlit Elves within the Apostle City were being severely oppressed by the Demon Clan and other managing races, forcing them into this last stand.
…
“Alright, if everyone is ready, we shall begin the teleportation immediately.” Finishing his opening remarks, Feron gestured to the other few Elf Elders nearby, signaling them to activate the array.
Once the Apostles had gathered at the center of the Magical Array, the surrounding magic crystal stones began to slowly glow. Accompanied by a dazzling white light, the scenery before Qin Lun’s eyes changed dramatically.
Now they were out of the Moonlight Forest, the concealing masks had served their purpose. Qin Lun removed his mask. A strong smell of sulfur assaulted his nostrils, but he quickly adjusted, feeling no further discomfort.
An Apostle’s Law Body was no joke. Many geographical environments deadly to other Sapient Beings in the Shattered Starry Sky had no effect on Apostles. After all, the Law Body concentrated the most fundamental World Law of the Shattered Starry Sky. It would be ridiculous if it were still affected by the local environment.
They were in a gourd-shaped valley with a wide belly and narrow opening. Jagged, sinister mountains loomed around them. The place the Apostles now stood was also a Teleportation Array. However, its guardians were no longer Elf guards, but creatures of strange appearance.
These creatures mostly stood between two and three meters tall, clad in heavy steel armor, with curved horns on their heads. Their bare arms showed thick brawny muscles, their skin brown, some covered in fish-scale-like plates. The feature that completely distinguished them from beastly humanoids were their eyes, which held pupils seemingly made of constantly burning, flickering flames.
“Demons!” Muttered whispers went through the Apostles. Yet, they mostly kept their voices low. The demons’ huge size was clearly intimidating.
“Welcome to the Sixth Apostle City, Devil’s Horn!” From among the demons surrounding the array, the only one clothed in a robe stepped forward – a “little demon.”
It was called “little” because this demon leader guiding the group to receive the Apostles was the smallest among them. He was almost the size of a human, lacking the immediate intimidating presence of the other warrior demons.
Anyone who could become a Formal Apostle was no fool. They quickly realized this must represent the Demon Clan’s attempt to avoid frightening the newcomers to Devil’s Horn with their frightening appearance. This understanding also let many Apostles privately sigh in relief, their wariness significantly eased.
“Hmph, it’s you again, you pretentious, sly Cunning Demon!” Feron, who had accompanied the Apostles in their teleportation, snorted coldly. He looked away, his face stern.
“Heh heh, isn’t it Elder Feron? Please forgive Beruses for his lack of courtesy just now. I had no idea it was you personally who came,” the demon named Beruses by the Elf Elder sneered dryly. “Since Elder Feron is here, would you care to stay as a guest in Devil’s Horn?”
“Not necessary. I fear the trip might be one-way,” Feron shot the demon a disdainful glance and retorted sharply. “But the Moonlit Elves are still one of the five managing races of Devil’s Horn. Do not put on airs as the lord in my presence.”
“Hah, Elder Feron truly misjudges us,” Beruses’ flaming eyes flickered intensely. Yet he did not explain further and quickly fell silent.
Seeing Beruses act the victim, a flicker of disappointment crossed Feron’s eyes. However, he did not push further and turned back into the Teleportation Array.
Qin Lun observed this exchange between the Elf Elder and the Cunning Demon, feeling a deep sense of admiration. Both old masters were clearly shrewd operators!
Feron’s earlier show of righteous fury was clearly aimed at riling up Beruses’s harsh pride and leaving a deep but negative impression about the Demon Clan upon the dozen-plus Apostles present.
Beruses, playing the role of the wronged weakling, neither arguing back nor fighting back, not even offering a single word of explanation, actually managed to provoke sympathy among the Apostles. Even though this group of Formal Apostles came from the Moonlight Forest, they probably held little inherent dislike for the Demon Clan after this initial encounter.
It was exactly this realization that caused Feron to stop his verbal attacks. Continuing would only backfire.
The Elf clan guards quickly teleported away, leaving only Adeline to accompany the Apostles. Plainly, the Elf beauty was to accompany the group into Devil’s Horn.
“Well then, the refined and graceful ‘Elf Lady’ has departed! Honored Apostles, permit me, representing the Demon Clan and the Council of Managers, to once again welcome you to the land where true men venture— the Devil’s Horn, in the Scorching Plain!” Beruses spread his arms wide, cracking a broad grin.
“Here, in this Apostle City, you shall embrace a brand new beginning!”

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Book 3: Chapter 1: A New Beginning