Chapter 314: Sudden Death

Helag realized that Diglan was merely using Alda.

With Alda’s ordinary body, there was no way he could withstand the power of the Abyss Plane.

To Diglan, Alda was just a tool, a disposable asset to be used and discarded.

The cost was simple: a few gold coins and a glimmer of hope to make them work for him.

For these ordinary people, a hint of extraordinary power was enough to make them loyal.

Holding the unconscious Alda in one hand, Helag used his communication stone to send a message to Pruis: “Mr. Pruis, I found a thief with something strange about his left hand.”

“Strange? Did you discover anything unusual?” Pruis inquired.

If it were just a thief, Helag wouldn’t have contacted him, so there had to be something special about this case.

Helag continued, “This thief’s left hand has a special ability to steal, but he’s just an ordinary person, not even a wizard apprentice. After capturing him, I found a red worm in his left hand, which I suspect is a small creature from the Abyss Plane.”

“It sounds like you might be right. Bring him in for questioning,” Pruis replied immediately.

Helag didn’t outright say the worm was from the Abyss Plane; he could only speculate.

Most people couldn’t sense the Abyss Plane’s aura.

Carrying Alda, Helag moved swiftly through the city under the cover of night.

Once he was far from Diglan’s area, he hailed a carriage to take him to City Hall.

The driver was initially apprehensive about Helag carrying someone, but upon seeing Helag’s Seranthiel insignia, he relaxed.

He knew Helag was a Seranthiel member on official business, heading to City Hall.

After arriving, Helag was stopped by two guards at the entrance.

Once he identified himself, he was quickly allowed into Seranthiel’s building to find Pruis.

Pruis examined Alda, lifting his left hand for a closer look.

Using magical sensing, he quickly found the thread-like red worm Helag had mentioned.

With years of experience combating Abyssal cultists, Pruis soon determined it was likely a small creature from the Abyss Plane.

***

In the interrogation room.

Alda slowly opened his eyes, feeling a headache.

The light was blinding, causing him to squint.

He tried to shield his eyes with his hand but found his arms bound.

As his eyes adjusted, Alda realized he was tied up, his hands and feet securely restrained.

“Who are you?” Alda asked.

“I’m Pruis, head of Silvermoon City’s Defense and Security Department. I have some questions for you,” Pruis replied.

Alda’s heart sank. Being caught by Seranthiel meant there was no escape.

Pruis continued, “The worm in your left hand is draining your life force. At this rate, you have about three years left.”

“Impossible!” Alda exclaimed.

“Why is it impossible?” Pruis asked.

“This is…” Alda began, then stopped, realizing he shouldn’t speak further.

Pruis chuckled, “You were going to say it’s a blessing from your so-called god, granting you power?”

Alda remained silent, neither confirming nor denying.

Pruis continued, “Do you think your god would give you power for nothing? There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

“I’m a second-level wizard of Seranthiel. I’ve seen many like you, thinking that serving the dark gods of the Abyss Plane will elevate them. You’re just tools to be used.”

Alda was starting to believe Pruis.

Since the worm was implanted in his hand, he’d gained power, but his hand often ached, and he felt fatigued.

Sometimes he’d wake up with nosebleeds.

Alda had suspected the worm was the cause but had avoided facing it.

“I’m telling you this because you can still be saved. We can remove the worm, and you’ll be a normal person again. As head of security, I’m responsible for every life in Silvermoon City,” Pruis said.

“Can it be removed?” Alda asked, fear creeping in. He wanted the worm gone.

“Of course. I can do it now,” Pruis said, standing to approach.

Suddenly, Alda’s eyes bulged, veins popping as his body convulsed.

“This isn’t good!”

Pruis realized what was happening and moved to save Alda.

But it was too late. Alda’s veins burst, spraying blood everywhere.

The interrogation room’s walls, ceiling, and floor were drenched in blood.

A barrier in front of Pruis shielded him from the spray.

Alda was lifeless, his head hanging limply.

Blood dripped from his arms, pooling on the floor.

“What…?” Helag witnessed the scene, shocked by Alda’s sudden death.

Pruis sighed, “Diglan must have found out and triggered something in Alda to prevent him from talking. His soul is shattered.”

As a second-level necromancer, Pruis was highly attuned to souls.

Alda, being an ordinary person, had a fragile soul and body.

If Pruis had attempted a soul interrogation, Alda would have died.

With the Abyss Plane creature inside him, Alda was more valuable alive, serving as evidence.

Pruis hadn’t gone straight to soul interrogation, but Alda’s sudden death was unexpected.

“Someone leaked information…” Pruis said grimly.