The Speedrun Manual of Miss Witch - Chapter 280

Ciel’s shadow beneath her feet writhed, as if emitting a white halo. Percy’s and Tara’s shadows stirred within it.

The atmosphere instantly became tense. Even Adele seemed to sense that something was wrong and secretly slipped her hand into her pocket, gripping a scalpel.

Although she didn’t know why the atmosphere had become so serious… Professor Ashford was answering questions, and Ciel had only asked two more questions…

“Calm down, Miss Ciel.” Ashford raised his hand, pointed to the sofa not far away, and said, “We can talk properly. I will try my best to answer all your questions.”

Although Ashford had previously acted very nobly, taking on all the attention for Adele, and was very willing to take her as a student, his motive seemingly being solely to atone for his student Sherlon’s sins.

Logically, Ciel should have given Ashford more trust.

But after the last simulation, Ciel had to be more cautious about “taking on students.”

Especially the “Physician” and “Poison Master” paths.

She didn’t know if other paths could do it, but that transcendent on the “Poison Master” path who advanced in North Ansu could clearly extract higher-tier potions of the same path from the flesh and blood of equal-tier transcendents. Whether it succeeded or not, at least the method existed.

“Tara.”

Ciel slowly spoke.

The shadow beneath Ciel’s feet began to lengthen continuously. Something seemed to be stirring within it. Two white shadows, one tall and one short, slowly crawled out from Ciel’s shadow. Adele quickly took two steps back, making space for the two shadows.

The two figures flickered and gradually solidified. Tara’s and Percy’s figures directly replaced the white shadows, appearing behind Ciel.

Conversation. It is possible.

But the “lie detector” had to be brought along.

The moment Ashford saw the two “Ascetic” transcendents appear, he understood Ciel’s meaning. He said nothing more, just walked to the sofa, sat down, and said to Ciel, “Please.”

Only after Ciel sat opposite him did Ashford speak, “There is indeed one Tier 4 ‘Reviver’ within the Redemption Society, but They do not intend to see anyone recently.”

Percy and Tara, standing behind Ciel, remained silent, implicitly confirming that what Ashford was saying at the moment was not a lie.

“As for the latter question… my life is indeed not long. Precisely because of this, I must try to decipher the ‘Rotting Disease’ to give myself the opportunity to become a ‘Reviver.'”

Ashford said, raising his hand and running it through his hair. A clump of his already sparse hair came out easily—his body was indeed gradually breaking down.

Ashford’s words were logical and well-founded, slightly easing Ciel’s doubts.

“One last question.” Ciel looked at Ashford, who was struggling to meet her gaze, and slowly said, “You know who created the ‘Rotting Disease’ in North Ansu, don’t you?”

“A member of the Society of Merriment who wishes to become an Ascender.” Ashford nodded.

“If you truly develop a drug that can counter the ‘Rotting Disease’…” Ciel asked the most critical question, “How will you withstand the wrath of that Tier 4 Society of Merriment member? With the Tier 4 of the Redemption Society?”

Although the Society of Merriment generally wouldn’t seek revenge, that particular Society of Merriment member whose ritual was disrupted would certainly not let the Redemption Society off the hook. It was highly likely they would bring Imogen or more people to cause trouble for the Redemption Society.

At that time, how would the Redemption Society resist?

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Ashford didn’t seem very concerned about this issue. He looked at Ciel and said, “It’s not just our Redemption Society that wants North Ansu to return to peace.”

And the Church of the Savior Goddess, right.

It seems Ciel didn’t even need to make a personal appeal. The Redemption Society itself intended to ally with the Church of the Savior Goddess.

“Is this something that Tier 4 ‘Reviver’ also agreed to?” Ciel asked.

“Of course.” Ashford nodded.

“Then I hope our cooperation is pleasant.” Ciel smiled and nodded.

“We…?” Ashford looked at Ciel with some confusion, then at the two transcendents behind Ciel, and asked, “Are these two… from the Church of the Savior Goddess? They look unfamiliar.”

“Not yet.” Ciel shook her head, then waved to Adele, having the bewildered Adele sit beside her. Once Adele was seated, Ciel looked at Ashford and continued, “You can now say what you wanted to tell Adele.”

Ashford, seeing Ciel’s current demeanor, naturally understood that persuading Adele seemed to be of no use. The most important thing was to persuade the red-haired young lady, Ciel, before him.

She was the one who could ultimately make a decision in this conversation.

Ashford had to admit that ever since their last parting in Berren City, seeing this red-haired young lady again, she seemed to have changed greatly…

Now, her eyes could truly exert an almost tangible pressure. It was a pressure strong enough to cause a subtle buzzing of spiritual alarms.

Although Ciel appeared to be an ordinary person at the moment, from the very beginning, Ashford had never regarded her as one.

“Adele.” Ashford looked in Adele’s direction, his voice softening slightly. He carefully chose his words and said, “Long time no see. Have you been well recently?”

Although Ashford was speaking to Adele, every word he said was actually for Ciel.

“Pretty good… I moved to a new house… I just need to find a way to get a job to cover next month’s rent and the maid’s salary…” Adele said softly, lowering her head.

Adele still knew what to say and what not to say. She had agreed with Ciel to keep the laboratory matter confidential, and she remembered this.

It just felt a bit pathetic to say it out loud.

A dignified Tier 2 “Plague Doctor” actually had to work to pay for rent and servants… It was as if she was working for the maid and the landlord.

The young student at the entrance, who still harbored aspirations for the “Physician” path, would probably have his illusions shattered if he saw his “senior” like this.

“I actually have a job here,” Ashford said with a smile, “Experimental assistant, 100 Su Pounds a week.”

“100?” Adele’s mouth slightly opened in surprise. She knew how much an experimental assistant could earn, and Ashford’s offer was clearly too high.

“The work location is within the college. All the most cutting-edge experimental equipment, the most expensive materials, and the most advanced papers are at your disposal.” Ashford continued, “If the experiment is completed, you will probably meet the advancement conditions for ‘Reborn’.”

The conditions were too tempting…