Chapter 145 Elemental Tribunal

The carriage was shaking, Rong Le sat calmly in the carriage with her eyes lowered, on her way home.

This home refers to the place where he first lived and spent his childhood. His footprints are left in every corner of the villa.

After taking Meryl away last night, I returned to the hotel where I was staying. As expected, I didn't receive any visits.

Meryl is a child who was brought here from nowhere. She seems to be a street child who was abandoned since childhood. Her bloodthirsty talent was accidentally discovered and she was tried to be put on the stage as a commodity.

However, the person behind the scenes has realized his mistake, so letting the child disappear is also a good choice. No matter who has Meryl now, no one will reveal their identity to ask for it, otherwise they will hand over the handle to others.

The next morning, he asked for leave from his teacher and asked him to take care of Meryl temporarily.

The reason was to go home to visit his parents. After all, his home was not far from here. It was hard to say what drove Rong Le to make this decision, but there seemed to be a voice telling him that he should go back.

The place where he first lived was buried in the deep corner of his memory. As he grew up, it gradually faded and became completely non-existent. Rong Le would not even think of it occasionally.

It seemed as if he was no longer the child who had just been sent to church and was crying and trying to go home.

Rong Le looked out the car window and saw a familiar villa standing at the end of the road not far away.

…

The parents are not at home.

Rong Le put down the box in his hand. The servant at the door put his things in order and then quietly left.

This villa seemed a little different from what I remembered. It was very quiet and cold, and did not look as cozy as I remembered. There were only a few servants, just enough to keep the villa clean and running on a daily basis.

No one came to welcome his return, but fortunately Rong Le didn't need this.

He looked at the villa with memories and a new perspective.

The wooden staircase had aged a bit after years of use, but it was well maintained and made a low sound when stepped on. Medieval-style oil paintings hung on the walls, and the portraits of people in aristocratic costumes were frozen in that moment, watching Rong Le walk by.

After going up to the second floor, you will be greeted by a long corridor. A carpet embroidered with exquisite patterns is laid across the corridor, and candlesticks are placed at regular intervals. This aristocratic low-key style is reflected in every corner.

When Rong Le walked across the carpet, she seemed to see her younger self running lively here.

For a moment he didn't want to go on.

In his premonition, he was only one step away from the truth.

But the impact of the truth on him may far exceed his limit.

But is this what you want?

The clues left by his past self are waiting for him to dig them out again in the present. This secret that transcends time is now hidden in a corner that only he knows, quietly waiting for his arrival as time goes by.

Rong Le knew she couldn't miss this secret.

At the end of the corridor was his bedroom. He stood at the door, his hand on the handle, silent. After a long time, he turned the handle and pushed the door open.

His bedroom was large, with sunlight streaming in through the windows. The room was very clean, and it was obvious that someone cleaned it regularly.

Rong Le's gaze swept across the bed and stopped on the bookshelf.

His parents connected the rooms next to his and set it up as his study. The mahogany bookshelves were filled with all kinds of books, and there were piles of books on the desk and carpet.

There is even a ladder nearby for reaching books from high places.

This was a world that belonged to the young boy alone, as if it had never changed since he left.

Rong Le seemed to see an illusory figure. The young Rong Le, wearing a shirt and overalls, was sitting among the pile of books. He placed an inconspicuous book on the bookshelf and turned back to give him a sly smile.

What are you foreshadowing for me?

What do you want to tell me?

Rong Le slowly walked up to him, half-knelt, and saw it from his young perspective.

A fairy tale book.

He took out this book, which was thin, with a hard cover painted with brightly colored patterns. The whole thing was full of childishness and was the kind of book that children aged eight or nine would like.

He slowly flipped through the pages, and illustrations and text continued to appear before his eyes, as if many years ago, there was also a child sitting on the carpet, carefully reading this dreamy fairy tale.

Under the dark and starry night sky, the protagonist of the story finally experienced many hardships and reached the end. He defeated the invincible enemy and gazed at the beautiful starry sky.

That's the end of the story.

And at the end, in a mature tone different from the childish handwriting, there is a Latin proverb written:

“Per aspera ad astra (Through adversity, reach the stars).”

When her fingertips touched these words, Rong Le's pupils suddenly shrank, and it seemed as if a barrier in her mind was broken.

Countless memories flooded into his mind in an instant, and his hand loosened, and it fell to the carpet with a dull sound.

He took a few steps back, covered his head in pain, groaned, and slowly slid down to sit on the ground with his back against the bookshelf.

How vast can a person's memories be?

Perhaps he is the only one who can give the answer.

What Rong Le recalled was not only the memories before the module was loaded that he had lost, but also many more memories, so many that they were terrifying.

How many people have walked here, stood here reading books, and touched the truth of this sentence? Countless Rong Le, countless possibilities, countless intersecting world lines... were all taken in by Rong Le in this instant.

The impact alone was enough to turn a person into an idiot. The massive amount of memory caused Rong Le's processing ability to completely crash, and he completely lost the ability to move at this time.

Fortunately, this memory is still incomplete, and he only glimpsed a small part of it.

Perhaps "they" had already anticipated this and did not hand over all of her memories, allowing Rong Le to remain at a level where she had touched the essence of the truth but did not know everything completely.

At this moment, he finally remembered that he was in a module, and that this module was his past, his lost memories, and the starting point of everything.

Rong Le covered her head in pain, breathing hard, sweat slid down her chin to the top, and fell tremblingly onto the carpet, silently wetting a small dark mark.

The emerald green eyes narrowed slightly in a fragile manner, blurred by the tears that were stimulated.

After so many years, Rong Le once again felt fragile, as if she couldn't bear the slightest pressure.

This is the temperament given to him by long time and experience. The pain and heaviness have turned into invisible pressure and settled into an increasingly mellow temperament.

Instead of that young, arrogant, superior aristocratic boy who had never experienced any pressure.

Rong Le couldn't help but laugh silently at herself in pain.

In the silent room, only his faint breathing could be heard. Even when she was alone, Rong Le would never show any signs of vulnerability.

After he used all his concentration to endure the severe headache, the sudden surge of memory was gradually digested.

The system prompt sound also sounded.

[Role Mission: 1. Recover lost memories. Completed.]

[Role Mission: 2, Go to the real world module and reunite with everyone.]

Only then did Rong Le have the energy to deal with the current situation.

He maintained the posture of leaning against the bookshelf, his forehead hair stuck to the side of his face due to sweat, making him look a little disheveled. Rong Le didn't care at all. He sat lazily on the carpet with one leg stretched out and the other leg slightly bent and resting on his arm.

He raised his finger slightly, swiped out the character panel, and browsed the information that had been delayed for a long time.

The basic attributes have been fully restored to their proper levels, which means that Rong Le is currently free from any constraints.

On the card, his character is a bit more mature than he is now.

On the deep, inky blue velvet throne sat a black-haired young man in a religious robe, his green eyes slightly drooping and his expression filled with noble divinity. Behind him were countless transparent silk threads crisscrossing, like a huge net holding the universe tightly.

He was at the most important node in the center, as if he could control everything.

Rong Le recognized that this was a robe that could only be worn by the archbishop, the highest-ranking person in the church, and it symbolized supreme power and honor.

This is his future image, [Son of the Church].

Rong Le glanced at the image with a cold expression and focused his attention on other information.

This time the module background reveals a lot of information.

Go back to the past and explore the lost truth. Get the crucial key and ascend to his throne.

The first sentence is what he just completed, while the second sentence is related to changing the fate of infinite reversal.

Although he is in the module, this time the module mission is not only about changing his own destiny, but also involves the real world where the player is.

The modularization of the real world is indeed what Rong Le guessed based on the information revealed by the players. The real world and the modules are gradually merging, and the erosion of the fog will inevitably bring unpredictable changes.

The present world will not be completely safe, but will become a new module with the advent of the City of Mist.

This might be the effect of the fog, Rong Le thought thoughtfully.

At this time, the barrage has burst into tears:

"Oh my god, Rongrong finally recovered her memory! That's great!!"

"This period of time has really scared me. Although the lively and arrogant teenage years were cute, every time time jumps forward, I am afraid that Rong Le will be in danger of death."

"He looked so painful just now. Is he really recovered now?"

"It doesn't look like anything serious, but... Rongrong is actually very patient. The way she was troubled by her memories made me cry. Although she usually looks nonchalant, she actually cares about everyone in her heart, right? That's why she keeps recalling everyone."

"Even though I can deceive myself and even others temporarily, these emotions will accumulate and eventually explode."

"I'm really worried about him. Rong Le has really endured a lot. It's okay to be a little fragile sometimes. There's no need to carry so much responsibility or put too much pressure on yourself. The pain will not go away, and you have to face it head-on to reach a reconciliation."

"He should have recognized Baiyue's true face by now, right? This terrifying person has been around Rong Le since the beginning. He's been involved in every action Rong Le takes in the module. What exactly is his purpose?"

"Although their interactions are truly extraordinary and their temperaments are a perfect match...but what exactly does he want by pretending to be harmless and approaching Rong Le?"

"From Renault to Baiyue, he has always occupied a special place in Rong Le's heart. If he betrays her, it will be a great blow to Rong Le."

"Has no one noticed Ornn? Although his presence in Portland is not strong, why did Rong Le's teacher appear in the Portland module, and he seems to be a god?!"

"Looking at Ornn's previous actions, it seems he was guiding Rong Le to contact Fairlight, but at the same time, he was warning him to be careful of the Elemental Tribunal. It's really like a mystery."

"Except for being a big boss in Portland, Fairlight has never appeared in other modules. I thought he was offline, but I didn't expect him to appear in the place where Rong Le originally lived."

"How come so many important module characters appear in this module? Was the place where he originally lived also a module? But Rong Le didn't seem to know about the module at first."

"It's so complicated, I feel like my head is going to explode."

"I feel like this module is hiding a lot of secrets... These people are surrounding Rong Le, what is the truth?"

The discussion in the barrage could not reach Rong Le. After digesting the current information, he calmly restored the study to its original state and went downstairs as if nothing had happened.

Downstairs, my parents still hadn't come back.

Rong Le put on her coat and left the villa without staying there for long.

His subsequent actions seemed as if his memory had not returned, and he continued to live his life at his previous pace. Even when facing people he was already familiar with, he was still able to make appropriate responses that were consistent with his personality.

It’s like I’m still the young adult myself.

When facing Ornn, Rong Le's way of dealing with things is naive and lively, making him a perfect disciple. When facing Fairlight, he is a polite and excellent peer and a partner with whom he can have a deep friendship.

He seemed to be wearing an exquisite mask, responding differently according to different situations, with a flawless expression.

If the barrage had not witnessed Rong Le's memory recovery with their own eyes, they would even think that everything that happened in the study was their illusion.

As for her attitude towards Renault, Rong Le quietly distanced herself from him, as if her feelings for him were gradually fading just because she was busy.

More than half a year passed like this.

At this time, Rong Le was still active in the social circle after graduation. His prestige among his classmates and the protection of Orne made him feel at home in the real upper class and made friends with many useful people.

What made his position even more unique was his friendship with Fairlight.

The bishop of the church also noticed Rong Le. Naturally, Rong Le began to take over more church work under his leadership and gradually gained a foothold in the power class.

The heavy workload made Rong Le's life extremely busy. Although he had previous experience, the need to handle various matters perfectly in a short period of time and to quickly advance plans in order to achieve his goals still occupied all of his free time, leaving him with no spare time at all.

However, sometimes special circumstances may occur.

"Sir, Mr. Meryl has been appearing frequently around the Elemental Tribunal recently. Our people only found him wandering around there a few hours ago, and we haven't found any trace of him until now."

In the study, the subordinate reported with his head down.

After digesting the news for a moment, Rong Le said in a deep voice, "Did he still run over?"

He had sternly warned Meryl not to get close to anyone related to the Elemental Inquisition, let alone get close to that place, otherwise he would be severely punished.

Ever since she brought him back from the banquet, Rong Le has kept Meryl by her side, half letting him run free and half educating him.

After he regained his memory, he also thought of Meryl.

This was his most special subordinate. After being rescued by him on a whim, out of a sense of responsibility, he forced Meryl to learn knowledge after discovering that she was uneducated, at least to learn daily reading and writing so that she would not become illiterate.

Although Meryl was born with an unstable mental state, loved fighting, was violent and bloodthirsty, and often went crazy in battle, after he was subdued, Meryl showed extreme obedience to his orders and was as well-behaved as a white-haired puppy.

Rong Le had seen that baby face, which had become particularly round and tender after being supplemented with nutrition, and was covered in blood during the battle. It was pure and beautiful, and the sick smile left a deep psychological shadow on the enemy.

Such difficult-to-control subordinates should not be included in Rong Le's core circle. Instability means easy backlash, but Meryl is an exception.

This was the sharpest knife he had ever had, and there was no need to worry about getting accidentally cut.

In Meryl's original destiny, he would be wary of the Elemental Tribunal and Fairlight because of Rong Le's fear, so he would rush into the Tribunal alone and try to assassinate Fairlight to solve his troubles from the root.

He lost contact for a long time, and Rong Le looked for him for several days. Finally, Fairlight sent someone to send him back. Only then did he realize that Meryl had overestimated her own abilities and done such a stupid thing.

By then, he had become tattered, his hands and feet twisted beyond recognition, his body covered in blood, and he lay powerless on the ground in front of him, unable to move.

The fluffy and soft white fur was also stuck into wisps by blood and dirt, making it look pitiful and desolate.

It was as if he had become a seriously injured puppy that couldn't respond by wagging its tail even when hearing its owner's call.

Rong Le gently leaned down and touched Meryl's soft cheek. He tried to raise his head as if he was still conscious and gave him a pure smile.

He was so stupid that it was unbelievable that he dared to disobey his orders and act on his own, recklessly rushing into that hell to die, and in the end he, the master, had to clean up the mess for him.

How...stupid.

Meryl was no longer able to speak, so he stuck out his tongue and gently licked his fingertips, as submissive and intimate as ever.

Rong Le shrank back suddenly as if she was scalded, and then she realized that her hands were shaking uncontrollably.

Even though he was in extreme pain, the boy still looked at him with his clear red eyes, trusting him wholeheartedly.

"grown ups."

The subordinate next to him hesitated to speak, and Rong Le knew what he wanted to say.

Fairlight crushed most of his bones into pieces and severely damaged his internal organs. He tortured Meryl until she was only left with one breath, and sent her back to Rong Le.

He was warning him.

Rong Le closed her eyes and began to regret her cooperation with Fairlight, but the consequence of seeking the skin of a tiger was that there was no dignified exit from this game. Only by shedding her flesh and blood could she get a chance to breathe.

In order to gain a firm foothold in the church and seek greater benefits, he sank deeper and deeper into the quagmire of cooperation and now has no chance of escaping.

Fairlight was taking this opportunity to warn him not to waver again.

Yes, it should have been done long ago. He should have faced reality long ago.

But this was...his precious subordinate.

His Meryl, his loyal white-haired puppy, his sharp knife, he had devoted his wholehearted trust to him and had no regrets until this moment.

Rong Le reached out and gently covered his eyes.

Meryl seemed to know what he was thinking. The slight touch of her eyelashes that were fluttering against his palm no longer came to him. He quietly waited for his impending fate, calmly and expectantly.

Carrying the expectations of countless people means having the responsibility and ability to respond to them. He does not need to show too obvious pain, but should stand there indestructibly and become the spiritual pillar of everyone.

He also has the responsibilities of a master.

Rong Le slowly half-knelt beside him, his luxurious clothes stained with blood. He stared nonchalantly at this special subordinate, a white-haired puppy who had just reached adulthood, lively and active but reckless and desperate.

"Don't be afraid, the pain will go away soon."

Rong Le spoke softly in his ear.

His hands were steady and quick. Even when ending a young life, he did not hesitate at all and did not give the other person any chance to suffer.

There was no more movement under the palm.

Rong Le slowly loosened her hand, revealing his childish face.

Meryl died in the hands of her master with a sweet smile on her face, leaving this world full of happiness.

He is dead.

…

Rong Le sat behind his desk, his expression becoming increasingly gloomy, and his subordinates lowered their heads, not daring to offend him.

Meryl.

He muttered the name silently.

This disobedient little dog ignored his orders and still ran to the Elemental Tribunal according to the trajectory of fate. If Rong Le had not had people secretly monitor his actions, he would not have been able to learn the news so quickly.

Everything seems to be still going according to fate.

But unlike before, this time Rong Le did not miss the best opportunity to rescue, and had enough time to respond and pull his puppy out of that hell.

After bringing Meryl back, he would patiently give her the harshest lesson.

Let him understand that he should never disregard his life at any time. Before Meryl learns to cherish her own life, he will not allow her to get close to him as usual, put her head next to his legs and ask for a touch, nor will he say another word to him.

He deserves to live and be driven by him forever.

Rong Le stood up from behind the desk, feeling cold all over. She put on her coat with a cold face and left the room.

The subordinates immediately followed him and respectfully obeyed the arrangements he made.

The corridor on the top floor of the church is classical and oppressive. Sunlight shines through the stained glass windows. A group of people pass by silently. The bells at the top of the tower ring softly, and white doves circle and fly down from the sky.

Rong Le had a blank expression on her face, and her cold emerald eyes lacked any warmth even in the sunlight.

This time, Fairlight had no chance of taking Meryl away from him.

——He wanted to personally catch the disobedient white-haired kid who was running around.