Chapter 90: Chaotic Neutrality?
When Clark ascended to the second floor, his pupils had reverted to their normal deep blue hue.
Observation mode seemed to drain mana and likely consumed a considerable amount; it couldn't be sustained indefinitely.
The Star Rater was visibly surprised to see Hua Mi here but quickly plastered on a smile, greeting them without questioning why they were present or their connection to Alyss.
"Forgive my intrusion, but it's part of my job. I hope you understand," Clark apologized before smiling, "If I'm not mistaken, you're the renowned 'Radiance' Alyss, the top-tier architectural designer of the Emerald Court. Never thought I'd see you in a place like this. It's an honor."
Alyss responded nonchalantly, "Now, I'm Alyss of the Blackwood."
"Understood, Miss Alyss of the Blackwood," Clark retrieved his notes and quill, "If I understood correctly, your earlier statement implies you've completely severed ties with the Emerald Court and renounced the title of 'Radiance'?"
His words hit the mark.
Hua Mi suspected he might have known about this already; after all, he seemed to be privy to the alchemical disputes in Emerald City. Knowing Alyss had left for seclusion here wouldn't be difficult for him.
"You understood correctly."
"Ah, I see... Let me ask, why did you choose to settle in the Blackwood? What drew you here?"
"No particular reason, just needed a quiet place for research."
Clark nodded, jotting down something in his notes.
He then snapped his notebook shut, smiling, "Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Alyss of the Blackwood. I wish you a pleasant life in the Blackwood. I'll be around for a while. If you need any help, feel free to ask. I'd be glad to assist."
With a hand over his chest in a gesture of respect, he moved to leave the study.
"Actually, there is something you could help with," Alyss, now seated again, rare amusement glinting in her smile, spoke up.
"Uh... what might that be?" Clark's earlier words were merely polite, and her response caught him off guard.
"We need to find a few tree spirits," Alyss said, her tone suggesting she expected quick results using his observational abilities.
"That's not untrue..." Clark pondered for a moment, then cheerfully replied, "Alright, I can play the role of a temporary guide."
...
Hua Mi and Clark left Alyss's residence together.
Considering the dusk approaching, they decided to postpone searching for the tree spirits until tomorrow.
Hua Mi hitched a ride, taking Clark's flying carpet back to the Bee Whisperer's hut.
The airborne conveyance was remarkably comfortable, spacious enough to even lie down. However, it had its drawbacks: slow speed, a tad slower than his War Hammer, and required mana to operate. Otherwise, it might have made for a convenient mode of transportation.
As they journeyed, the two engaged in conversation. Hua Mi, curious, asked, "By your guild's categorization, what faction is Alyss in?"
"Considering her betrayal of Emerald City and her recent behavior..." Clark replied, "I'd say she's tentatively categorized as Chaotic Neutral."
"Betrayal?"
That term felt weighty, leaving Hua Mi perplexed. If Alyss simply left her city for seclusion in the forest to conduct research, could she truly be labeled a traitor?
Was there something Alyss hadn't told him?
"Not to offend, but in our perspective as Star Raters, words hold no positive or negative connotations. It's merely a descriptor... Are you her friend? Could you refrain from mentioning what I said just now? I'll put in a good word for you in the upcoming adventure guide."
Ignoring his semi-joking chatter, Hua Mi inquired, "What happened in Emerald City?"
"You don't know?" Clark asked rhetorically, nodding afterward, "Understandable, information flow here is limited."
Subsequently, Clark shared the information he had with Hua Mi.
The incident stemmed from Alyss's return to Emerald City, proclaiming a Abyss Scholar had succumbed to corruption from the Abyss.
This caused an uproar not just in Emerald City but across the elven and various humanoid societies. The Abyss Studies Association instantly became the center of attention.
Alyss's reputation played a crucial role; if an ordinary person made such claims, few would believe them. But she was the renowned Alyss, the 'Radiance' of the elves—her words held weight.
Rumors swirled, preparations for war loomed on the horizon, and to quell the rising tensions, the Elven King promptly denied Alyss's claims.
Then came a series of revelations—some information surfaced, alleging she was a descendant of both elves and Abyssal beings. These rumors aimed to undermine her and disrupt the monarchy.
"Though it's likely a smear campaign orchestrated by the Elven King, there's a chance it holds truth. Her physical characteristics, the white irises, the pointed teeth, symbols of the Abyss in many records."
Hua Mi found this surprising. He had assumed Alyss's odd behavior in the face of the Abyss was due to a curse, not hybrid lineage.
Can hybrids exist between elves and Abyssal beings?
The realm was indeed chaotic.
From Clark's account, Alyss hadn't mentioned Brass City or his name at all.
Because it wasn't necessary.
The Abyss Studies Association was currently under intense scrutiny, striving to prove its innocence.
Regardless of how Uno slipped through inspections before, as long as they ensured such incidents wouldn't recur, her mission was fulfilled.
This was all she could do.
Her gambit used her reputation to ring the alarm bells for the world. The bell tolled, her reputation shattered, and both sides suffered.
"Do you believe what she said?"
"I do. But it doesn't matter. What's coming will come, and we'll all face it together. There's nothing to fear when you think about it that way."
"..."
While they spoke, the flying carpet arrived at the Bee Whisperer's hut.
"What's that glass building for? Seems to use spatial expansion magic. Alyss's work?" Clark inquired, apparently unable to see through the mist enshrouding the greenhouse.
"A greenhouse, for growing flowers."
"Seems like a life worth envying. Can I take a look inside?"
"You can, but most of the flowers haven't bloomed yet..."
Hua Mi invited him in, and only then did Clark pass through the mist and enter the greenhouse.
Upon witnessing the Pseudo-Flower Spirits bustling inside, Clark momentarily froze.
"Perhaps... about your factional categorization, it might need a reevaluation..."
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