Endless Debt Chapter 708 - 202 The Illusory Pain

Nolen sat in the sealed chamber with a face full of worry, directly across from him was Gold, collapsed on the sickbed, his eyelids tightly shut, brows furrowed, showing no signs of waking up, as if trapped in an inescapable nightmare.

Lula stood by Nolen’s side, outside the chamber, the Condensers were on high alert, preserving strength for defense in this core area of the Paradise.

A roaring vibration came from a distant place, as if amidst towering waves, making the tables and chairs shake and slide on the tilted floor.

Nolen’s eyes were bloodshot, his gaze tiredly fixed on Gold, or rather, the item Gold was guarding in his hand.

It was like the embodiment of doom, bringing death and storms alike when it arrived at Free Port.

Nolen asked Lula, "Is it still impossible to contact the outside world?"

"No, the Zongge Orchestra is aggressively attacking the Void Realm, they’ve cut off all our communication with the outside world... we’re trapped here."

Lula hesitated for a moment but still informed Nolen about the dire situation they were facing.

Upon hearing this, Nolen appeared even more dispirited, his fingers intertwined in front of him, head drooping as if it might fall to the ground.

When he learned that the Tide Guard was hunting Hert at the Wrecked Ship Shore, Nolen chose to negotiate with the Order Bureau, hoping they could rescue Hert, even if it meant sending him to a mental institution or jail, which was better than being killed like a dog on the beach.

Nolen had always felt an indefinable guilt towards Hert, wanting to make amends, but just as the transaction was made, the Paradise was attacked by the Zongge Orchestra, successive explosions killed most of the armed personnel, and the remaining ones kept retreating under the Zongge Orchestra’s offensive.

Such a defeat was rare, usually occurring only when fighting against forces more powerful than the Tide dwellers. Within the Extraordinary World’s hierarchy, the Order Bureau and King’s Secret Sword, possessing advanced Alchemy Matrix Technology, were undeniable top-tier forces, hence their Condensers, even when fighting at the same tier, were stronger than other forces.

Other variables, namely those groups who worship the Devil, lacked sufficiently advanced Alchemy Matrix Technology but had forbidden protection, under those unfathomable powers, the members of Zongge Orchestra resembled fearless fanatic warriors, the more pain their bodies endured, the stronger they became.

"We can muster the remaining forces to break out; Free Port may fall, but we should hold out until the Tide Guard arrives, they should be near the Wrecked Ship Shore now."

Lula didn’t continue, she knew it was not an easy decision for Nolen.

Nolen murmured, "Perhaps the Tide Guard is already gone."

Before the attack began, Nolen informed the Order Bureau, unaware of how they would act, but with such mysterious and fearsome entities, it’s always wise to think of the worst-case scenario.

It was because Nolen believed the Order Bureau possessed such power that he chose to rely on them to save Hert in dire times, ready with resolve, yet met with even more horrifying doom.

Nolen blamed himself, "I messed everything up."

The vibrations around them became more frequent and intense, explosions sounding closer, like peeling an onion, the enemy gradually dismantled Paradise’s defenses.

Nolen knew he had to make a decision, taking a deep breath to clear his mind, stood up and opened the chamber door, speaking to the remaining Condensers.

"Everyone, get ready, we have to break out."

After speaking, Nolen instructed Lula, "Bring Gold along, no matter who we face, he’ll be a heavy bargaining chip."

Lula nodded, a nearby Condenser came over and hoisted Gold up, his hand dangled down, chains also hung vertically, the sealed iron box slightly swaying.

Lula asked, "Are we not going to care about Hert?"

"No."

Nolen convinced himself, "Hert is just my personal matter, rather than dealing with this, I need to ensure you all survive first."

"I’ve wasted too much time and effort on Hert."

Nolen firmed his thoughts, despite his guilt toward Hert, he must not abandon those steadfastly following him.

Numerous eyes met, they all saw the same emotion in each other, but just as Nolen prepared to lead the breakout, a familiar fluctuation came from above, followed by a horrifying, insane hallucination.

The Void Realm was full of cracks, teetering on the brink, once able to shield against Ethereal impacts, but now like a breached dam, seawater was shooting out from the gaps.

In the chaotic hallucination, Nolen seemed to return to that day, he and Hert reunited at the dock, a majestic ship moored beside them, casting a colossal shadow upon them.

"It’s okay, it’s not anything important, let me go in your stead."

Hert waved farewell to himself, turned and boarded the ship, by the railings, he saw his wife and daughter waving.

That was Nolen’s last sight of Hert smiling, a smile from the heart.

"Hert..."

Nolen whispered softly, he hadn’t felt this familiar Ethereal Fluctuation in many years, certain that he wouldn’t mistake it.

Hert was here, not at the Wrecked Ship Shore, but on the Paradise — alongside the Zongge Orchestra.