Host, Please Be Honest! What Exactly Are You? Chapter 685 Finale

Time, a ceaseless river, marked the dawn of a new era. Two years had passed since the Underworld Revelation, an event now known to historians as the EXO-era. The world was still grappling with its transformed reality since that fateful day when creatures from myth and nightmare erupted, plunging humanity into utter pandemonium. Demons, ghouls, and grotesque abominations ravaged the globe, threatening to extinguish the human race.

Yet, humanity endured. They fought back, adapted, and survived the onslaught.

Gazing through windows, one might observe numerous Floating Islands drifting serenely through the sky… Entry into these ethereal domains is restricted to those bearing the Profession of Exorcist.

The emergence of new vocations, ranging from Ethereal Engineers to Exorcists, symbolized humanity's remarkable capacity to transform adversity into opportunity. The fusion of advanced technology and arcane magic had unveiled possibilities previously confined to our wildest imaginings.

In countless households, the sight of strategically placed floated objects has become commonplace. Who could have ever envisioned that humanity would come to depend on items such as Crystals and pendants for protection?

These crystals, available for purchase at the Global Tian Exorcism Board, offer an additional layer of defense, obliterating any malevolent entity that dares to breach the sanctity of a protected space. The effectiveness, naturally, hinges on the inscribed enchantments being superior to the strength of the intruding demon. Protective coins, crystals, talismans, and charms catering to various threat levels are readily available at diverse price points. Witnessing the live broadcast of that cataclysmic battle instilled a profound and lasting fear of the unknown in everyone. And over the subsequent decade, an astonishing number of inexplicable events continued to unfold. These phenomena could no longer be concealed. The S.N Department remained industriously active, continuing their life-saving endeavors even after the apparent defeat of the enemy. Daily reports detailing all manner of occurrences, including warnings about powerful creatures on the loose, became the norm. Indeed, the present world was bewilderingly strange.

Now, even perpetrators of murder could be apprehended by simply consulting the spirit of their victims.

It became universally understood that after death, a phenomenon known as the Heavenly Hour summons spirits at a predetermined time. Some spirits, however, choose to defy this call, particularly those consumed by overwhelming vengeance. Naturally, the longer a spirit lingers in the human realm, the faster its memories and the impetus for its hatred fade.

Nevertheless, with the presence of Exorcists, the complete recollection of an unidentified spirit's past can be restored. Mommy…

Consequently, murderers found themselves in a state of sheer terror, as the spectral forms of their victims could now identify them unequivocally after consultation with an exorcist. DAMN IT. The world had abruptly become perilously hazardous for assassins. You might murder your father to inherit his fortune, only to face discovery in the end by your father's very own ghost.

You might stab your husband to abscond with his riches and elope with your lover. However, your scheme unravels in the end, thanks to these vociferous Exorcists and the vexing ex-husbands who stubbornly refuse to remain deceased. Blast it all! Why don't you just depart with the heavenly hour? Why do you persist in lingering here?

Did you not profess your love for them?

Could you not find it in your heart to forgive me and proceed to Purgatory for your judgment?

Numerous condemned individuals grumbled intensely about this predicament. Naturally, an increasing number of people also became utterly petrified upon learning about the divine retribution awaiting them after death. What?

You assert that they are destined for ages of torment at the hands of the monstrous entities dwelling below?

It is crucial to remember that while the demons of the Underworld possessed arrogance and wickedness, they fulfilled a vital purpose in the abyss: the execution of divine judgment. And given their inherent animosity towards humans, undertaking such tasks served as a perverse form of solace for them. Ultimately, the world had irrevocably CHANGED. Some embraced it, while others… abhorred it. And at the epicenter of this transformation stood the SU CLAN. It was astonishing how swiftly the once-mighty Su Clan plummeted from their position among the top 6 Households. The revelation of their extensive dark history led to a significant divestment of their wealth. They had indeed relinquished their standing as one of the top 6 Households, but… they remained undeniably affluent nonetheless.

Many woke this day with an unparalleled sense of anticipation.

Hayle Vicoto was one such individual.

But what fueled this excitement?

It was because today, he, along with numerous others who had successfully passed the National Examinations for Exorcism, would officially commence their vocational journey as Exorcists!

Hayle could barely contain his surging excitement. It was common knowledge that before the great war, examinations were conducted every three to four months. However, since humanity's resounding victory, the pace of these assessments had considerably slackened. Now, they were held only once a year. Every participant had been unequivocally assured that the examination process was entirely immune to any form of cheating. Today, numerous passengers craned their necks, peering from their windows as diverse groups of people streamed towards the magnificent portal chambers. On such significant days, throngs numbering in the hundreds and thousands would assemble, not only to witness the selected Exorcists making their inaugural entry into the academy but also, in truth, to catch a glimpse of that enigmatic world through the colossal portal. "Wow!" someone exclaimed in amazement. "It's so grand… Was that your doing? What kind of mythical beast is that? Could it be a dragon?"

"Absolutely spectacular! I just saw a colossal, majestic bird with several individuals perched upon it!"

"Hey… Why don't I possess such abilities? Who wouldn't aspire to be among these chosen few?"

…

The more Hayle listened, the more his chest swelled with pride. They were akin to living superheroes. But how were they identified?

Those inducted as Exorcists were distinguished by their prominent, globally recognized uniforms, a mandatory attire before academy entry. This standardization facilitated easy identification amidst the bustling crowds. Merely gazing through the enormous portal, onlookers could discern novel species of flora and fauna. It's also important to note that following the war's conclusion, certain regions of the planet experienced a much greater resurgence than others, boasting atmospheric energy resources conducive to cultivation. Nevertheless, technological advancement remained indispensable. Despite the annual influx of students into the academy, a mere fraction of humanity possesses the innate potential to become Exorcists!

Today, many could only gaze upon the Portal's entrance with sheer awe.

So much had transformed in a mere decade.

Hayle's gaze was fixed upon the gigantic portal, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. Could you perceive it? Could you feel the frantic thrumming of his heart?

Soon, the moment arrived for the grand venture inward… and as anticipated, he was not let down. The world within was truly mythical, and his adventure unfolded like a scene directly from a blockbuster movie. That, too, was another significant change—the cinematic industry. The terrifying blockbuster films released could leave many feeling utterly desensitized. Yet, the effort was worthwhile, as these movies provided invaluable education on evading vampires, werewolves, Medusas… you name it. The general populace was now equipped with knowledge to safeguard themselves against these creatures until an Exorcist could permanently banish them. Shortly thereafter, Hayle reached the Academy grounds, his eyes landing on the now-famous figure, Pandrol, the half-lion headed man. Standing beside him were all the esteemed Elders and top-tier senior disciples of the academy, individuals renowned throughout the world. "It's Elder Gia!"

"Am I dreaming? Is that Elder Ghu with his Wife!"

"Wait a moment, Elder Hou!"

"AHHH! Elder Sheng!"

"Card Elder… Elder Haru!"

"Oh my goodness, is that Senior Disciple Ghu Sota himself?"

Many were utterly astounded by such a reception. HISS~

Hayle drew in a sharp breath, overwhelmed by reverence in the presence of such esteemed individuals. To him, they were akin to royalty.

However, he was unaware of an even greater surprise awaiting him and the multitude of newcomers. Following the initial surge of excitement, everyone soon noticed that the Elders and top disciples were directing their gaze past the crowd of newbies. Their usually stoic expressions then shifted to one of childlike glee, prompting everyone, including Hayle, to turn their heads in unison, utterly bewildered. Hayle would bet his life that he had never witnessed a cooler entrance. A resplendent golden stairway materialized from behind, and a figure, exuding an air of casual nonchalance with hands tucked into his pockets, descended slowly. He had previously pledged to visit occasionally, a promise made before his departure. Years had passed… a decade since they last saw this figure. Yet, the palpable excitement he generated was truly remarkable. "WELCOME HOME, Grandmaster Accountant."

Dorian observed the magnificent welcoming spectacle, the corners of his lips curling into a slow, wide grin. Despite his brief stay of only a few days, he had to confess that he would deeply miss this place upon his departure. "I am home."

—THE END—

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Indeed, writing this novel has been an absolute joy. I acknowledge the numerous breaks I took, but they were essential for my mental well-being and for navigating the complexities of adulthood. Nevertheless, we have finally reached the conclusion. And of course, none of this would have been possible without each and every one of you.