Sacrifice's Rise: I Became Invincible After Entering Godslayer Temple Chapter 688 Convergence

Should the previous booklet, containing Code 19's secrets, have been protected by a unique form of encryption, it would be logical for Code 19 to have prepared a contingency for dire circumstances.

Perhaps for a situation where he met his demise and was seeking someone to enact vengeance, or if he were wronged, to find someone to seek retribution?

While the information within the booklet was readily accessible and understandable to Code 19 himself, he must have also devised a key for those who found the cipher difficult to decipher—a method to 'unlock the door' for them.

Could this very booklet serve as that key?

Ali retrieved the booklet and proceeded to open it.

Its pages were yellowed with age, indicating it had existed for a considerable duration.

The contents were sparse, primarily consisting of symbols and equations.

Upon identifying a starting point and engaging in simple deduction, Ali discerned that these were the derivational equations of a spell matrix.

Although incomplete, Ali could approximate the matrix's purpose: it directly influenced the capacity to shape mana, enabling the precise molding of mana.

Roughly half of the booklet was dedicated to related equations, with the remainder left blank.

After reviewing the booklet, Ali's confusion did not diminish; instead, it grew.

Was this intended to be the key? Or had Code 19 not left any key at all? Alternatively, had she overlooked something crucial?

Ali re-evaluated her own actions and those of Code 19, confirming that her deductions were accurate.

Code 19 did not present himself as a deeply cunning individual; he seemed more like a straightforward warrior than an assassin.

His preference was for direct combat, relying on his own strength to overcome adversaries.

Would such a person devise an intricate series of contingencies?

It was not impossible, but it appeared to demand more intellectual effort than he might typically exert.

Therefore, the primary focus remained on the booklet.

Perhaps attempting to use the spell matrix? It might hold a significant hidden element.

However, it could also be a trap.

Nevertheless, now was not the opportune moment for such an endeavor.

Ali needed to ascertain Jelia's current condition first.

"Roronora, take me to Jelia."

After gathering all the discovered items and casting a final look at Code 19's body, Ali brushed off her hands and rose to her feet.

"Regarding this body, do you have any suggestions on how to handle it?"

Abandoning it here was absolutely not an option.

Aside from the peril of decomposition and attracting scavengers with its odor, if Gick had embedded any surprises within Code 19, they might activate unexpectedly.

"Should we burn it?"

One of the most effective methods for erasing traces was fire.

A simple blaze could ensure that there would be nothing left to cause concern.

"That seems reasonable. Let's burn it."

Ali nodded, and with a swift movement of her wrist, mana gathered and swirled into a crimson, flame-like substance, flickering and undulating in her palm as if it were a genuine fire.

Having amassed a sufficient quantity of mana, Ali flicked her wrist, launching a blazing orb of mana that struck Code 19's fallen body.

Flames erupted upon impact, the intense heat causing Ali's bangs to curl slightly.

"The fire seems a bit too large? Well, it will suffice."

Ali erected a circular mana barrier around the corpse to prevent the flames from spreading.

After confirming that the fire would reduce Code 19's body to ashes, she and Roronora turned to depart.

The fire, composed entirely of concentrated mana, was exceptionally dangerous, characterized by high temperatures and rapid combustion.

Furthermore, due to the minimal amount of mana present within human flesh, the body itself could act as a peculiar form of fuel, even without conventional combustible materials.

By the time Ali deemed it appropriate to leave, the aroma of roasted meat permeated the air.

Despite the grim origin, the smell was undeniably similar to grilled meat.

Shaking her head to clear the disturbing thoughts, Ali looked ahead and saw Roronora's silhouette.

Was there something peculiar about this Werewolf?

A subtle feeling of unease lingered in Ali's mind, yet she could not identify its source.

The hideout where Jelia and Roronora were residing was not far from the location of their encounter with Code 19.

If it were distant, Roronora would not have been able to arrive so promptly.

As Ali approached to within a hundred meters of the hideout, Roronora had already detected her approach.

The security measures and warning systems surrounding the hideout were all established by Roronora.

In essence, if the hideout were considered a nest protected by a web, Roronora represented the large spider lurking within.

Any disturbance in the web would trigger an immediate reaction from him.

And Jelia? She was the spider's leader.

Despite her youth, she carried herself with the authority and control of a mafia boss.

Amidst these myriad thoughts, Ali reached the new hideout.

Another cave... or perhaps more accurately, a burrow.

The entryway, scarcely wide enough for a stooped individual, was situated at the base of a meter-and-a-half-high mound overgrown with waist-high weeds.

After a brief survey, Ali's eyes landed on a hollow within a withered tree beside the mound, marked by scorch blemishes.

It appeared this ingenious setup served as their ventilation shaft.

Roronora took the lead into the opening, with Ali trailing approximately two meters behind.

The passage slanted downwards, gradually widening, and after about five to six meters, Ali found she could stand upright.

Dim illumination originated from a few torches affixed to the cave walls, casting elongated, distorted silhouettes that swayed and flickered with the flames, resembling a frenzied shadow ballet.

Around twenty meters further in, the cavernous space abruptly expanded.

This particular area, spanning hundreds of square meters with a ceiling soaring over four meters high, was exceptionally unique. The floor was constructed from solid bluestone, and the walls, tightly compacted, gave the impression of a windowless chamber.

It was more than sufficient for a temporary refuge.

In the heart of the excavation, a campfire had been established using stones, and precariously suspended above it was an iron pot of unknown origin.

Jelia, her hair a mess, was crouched beside the pot, her gaze alight with intense longing, her mouth watering uncontrollably.

Wild vegetables, preserved meat, and pieces of bread were simmering in the pot.

Despite the meal's simplicity, the aroma released after seasoning was surprisingly appetizing.

Aroused by the approaching footsteps, Jelia reluctantly tore her eyes away from the bubbling pot, spotting Roronora and Ali.

Upon seeing Ali, a dazzling smile illuminated her face, and she leaped to her feet.

"Ali! You've returned at last! Please, help me comb my hair! There's no mirror available, and I can't manage it myself. Roronora is utterly hopeless with such tasks."

A fleeting shadow crossed Ali's expression.

So, your joy is solely because someone is available to attend to your hair? Howard has truly doted on you too much.

With a clatter on the bluestone floor, Jelia approached, brandishing a sizable soup spoon she had procured from somewhere.

Pausing directly before Ali, she subjected her to a thorough, head-to-toe inspection, then nodded with evident satisfaction.

"You're not injured. Roronora dashed out in such a panic, I was convinced you'd run into dire peril. Now that you're safe and sound, make haste and assist me with my hair! Do you even realize what time it is?"

"Out here in the wilderness, who is there to even observe your hair?"

Ali retorted with a huff, affection for the girl's concern readily apparent beneath her sharp words.

However, these were merely spoken words, a touch of playful banter.

Were she to genuinely refuse Jelia's request for assistance with her hair, one could only guess how long the young girl would continue her persistent pleas.

Producing a comb from her satchel, Jelia tugged Ali towards a secluded corner of the cave and settled herself upon a rock.

The stone felt cool, and even with a layer of some unidentified animal hide, a distinct chill permeated upwards.

Ali winced; after all, this was a cave, and even with a fire burning, the warmth generated was limited.

Remaining in this environment for an extended period could prove detrimental to Jelia's well-being.

"Roronora, could you please watch the pot for me?"

Having taken her seat, Jelia, still engrossed in her cooking preparations, requested Roronora's assistance in overseeing the simmering meal.

Roronora acknowledged the request with a nod, diligently taking up a position beside the iron pot, mirroring the posture Ali had initially observed Jelia in.

Observing Roronora's somewhat uncoordinated movements, a subtle tic flickered at the edge of Ali's eye as she managed to stifle a laugh.

Could it be that the disposition of a subordinate mirrored that of their superior?

Despite Roronora's imposing presence, capable of holding his own against Code 19 without faltering, he exhibited a surprisingly submissive demeanor around Jelia.

And then there was Howard, typically composed and logical, yet inexplicably flustered whenever Jelia was involved.

Was this a classic instance of 'even the strongest have their Achilles' heel'?

Although Jelia had expressed a sense of urgency, the task of hair combing was hardly arduous; it was simply that accomplishing it solo, without a reflective surface, could indeed be rather inconvenient.

With swift movements, Ali finished arranging Jelia's hair and offered a gentle pat to her head.

"It would be best if you avoid staying in this place for extended periods over the next few days. The environment here is quite damp and cold, and the chill is rather severe. If feasible, stepping out for some fresh air would be beneficial, but prioritize your safety above all else."

"Understood," Jelia replied, nodding her assent. She then pushed herself off the stone, springing up and darting back towards the pot with a flurry of footsteps.