Pirate Kingship-Chapter 654 - 458 Abyssal Cult, Mystifying (6300)_3

Most of the paintings were numbered from one to eighteen, all sharing the unified prefix: "Eighteen Scenes of Hell."

A young painter was holding a brush and palette, creating an equally gloomy oil painting of the Kingston District as seen from his window.

The subject was an almost perfect one-to-one replica of the Capital District. At its center was the Ganquan Palace, which now belonged to the White Rose York Family.

However, a huge, seven-headed, ten-horned Red Dragon spread its wings in the Sky, casting dark shadows that shrouded the entire Ganquan Palace and the nearby streets.

Melrose Street, not far from Ganquan Palace, was one of them.

If one were well-versed in the "Gospel of Creation," they would recognize at a glance the extraneous figure in the painting as the Abyssal Messenger: Great Red Dragon Abaddon!

Legend has it that it was the Incarnation of the Devil. During the divine war of the Twilight of the Gods, it attempted to devour the child born of the woman clothed with the Sun – the Trinity's Saint Heir of the Creator – and was cast down in battle.

Then it was captured by Angels sent by the Creator, bound with great chains, and thrown into the Abyss at the Edge of the World, to be imprisoned for one thousand five hundred years.

Besides being the Abyssal Messenger, Great Red Dragon Abaddon was also known as the Abyss Lord and the King of Harmful Insects.

He held dominion over the "Land of Destruction," the "Domain of the Dead," "Pestilence," and other such mighty Authority.

However, like Byron and other rare ancient explorers, he knew that all the antagonists mentioned in the "Gospel of Creation" were Old Gods worshipped by various major Species during the Mythological Era.

For instance, this Great Red Dragon King Abaddon was the ruler of the Strait Islands during the era when the Dragon Court ruled the Old Continent.

Even that ancient and famous Knight King had the bloodline of the Red Dragon and was also called "Hightins's Red Dragon."

As for now, this was likely another avenger who had lain dead in the sea for over a thousand years, plotting a return.

"Leonardo, what's going on? I just received a message from the City Guards; why was 'Death Stranding' triggered ahead of time?"

In the studio where the Law Net intertwined, a majestic, white-haired, stout projection appeared behind the painter, questioning him urgently.

At the same time, the pitch-black Headless Knight in the third oil painting let out a bloodcurdling scream.

Then, as if struck by someone, it shattered and collapsed onto the canvas. Immediately after, it turned into black paint that POURED onto the floor.

Only then did the painter stop his brushwork and turn around, frowning. It became clear that this enigmatic Hell Painter, Leonardo, was merely a handsome youth of about twenty.

He was dressed in an ordinary white shirt and black trousers, his golden hair tied back in a small braid that hung to his waistcoat. His olive-green eyes were exceptionally deep. To any onlooker, he was the quintessential Artist.

And he indeed possessed the eccentricity typical of those who pursued Art.

Ignoring the questioning from The Kingmaker, Earl Warwick, he instead promptly took out a pile of powder and immediately began mixing a new batch of paints.

From a small glass bottle nearby, he then poured out a magical fluid—light as air yet heavy as mercury. This caused the otherwise ordinary paints to take on an incredibly realistic and dreamlike texture.

One could not help but wonder if, in the next moment, these paints might transform into cream buns, clouds, castles, night skies... or any other tangible reality.

The Kingmaker Warwick, already acquainted with the Artist's temperament, clearly had considerable patience for him. But watching him use the invaluable Fifth Element for painting still made him wince internally.

According to the Forbidden Book, "Abyssal Beast Mark," obtained from the secret society "Abyssal Cult" to which the other belonged:

"The Fifth Element is mercurial, possessing the dual nature of spirit and Life, capable of handling all things impermanent and imperfect.

It is the everlasting Radiance, an elixir capable of fulfilling all desires, the glorious phoenix graced by Heaven, the most precious treasure among all Wealth, and an important asset of all Nature.

Provided an endless supply of the Fifth Element is obtained, the soul can achieve Immortality!

While it may not be as perfect as the Blood of Immortality, it is still a treasure in the Mortal World.

In essence, all the 'Evil Spirits, Lost Ones' born from the Death Stranding incident are merely extractors for the Fifth Element.

They can absorb the essence and lifespan of living beings, transforming it into this precious Material."

The Hell Painter, Leonardo, continued his painting, swiftly redrawing a more ferocious rendition of the Headless Knight on the canvas.

Theoretically, an undying being had been slain—Byron had managed to perceive and exploit its death line. Now, a new Curse Spirit was born once more.

The painter examined his work, nodded in satisfaction, and then turned to address The Kingmaker casually,

"The water level isn't high enough at the moment. Deaths of fewer than five individuals at one time won't trigger an incident.

This time, it was because a group of Nobility encountered a rampaging Demon Monster during a monstrous party, and their deaths were not particularly dignified.

A multitude of Dead Souls of Transcendents, harboring strong resentments, emerged simultaneously. This accidentally triggered a localized 'Death Stranding' incident.

Despite a slight mishap, it was thankfully handled promptly, preventing the situation from spiraling out of control. Your Excellency, please rest assured. This forbidden knowledge has never appeared on the Old Continent before, and they do not know the true nature of 'Death Stranding.'"