Chapter 110: The Death of Moriarty_2
The Demon and the Demon Scholar's biggest difference is that the Demon has almost completely fused with its congenital demon, making separation difficult. To advance to a Demon, one must first be a Phantom Demon Egg—although the Phantom Demon inside the egg has dark attribute mana.
Before becoming Transcenders, people called them "possessed by a demon." Compared to other attributes' Phantom Demons, demons are more fond of manipulating the host's body and are more likely to hurt or even kill others when they lose control. However, if they are tempted by the demon within and enter the Path of Transcendence, they can reach a consensus with the Phantom Demon inside and enter a coexisting state.
For this reason, Demons can no longer summon other demons. They are also incapable of studying ritual and manipulation of demons' knowledge because the demon inside will prevent them from acquiring power that could threaten themselves, and the dark attribute mana's interference with the brain will cause their intelligence to decline.
But if the Demon can maintain rationality against the demon's suppression and advance to a Parasitic Demon Bearer, the positions of both parties will immediately switch.
Parasitic Demon Bearers have transcended the "demon." Demons will no longer occasionally lose control, nor are they able to manipulate his body anymore. And Parasitic Demon Bearers can accommodate more demons, capable of carrying numerous Familiars within them. As they level up, they can even house a second, a third demon.
"—You're a Parasitic Demon Bearer, aren't you?"
Aiwass stated unequivocally.
Hearing this, Lawyer York opened his eyes wide in surprise.
He withdrew his left hand and his Devouring Demon was taken back into his sleeve.
"Your knowledge of Demonology Knowledge astonishes me, Aiwass."
Lawyer York exclaimed, "You're the only peer I've met who can recognize a Parasitic Demon Bearer at the first energy level."
"I see, so that's why you suddenly called me aside?"
Aiwass raised an eyebrow, "Because you recognized that I am also a Transcender on the Path of Transcendence."
"Under Authority's influence, we Transcenders should help each other out."
Lawyer York said with a beaming smile, very naturally, "Since we are the same kind of people, I'll lead you to the organization."
"Of course, there's another reason..."
As he spoke, he pointed to the left pocket of Aiwass, "If you had higher clearance, you'd be able to sense it too."
Aiwass reached into his pocket and touched it. Immediately, he realized—
—that was the "Noble Red" ring.
"Of course, don't worry."
York quickly pressed down with both hands and explained with a smile, "I know you must have got your ring from Veronica's hands. But we don't pry into such matters here—after all, you're a peer on the Path of Transcendence too, right? They guided you on this road, so you can be considered as one of their new recruits. It's quite normal for new members to kill old members and take their tokens; absolutely no problem. Just keep it."
"If you have it, you're also a member of the Noble Red Society. That's what I say."
"...I see."
Aiwass finally understood.
It wasn't that the Lohar Society and the Noble Red Society had reached some agreement... but rather, the upper echelons of these two organizations overlapped in some sense!
"You said, over sixty percent of the Knight Family joined Lohar Society."
Aiwass was silent for a moment and then suddenly asked, "Does this include the 'Moriarty' as well?"
Upon hearing this, the corners of York's mouth lifted slightly.
The middle-aged man with deep wrinkles on his face revealed a faint smile, "What do you think?"
"Let's end this charade."
The young man with platinum blond hair spoke in a low voice from his wheelchair.
Even though his status and abilities were inferior to the middle-aged man before him, he showed not the slightest respect. Aiwass extended his right hand towards York, the palm slowly splitting open. A faint purple glow lit up within Aiwass's palm—this was the symbol of his current state of mind resonating with the Path of Transcendence, and it was also an unfriendly gesture.
It was akin to slightly drawing a knife or placing one's hand on the hilt of a gun. It wasn't necessarily threatening, but it conveyed an attitude.
To those of other Paths, this might be seen as an offense. But to those on the Path of Transcendence, it was a confirmation of determination, signifying the acknowledgment and execution of the Path of Transcendence.
Lawyer York smiled with satisfaction and briskly responded, "Indeed. Professor James Moriarty, who is also a member of our Lohar Society."
"After all, he is a businessman, and a major one at that on Glass Island. How could he refuse our invitation? However, he is not a fellow traveler on the Path of Transcendence, so he did not join the Noble Red Society."
"If that's the case, with my father around... you seem to have no further need to invite me, do you?"
Aiwass bluntly said, "Because the Moriarty Family has already stood with you."
It was clear that York was trying to recruit him.
Even though he didn't articulate a single word, his intention had been conveyed very clearly.
—The matter of the suspected leak of information was really putting a lot of pressure on him. York was eager for Aiwass to join the Lohar Society, ideally before the "vice president" arrived.
"In that case, let me give you some information in advance."
Lawyer York smiled triumphantly, "This is the very purpose of our Lohar Society's existence—"
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"According to reliable information, Professor Moriarty has been missing for two days. While no body was found, they did find bloodied clothes. The divination results indicate that James Moriarty is dead."
"If nothing unexpected happens, news of his death should reach Avalon in a week."
The middle-aged lawyer, also surnamed Hermes, revealed a genial smile that made Aiwass feel disgusted, "This isn't a threat, just a suggestion. After all, neither you nor Chief Inspector Edward are his real children... and Mr. James died so suddenly, he left no will."
"That means, you'll face obstacles in the inheritance. However, it's also good for you to join Lohar Society... compared to your foster father, we prefer someone like you, a fellow traveler on the Path of Transcendence."
—Huh?
Aiwass was almost on the verge of laughing out loud.
You're saying that James Moriarty is dead?
Heh, I don't believe a word of it.
...Of course, the information itself might be true. But Professor Moriarty wouldn't die so easily, and divination isn't necessarily accurate. This is a hundred percent a faked death, just to extricate himself from the situation in Avalon.
—That secretive fellow, he is the final BOSS of version 6.0, how could he possibly die in such an obscure corner where no one knows?
However, even if he knew full well it was a feigned death, there might be many others who knew too. But if even just the identity "James Moriarty" died in the societal sense...
It meant that the situation in Avalon was about to experience unstoppable turmoil.