The Specter was shorter than a regular man. Its face was that of a skeleton’s, far more decomposed than the ghoulish creatures he had encountered outside. It wore what looked to be a set of tattered robes.

With its glowing green eyes and ethereal body, the Specter exuded out a rather eerie vibe that seemed all the more oppressive within this dark and decrepit room.

Ellis froze. It was not that he was afraid, but rather, he was caught off guard by the Specter’s sudden appearance. The fact that it did not move only made the situation seem even weirder.

“…”

“…”

He intently stared at it for a while before a frown formed on his face. He had waited and waited, but even after so long, the thing still did not move!

Is it even real? Maybe it’s actually a statue?

Then again, since when has there ever been a semi-transparent floating statue?

Compared to Ellis’s mild confusion, Grisella had a severely more intense reaction. Cold sweat dripped down her back. Much to her dismay, the mana that this frail looking Specter exuded rivaled that of the giant Calamity-class monster that Ellis had just recently defeated.

This particular Specter’s mana was tightly compressed, somewhat similar to Ellis’s own black-hole like concentration. Of course, it was nowhere near as irregular. It was also the reason why Grisella did not discover the Specter sooner.

After meeting with Ellis, she had long since come to realize that this form of mana was several times scarier than the regular version.

“…”

Even though Ellis was right here beside her, it was a natural instinct to fear the strong.

As for the man himself, Ellis remained calm and composed. To be quite honest, he was not really afraid of the Specter. After all, the ones that he met outside did not exactly inspire fear in his heart. In fact, they were probably his easiest enemies yet.

How much stronger could this new one really be?

He paused for a moment. Well, let’s just get this over with.

After some slight hesitation, he took a step forward and stretched out his hand.

The Specter did not outwardly react. It remained stiff and motionless. Still, Ellis felt as if the glint in its eyes had somehow changed.

Just as his palm was about to touch the Specter’s ghoulish face, a sudden shout from behind quickly stopped him.

“Ellis, wait!” The voice originated from Grisella. Her tone was somewhat high-pitched and uneven.

His hand stopped a mere inch away from the Specter’s deformed nose. Any closer and it would have probably dissipated like all the other Specters outside. After a brief bought of indecision, he retracted his hand back.

Ellis turned around and asked one question, “why?”

“That…” she hesitated for a moment. There was an obvious look of conflict scribbled all over her face. It was intermixed with other emotions such as distress and discomfort. Eventually, she said, “… I, this thing, the specter, it— it just spoke to me...”

He furrowed his brow in confusion. “It spoke to you? Really? That’s weird, I didn’t hear anything.”

“It, it was in my head…” The more she spoke, the quieter her voice seemed to get.

“… In your head, is it?” Ellis did not even attempt to hide the doubt on his face.

“I know how it sounds, but it’s the truth! It really did speak to me!” She practically cried out. Ellis’s piercing gaze made her soul shiver and her body squirm. This was definitely a major blow to her self-confidence. After all, since when was she ever the recipient of such eyes? It was always her giving people strange stares, never the other way around!

Just as Ellis was about to say something in return, another voice interrupted him.

“Listen to the girl, young man. Do not be so hasty.” A raspy and hollow voice reverberated throughout the room.

Ellis immediately turned around. Naturally, the voice had originated from the decrepit Specter. What’s more, much to his surprise, the ghastly creature had moved. Within a short span of time, the distance between the both of them more than doubled.

“Who are you?” Ellis immediately asked as he glared at the Specter with clear ill intent.

“I am her Divine Majesty’s loyal servant, a little old priest with nothing to his name except the devotion he offers to the one who stands above.” It paused for a moment. “Although now, I am nothing more than a mere ghost shackled by faith and circumstance.”

“Faith?” Such a word immediately conjured up images of Gods and Churches.

“…”

The Specter did not elaborate any further. Instead, it actually took another step backward, once again increasing the distance between the two of them.

Since he did not receive his answer, Ellis decided to move on with this strange conversation.

“Why can you talk?”

“Why wouldn’t I be able to talk?” It retorted. “Some ghosts are just like that. They can talk.”

Just before a frown could form on his face, Grisella conveniently elaborated. “A Specter’s intelligence is heavily dependent on their past life. Hyper-intelligent Specters naturally come from those who were once strong and powerful.”

“…” Ellis narrowed his eyes. “So, you weren’t just some ‘little old’ priest?”

In response, the Specter shrugged his shoulders. “That’s when I was still alive. I’m dead now, so there’s a difference. Besides, I never once called myself weak.”

It cracked a faint smile, or at least it tried to. It was kind of hard to tell, what with its skeletal face and all.

Ellis remained silent for a few seconds, before he asked, “Why can you speak Arhan?”

Arhan was a common language of this world and the only one that Ellis actually knew. It was the world’s most widely spread language and its origins dated back as far as the Medici dynasty some three thousand years ago.

The Holy city was a place purportedly cut off from the rest of the world for more than a million years. How did this Specter learn a language from three thousand years ago?

In response, the Specter made a noise that resembled a scoff. “A truly simple matter. I merely extracted the necessary knowledge from that girl over there.” It nudged its head towards Grisella.

“Extracted…” Ellis furrowed his brow.

In comparison, the solitary witch’s expression turned deathly pale. Did the Specter really possess the ability to extract knowledge from a person’s mind? Also, it had done so while Grisella was completely unaware? What kind of concept was that!?

Such an intricate level of mind manipulation was only possible for specialized beings at the level of Calamity-class and above. This was especially true if you factor in the target of said mind manipulation! As a witch and a magic user, her level of mental resistance was incredibly strong.

If the Specter really went into her mind and ‘stole’ information, then who’s to say that it did not take other things outside of the Arhan language? All of her greatest secrets, all of her most precious memories, did this thing see any of it? Did this thing tamper with any of it?

While Grisella worked herself into a worry, the Specter outright ignored her. It kept its hollow green eyes focused on Ellis.

It breathed out a heavy sigh. “Actually, I normally wouldn’t have had to go through all the trouble. I could have simply just delved into your mind and conversed that way, but…” it shook its head. “I don’t dare to even touch you. After all, I value my little life.”

“I see… so you’re no different from the ones outside.” Ellis pointed out. One touch from him was all it took to send this guy to the next stage after death. Still, he did not want to kill it just yet. Unlike the others, this Specter could talk. Since it was like that, he would much rather prefer to hold a conversation.

“That’s right.” It nodded in acknowledgment. “Aside from my profession as a priest, I am no different from all of my brothers and sisters. We are all devout citizens of her Majesty’s Divine Kingdom.”

“Her Majesty’s Divine kingdom, is that what this place is?”

“This place is…” Its words tapered out. “This place is…”

The Specter could not bring itself to finish its sentence. After a while, it suddenly asked, “The girls, did you kill them?”

“The girls?” Ellis furrowed his brow.

“Asher and Abigail. They donned on her Majesty’s sacred armor and devoted their lives to forever safeguarding the city.”

Then, it clicked. The Specter was talking about the Golems that he had battled against near the archway.

“…” Ellis did not respond. After all, he did kill them.

“In truth, it was a stupid question.” It stated. “Since you were able to get into the city, that naturally means that the girls are already dead, no?”

“…”

The Specter breathed out a sigh. “What a pity. Those pair of sisters, they were one of the kingdom’s most loyal followers. Even in death… no, they prolonged death specifically because of their loyalty. They gave up their youth and freedom in order to guard the entrance to her Majesty’s Kingdom. You… you sullied their efforts.”

It paused for a moment. “Then again, who here hasn’t sacrificed? We are her children, her servants. It is our natural duty to stand guard and await her Majesty’s glorious return. Even though she is gone now, she will never truly disappear. One day, she will come back and when that happens, her divine kingdom will rise once more.”

As the Specter spoke, its voice grew increasingly louder. Its emotion and fervor spiked, while its shoulders slightly trembled. “Until then, until her glorious return, not a single man, animal, insect or blade of grass is permitted into her Majesty’s city… well, at least that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

It suddenly stared up into Ellis’s eyes. “Unfortunately, you seem to be here.”

“…” Ellis simply stared back. The Specter’s rant had ended, but its heightened emotions did not go unnoticed. For one, the temperature in the room had dropped significantly. It was to the point where even Ellis had readily noticed it.

After a long time, the Specter was the first to break the silence. It moved forward, towards him. Ellis did not do anything. The Specter came to a stop approximately five feet away from him.

“Tell me, can you remember how many of my brethren you have killed?”

Brethren? Is it talking about the Specters outside? Ellis frowned.

“Of course, what you did was not really kill them.” It continued. “After all, they have already died. Most of them have lost their minds, consumed by their own power, the very power that they cultivated for a million years. Vestiges of humanity, mere dregs whose lingering devotion kept them chained to this city, but… they were still my friends.

“You returned them to death. Now, there is only little old me left.”

Ellis did not say anything. What could he say? He was indeed the one who killed those guys and unfortunately, he did not have the habit of gloating, especially not in front of the victim’s friends.

Instead, he decisively chose to ignore its tirade and suddenly stated, “the world tree, does it exist?”

The Specter paused for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by his statement. After a while, it nodded its head. “Yes. You should know this already, but you are indeed standing directly inside of it.”

“Then, its treasures, where are they?”

It tilted its head. “Now, why in the world would I tell you?”

“…”

“You come in here, invade her Majesty’s city, vandalize her buildings, kill her guardians, and massacre her citizens. Now, you want me to help you steal her treasures? Are you joking, Mr. Invader?”

Ellis did not answer. Or rather, he couldn’t. Right now, he felt somewhat awkward. When the Specter put it that way, wasn’t he actually the bad guy here?

“As the sole survivor of this holy city, that qualifies me to be its sole judge, jury, and executioner.” It harshly stated. “And under her Majesty’s divine rule, I sentence you to death!”

Its solemn words echoed loudly throughout the room.

Ellis reflexively tensed. He stared at the bony finger pointed directly towards his chest. It was a mere inch away from touching him. It was an admittedly short distance, but right now, it felt infinitely far away.

“…”

“…”

He waited for a few seconds, but nothing actually happened.

Eventually, the Specter sighed. It lowered its skeletal hand. “If this were a million years ago, then you would already be dead, locked up by her Majesty’s chains of salvation and fed to the Sacred Dogs until there is nothing more than bits of chewed up bone, as is the fate of all invaders.

“Unfortunately, her Majesty is not with us at the moment and I have no authority to enforce her ruling.” It paused. Suddenly, the green in its eyes intensified. “As such, I can only put my little life on the line.”

As the words leaked out from its jaws, the mana within its body rapidly began to escalate. Grisella naturally felt the change. She took a subconscious step backward before a splitting headache suddenly assaulted her. She crumpled to the floor and clutched her head in pain. The rest of the group met with the same fate. They felt the pain, but most of them were not nearly as sensitive as Grisella.

As for Ellis, he simply stood there with a conflicted expression. Naturally, he felt no pain. After all, the Specter had yet to ‘touch’ him.

“Are you sure about this?” Ellis asked, a rare trace of pity in his voice. After all, he felt somewhat bad. If they really fought, this guy would die. Normally, he wouldn’t mind such a thing, but… he was completely at fault here!

Invading a city, killing its citizens and now ransacking their treasures…

I really am the Demon King’s son… Such a thought crossed his mind.

“Were you not afraid of death?” he asked. “I thought you valued that life of yours.”

“It can’t be helped.” The Specter responded. “After all, you killed all my friends. They might have already been dead, but you still killed them. Naturally, no matter how much I value my little life, I still need to put in some effort.”

It paused for a moment. “Besides, everyone is afraid of death to some degree, but I am someone who has lived past death and lingered on this world for one reason and one reason only: to safeguard this city and kill all invaders!”

“A single brick within her Majesty’s glorious city far outweighs this little life of mine. Your mere presence here brings me great shame. I have seen it all. Through the eyes of this altar, I have seen your rampant actions. You cannot go on unpunished any longer!”

With an ear-piercing screech, the raggedly dressed Specter lunged forward. Its hands transformed into massive claws while its face burst into flames.

Ellis, as if by reflex, stretched his hand out in front of him.

He lightly touched the Specter’s chest.

Almost immediately, it writhed in agony. Still, it brought one of its claws down to strike at his face. The moment they met contact though, its claws immediately shattered.

The Specter staggered backward before it collapsed onto the floor. It slowly began to dissipate. Although the process was slower compared to the others outside, judging by its twisted facial expression, the process was several times more painful.

“I have a few more questions.” Ellis solemnly spoke as he looked down on the dying Spirit.

“I do not deign to answer them.” It simply responded.

Ellis ignored its refusal. “You, you were planning to die the very moment we entered this altar.”

“Not die,” it shook its head. “I merely risked my life to stop you. Naturally, I failed.”

“… If you were going to throw your life away like that, then why did you stop me in the first place?”

Their brief dialogue only occurred because Grisella had originally stopped him and Grisella only originally stopped him because the Specter had talked to her. If it really wanted to kill, then its best course of action would have been to launch a sneak attack while everyone was unaware of its presence.

“I… it’s been a long time since I started guarding this place.” It spoke with hesitation. “Stuck in this accursed form… I guess… I guess I just wanted someone to talk to before I pass.” It suddenly broke off into wry laughter. “It is not like I ever stood a chance in the first place.”

“…”

Ellis did not respond.

The Specter’s body continued to disintegrate. By this point, all of its limbs were gone. The withered expression on its face gave him some confidence.

He once again asked, “Where are the precious treasures?”

“Why would I tell you?” It cackled back.

“You’re already dying. Be obedient and tell me.”

“You are right. I am already dying, so I have no more reason to be obedient.” It retorted back. “You will probably find it soon enough. Her Majesty did not partake in hiding her treasures, but… until then, suffer. Waste time searching for it. As the last surviving member of the Holy city of Cahoon, this will be my one and only parting gift. Ha ha ha…”

“…”

Ellis’s expression fell. After a second of indecision, he suddenly placed a hand on its shoulder. The Specter howled in pain. The rate of its disintegration immediately sped up. At this pace, it would not last more than ten seconds.

Finally, Ellis asked his last question. “What God did you serve?”

It let out a disjointed chuckle. “What god do I serve? Obviously, I served my God!”

As the last vestiges of its ethereal body crumbled into invisible dust, the Specter’s parting words lingered in the air.

“My god… Maira… the Goddess of nature and fertility…”