"There's something that I still don't understand," I said after taking some time to consume all that information. "Why does this instinct of 'self-harm' not apply to me?"
Richard thought about it, and I know he was seriously considering the answer to this question. Just like me, he could only theorize about the reason. He took a deep breath and said, "At first, I thought the same rules applied to you as well. Well, to be precise, they did apply to you as well.
"No matter if it was our training or anything else, there never was any intention of harm. Even when Orcus sent one of his clones to assassinate you, you only managed to destroy the physical body, and I used the help of Merlin to destroy the soul because I cannot do that. However, unlike Orcus or me, you underwent a reincarnation, which means that although you share a connection with me, you are already your own person. This is coupled with the fact that something changed in you when Tulip died. Am I wrong?"
I looked down at the ground and thought about his words. I shook my head and answered, "Something did change. I'm not sure what it is, though."
It was true. I did sense that something was different, and it was a familiar sensation, yet I couldn't pinpoint what it was. I sighed and suddenly stood up before heading for the door.
"Where are you going?" Richard asked. I turned to see his eyes narrowed because he couldn't guess my intentions.
"To find the Underworld," I stated calmly.
"To do what?"
"I still have Tulip's soul with me. I don't suppose Helheim allows reincarnation, does it?"
"No…"
"Then the only place where she could reincarnate is the Underworld."
Richard sighed and said, "You have to let go, Orion. I have been down this path, and you already know the consequences. Release her soul in Helheim and let her rest. Besides, you will not be able to find the Underworld. The main Underworld was never stationary to begin with, as its location kept changing from time to time. It is almost impossible to find it now that it has been sealed with the intention of never finding it again."
"That may be true. Yet you seem to have forgotten one crucial detail," I replied while walking back to his desk.
"And that is?" he asked, his eyebrows raised.
"Me."
He frowned deeply. I didn't wait for him to reply and continued, "You said that I was the reincarnation of your Ice Clone. I am not that old, biologically speaking. That means that the process happened not long before I was born. You stated that reincarnation can only happen in the Underworld, but it is sealed. Yet, here I stand.
"There is obviously a crack in your seal."
Richard sighed but didn't reply. I turned to leave. Once again, he stopped me and asked, "Before you go, just one question. The Blood World, how long have you been thinking about it?"
"Ever since that test in Bing Zhi Di," I replied before explaining. "The projection, the Blood God, was the epitome of my physical prowess. The idea was to force a state of absolute power that could control the area around me. But as you have guessed, my control over it is not that great. Besides, I can only use it when my anger becomes uncontrollable."
"I see. Is that all?"
I shook my head, "No. I intend to perfect it, and I hope it will be the way to complete my Divine Eye."
With that, I left his office. As I was descending the stairs, Richard sent me a message through our soul link, "If you are going to search, I suggest starting with the place of your birth."
I understood what he meant, of course. The reincarnation happened not too long ago. So, if there was a clue to the location of the Underworld, it has to be close to my birthplace.
I exited the mansion, only to find my Senior Brothers and Sister gathered at the entrance. It seemed that they were all waiting for me. Each one of them passed on their condolences and comforted me. None of it was a pretense. Not only was Tulip their Junior Sister, but also my partner. The sadness they felt was almost as great as mine.
I thanked them from the bottom of my heart and excused myself. I found my Winged Lion pet training in one of the arenas around the Mansion of Night. "Hello, Zi." I knelt down and rubbed his fur.
He had certainly grown since we got separated. Through our link, he said with a lowered head, "I am sorry about big sister Tulip. I can't believe she's gone!"
"Me too, buddy," I said, sadness overwhelming me, "Me too."
I stood up and said, "I am going on a journey to try and bring her back. Or at least lay her to rest properly. Would you like to come?"
"Of course!" he replied almost instantly.
And thus, we left the Mansion of Night to look for the Underworld!
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Updated on 8/6/2026