Scar gazed expressionlessly at the harmonious scene between Lucian and Rover.
"Rover, I merely wish to kindly remind you..."
"Seeing is not always believing. Do not trust others' words so easily, nor rush to conclusions about everything."
Lucian, under Rover's skilled massage, had relaxed considerably.
He sneered, "Is this your way of introducing yourself? No matter how you look at it, Jinzhou is far more trustworthy than the Fractsidus."
Scar ignored Lucian's taunt. "Rover, this failure is my tribute to you—proof of my sincerity."
"—Choose me, and I will hold nothing back."
Rover's face remained impassive. "I already know everything."
Scar let out a cold laugh. "Oh, I see... So the Magistrate was a step ahead and told you everything, didn't she?"
Jinhsi stepped forward at that moment, her expression stern. "Scar, you have committed dozens of serious crimes within Huanglong's borders. As the Magistrate of Jinzhou, I hereby place you under arrest. Do you have anything to say?"
Scar scoffed. "What do I have to say? I'd love to tell you another story... but I doubt that's the answer you want."
"Respected Magistrate, spare me the tedious preamble. If you have questions, ask them directly."
Jinhsi nodded. She had no patience for idle talk either. "Very well. From this moment on, you will only answer our questions."
Rover was the first to speak. "Why did you imprison 'Jué'?"
Scar replied, "'Jué' is the Sentinel capable of foreseeing and correcting the future. Its existence is an obstacle to our grand vision."
"All we seek is to tear apart that predetermined, false future and seize control of our own destiny."
A predetermined, false future?
Hmm... Following the usual tropes, this foretold future was surely not a pleasant one.
And at this point, a great hero would emerge to save the world!
And that hero would be Rover—the one everyone was vying for!
At least, that's how it always played out in the movies.
As for the end of the world, Lucian wasn't worried in the slightest.
After all, he just had to cling tightly to Rover's thighs tightly, while Rover had far more to consider.
Rover pressed on. "Why are you so fixated on awakening the Threnodians?"
Scar answered, "The Threnodians... are the key to unlocking a new world."
"Their gathering will bring forth the 'true Lament,' ushering us into a... brand-new era."
Oh-ho!
Lucian hated riddles, but these words were relatively straightforward.
In short, the Fractsidus sought to unite the Threnodians to create a new world.
But going by the usual tropes, this "new world" was likely just another illusion.
Rover asked, "What exactly is the Lament?"
Scar replied, "A disaster? A curse? Divine punishment? These are but shallow human interpretations..."
"The Lament brings death, destruction, and countless Reverberations."
"Within the Lament, they endlessly reflect, intertwine, and overlap. New life, new civilizations... can only be born within the Lament."
Lucian pondered. The Lament destroyed everything, yet also birthed countless Tacet Discords. Perhaps this was what the Fractsidus desired?
Or perhaps this concept aligned with their ideology?
Destroy everything, then create a new world.
But Lucian couldn't accept their beliefs.
Why must rebirth come from destruction?
He was the first to disagree!
Still, these were just Lucian's speculations. As for the deeper meaning behind Scar's cryptic words—Lucian, being the lazy bum he was, had no intention of delving further.
Rover asked, "What was your purpose in tracking me?"
Scar answered, "Our reason for seeking you has always been the same... We hoped you would join us."
Seeing that Rover had no further questions, Jinhsi stepped forward.
"Imprisoning 'Jué,' awakening the Threnodians, hastening the Lament... These goals alone are enough to make you enemies of Jinzhou—no, of all humanity."
"And abandon any notion of recruiting Rover. She is a guest of Jinzhou, and I will not allow you to harm her."
Scar laughed coldly. "Such lofty words! The revival of the Threnodians is imminent. Jinzhou is already beset by crises within and without, struggling to protect itself. How much longer can you hold out?"
Jinhsi replied coolly, "If we could thwart your plans once, we can do so countless times."
"One final question. Restraining 'Jué,' tracking Rover, and setting an ambush in Qichi Village—you couldn't have accomplished all this alone."
"Unless..."
Scar finished her thought, "Unless there is more than one Fractsidus Overseer currently within Jinzhou's borders, correct? Hahahaha..."
Watching Scar's stifled laughter, Lucian recalled the woman who also wore red like him.
He remembered her head wrapped in bandages, covering one eye.
Surely, she was the other Overseer operating in Jinzhou.
Who knew how they would react upon learning of Scar's capture? A prison break?
Or perhaps... this was all part of their plan.
"I have shown you my utmost sincerity in answering your questions. Whether you understand or not means nothing to me."
"You may try your hardest to stop us... but the wheels of history turn inexorably, never deviating from their path."
"Now, I have a question of my own..."
"You've always believed that 'Jué's' disappearance was caused by our actions. Magistrate, aren't you the least bit curious... about the truth behind it?"
Jinhsi asked, "What do you know about 'Jué'?"
Scar's voice turned insidious. "Want to know? Come, Magistrate, this secret... I'll share it with you alone."
Sanhua barked, "How dare you!"
She looked at Jinhsi. "Magistrate—"
Jinhsi nodded at Sanhua, signaling her not to worry.
Then, she took a few steps forward, stopping beside Scar.
Scar leaned in, whispering something only the two of them could hear.
Jinhsi's expression shifted slightly in shock. "Impossible..."
Scar sneered. "Surprised? There's more where that came from..."
"What if I told you this was a prophecy 'Jué' had already made... What would you think?"
"A Sentinel capable of foreseeing the future has abandoned you now. Doesn't that say everything?"
"All we've done... is add a few small logs to the already raging inferno."