Eternal Thief

“System, explain to me how in the world I have a ‘True Name’ like a Primal Spirit. What is going on?”

Ace hasn’t forgotten about the disruption during the Primal Bond and almost incurred Pixy’s wrath over it. But he wasn’t at fault because he had no idea he was a ‘True Name’ carrier. He didn’t even know the difference between ‘worldly’ name and ‘True Name’.

This revelation reeled Ace; if not for his quick thinking, he knew he would’ve suffered terribly. He didn’t ask Pixy because he could sense she needed rest, and she was forcibly keeping herself calm to answer his doubts.

Although she seemed to have recovered slightly after binding with the Thief’s Space, it wasn’t enough, so he let her rest.

But this matter regarding his true name was too important for him to miss, and if anyone might know the absolute truth, it would be the system since ‘Heaven’s Stealer’ originated from it.

Yet, the system did not respond and ignored him, making Ace indignant. He knew the system was again hiding. Nonetheless, now that he had Pixy, he knew he’d learn about this matter eventually.

“I’m not done with you!” Ace muttered angrily before he started to recover and arrange his thoughts.

Today, Ace had learned many things, and he needed time to digest them all as the time for departure was drawing near.

—

Back at the Shadowed Glade,

Hidden within the branches of the corrupted spirit tree, Ace was lying in wait when suddenly a figure abruptly appeared a few meters away.

Ace was alarmed and about to activate his ability when that figure suddenly spoke, “Wait, I’m from the Evil Slaying Division. I was tasked to monitor you!”

Ace stopped in his tracks, but he didn’t let his guard down as he looked at the cloaked figure. Although this person’s strength was hidden, he could still feel the terrifying strength hidden underneath it.

He had already guessed that someone was monitoring him, but it was extremely strange since this person suddenly chose to reveal himself.

‘At least an Ascension Guardian…’

“I need some verification.” Ace impassively demanded, and he was in the right.

“Here.” The mysterious figure didn’t seem offended and even seemed to approve of Ace’s behavior. He then flashed a badge in front of Ace, and when Ace saw the imposing words ‘Evil Slaying’ on the badge, which correctly matched his own badge, he confirmed the other party’s identity.

“Senior!” He respectfully greeted.

“No need to stand on ceremony. Just call me Senior Brother since we belong to the same division.” The other party chuckled as he said, “I’ve been watching you for a while, and I have to admit, you are very good!”

“I’m just doing what is best to survive.” Ace respectfully replied before he hesitantly asked, “Why did Senior Brother show himself? Is there some problem?”

“I don’t know either. I just received a message from the sect to bring you back. Your mission has been canceled. Let’s go; someone else will take care of it,” he solemnly stated.

Ace was now even more confused and also slightly vigilant, “May I know the reason behind this sudden change?”

The Senior Brother shrugged, “As I said, I don’t know. Anyway, let’s go. We need to return imminently. I have already placed a teleportation formation to bring you back once you complete your mission, so it won’t take much time now.”

In the end, Ace decided to obediently follow this Senior Brother. Although he was feeling uneasy, he still didn’t do anything. After all, he was confident of fleeing as he pleased if things went south.

The teleportation formation was hidden a few miles away from the hideout in the Shadowed Glade. It seems to be a single-use formation. Once it’s used, it’ll be instantly destroyed, so no one can use the coordinates.

King Sects like the PHW King Sects have their own secret teleportation channels, and they were closely monitored by them. Only authorized disciples can use them, and even if someone can figure out their coordination, they won’t be able to infiltrate so easily.

The Senior Brother quickly activated the teleportation formation with his sect badge, and with Ace, they vanished!

—

Ace appeared with the senior brother in the Prime Heavenly Wealth King Sect, teleportation hall within the Evil Slaying Division.

When Ace’s vision settled, he was astounded when he saw Steward Jesper, and the iron-skinned barbarian, Division Elder Melvin, seemed to be waiting for them not far away.

“Division Elder? Steward?” Even Senior Brother seemed surprised by their presence since he knew better than anyone how busy Melvin was, yet here he was waiting for them with Steward Jesper.

“You did great. Go and claim your reward.” Melvin dismissed the senior brother without any intention of giving an explanation, and despite the latter’s confusion, he didn’t dare to question and bid farewell promptly.

Once the senior brother was gone, Ace, Jesper, and Melvin were left alone in the teleportation hall.

But then Steward Jesper impassively ordered Melvin, “Your task here is done. I’ll take it from here.”

Melvin gave Steward Jesper a reproachful glance before looking at Ace meaningfully. Without a word, he grunts and vanishes.

“What is this about Steward Jesper? Did I do something wrong?” Ace couldn’t remain silent at this moment and asked the old steward with a hint of unease. He didn’t like this situation at all.

Steward Jesper looked at Ace with a hint of helplessness, “You’ve done nothing wrong, child. Don’t worry; it’s just a strange development that has occurred, and because of your special status, you were called back.”

“What development?” He probed.

“Truthfully, even I don’t know, but you’ll know soon…” Just as Steward Jesper’s voice trailed off, Ace suddenly felt a terrifying power locked on him. The next moment, without any ability to resist, his body was dragged into space, and he vanished!

Steward Jesper’s expression was somewhat dark as he muttered in exasperation, “Matriarch, just what are you planning exactly!?”