CHAPTER 145: CH-145

The jade-like armor darkened first, its green surface draining into a deep, liquid black. The darkness flowed over it, curling and twisting like ink before swallowing the armor completely.

A sudden heat shot across my right chest, making me gasp.

Instinctively, I ripped open my shirt.

A round tattoo was etched into my skin, scales overlapping like a living pattern, each one catching the light as if it had grown there naturally.

When I focused on the tattoo, it transformed, forming a shadow armor that mimicked the celestial gear.

[Host, you have the ability to turn this armor on and off. However, the three-strike cap remains]

I nodded in understanding. Being able to summon it at will was more than enough, and the tattoo’s design wasn’t so bad either.

Now that two of the three were complete, it was time to tackle the main event.

The Asura Avatar Card floated in my vision again. It looked even more intense than before.

A wolf symbol burned at the center, and thin streams of dark lightning crawled around its edges. The design alone made my skin prickle.

No point waiting.

I activated it.

My vision went dark for a blink. Then the familiar pull of the simulation hit me like a wave.

drip... drip...

The sound reached my ears first. Cold wetness pressed against my cheek, and I realized I was lying on damp ground.

When my eyes adjusted, rough stone and packed mud filled my view.

I pushed myself up, but something felt wrong.

My back refused to straighten, as if I were carrying a boulder on it.

’Wait... what’s going on?’

Tried again—no use. My legs didn’t move the way they should. Each attempt made my balance slip, forcing me to drop back down. Crawling became the only option.

’I should find the exit first,’

I followed the faint breeze brushing across my face. A dim light grew ahead.

Bit by bit, the tight passage widened until I reached the exit of a cave.

The moon hung overhead, bright and full. Its light covered a stretch of forest below. Beyond the trees, a walled town stood with countless lanterns glowing above the streets.

Sadness and longing welled up in my chest as I watched the place.

Unfortunately, I had no memories of this body, so I didn’t even know where the feeling was coming from.

Then my attention shifted to the huge moon above. My heart raced as I stared at it, caught in a strange trance. I couldn’t look away—until a sound pulled my focus elsewhere.

Leaves snapped in the distance.

I stepped back and watched, knowing this simulation stood on a whole different level compared to the others.

A robed figure moved through the trees. It halted a few meters away, then lifted the hood slowly.

"Remus, it’s me—Elizabeth."

Under the robe stood a beautiful woman. Her long braided hair framed her pretty face, and her blue eyes shone in the moonlight. She lifted one hand, revealing a small basket.

"I brought you food and medicine," she said gently, stepping closer.

For now, I decided to trust her—because my heart said so, of course. Not because I’m easily swayed by a pretty face. Definitely not. I’m obviously not weak‑minded.

My eyes landed on the basket, filled with bread and fruit. I took a bite and began filling my stomach, just so I could continue the simulation. Right now, she was my only clue.

Mid-bite, I stole a glance at her and was surprised at how natural and pretty she looked. Her scent was subtle but pleasant—not from perfume, just her natural aroma.

"Remus, I heard there’s a healer up in the mountains. Maybe we could go see her and get you healed?"

I stopped eating halfway. By now, I already figured out that I am hunchback, which explained why I couldn’t stand up straight.

"Why are you helping me so much?" I asked, trying to gauge her intentions.

She bit her lip and gave my back a light pat. "Why wouldn’t I help you? We grew up together. And I don’t care what the townspeople say about you being cursed. I know you’re a good guy."

I just nodded, pretending to pay attention.

It didn’t seem like the body I was controlling was some badass general, nor did it have any superpowers—aside from a disability. So I wondered what earned him an Asura Rank. There had to be something.

"The healer you mentioned—where did you hear about her?"

She paused, her eyes on the town in the distance. "She only came last week."

"At first, people were wary of her. She dresses all in black and wears a mourning gown. But those who bought her potions... they started getting better, one by one."

Her eyes darkened slightly. "Of course, the church didn’t like it. They called her out for practicing witchcraft. So she decided to buy a home in the mountains and stay away from all the trouble."

"Oh... the church didn’t imprison her or burn her alive?"

Her eyebrow shot up in suspicion. "Remus, what are you saying? You’re acting... weird."

Damn it. I messed up.

"No, I didn’t mean anything like that. I just assumed anyone practicing witchcraft would be seen as evil by the church."

"They do," she sighed deeply. "But executing a person for heresy alone is no longer allowed. The incident years ago—when a whole country was destroyed by a vampire lord because they burn his wife for witchcraft—made the church more careful."

My eyes perked up. What an interesting story. I would give that vampire lord a thumbs-up for actually going that far to avenge his wife.

"Let’s head there tonight," she insisted, her eyes making it clear she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

"Okay," I followed her lead through the forest.

Moving on all fours was awkward. Every step was exhausting. Branches scratched my arms. Roots snagged my feet.

After what felt like an eternity, we reached the top of a small hill. Nestled among the trees was a modest log house.

Warm light spilled from the windows, and the soft glow of lanterns revealed that the person we were looking for was indeed inside.

’I have a bad feeling about this.’