Mola smiled ambiguously, not responding to Andre’s sarcasm.
"So, young ones, tell me..."
The raspy voice echoed within the cramped pawnshop, and her hunched figure cast an eerie shadow under the dim light:
"What are you seeking here?"
Ron cautiously observed the old woman’s every move, particularly those sharp eyes, incongruously bright for her age.
"We are looking for a material called ’Sands of Time.’
He spoke frankly: "I’ve heard that you might know something about it."
Weeks ago, in pursuit of understanding the ways to advance the Time Guardian Pocket Watch, he had read in ancient texts about materials that could store Time Energy.
Among them was mentioned the rare substance known as ’Sands of Time.’
Mola grinned, revealing a few yellowing teeth, a peculiar glint flashing in her eyes:
"Sands of Time... such precious material. Do you know why it’s so rare? Because it comes from the cracks in time, almost not belonging to our world."
Andre stood next to Ron, arms crossed, his golden vertical pupils scanning warily across the space full of strange items:
"Is there anyone who can provide this material? We are willing to pay a corresponding price."
Mola did not answer directly but instead circled behind the counter, her dry fingers caressing a row of jars:
"Price... yes, everything has a price. But the question is, what kind of price can you pay?"
She suddenly lifted her head, looking straight into Ron’s eyes:
"Young Apprentice, I can sense something... special vibrating within you, your soul is unique."
Ron’s heart tightened but he maintained his calm surface:
"We only wish to learn information about the Sands of Time, without discussing other topics deeper."
"Too impatient, young one."
Mola sighed, a strange smile appearing on her aged face:
"Before talking about such precious materials, I need to confirm whether you have enough value."
As soon as she said this, she suddenly raised her bony fingers, snapping sharply in Andre’s direction.
Andre’s body suddenly tensed up, his previously vigilant golden vertical pupils turned vacant and lifeless, his whole person frozen like a statue.
"Andre!"
Ron exclaimed, while his right hand quietly moved towards the pocket watch at his waist, his left hand gripping the Ironwood Sword, Spiritual Power swiftly coursing through him, ready to perform Sound Wave Vibration.
Ron’s Spiritual Power had already spread out, attempting to discern the true identity of this mysterious old woman, and at that moment, a shocking transformation occurred——
Mola’s hunched form began to twist and transform, wrinkles rapidly receding, yellow skin gradually becoming fair, her entire body reshaping into a completely new image.
Ron’s eyes widened, his breath nearly stopped.
Standing before him had transformed into the figure of Lady Allen herself, even the voice was identical to that of his mentor:
"Ron, my child, don’t be nervous."
Lady Allen’s voice was gentle and steady: "I’ve always known your secret— you possess a Dual Soul; you do not belong to this world."
Ron felt dizzy, as if struck by a heavy blow.
His second deepest secret, now laid bare so openly, was more shocking than facing any formidable enemy.
"What are you?" Ron fought to regain his composure, Spiritual Power already poised for attack.
"I am the one who sees all, Ron. Every one of your secrets, every thought, is as clear to me as black and white text."
"Lady Allen" smiled faintly:
"Your soul, which does not belong to this world, your brain housing dual Memories... I know it all."
Ron felt a chill spreading from his spine to his entire body.
If this being truly knew all his secrets, then all his plans in the Black Mist Jungle faced collapse.
"Child, you should leave here."
"Lady Allen’s" image suddenly underwent a subtle change, a hint of greed possessed only by a predator flashing through her eyes:
"This is not a place you should come to, some secrets are not for an apprentice like you to touch. I will keep it confidential for everyone, as long as you... leave now."
Just as Ron was about to draw his sword, a semi-transparent message suddenly popped up in his view:
[Detection of "Rare Artifact" — Transformer’s Skin (Activated)]
[Effect:
1. Consumes Energy to simulate the appearance and partial abilities of a designated target
2. Blocks Spiritual Power detection and allows for a seamless disguise]
[Current Charge Status: 99% (can be charged by devouring live souls)]
[Note: The artifact is about to reach the charge threshold, advancing into Glory Legacy, and will thus completely break free from control to become a separate entity]
The transparent message was like a beacon, illuminating his thoughts shrouded in shock.
The intricate clues connected rapidly in his mind:
People’s disappearances in Lizard Alley, Otto’s warning, those inexplicable "tests," and this Transformer before him able to probe Memories.
All pointed to the same truth:
This being claiming to be Mola was nothing but a Rare Artifact about to complete its advancement.
It used the special environment of Lizard Alley to collect souls, and now it’s just short of the final Energy to complete charging.
That’s why it was bluffing here to scare him away, then finish collecting the last soul Energy to complete its advancement and entirely break free.
"What a brilliant performance, Transformer’s Skin."
He stared directly at the "Lady Allen" before him, a mocking smile appearing on his lips: