The following evening, the library at the Abyssal Observation Station was shrouded in an eerie stillness.
The setting sun cast dim light through the tall windows, throwing twisted shadows on the living books.
Uphemia sat alone in the corner reading area, with a book titled "High Tier Bloodline Modulation Theory" spread open before her.
Her white hair fell like a waterfall on either side of her shoulders, appearing as smooth as silk under the dim magic crystal lamp light.
A crimson wizard’s robe wrapped around her graceful figure, with the emblem of the Blood Moon Clan prominent on her chest.
On the surface, she was still that beautiful and powerful genius of the Blood Moon Clan.
But upon closer observation, one would notice the white-haired witch’s eyes were somewhat unfocused, not truly absorbed in the contents of the pages.
Her long legs were unconsciously crossed and lightly bouncing.
Bouncing legs, a common subconscious action when people are anxious.
These days, she had been in a state similar to being soulless and confused.
The exploration of the Abyss Fifth Layer had caused unprecedented doubts about her future.
And after that event, Aiden’s prolonged silence in slumber only intensified her unease.
"Good afternoon, Miss Uphemia."
Ron’s voice came from behind, causing the white-haired witch pretending to read to feel her heart race.
She turned around, attempting to force a professional smile onto her face.
"Lecturer Ralph..." Uphemia’s voice was somewhat unsteady, "You came to the library as well? What’s today’s research topic?"
Her voice sounded normal, but her pace was slightly faster than usual.
"Some theoretical verifications in Bloodline Studies, but there’s something more important..."
Ron sat casually in the chair opposite her:
"It’s about your recent situation, and some things you might... no, you must understand."
Hearing this, Uphemia’s pupils slightly contracted.
She instinctively felt that this conversation was not going to be ordinary social chitchat.
"What kind of things?"
The white-haired witch tried to maintain a calm tone, but the frequency of her leg bouncing clearly increased.
At that moment, the side door of the library opened softly.
Chloe walked in, her presence seemingly lowering the temperature of the entire area by several degrees.
The living books sensed the special aura of the Astrologer and closed their pages, as if avoiding some ominous foreboding.
"This is Miss Chloe Star Voice..." Ron habitually began to introduce them, then seemed to recall something:
"Oh right, Miss Chloe mentioned she had some unpleasant encounter with you, so I suppose there’s no need for further introductions."
Chloe gave Ron a slight nod.
But when the girl’s "gaze" fell upon Uphemia, her entire demeanor grew grim and sharp.
Even through black silk, Uphemia could feel that unsettling "stare."
"Miss Chloe, what... what do you want to do?"
Uphemia’s voice began to tremble, a stark contrast to her once brazen attack on Chloe.
As a bloodline witch with extremely keen perception, she could sense that unique resonance emanating from Chloe, aimed solely at her.
"To reveal some truths." Chloe’s voice was soft as the night breeze, but the coldness it contained was chilling:
"About your past, present, and... the potential future."
She carefully placed the "Celestial Ball" crystal she was holding onto the table between the three of them.
The crystal began to emit a faint silver glow, and even the air around it seemed to become viscous.
"I don’t understand what you are talking about."
Uphemia forced herself to stay calm, but the anxiety in her voice was undeniable:
"If this is some kind of prank..."
"It’s not a prank, Uphemia." Ron’s tone turned serious:
"It’s time to face reality, about your true purpose, about the King of Blood’s plan, and about your destined tragic fate."
These words poured over Uphemia like ice water.
She abruptly stood up, the chair screeching against the floor: "What do you... what do you really know?"
"We know that you are not the natural heir of the Blood Moon Clan."
Chloe’s voice was still gentle, but each word pierced Uphemia’s heart like a sharp blade:
"We know you were artificially created as a perfect masterpiece, and we know that in the eyes of your creator, you will always be a tool to be discarded at will."
Uphemia’s face instantly turned as pale as paper.
The fears she had worked so hard to bury deep within her were now mercilessly exposed.
"Damn it..."
She stood up and looked around, making sure no one else was present before taking a deep breath and returning her voice to calmness:
"After saying all that, what evidence do you have?"
"The evidence lies in your future."
Chloe placed her hands gently on either side of the Celestial Ball Crystal:
"Let me show you those lines of fate and see where your life leads without external interference."
As Chloe infused her spiritual power, the nebula within the Celestial Ball began to churn violently.
The atmosphere of the entire library changed again.
The living books let out low, mournful cries, as if lamenting the horrific future about to be revealed.
"By the way, I need some of your personal items as divination anchors."
Chloe extended her hand: "A strand of hair or any other item bearing your life essence."