Chen Tian looked at the young man before him. The young man slowly opened his eyes and said with a dazed expression, "I'm not dead? What's going on?"
This was the young man's inner question. He knew that the moment he was devoured by a Devourer, his original consciousness would be annihilated, and his body and will would become that of the Devourer. He hadn't been possessed; what was happening?
Chen Tian's figure also appeared before the young man, and he then spoke, "You're awake!"
"Who are you? No, that strange aura, you're an outsider!"
The young man looked at Chen Tian warily. Chen Tian then said, "Don't be afraid, I'm not here to harm you. In fact, I'm the one who saved you!"
"Heh heh! Do you think you have the ability? Why should I believe you!"
The young man spoke with arrogance. Chen Tian sensed a hint of overbearing self-importance in his tone and couldn't help but shake his head. He extended his palm, and instantly the ring on his index finger appeared before the young man's eyes.
The young man's expression changed drastically, and then he knelt down and said sincerely, "I have offended you greatly just now. Please forgive me, Lord of Hope!"
Chen Tian was speechless. Why was he suddenly kneeling?
He then walked to the young man and said, "Get up! There's no need to kneel, I don't like such rituals."
The young man said reproachfully, "Unless the Lord of Hope forgives my previous offense, I will not rise."
"Alright, alright, I forgive you then, okay?"
Chen Tian said helplessly. What was going on in this world? He felt a strange sense of unease, but he couldn't quite pinpoint it.
The young man then slowly stood up and bowed towards Chen Tian. Chen Tian then spoke, "Let me understand the situation in this world, and about this ring. You called me the Lord of Hope just now, didn't you?"
"Yes, this ring is a relic from the Divine Battlefield. It is the key to saving this city. This ring has many functions. The one who holds it is called the Lord of Hope, who will bring hope to the entire world."
"And this entire city was once part of the Divine Battlefield. Now, only a tenth of it remains. The other areas have been scattered into the void, drifting aimlessly. No one knows where they have gone."
The young man spoke slowly, and Chen Tian understood.
He then looked at the young man and said faintly, 'How many people in this city have not yet turned into Devourers?'
"Thirteen people. There are thirteen remaining. Out of the original hundreds of people in the city, only thirteen are still steadfastly resisting the forceful possession of their bodies and wills by the Devourers. But their time is running out. Moreover, all the Devourers will gather in one place, and they will act as a team to achieve their goals."
The young man, Luokesi, said calmly, his expression resolute. A panel suddenly appeared before Chen Tian, and as he looked at it, he realized it was a quest panel, specifically a team quest panel.
As a Cold Sleeper, Chen Tian could accept team quests, but only in team mode. Team mode was essentially group mode. He clicked on the option indicating how many people could be grouped, and a panel appeared stating a maximum group limit of seven.
Chen Tian then looked at the quest objective: Eliminate the Devourer team. Reward: ???
This was the second time Chen Tian had received a quest with an unknown reward, and he felt a surge of excitement. He then looked at Luokesi and said, 'Take me to the remaining people. I can save them, provided you still trust me!'
"I trust you. Since the Ring of Hope has chosen you, why wouldn't I trust you? Although you are an outsider, I believe in you."
"Trust is based on understanding and recognition. I've already seen that from your demeanor and actions just now. You are definitely not an evil person, nor are you a purely good person, but you distinguish between good and evil. Your thoughts are your own."
"I believe you! This way, please!"
Luokesi extended his arm and bowed. Chen Tian, led by Luokesi, headed northeast.
In a house to the northeast, there were more than a dozen people. Black patterns were appearing on their bodies, spreading slowly across them. They gritted their teeth, steadfastly resisting the will of the Devourers. They would never surrender.
After enduring painfully, their bodies erupted with black light. The door slowly opened. Luokesi looked at the people before him with a taut expression, then turned to Chen Tian and said, "I leave it to you!"
"En!"
Chen Tian nodded. He looked at the people before him, whose bodies and wills had not yet been completely occupied. He slowly opened his index finger and pointed directly at them. The Ring of Hope then emitted a brilliant light. A suction force emerged from the crystal within the ring, drawing out streams of black and red blood cells from the bodies of the group and into the crystal on Chen Tian's index finger.
Chen Tian watched as the crystal gradually turned black and red, completely losing its pure white hue. He withdrew his hand. The black patterns on these people's bodies had diminished.
Chen Tian said to Luokesi, 'It's temporarily relieved. The Ring of Hope's ability has a limit. I need to wait for it to purify before I can continue.'
"I understand. Lord of Hope, the Ring of Hope is a symbol of hope, but it does have limitations. I won't blame you. Perhaps next time, my friends will recover."
Luokesi said with unwavering resolve. Chen Tian nodded. Those people then fell into a deep sleep, exhausted from enduring such pain.
At the same time, Chen Tian noticed someone among the group, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.
He then approached the sleeping youth. The youth's skin was clear, his eyes were as hazy as crystals, and his physique was that of an eighteen-year-old boy, with slender arms and legs. His hair was a blend of gold and red as he slept soundly.
Chen Tian looked at Luokesi and asked, "Luokesi, what is this fellow's name?"
"This fellow is named Lie. He was one of the first group of people who arrived here, and he's endured the longest."
"His willpower and conviction have lasted until now; it can be said to be very strong."
Luokesi sighed. However, that willpower and conviction could also destroy him. If possible, he wished for this child to have a peaceful life.
Chen Tian showed a hint of interest. He then activated his Divine Eyes and looked at the youth. Information appeared before Chen Tian's eyes.
Chen Tian nodded with satisfaction and said, "This child is very special. He might be your second hope."