"Heh, that's a good joke, Innkeeper. You're quite the comedian," said Ventura with a massive smile. "How could I possibly intrude on your secrets like that? Am I that kind of person? I was just taken aback by what you said, that's all. No, I totally respect your autonomy and privacy in any and all matters related to the Nether. In fact, even if you want to tell me, then I will have to insist that you don't."

The more that ventura spoke, the more frustrated that Eclipse became, glaring at him. Dammit, she had just casually offered a reward. Why did the Innkeeper have to take things so seriously? This was no fun.

Eclipse crossed her arms and began to pout, much to the amusement of Nulli.

"Innkeeper, what kind of payment are you looking for? I might have something that interests you," she said, before winking at him provocatively.

The Innkeeper did not seem affected in the least.

"Something that can help my Inn, and something of equal value. Or greater value - I won't reject it if you're feeling generous," the Innkeeper answered directly, as if it was a serious question.

Nulli's smile widened, almost as if she was excited by the fact that he did not seem affected by her charms.

In truth, Nulli was genuinely and astoundingly beautiful, so much so that Lex might have lost his mind at her casual flirting if he were an ordinary Immortal. Fortunately, he had a firm mind, a resolute soul, and according to his system's remarks, the fate of someone who was forever alone.

Oh also, there was that bit of common sense in the back of his mind reminding him that if he were to ever even receive a kiss from Nulli, it would probably eradicate his existence due to the sheer difference in power between them.

"By the way, can someone tell me what activation level the pillar is at?" Bridget asked, bringing the topic back to what really mattered.

Ventura, who was greatly pleased at the price that Eclipse would have to pay, also chimed in.

"Yes, yes, what level is it at now? After the Innkeeper's contribution, I doubt it would remain at a low level. I need to know - after all, it's my turn next."

Harriot quickly checked the pillar and responded.

"It's in the middle of the seventh level of activation. This... honestly, I never expected the pillar to reach such a high level, or I wouldn't have brought it out," Harriot answered honestly. Secrets collected by the Primordial Queen weren't things that should be easily shared. Then again, the Innkeeper did not seem like a pushover in that matter too.

Ventura grinned, and looked at Eclipse with a great look of satisfaction. Finally, she had suffered a loss. If she had to pay the Innkeeper according to the secret he revealed, then the souvenir she would have to cough up would not be at the level of something as simple and basic as the Gabana fruit.

She would have to bring something out from her actual treasures for this! Fortunately, Ventura had the good sense to reject the Innkeepers offer to sell him the secret. After all, it was entirely useless whether they knew or not. It wasn't as if they would ever be able to enter the Nether and take advantage of whatever was in there.

If such a day ever came, he could pay a visit to the Innkeeper then. For now though, it seemed that Eclipse had to pay a tremendous amount for a relatively useless secret.

Just as he was about to go on ahead and contribute a secret of his own, Little Crusty stepped forward.

"Something really bad is coming. The universe is about to enter autumn. The harvests are ready, and some stand ready reap the rewards. All the trees that shed... may not survive the winter to see summer once more."

Little Crusty's words seemed very prophetic, as if he was foretelling the future. For once, no one paid any attention to the changing color of the pillar. Instead, they were contemplating his words, and judging how seriously to take them. A Sovereign that had become a Dao Lord was... not someone who could be looked down on.

If even such an entity was predicting disaster, then maybe they had all underestimated the seriousness of this war.

Even Ventura and Eclipse took a moment to reevaluate their judgment of the situation.

Then, just as abruptly as he had stepped forward, the turtle left, uncaring about how his words were taken.

Lex wasn't sure if anyone else took his words seriously. He, personally, took it as an open declaration that shit was about to hit the fan. Any and all contingencies that he had been preparing for the Inn needed to be deployed now, without holding anything back.

He'd spent enough time with Sovereigns to know not to treat them lightly. Whether that was an overreaction or not did not matter to him. He would

rather be safe than sorry.

*****

Hall of Powa, Inner chambers

Daekol was still in the process of adapting to his recent baptism, and it would take a long while before he truly finished adapting to it. Soon, however, he would be fit to roam the universe once more. He did not need to spend all his time adapting in seclusion.

After all, he had a very important hunt to depart on. He replayed the video he had received when he used the Time Replay token back in Arch-heaven. The human and the mermaid were talking to one another, in the presence of many beasts. The presence of the beasts hardly mattered. What mattered were the humans words - the very human that he had surmised contained the system he was hunting for.

"Right, like I was saying," said the human. "I would greatly appreciate it if we can talk about how to exit this place. If you have the power to take us out of here, I can pay you for it. Have you heard of the Midnight Inn? It's a great, relaxing place to rest and enjoy yourself. I work there, so if you ever come around I would love to be your host."