Chapter 287 : The Best in the World!

The ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍Best in the World!

System: Skill obtained—"Undead Overture."

Undead Overture (Tier 4): All Undead units within the range of the diva's skill have all their attributes increased by 20%, and physical resistance increased by 10%.

An indescribably powerful BUFF skill!

(Note: When the diva's skills are used repeatedly in a short period, the effects will greatly diminish.)

As the singing stopped, sweat beaded on Serea's forehead, but the audience below was still not fully satisfied.

But there was one thing...

"System, aren't all these Faith Crystals enough to unlock the Abyss Altar?"

System: Insufficient materials, unable to unlock.

What now? Do I really have to wait until next time?

But to have to put on such an embarrassing show again... Please, no...

Just as Serea was thinking this, tethys and the other two exchanged a glance, and all of them simultaneously flashed mischievous smiles.

Then, nora put down her harp and instead took out a bass. Were they planning...

Suddenly, the electric guitar combined with the jazz drums burst into an upbeat, rhythmic prelude. That was...

"Life Will Change."

Serea had only ever shared this song with Dogsius and a few others, but she never expected that they'd actually managed to reproduce the instrumental backing!

Stunned, Serea looked back in surprise and grilled them in a whisper.

"Hey, what are you guys doing? This part isn't in the program!"

"But the audience still isn't satisfied. An abrupt exit isn't what a true diva should do!"

Ignoring Serea's protest, tethys let the music keep playing. Serea became so nervous that her body tensed up.

To be honest, she wasn't even familiar with this song!

So is this the "surprise" they mentioned?

Well, she felt nothing but shock, and it broke her into a cold sweat—if she botched it...

"Totally set up!"

As a track from the game "Persona 5," its unique rhythm and beat made it a legendary song in the hearts of many players, and now, as Serea reproduced it, just the opening bars sent the whole venue into a frenzy.

With everyone swaying to the beat, this legendary toe-tapping tune instantly pivoted the mood from the epic grandeur of "Undead Overture" to pure merriment.

What? You've never heard this song?

P5 is the best in the world! (Recommended: turn on your music player)

But from Serea's slightly trembling hands, it was obvious she wasn't feeling confident at all.

At the same time, the effect of an enchanted gem on her dress was triggered.

A glow lit up, and as Serea stood there completely dumbfounded, her long gown transformed into a compact black miniskirt, her top changed into a black-and-white uniform, and a silver mask appeared on her face.

Similarly, the outfits of Tethys and the other two also changed, becoming full-on video game cosplay. With the shifting black, white, and red background screens and the lights, Serea felt as if she had been completely pulled into the game itself.

Just then, as the toe-tapping prelude faded and a rapid drumbeat took over, Serea was forced to start singing.

It's not a game~

I'm not a robot AI challenging you~

The moment her singing rang out, the venue was once again pushed to a new climax.

"Ooohhh!"

Swaying with Serea's singing, the joyful mood filled the entire opera house. The sense of artistic grandeur was forgotten—happiness was everything!

At the same moment, the System notification chimed in.

System: Gathering Faith Crystals...

The rhythm of the song swept everyone up. Serea poured every bit of focus into singing it perfectly without a single mistake.

With such a cheerful rhythm, by the time Serea and the others retreated backstage at the end of the song, nobody in the audience even realized the performance had ended.

As the lift platform lowered, Serea immediately collapsed in exhaustion.

"See? Serea's singing is amazing. No need to worry or be nervous at all."

"I'm dying here!"

Dogsius supported her and dragged her to the backstage lounge. Completely spent, Serea slumped over the table, feeling like all the strength had left her body.

System: Faith Crystals gained x203.

Thankfully, there were now enough Faith Crystals to unlock the Abyss Altar... but there was one thing...

"Why did the second song earn less?"

System: The amount of faith power each person can provide over a period of time is limited.

"So are the current Faith Crystals enough to unlock the Abyss Altar?"

System: Would you like to consume Faith Crystals x500 to unlock the Abyss Altar?

"Yes!"

At the mention of unlocking the Abyss Altar, Serea's fatigue and embarrassment instantly vanished. After confirming, five hundred Faith Crystals were consumed.

System: Abyss Altar unlocked. Host has obtained "Deep Sea Mermaid" form and is awarded compensation: "The Darkness Sovereign's Invitation x3" and the basic building blueprint "Evil God Chapel."

"There it is!"

Seeing that "Evil God Chapel" extends under both the "Faith" and "Fear" branches, Serea felt that all her hard work was worth it.

But before she could properly investigate further, several people suddenly rushed in from outside.

"Miss Candice."

As they entered the room, Vina tentatively called out. At the sound, Serea hurriedly put away the Deep Sea Relic and forced a smile as she turned around.

"Hel...hello."

Feigning ignorance, Serea completely assumed the identity of Candice, but...

Lilith stared at Serea disguised as Candice for a long time. During this, the corners of her mouth curled up, clearly suspecting something.

"Miss Candice, your performance was simply incredible!"

Little stars sparkled in Doluka's eyes. Seeing the crowd gather around her, Serea timidly took a step back and replied perfunctorily.

"I...if you like it, that's wonderful."

But right after this, yet another group of elves joined them.

"Miss Candice, did you compose that last song yourself?"

"Uh..."

"Miss Candice, may I take a look at those unusual instruments you used?"

"Um..."

"Miss Candice!"

More and more "rabid fans" rushed backstage, led mainly by elves and nagas. The elves adored Candice's music, while the nagas were drawn to her mermaid identity.

"Miss Candice, please sing another song for me!"

"Miss Candice..."

The overwhelming crowd left Serea dumbfounded. She had never anticipated things would turn out like this.

Looking around, more and more people were pouring backstage. Seeing her situation worsening, Serea decided to make a run for it, but glancing around, there was no apparent exit.

Holy Light!

The sudden radiance made everyone instinctively shield their eyes. By the time their vision returned...

"Where's Miss Candice?"

Candice had already vanished, leaving only Dogsius and the others.

On the other side, Serea was being dragged out of the crowd by someone, and that person was Lilith. After escaping the besieged opera house, the two of them found a random spot on the street and sat down. Panting, Serea tugged her disguising cloak tighter.

"Thank you."

After expressing her thanks, Serea planned to slip away and change back into her "Serea" identity, but...

"Miss Candice, that performance just now was truly wonderful."

"Um... I..."

Serea was a bit embarrassed at Lilith's compliment, but the next moment—

"Though, your voice really sounds just like someone I know."

"!!!"

Serea's eyes widened in shock. Thinking about her recent embarrassing performance possibly being exposed, she hurriedly denied it.

"You must have mistaken me for someone else. This is my first time here."

"Oh?"

Lilith gave a meaningful smile, and just then, a dwarf walked over.

"Would you ladies like some of the Dwarf Clan's special whiskey?"

At this, lilith's eyes sparkled mischievously, and her smile turned sly.

"Two glasses!"

Serea, puzzled as the drinks were brought over, watched as Lilith downed hers in one gulp.

"Take this as a thank-you for letting me help you. Cheers."

"O-okay."

Complying with Lilith's request, Serea lifted her cup and drained it in one go. As she put the glass down—

"I need to go now, I... I..."

Thud!

Serea collapsed onto the table.

"Hehe, Serea has never been able to handle hard liquor—still claiming not to be her, huh?"

As she spoke, lilith reached out, removed "Candice's" mask, and squeezed her cheeks.

"Well, well, it really is you."

Meanwhile, Serea's face was kneaded into various shapes.

"Princess Lilith."

The call came, and Lilith turned to see Celia leading Vina and the others over. Spotting the collapsed "Candice" at the table...

"Miss Candice?!"

Vina cried out in alarm, and everyone crowded around. While Serea was drunkenly out cold, she accidentally knocked over her drink. Liquor spilled across the table, and upon contact, the mask formed by Pelam suddenly fell away.

"Can't... drink anymore..."

Pelam melted into a pool of slime, humiliated as a doppelganger demon with a fear of alcohol.

With the mask gone, a delicate, youthful face was revealed. The sight shocked everyone, prompting them to cover their mouths in surprise.

"Queen Serea! Miss Candice is really Queen Serea!"

"Oh-ho, I knew it~"

Lilith covered her mouth, grinning mischievously. Soon, many more people arrived and saw the scene as well.

Under everyone's astonished gazes, Celia shook her head, walked over, and gently carried the thoroughly drunk Serea on her back.

"One... more... drink..."

Serea mumbled tipsily, completely unconscious, and Vina and the others became worried.

"Why did Her Majesty suddenly pass out?"

As the question was asked, lodran proudly stepped up.

"The Dwarf Clan's specialty 'Flaming Red Lips' isn't a spirit just anyone can handle. Unless you're well-accustomed to drinking, one sip will knock you out instantly!"

As he spoke—thud.

Looking back, they found Lilith sprawled on the ground as well.

Seeing this, Vina couldn't help but complain,

"You sure this isn't just a sedative and not liquor?"

Feeling embarrassed at the jab, lodran could only cover his awkwardness with a hearty laugh.

The celebration banquet continued, but for some special reasons, the main group had to withdraw early.

...

Celia carried Serea, and Vina carried Lilith. The four of them returned to the bedroom of the treehouse.

"Hehe, finally succeeded,"

Serea mumbled in her sleep as she was laid on the bed. Celia gently undressed her, wiped away the spilled liquor, and tucked her in under the covers. Then, retrieving some hangover tea from somewhere, she poured it down both Serea and Lilith's throats.

Since Vina still had to help host the banquet, she left. That meant only Serea and Celia remained in the bedroom.

Watching the sleeping girl, Celia also prepared to leave. But while gathering Serea's alcohol-soaked clothes, she came across something unique.

"Hm?"

She picked up a gift box, finding a small card attached to the outside.

"To my dearest Celia~"

Blushing slightly, Celia's curiosity won out and she opened the box—a hair ornament adorned with a black pearl inside.

The accessory wasn't especially valuable, but receiving such a gift made Celia smile sweetly for the first time in ages.

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Celia sensed something grabbing her. Looking closer, she saw Serea, already awake, hugging her tightly from behind.

"Is that hangover tea kicking in so quickly? But you should sleep a bit more,"

Celia said as she gently wriggled free and stood up. Yet, just as she got up, Serea suddenly pulled harder, causing Celia to tumble onto Serea.

"Celia..."

Feeling the familiar embrace, Celia actually found herself starting to enjoy it.

Just as she got lost in the moment, Serea's soft lips pressed against Celia's mouth.

Realizing something serious was happening, Celia tried to break free, but suddenly noticed black markings already crawling across Serea's skin.

Having used "Blood Frenzy" so often, its power had become etched into Serea's soul, making her more and more like a perfect vampire. In her unconscious state, she unconsciously triggered Blood Frenzy.

In an instant, the Blood Spring blossomed like a light veil; like the red spider lilies of the underworld, the blood silk closed its petal-like shroud like a flower wrapping up tight.

In the end, the figures of Celia and Serea were completely enshrouded by the crimson "petals."

...

The next morning, as usual Serea woke up. Bleary-eyed, she rubbed her face and the blurry outlines around her gradually resolved.

"Huh? Where am I...?"

Seeing the familiar room, Serea was confused, unable to recall how she ended up here or in this state.

"I remember drinking... then..."

Suddenly noticing some clothes—besides her own, there were a few others.

Judging by the size of a certain piece, it must belong to...

Celia?

(To be continued.)