I Have a Dice Left by a God-Chapter 307 - 174: Interrogation

Li Xin responded to Batty’s call and immediately entered the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc.

"Good evening, sir," Batty said respectfully. When no one else was around, he could address him this way.

"Good evening, Batty," Li Xin replied with a smile.

Upon hearing Li Xin call his name, a genuine smile appeared on Batty’s face. "Sir, I have returned to Divpo City and am now imprisoned. What should I do next? The priests might interrogate me, or they might confiscate the Mother Blade. Should I try to break out? As long as I can get the message out, that’s all that matters."

Despite facing many insolvable problems and a high likelihood of a worse fate, Batty was unafraid. He had seen the light, seen hope, and even if it meant death, he was willing to pass it on.

Li Xin waved a hand, "Don’t be rash. Impulsiveness won’t solve the problem. The priests went to great lengths to bring you back, not to kill you. The Divine Relic has already bonded with you. From what I know, forcibly seizing it would only cause it to shatter. They brought you back to assess if you’re a threat and the condition of the Divine Relic. The Divine Relic symbolizes power. Even if they can’t use it temporarily, they’re still interested. After all, everyone is just a custodian for the next holder."

Listening to Li Xin’s analysis calmed Batty, who clasped his hands together, "Sir, I will follow your guidance."

Although Li Xin couldn’t see clearly, he could still discern Batty’s gesture and was taken aback. "Who taught you that motion?"

"Sir, it was you. Whenever you set down the wooden fish, your hands would be clasped together. Every time I do this, my mind feels especially calm, as if I’ve become one with my surroundings," Batty explained.

Li Xin was puzzled. Had he done that? When had he done it? He was completely unaware.

"You have great insight," Li Xin said. "I think you should tell the truth."

The best lies are often the truth. Under current circumstances, in the secluded state of Divpo City, any Divine Relic holds value and symbolizes power. If they find it controllable, they wouldn’t just give up. They might even grant Batty freedom, giving him a chance to help others.

Li Xin advised Batty, "No matter the environment, always stay optimistic. Hope is contagious."

"I understand, sir." Batty instinctively clasped his hands again. Whenever he did this, he felt stability and strength, even alleviating the whispers. He had secretly learned it from the sir.

Still in the prison, Batty returned to his body after receiving guidance. Different from his initial depression and pessimism, when he reopened his eyes, they were filled with strength and anticipation. He was eager to face the priests.

However, the sir repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining reverence.

In a place like Divpo City, if a Roto like Batty suddenly displayed dignity, he would stand out. At least at this stage, the main strategy was to endure and gradually develop.

Perhaps because it was late, the night was silent. Batty no longer sat strangely but curled up and fell asleep.

Early the next morning, a row of robust guards with ebony skins stood straight with their spears. This was Anan Prison, one of Divpo City’s key places, holding serious offenders and others who might threaten the city. Throughout its history, Divpo City faced many internal threats, including several uprisings. Without strong reproductive capabilities, it would have long been wiped out.

A brown-and-white-skinned Tishili noble approached the prison gate, looking at the calm Batty inside. Along the way, all they heard were shouts and screams, so seeing someone calm was unusual.

Karoni Mante, twenty-one years old. Mante is one of Divpo City’s ten prominent surnames, holding a seat in the council of elders. Karoni is a direct descendant and a member of the Attendant Hall, effectively a reserve elder.

The Prime Gate in Divpo City is supreme, holding divine and priestly authority, as well as control over Divine Relics. Every elder’s appointment requires its approval, and all Divine Relics’ inheritances need the priests’ affirmation.

Next is the City Hall, jointly managed by ten Tishili elders, followed by the Attendant Hall composed of Tishili nobles. Future elders will be selected from the Attendant Hall, primarily representing the young generation of various noble families, assisting the City Hall in administration. The City Hall and Attendant Hall form the upper governance structure of Divpo City. While the City Hall typically makes decisions, major events or stalemates are resolved by the Divine Hall.

Karoni quietly observed Batty, who returned the gaze without speaking.

This Roto was special, possessing a peculiar aura. Karoni smiled, "Bring him out."

The sturdy guards immediately took out a stick with a hoop at its end, fastening it on Batty’s head and tightening it until his breathing became labored.

Those who served as guards in Anan Prison were elite among the Sheren, possessing remarkable strength.

"No need, he’s a Lightkeeper," Karoni waved dismissively.

"Master, it’s safer to keep such lowly things restrained. If he offends a noble, killing him wouldn’t be enough for atonement." While saying so, the guard tightened the hoop, leaving a mark on Batty’s neck.

"Master" is how the higher Sheren address the Tishili. If it were the Prime Gate, they would refer to it more respectfully as "great master." Of course, even the higher Sheren rarely encounter the Prime Gate.

Karoni frowned, letting out a cold snort, "Are you teaching me how to do things?"

The guard quickly bowed his head, "I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare."

He hurriedly loosened and removed the hoop from Batty’s head but remained cautious, wary of any sudden harm Batty might pose to the nobles.

Batty glanced at the Tishili before him. Once, he would have lowered his head in shame, but now he was more curious. Karoni similarly watched this atypical Roto: dark-skinned yet with bright eyes, devoid of cowardice or shame, filled instead with fearless determination.

"Follow me," Karoni led the way, a squad of guards escorting Batty from behind, ready for anything.

In the Anan Prison’s judgment hall, another young man awaited. His skin was even fairer than Karoni’s, with a vermillion red dot on his forehead, donned in a white robe, exuding nobility and sanctity. This was the exalted Prime Gate in Divpo City.

"You can all leave now," Karoni gestured.

The Sheren guards bowed and withdrew. Karoni smiled at the Prime Gate, "Nail, you’re early."

Nail, the apprentice priest, was from one of the three major surnames in the Prime Gate. The two were classmates at the Divine Hall academy, an educational privilege exclusive to the Prime Gate and Tishili, ensuring orderly inheritance. Marriage is permissible between the Prime Gate and Tishili families to maintain lineage, but only those with fair skin can inherit the Prime Gate, otherwise remaining Tishili.

"I’m very interested in this person," Nail, whose facial features were more handsome and well-defined, appeared sunny in this dark world. He was a pure member of the Prime Gate, "Tell us about your experiences after leaving the Divine Hall until your return."

The Divine Relic is very dangerous, an ancient sealed item that continuously searched for a vessel due to its inability to remain sealed. Despite accommodating it, previous vessels met mysterious deaths, until this Roto not only survived but seemed empowered, possibly awakening his Life Star.

The reception and understanding of a Divine Relic signify a response from the gods. The Divine Temple is highly vigilant about such events. With a gentle smile, Nail said, "Don’t be afraid, just honestly describe what happened."

Batty stood there with his head bowed, while Karoni observed from the side.

"Yes, my lords."

Batty recounted leaving the Divine Hall, heading towards the Lighthouse, the encounters along the way, and the situation upon reaching the Lighthouse. "The whispers drove me to madness, so I contemplated suicide."