Chapter 537

Oily nodded. "We originally thought everything went smoothly tonight, since we destroyed Oliver's plan and rescued Francis. We didn't expect the so-called conspiracy to be this…," Percival could hardly believe it.

Odalys walked forward, picked up a fig from the ground, wiped it, and took a bite. Although it was nighttime, the moonlight was exceptionally bright, seemingly brighter than the moon in Crownridge. It was as if it were within reach. They had good eyesight; even without lights, they could see everything around them in the moonlight.

The sound of her biting into the fig—seemingly delicious—attracted Orson. He picked one up and offered it to Percival, who shook his head. Orson wiped it and took a bite himself, finding the taste rather good, crisp and sweet.

"Also," Odalys said, "when you and Callum were investigating the Simpson mansion, you were trapped in someone else's illusion. The spot where you entered the illusion is a junction of energy. This is also why someone is after Callum. He has been to the junction of energy, so the energy in his body is much stronger than that of ordinary people. Using him for sacrifice will multiply the power."

She had wondered why it had to be Callum. Could it be because he is Percival's special assistant? But then she remembered the junction of energy.

"Odalys, why do people who have been to the junction of energy have multiplied energy in their bodies?" Orson asked, a little puzzled.

Odalys ate the fig and found a place to sit. She stretched her long legs to relax.

"The junction of energy isn't for everyone. Some people may have weak bodies, insufficient energy, or low fortune. Wicked energy will consume their fortune, leaving them seriously ill and soon to die. While physical strength helps, not everyone can handle the junction of energy. It's a rare experience, like seeing a ghost. Callum has been to the junction of energy, so he has much more energy than ordinary people. Using him for sacrifice is stronger than sacrificing a hundred people. Moreover, his energy can enhance the energy field."

Percival and Orson fell silent. Everyone sat there with heavy hearts. Percival took Callum's mobile phone—it was broken. He repaired it; after a long time, the phone turned on.

Odalys looked at him in surprise. She didn't expect Percival to be capable of this.

"You know how to repair mobile phones?" she asked, surprised.

Percival seemed capable of many things and was well-rounded, yet incredibly humble, never flaunting his abilities.

"I learned it before," Percival replied lightly.

Orson immediately objected. "Odalys, you might not know this, but Percival has won global awards for programming and mechanics. Even without tools, he can use the programs on his phone to force a restart and repair it. However, this forced startup is extremely damaging to the phone, and it won't be long before it completely crashes."

Percival's fingertips quickly swiped across the screen. Even though the screen was smashed, he could vaguely see what was inside. The phone froze on the damaged interface after starting up. There was an editing message: "[Percival, someone is using energy at the junction of energy, and there's a chance of a live sacrifice. You have to tell Odalys to be careful.]"

Percival stared at the message, gripping the phone so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Callum used to call him by his name occasionally when he was little. When he grew up, to impress others, Callum called him Mr. Stewart and asked all the bodyguards to treat him with respect.

After they finished reading the message, Callum's phone completely died. Percival's Adam's apple bobbed. He looked up at the sky and said nothing.

"Before something happened to him, instead of thinking about how to protect himself, he was trying to send you a message," Odalys said softly, shocked. Many people would choose to protect themselves at the most critical moment, but Callum used the last bit of time to ensure Percival protected Odalys.

Odalys stood there with extremely complicated feelings. She lowered her head, looked at the weeds on the ground, lifted her foot, and stepped on them lightly.

"Percival, I need to borrow two drops of your blood," Odalys said, her throat dry, her voice hoarse.

Percival, hearing her request, offered his broad palm. Looking at his hand, Odalys said in surprise, "Aren't you even going to ask me what I want your blood for? Aren't you afraid that I will use your blood to harm you? You should know that human hair and blood are important in magic. Some black magic, spells, and curses all use hair and blood."

Percival laughed softly. "I trust you."

These three simple words made Odalys chuckle softly. Orson watched them, realizing Percival's trust in Odalys seemed to surpass everything. He seemed willing to put his life in her hands.

"Bear with it," Odalys said. She plucked a blade of grass and swiped it across Percival's fingertip. The blade cut his skin, and two drops of blood oozed out, staining the tip of the blade.

Darkness fell suddenly, swallowing even the moonlight. In the courtyard, a strange atmosphere hung in the air. Odalys, clutching the grass stained with Percival's blood, tossed it forward. The grass hung suspended as if time itself had stopped.

"Run!" Callum's figure appeared. Wicked energy swirled around them, attacking them like knives. Callum, his face ashen, let the other bodyguards escape while he ran back to block a hole that seemed torn apart, from which black mist kept pouring.

"Callum!" After the bodyguards ran a few steps, they saw Callum blocking the hole with his body. They rushed forward, seeing Callum's face turn iron-blue as he said, "Go quickly. Go back, find Mr. Stewart, and tell him to protect his wife. I suspect they are trying to find a way to deal with her. Go quickly! If you don't go, you will die!" he roared in a deep voice.

The bodyguards watched blood constantly oozing from the corners of Callum's mouth; his body seemed unable to stop the force. They looked at each other, then lifted their feet and rushed toward Callum.

"Pool!" He spat out a mouthful of blood. "If we die, we die together. If you have anything you want to tell Mr. Stewart, go back alive and tell him yourself," the bodyguards said in unison.

Callum was stunned, not expecting them to run back. Originally, they had a glimmer of hope—as long as they escaped, drove away, and he delayed for a while, they would be able to go back alive.