“To be honest, even though Maria has made so many preparations.”

“Based on my assessment, your chances of winning against Oedipus are still 0%.”

The shadow formed a circle with its hand and spoke to Merka.

“However, I have three tasks planned for you next, and if you can complete them, your chances of winning may increase slightly.”

“First, help me gather the soul bones and flesh together.”

“I can create a programming device to slightly alter the curse left by Oedipus on the Twisted Wand.”

“So that you don't die before even using magic.”

“If you can accomplish this, your chances of winning would increase by one percent.”

“Secondly…”

Merka looked shocked, waving her hands repeatedly, hurriedly interrupting the shadow.

“Wait, wait, wait!”

“What do you mean by the curse on the Twisted Wand?”

“You mentioned that Oedipus tampered with the Twisted Wand.”

“Does this mean she placed a curse on the wand?”

“What does this mean? Is the curse on the wand the same as the one you mentioned before?”

“Could it be that the curse on Samael and Mammon is also the same as this?”

The shadow shook its head lightly, appearing a bit impatient.

Recalling Eve's desolate expression when she entrusted her, it caused a slight ripple in the shadow's calm demeanor that had lasted for thousands of years.

“…You have so many questions.”

“Don't you think I can see through your thoughts? Since I didn't bring this up, it means it's not necessary to discuss with you right now.”

Pausing for a moment, the shadow, with its featureless and expressionless black face, turned towards Merka.

Although saying not to worry, it still gave a brief explanation to Merka.

“Oedipus can indeed use curses, the three-step soul-devouring curse on Mammon and them was written by her. However, that is not her own power, just some shady methods she stumbled upon in the lab.”

“For now, don't think about anything. Just do as I say.”

Merka took a deep breath and looked at the shadow with a complex expression, slowly nodding in agreement.

“The second task, I want you to help me find London.”

“And she must be caught alive.”

“She witnessed Samael using the Supreme Magic with her own eyes.”

“If we can capture her and have Turing extract her memories, I believe with Turing's genius, she can immediately learn that Supreme Magic.”

“Of course, even if we have to kill her directly, there are benefits.”

“London possesses the remaining Mech-God used by Theresa to kill Oedipus in the past.”

“Oedipus entrusted her with such a terrifying thing, surely as a part of an extremely sinister and difficult move.”

“Turing will suffer greatly in London's hands.”

“So, London is crucial. Whether captured alive or killed, I think it can at least increase our chances by one percent.”

Upon hearing this, Merka was a bit slow to react, wondering how the Dark Shadow seemed to know about Oedipus as if witnessing it firsthand.

"Why... how do you know about this?" Merka inquired.

"As I've said, the Londoner has a mechanical divination tool, which allows me to access her memories," the Dark Shadow replied.

"So, naturally, I am privy to some information regarding Oedipus's situation."

"And one more thing."

"Please don't interrupt your elders when they speak," the Dark Shadow said lightly.

"Lastly, I have one more task for you."

"Help me find the backdrop."

"I mean, the other half of Kagtua's soul, the backdrop."

"It possesses the authority to control angels and can manipulate angelic powers to some extent."

"Unfortunately, over the years, as Kagtua's divinity has waned, I have lost contact with it as well."

"If you can truly find it, our odds of success will be significantly increased."

"It will aid us in completely defeating Oedipus."