As long as you have the courage, fierce ghosts go on maternity leave.

"Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the hidden fifth faction. Please set your faction mission objectives," the instance prompt said.

"Final objective: Eliminate the eldest prince, Hurricane, the third prince, Hong Mu, and the young lady, Anlan, by any means necessary," Alexander declared without hesitation.

"Mission objective confirmed. Please determine how members will join!"

"By my invitation, and they can be members of other factions at the same time!"

"Method of joining confirmed. The hidden fifth faction is now activated. Esteemed participant Alexander, proceed to invite your chosen ones to join your faction!"

So, it was indeed possible to activate a fifth faction. Moreover, Alexander would serve as the temporary leader, holding both the identity of faction leader and the chosen one.

Even Alice was unaware of this hidden faction, much like the fourth faction. Intriguing indeed!

Having successfully initiated the fifth faction, the corners of Alexander’s mouth lifted slightly as he reassured, "Aunt, rest assured. I will find the Abandoned Emperor Stone and bring it out of the City Lord’s mansion."

Alexander didn’t mention destroying the Abandoned Emperor Stone; saying so would likely not be believed. After all, who would want to destroy such a thing?

Understanding this, Alice revealed an enchanting smile. "Since you’ve promised, I shouldn’t be too stingy. After all, my ’filial’ children are not simple characters. Blizzard!"

As Alice’s voice fell, a gray mist gathered beneath a nearby eave. Gradually, an old crone, cloaked in a gray robe and clutching a skull staff, emerged from the mist.

A hoarse, aged voice spoke, "The City Lord commands, this object is for you."

As she spoke, a small straw doll flew towards Alexander. The hand beneath the gray robe was shriveled, wrinkled, and pitch-black. Alexander caught the doll and immediately checked its properties.

Dark Treasure · Straw doll

Description: A hundred years ago, Blizzard, the ghost Emperor who once made the Dark Hell tremble, fell in love with Bernard, the Ghost Emperor of Sin City, and betrayed her realm.

Hell Warriors appeared, Sin City was destroyed overnight, and everyone believed that Blizzard, the Ghost Emperor, had perished as well. The Sin City lost a fearsome Ghost Emperor, but gained a mysterious witch in Dark Hell.

Purpose: The weakest of the six talismans, this Straw doll contains one-twentieth of Empress Blizzard’s ghostly energy. When worn, it can act as a shield in a life-threatening situation, blocking one fatal blow. Cooldown time is one hour; it can be used 10 times.

A straw doll with ten lives! The implications left Alexander dumbstruck, his eyes locked onto the figure beneath the gray robe. If the weakest doll had such earth-shattering effects, how powerful could the other five be?

"Heh heh... What’s this? Young Master seems not only interested in Empress’s body but also can’t resist my old witchery?" Beneath the gray robe, Blizzard let out a raspy, aged chuckle.

"That’s not the case! Alice is the mother of my classmate, how could I harbor such peculiar thoughts?" Alexander hastily explained.

Though the Dark Hell Empress boasted an unparalleled beauty and aura unlike any Alexander had encountered, she was, after all, the mother of his friend Louis. To offend her would spell certain death.

Still, Alexander couldn’t help but feel intrigued. Those who could become the master of a city were never simple characters.

The existence of Blizzard as Alice’s trump card was astounding—a ghost emperor proficient in curse magic. What startled him even more were Alice’s machinations.

Let’s not even discuss how Alice had managed to secure the allegiance of Blizzard, a once-powerful curse emperor.

The Voodoo Doll he had stashed in his inventory seemed to come from the same spectral witch. Who else could it be? And that was not all;

Even Prince HongMu had a cursed mechanical heart aimed at Anlan. It was a given that the object in Hurricane’s possession would be a cursed item targeting HongMu.

The three siblings were constantly in a deadlock, their checks and balances all stemming from the same mysterious operative who had served their mother. What a ’loving’ family!

"No more talking. Go find the Abandoned Emperor Stone. Whether you keep it or destroy it, I don’t want it ever used against me or Blizzard, understand?" Alice’s words were clearly a display of her might—a warning that even if he harbored devious plans, Blizzard would shield her.

"Understood!" Alexander nodded without hesitation. Such a valuable item was better reserved for substantial enemies like Mr. K. It would never be deployed against the amiable mother of a classmate.

Stowing the straw doll substitute, Alexander discarded his disguise and walked away. "Wait!" Just as he was about to cross the threshold, Alice called out.

Her eyes scanned him up and down with a trace of uncertainty. "Are you sure you’ll complete the task without causing any trouble? Knowing you, I wouldn’t put it past you to stir things up."

"Of course not, what are you thinking, Auntie! I promise, the Abandoned Emperor Stone will be found and the task completed," Alexander assured with a dry laugh.

"See that you do," Alice said, and Alexander hastened away.

Watching his retreating figure, Alice exchanged glances with Blizzard, both ghost emperors breaking into smiles.

"It’s almost time. The awakening is near! Folks on the other side seem to be making their final preparations too. Whether it’s Earth or this horror-world, the ultimate showdown is just around the corner. How exhilarating!"

"Inscribe the heavens and the earth as the board, sketch all beings as the pieces; through countless ages, this game has been set. Regardless of win or loss, we simply let it be!"

Stepping out of the backyard of the Lord’s Mansion, Alexander immediately turned back towards Anlan’s banquet.

Passing by a side hall, curiosity got the best of him, and he couldn’t resist getting a closer look. Oh my, one scene was bloody and violent, while the other... too unspeakable to describe.

Birds of a feather flock together, and ghosts tend to gather in groups.

The young master HongMu’s side wasn’t too bad, but among those chosen by the Hurricane, the situation was truly dire. Whether acting voluntarily or being subjected to fate, you had to choose one way or another, otherwise, how could you assimilate into it all?

One unfortunate male chosen one, likely due to his charming looks, had no choice at all and became the most sought-after presence at the feast of debauchery.

Sounds of wretched cries echoed incessantly, and his innocence was being relentlessly ravaged.

On the other hand, Mebana, who was with him, garnered less attention due to her being a woman. She, along with a few other female chosen ones, stood alone on the sidelines, witnessing the horrifying scene that was unbearable to behold.

Strangely, she didn’t seem the least bit discontented; rather, she exhibited an air of keen interest. Perhaps in reality, she was a lesbian.

Alexander hurriedly turned away, endeavoring to erase those indelicate images from his mind. He retraced his steps, returning to Anlan’s banquet hall.

The atmosphere here was significantly more ordinary, despite a few wayward female spirits succumbing to the temptation of stripping down and dancing with their male partners.

Even Anlan herself was at the center of the dance floor, surrounded by two burly men.

She lay prostrate on the ground, one man vigorously thrusting from behind, while another’s member filled her mouth, a blissful expression adorning her face.

Though the scene was lascivious, it was still comparatively more normal than the disturbing spectacle at the Hurricane’s banquet.

This time, Alexander walked into the banquet without a mask, showing his true identity, thus drawing little attention to himself.

Of course, the chosen ones were an exception; a group of them swiftly gathered around him.

"Mr. Alexander!"

"Brother Alexander!"

"Boss!"

...

Various names echoed through the hall. Thanks to Alexander’s earlier warning, they had encountered no trouble.

On the contrary, they all seemed elated, clearly having gained some benefits. After all, it was a banquet hosted by the city lord’s daughter, and the tables were filled with exquisite food and drink.

Especially noteworthy were a few individuals who looked extraordinarily pleased, their faces marked with lipstick prints. Alexander couldn’t help but shake his head. What unique tastes these people have!

"Mr. Alexander, where have you been for so long? We were all waiting for your guidance!" A chosen one approached, his face dripping with obsequiousness. The others seemed to share this sentiment.

Although they didn’t know how Alexander did it, they had seamlessly blended into the banquet without any obstructions. Even when their flaws as chosen ones were revealed, the malevolent ghosts acted as if they saw nothing.

Furthermore, they had little choice but to rely on Alexander now. After all, Anlan was the weakest among the three siblings, and the other two factions had two soldier-level chosen ones each. Without Alexander’s help, they’d undoubtedly be the first to be eliminated.

"I invite you all to join my faction. Do you all agree?"

Alexander spoke and, using his authority as the faction leader, sent invites to the individuals.

"Chosen One Gim, the Hidden Fifth Faction invites you. Do you accept?"

"Chosen One Kukendingni, the Hidden Fifth Faction invites you. Do you accept?"

"Chosen One Hage, the Hidden Fifth Faction invites you. Do you accept?"

...

The chosen ones stared at Alexander in disbelief. "Is he a game master or something? He said he was going to find the Fourth Faction, but in less than half a day, he’s created even the Fifth!"

Cheater!

Everyone thought enviously. However, their jealousy didn’t stop them from readily accepting Alexander’s invitation.

"Congratulations on joining the Hidden Fifth Faction. Your mission objectives have been updated. Do not easily reveal your true faction. New mission: eliminate Prince Hurricane, Third Prince HongMu, and Princess Anlan by any means necessary."

Upon accepting the invitation, all chosen ones received this update in their minds.

This hidden faction allowed them to act as spies, but the mission was extremely challenging—dealing with two ghost princes and a ghost general, who were far from ordinary.

"Mr. Alexander, are you sure about this? We may have some skill, but taking on a ghost general might be manageable, taking on ghost princes seems impossible," Gim spoke, his face etched with concern.

"Don’t worry about it. Leave it to me. I’ll make sure the opportunity to act falls to you in the end. Given their statuses and subordinates, the rewards should be substantial," Alexander replied with confidence.

"Leave it to us?" Gime and the others looked incredulous.

They had little doubt in Alexander’s ability to win, especially after witnessing him direct a ghost prince to obliterate the president of the Evil Ghost Association.

Yet, they were amazed by Alexander’s promise. Even if thirty people shared the rewards, they could still receive S or even SS ratings.

While these top chosen ones may be accustomed to A-ratings, S or SS ratings, especially in a difficult mission like this, were truly exceptional.

"Mr. Alexander, enough said! You’re a solid guy, easy to get along with!" Gim expressed admiration and gratitude, giving Alexander a thumbs-up.

Here was a man who not only possessed formidable abilities but also had the character to share immense credit. What a good person!

"All of this is what I should be doing. There’s no need for such emotion; just look forward to the rewards," Alexander said.

To be honest, he was deeply touched as well. Throughout his time in this scenario, whenever he had encountered chosen ones who he could assist, he made it a point to help. These chosen ones were truly brave; they dared to take action where most would hesitate.

We’re talking about the children of the city lord here. Although their relationships among themselves might not be stellar, who else would dare to lay a hand on them? Even Edward and the Flame King would think twice.

Yet, these chosen ones, enticed by Alexander’s lofty promises—essentially empty checks—were not just willing but eager to take on such risks.

They were scrambling to assassinate the heirs to the city lord and were even thankful that he had given them this opportunity, viewing him as a benefactor.

What truly good people they were!