Abdin shook his head. "Where is your true self?" he suddenly asked. He had since realized that the man before him was a fraction of a soul. He wasn't a golem for sure, but he wasn't fully human. But the disguise was perfect and only those versed in the knowledge of souls and life could know this.

Yunus laughed. "Do you think I would reveal myself without knowing your decision?"

Abdin shrugged. "Or perhaps you can't do so for some other reason."

Abdin considered both possibilities. Either the real Yunus was in the castle, or he wasn't there because he couldn't be, which would explain why he used this fraction. Each reason carried its risks.

If Yunus was present, the risk Abdin faced would increase, as he had no guarantee that he could kill him easily. Especially since Abdin didn't know Yunus's true strength or what had happened to him after they parted ways. How powerful was a person living in a loop for decades?

And if Yunus was only a fraction of a soul, that posed its problems. A fraction capable of controlling the minds of thousands at once suggested that his real body could be far above the peak Deva. He might be a Divine Saint, a Pope, or even more powerful.

Abdin had already encountered his fair share of cultivators chasing after him. It would be detrimental if Yunus had reached such a high status, especially considering he was aware of the time loop. The chances of defeating Yunus, if he had attained such status, were slim. Abdin felt that even the Origin would have no power over him.

"The Origin and you are all the same in my sight. How do I know that you aren't allies? I recently saw a Yusta'Diyum ambassador working for them. I saw the Nanata tribe working with them. What proof is there to show that you aren't with them? You may even be a golem."

His last statement wasn't audible, but his face clearly expressed it.

"Both Nánata and Barahan are aligned with the Origin," Yunus replied.

"One thing you are unaware of is the fact that Munniq isn't the true queen of Nanata. She killed the real queen of Nanata and assumed her place long ago." He took a breath before continuing.

"I also suspect that Barahan isn't from this world. This isn't the first world they have invaded. They have a thirteen-member council called the Satedel. I believe they are the ones conquering worlds to strengthen the Origin World."

"I am not certain, but I think Barahan and Munniq were among these council members. The rest of the attackers you saw are from Fabae."

"From what I've gathered, the Origin has already taken over the world of Fabae. However, instead of devouring them as they usually do, they enslaved them and sent them on missions to other worlds like ours. This is our current predicament."

Abdin shrugged. "It still doesn't rule you out as a suspect," he said.

Yunus laughed. "Do you think I would reveal all of this if I were one of them?"

Stolen novel; please report.

Abdin closed his eyes tightly. It was clear that Yunus posed a greater threat than the Origin, and Abdin didn't want to ally with him. But given the current circumstances, it seemed that Yunus possessed information that Abdin didn't know about their enemies.

Only now did Abdin learn Silver Mask's true name - Barahan. And there was a council called the Satedel. This was also the first time he had any information about Munniq and her abilities.

But how could Yunus know all of this when he didn't?

"What did you do after you first left home? What are you doing now? What is your level of cultivation? And which continent are you from? Because I find it hard to believe that you have been here all this while."

Yunus had expected these to be the first questions his cousin would ask.

"I am called Shaihu Yunus, and I reside in Jud-Hawzan."

Abdin frowned. "Shaihu Yunus? Do you think I haven't been to the South before? There is no Shaihu Yunus at Jud Hawzan. This is precisely why I said you can't be trusted."

Yunus frowned. "I am the leader above every other Shaihu. How do you think a lowly student would know about me? As for my level... I am a Deva. But you needn't worry, it's just an option I am presenting to you," he paused. "You can think it over, but understand that right now, you don't know where Munniq is. Also, know that I have ways to ensure you won't receive any more cultivation bonuses from the castle if you disregard my offer. I'm sure you have assessed my capabilities by now." The threat was subtle but clear.

"What do you think about not leaving this place, about what will happen if you die in the next few seconds?" Abdin asked. His expression remained unchanged.

Initially, Yunus blinked, and then his face broke into a grin. "Killing me won't change anything," he said. "But collaborating would benefit us both. You would feel more comfortable doing that with me than with Munniq, even though I will reclaim my cultivation afterward."

Abdin understood his predicament very well. He was surrounded by enemies from all sides. Both Munniq and Yunus were after his life. Collaborating with Yunus had its benefits, particularly since he couldn't face both of them at once.

However, the question remained: how much truth was there in Yunus' account? His cousin was hiding many things from him. For instance, he hadn't revealed what he discussed with Munniq during their meeting a month ago.

How did they even meet in the first place? Munniq obtained her information about the time loop from Juwaira, but that didn't mean Yunus was innocent in all of this.

At that very moment, his core glowed. "[Nuhu's Blood: 64:36]," it read. Bile rose in his throat. Nuhu's skill ratio had been 65:35 when he first awoke, and it had changed again now as either Munniq or Yunus took a bite out of it.

He scrutinized his cousin's face, which displayed no change or delight. Yunus seemed oblivious to any changes happening within Abdin. If he wasn't pretending, then Munniq was the more likely culprit.

"Do you know where she is?" Abdin asked. Yunus shook his head. "But I could find out with your help. All I need to do is merge my cultivation with yours."

Abdin smiled. If their cultivations merged, Yunus would be able to read his core, knowing the amount of pol he possessed and the condition of his skills. There was no way he would allow that to happen.

"Besides that, what else can you offer if I accept your offer?" Abdin inquired.

"I would use my strength to kill her," replied Yunus. "I don't think there's anything more I can provide you with. But if there's anything you desire, speak up, and I will accommodate you if it's within my power."

"I will consider it," said Abdin, rising to leave. Those two conditions weren't sufficient reasons to ally with Yunus. He believed he could find Munniq on his own and didn't think a mere fragment of a soul could assist him with anything significant, except for keeping an eye on his movements, of course.

And it was futile to kill him at that moment since the man sitting before him was merely an emissary. He needed to find out the whereabouts of the real Yunus before taking any action. He was unaware of his cousin's true plans, so it was appropriate to wait a little longer before openly confronting him.

"How long should I wait?" Yunus asked, undaunted by Abdin's departure.

"Until I have finished contemplating. I know where you are now, and I hope you won't change your location."