The dense black mist slowly rolled around them, and even the defensive line formed by three red tearstones couldn't stop its erosion. At least five were needed for Rode to ensure his humanity wouldn't decline.

Moreover, they had to be replaced every half an hour; otherwise, once the red tearstones were eroded, their protective effect would be greatly reduced.

Lester sighed, "As expected of Your Excellency No. 0, the sensitivity of your soul is so strong that we can't determine the number and timing of the red tearstones as precisely, not even realizing when we're polluted."

Number 7 said, "Yes, another main reason we return to the royal city is that our souls unknowingly accumulate too much pollution, forcing us to purify them at the Soul Chapel."