Chapter 444: Huge Gamble!

Chapter 444: A Massive Gamble!

Inside the hospital ward, the faint scent of tobacco left behind by Old Man Lyndham still lingered. Karen sat on the hospital bed while Neo sat in a wheelchair, the two of them facing each other.

For the first fifteen minutes, neither spoke, both lost in thought.

Because everything that had transpired over the past few days had just erupted collectively in an unexpected manner moments ago.

Furthermore, both were well aware that the choice they were about to make would determine their future development, and it was of paramount importance.

Karen was the first to emerge from his thoughts. Waiting for a moment and seeing that Neo was still contemplating, he reached toward the fruit basket on the nightstand for some grapes.

Before his hand could touch the fruit, Neo raised his head, signaling that he had finished his deliberation.

Karen withdrew his hand.

Neo spoke, "In truth, the Church of the Moon and the Church of Samsara used to have quite a decent relationship. Of course, that is relative to the Church of Order; compared to that, their relationship was good."

Karen responded, "But the foundation of that good relationship was lost after Samsara's defeat. Back then, the Church of the Moon was already encroaching upon the territory of Samsara believers in that specific island region of the sea. The Church of the Moon originally wanted to pull Dark Moon Island into its sphere, but our Church of Order intercepted them first.

Additionally, during the peace conference on Dark Moon Island, the Church of Samsara had privately approached our Church of Order regarding their conflict with the Church of the Moon."

"But now it seems that notice has expired," Neo said, crossing his hands in front of him. "Especially after the Rielsa incident occurred in Samsara Valley, which further inflicted losses upon the Church of Samsara while simultaneously exposing their current weakness to the outside world."

"Yes, which is why it is difficult for true alliances to form between churches. Within any existing alliance, when one party's strength declines, the first to come tearing at it might not be the enemy, but rather its own ally, looking to dismember and swallow it whole.

This time, the Church of the Moon intends to ramp up its efforts—or rather, they have already declared war.

The Moon-Wheel bonds are anchored to the Order bonds, and Saraina insisted on finishing her political show despite her injured and weakened body. It seems she has no intention of leaving York City anytime soon. This is likely a deliberate diplomatic gesture to imply that the Church of the Moon's war against Samsara has obtained the consent and support of the Church of Order."

"She made it a bit too obvious," Neo said, reaching out to pluck a cluster of grapes. He lifted them up and bit down on five or six at once, chewing as he spoke. "So obvious that it makes me feel like our church might have been thoroughly played by them."

Karen nodded. He reached out to take the grapes from Neo's hand. Neo hesitated for a moment, but ultimately his skin was not quite thick enough to refuse, so he let Karen take the grapes from his grasp.

"Perhaps the higher-ups of our church were not prepared, or perhaps an internal consensus has not yet been reached. The Church of the Moon is deliberately using our church's prestige as a shield this time."

"A shield? Oh, I see what you mean. Yes, a shield."

"This can only prove one thing: this matter has already involved the internal factional rifts and divisions within our church."

Neo nodded. "One could even say that this matter was only made possible precisely because of the factional divisions within our church.

When High Priest Rasma was in office, he actually suppressed the internal conflicts of our church using very gentle methods. After High Priest Norton took office, his style of doing things became much more aggressive. Once things become aggressive, it easily exacerbates the conflicts that already existed.

The recent assassination incident at the Ankara Hotel should be one manifestation of this. I am quite curious whether a true result could be uncovered if the investigation went deeper.

However, it probably won't be uncovered, because at this level, the result is no longer important. Political struggles do not care about such minor details."

Karen popped a grape into his mouth and said, "We seem to have veered off-topic."

"Yes, as grassroots civil servants... well, a section chief and a deputy section chief?"

"You should be considered a director now."

"It's too chaotic. Forget it, let's not use analogies. In short, we are still very weak. I don't mean in terms of strength, but purely in terms of position and status; we are still in the stage of accumulation and development."

"Yes, that's correct."

"This current opportunity can accelerate that process. This must be the reason why Bernie gave this opportunity to us."

"It was due to your excellent arrangements."

"Ah, it's not like he was the only one I sent a gift to. Besides, Rael bought the gifts, so it doesn't amount to much. This man Bernie hides himself very deeply."

"Just like you."

"I get that feeling. I recall he was transferred from the Dinge District. Looking at it now, the highest echelons of the Whip of Order must have planned long ago to restore the Whip of Order to its former status."

"And they likely foresaw long ago who the next High Priest would be. Only High Priest Norton, with his aggressive style, could satisfy the Whip of Order's need to reclaim its glory."

"Yes, looking at it this way, our High Priest Norton was preselected long ago. No wonder High Priest Rasma left office the moment he said he would."

"Therefore, Bernie is representing the layout of the Whip of Order in York City to give us an opportunity."

"No, you are mistaken. Bernie is not representing the true leadership of the Whip of Order to give us an opportunity; he is creating an opportunity for himself, understand? No matter the level, one must exercise one's own subjective initiative.

Most importantly, it is very difficult for you to make me believe that this self-funded observation group was arranged in advance by the leadership of the Whip of Order. That's a bit too stingy; the leadership hasn't become shameless to that extent yet."

"He caught wind of something?"

"It is also possible he guessed it himself."

"Then he acts very decisively."

"Yes, we were actually the targets he had selected long ago. Haha, it actually has nothing to do with whether I sent a gift or not."

"That makes sense."

"Let's look at tomorrow's special edition of the Order Weekly. From that, we should be able to discern the attitude of the leadership. It should be... a soft taking of sides?"

Karen spat out a grape seed and replied, "I feel there is a high probability they will call for peace."

"Yeah, I think so too. Heheh, this is where it gets interesting. Think about it, this schedule for the self-funded observation group that has already been finalized, hahaha," Neo said, breaking into a laugh as he spoke. "Under normal circumstances, only someone with water in their brain would accept this task of paying out of their own pocket. But now, it can produce a massive effect. An effect that could even allow you and me, after this trip..."

Neo organized his words before continuing, "...to break away from the level of grassroots civil servants."

"Your goals are truly modest."

"Keep the goals lower, that way everything above it is a bonus. The Church of the Moon and the Church of Samsara have just declared war, and the Church of the Moon is deliberately creating a situation where our Church of Order appears to side with them. If we head to the Church of the Moon in the capacity of an observation group right as the war is declared..."

Karen nodded and said, "The Church of the Moon will be absolutely thrilled."

"Yes, even though we are going at our own expense, the Church of the Moon will treat us like royalty, using it as a further political statement."

"Correct."

"Moreover, in your squad, there are many young masters and ladies, as well as quite a few young people with backgrounds in the Knights Templar. This makes for an excellent observation group; the specifications are highly formidable!

Bernie could only choose me—unrelated to gifts, unrelated to being touched, unrelated to returns—because I am your old boss and your current squadron leader. And he could only choose you; your squad is what he needs most."

"Yes, that's correct."

"When the time comes, no one will care—no, no one will truly believe that we formed this group at our own expense. They will only view us as a statement from the Church of Order, and the Church of the Moon will hold us in even higher esteem.

The only side effect is that we will offend other factions, because our actions are undoubtedly a case of subordinates forcing the hand of superiors. For our own benefit, we are forcibly binding the attitude of the Church."

"But we will also gain the support of certain factions. At the very least, the side of the Whip of Order wishes to see us steal the spotlight."

"Yes, the side effects can be ignored. As long as we are weak enough, we have nothing to lose. It's not as if they can assassinate us when we return."

"So, regarding this observation group?"

"We go!"

Karen responded, "Then it needs to be as fast as possible."

"Yes, going right after the declaration of war yields the best effect. The earlier we go, the higher the political interest we can leverage by binding ourselves to the situation, and the more valuable the chips in our hands become.

In the end, if the gamble pays off, Bernie might truly have a shot at competing for the position of the Whiphand of this district. If we can ride the momentum to restore the normal system of the Whip of Order in this district and detach the current Whip of Order squads from the District Management Office...

When the two of us return... we will both hold positions of actual power.

Because the headquarters of the District Whip of Order is currently an empty shell. In the past, the vast majority of outstanding individuals from the Whip of Order chose to transfer for their career development, treating this place merely as a training ground, leaving a massive vacuum for us.

Karen, the opportunity for small figures to charge upward is right in front of us. If this gamble succeeds, it can save us ten years of struggle."

"Yes, you are right."

Neo leaned back slightly, looking at Karen with a hint of envy. "Your luck is truly remarkable, managing to catch these consecutive trains just in time."

Karen replied, "A man's development relies not only on his personal struggles, but also on the shifting currents of the times."

"Then, shall we depart tonight?"

"Your injury?"

"It matters not. Last time, it was you who wounded me, forcing me to linger in bed a bit longer. This time, I did it to myself; it appears severe, but the recovery is swifter. It hinders me no more.

What I am curious about is whether you can command your subordinates to depart immediately via the teleportation array and leave Wien."

"Without a doubt."

"Mm, very good. It seems your control over your squad is absolute. Twelve slots for the observation group—myself, you, and your team members make exactly that. I shall head to the academic building now to inspect tonight's schedule for the teleportation array. To be safe, we will not take the most direct route, but rather leapfrog a few times."

"Understood. You may proceed with the arrangements, while I gather my people. Shall we convene at the academic building?"

"Indeed." Neo exerted himself, rising from his wheelchair. His body swayed ever so slightly, and he rested his hand upon Karen's shoulder. "Trust my intuition. We shall return laden with riches this time. My luck in gambling has ever been favorable."

"In truth, you could have omitted that final sentence."

"You do not believe me?"

"No, I merely wonder if there is a small part of you that is so decisive this time because you wish to flee your debts."

"How could that be? Your words defile my piety toward the God of Order."

"Very well, I understand."

As Karen stood and prepared to step out of the ward, Neo called out:

"Hey."

Karen halted his steps and looked back.

Neo raised his left hand toward Karen, his fingertips rubbing together:

"That card, you may give it to me now. Booking positions on the teleportation array requires points."

Karen produced the card containing the one hundred thousand Order points given to him by Salaina and handed it over to Neo.

Taking the card, Neo smiled and said, "In truth, you ought to be grateful to me."

"Grateful?"

"The probability of a man losing twice in succession is surely lower than losing but once. I have just lost once; does that not mean our chances of success this time have suddenly magnified?"

"Your words possess a most profound logic."

...

"No wonder the Lunar Church wishes to anchor the Moon Wheel notes to the Order notes. This will stabilize the value of the Moon Wheel notes once the war commences," Alfred said while driving. "Furthermore, the Lunar Church has already prepared for the worst regarding this conflict."

"Alfred, I originally thought you would speak to me of another matter—such as our entire team packing up tonight to leave Wien and head to the Lunar Church territory for observation."

"This is a matter you have already decided, Young Master. What you decide is that which I, Alfred, must inevitably obey."

The car pulled up to the entrance of the funeral parlor, and Karen stepped down. Alfred continued onward toward the Allen apartments, intending to awaken and assemble all the team members who were currently resting after their day's mission.

Karen entered the backyard and came to his study. Xili followed him in and inquired, "Young Master, do you require dinner to be prepared for you?"

"Cook a generous portion of noodles. The others will be coming over to eat shortly."

"Very well, Young Master."

Karen opened a cabinet and drew out his limited-edition Trial of the Gates of Reincarnation backpack.

He plucked a few books from the shelf that he had recently intended to read and placed them into the pack. He paused for a moment, then took the black notebook kept inside the wooden box on his desk and slipped it in as well.

As for the rest, he left them untouched; Alfred would help him pack upon his return.

Walking into the bedroom, he found Purr sitting upon the bed, surrounded by several toys she had requested Xili to order from the doll shop. These dolls bore a rather realistic appearance and attire.

As for Kevin, he lay prone upon the floor, a pair of spectacle frames perched upon his nose, currently—

It was no exaggeration to say that more than half of the cultural atmosphere in this household was upheld by a single dog.

"I must explain something now..."

Karen recounted the turn of events in a concise manner.

Upon hearing it, Purr's body tilted as she collapsed sideways onto the bed, staring at Karen. "The twist in this matter is truly a tremendous leap."

"Woof," Kevin nodded.

"So, my little Karen, have you been influenced by that captain of yours?" Purr flicked her tail. "When a fellow who lives only for thrills suddenly loses everything, he becomes... well, more extreme."

"But this is indeed an exceptional opportunity."

"Of course, I do not deny that it is. As an observation group, after receiving high-specification hospitality at the Lunar Church, you will then take a turn around the battlefield. Upon your return, you will either be suppressed, blacklisted, and kept in cold storage, or you will gain a special status and blessing by virtue of this experience.

Oh, my little Karen, as your elder, I feel I ought to apply a bit of ice to your feverish brow. In truth, even if you do not gamble this time and instead develop slowly, your future status will not be lacking. You already possess excellent conditions for a starting development; you merely lack the time to fill out your seniority."

"To be embroiled in an assassination during a mission, and to know clearly in your heart when it occurs that there will be no investigation results—that feeling makes me most uncomfortable."

"I understand, I understand, but this is the path every adult must tread, is it not?" Purr continued. "Truly, take my advice. You are still young; your life is yet long."

"I intend to bring you both along this time."

Hearing this, Purr immediately stood up in excitement, waving her fleshy paws as she cried, "Youth demands vitality! It demands a spirit that dares to fight and venture! One ought to face the boundless unknown to forge one's own future!

Go! How could one miss such a splendid opportunity? Do you truly wish to let your youth be squandered in the dull fulfillment of seniority? Do you wish to continue accepting these security missions to fool away your prime years?

The cat supports you!"

Beside them, Kevin, who was reading, used a canine paw to nudge down his spectacle frames, incidentally obscuring his eyes.

Alfred's efficiency was remarkably swift. Most importantly, with the day's mission concluded, everyone was resting at the apartments, and those whose homes were local had chosen not to return.

By the time Karen emerged from the study, the crowd had already assembled in the courtyard, everyone either bearing backpacks or carrying luggage cases.

Aisli and Blanche, in particular, had brought several cases each.

Karen pointed at their luggage and said, "Bring fewer belongings. Checking luggage requires extra points."

The crowd burst into laughter.

Xili, Mrs. Lake, and Dorado-Rin now emerged carrying bowls of noodles and side dishes. Many small tables and stools had been set out in the courtyard.

After Karen sat down, everyone began to eat in silence. Though many had just been roused and had not slept enough to possess a good appetite, they still consumed the noodles in large mouthfuls at this moment.

Karen noticed a detail: half of the team had actually emulated him in using chopsticks, while the remaining half used a combination of forks and chopsticks.

Alfred squatted beside Karen, holding a bowl of noodles with chopsticks in hand. Impeccably dressed in his suit, his squatting posture was thoroughly authentic.

"Young Master, I have briefly explained the matter to them. Everyone roughly understands the situation."

Karen nodded, then addressed everyone present: "This matter is a gamble of my own personal choosing. Many among you possess extraordinary backgrounds; you have no need to gamble as I do, and it may even impact your future standing and development within your respective families."

Richard spoke up, "Captain, say no more. We understand it clearly in our hearts. Mr. Alfred was correct: do you wish to become eagles that truly soar through the skies, or do you wish to forever remain quails protected beneath the wings of your families?"

Bart then declared, "War, comrades! It is war! We have the opportunity to witness a holy war with our own eyes! I can scarce contain my anticipation, hahaha!"

"On one side is a security mission, and on the other is a battlefield scene. Does it even require a choice?"

"Exactly, exactly. I wish to behold that sight. It is the sort of vision that makes the blood boil merely by imagining it in one's mind."

This caught Karen somewhat by surprise. He had originally intended to advance by retreating, first discerning who required appeasement and encouragement before using rhetoric to lead them into choosing to follow.

Yet now it appeared they had no need for his instigation; they were more eager than he.

But soon, Karen came to understand the reason why, realizing he could not measure them by the calculus of gains and losses to which he had grown so accustomed;

Because,

They were still young.

———

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