Chapter 528: Let Me Kill You Personally?

Chapter 528: To Kill You with My Own Hands?

The luxury carriage halted at some distance from the Norton residence, not from any desire for secrecy this time, for they had come to offer condolences and could well afford to enter with heads held high.

The primary reason was the sheer congestion of vehicles;

further ahead, there was not only no room to park, but it was even impossible to reverse out.

The relevant departments of the entire York City district, journalists from various newspapers, and even the representative offices of foreign churches in York City—indeed, anyone with a modicum of standing in ecclesiastical circles—had rushed to join the spectacle.

Chiefly, the higher authorities had set the tone for this occasion very high and very clearly, so everyone fell in line with the wind, untroubled by the slightest psychological burden.

Furthermore, for these onlookers, it was uncertain whether they entertained any deeper thoughts about what happens after death, but the vast majority had come solely to see a dead man;

much like a secular crowd gathering to watch someone leap from a building, a large portion of them secretly hoped in their hearts for a swift plunge, just so they could utter an exclamation of horror.

Neo reached out to tap the steering wheel, murmuring, "I wonder if my own funeral will ever command such a grand display after I am gone."

"If you are willing to disclose your true identity, I imagine it quite possible."

"Would even the remnants of the Light draw such a crowd? In this day and age, it would be a wonder if a month passed without a few manipulated remnants of the Light dying off."

"If it were revealed that you inherited the legacy of the Mad Pope, the matter would be entirely different.

Your remains would not be cremated; instead, they would be hollowed out, stuffed with aromatic spices, and preserved, only to be sent on a touring exhibition across the major divine orthodoxies by invitation.

That would equate to holding numerous funerals all at once, making the scene before us look like a minor affair."

"Would they have to charge an exhibition fee as well?"

"The price would certainly need to be negotiated; it could not be too cheap, or it would unworthy of your stature."

"Heh," Neo laughed as he parallel parked the carriage, "most subordinates tell their superiors only what they want to hear, yet you have already mapped out the preservation of my corpse."

"I merely followed the thread of the conversation you initiated."

"Then let us observe this gentleman first and gain some experience," Neo said, stepping down once the vehicle was secured. "With the gridlock this severe, even the hearse will not be able to get out."

"They will just have to carry the coffin out," Karen replied.

"And who will carry it?"

"Look over there."

Two columns of garrisoned knights clad in heavy armor approached with measured, synchronized strides, numbering nearly a hundred, their destination unmistakably the Norton villa.

In the midst of the formation, Karen also spotted Bishop Byrne.

Bishop Byrne noticed them too; to be precise, standing among the garrisoned knights in his episcopal robes, he had been callously sweeping his consciousness across the surroundings without the slightest regard for the feelings of those he scanned, for none dared raise an objection.

Bishop Byrne paused in his tracks, while the garrisoned knights pressed forward into the Norton estate.

"Is he waiting for us?" Neo whispered.

"It appears so."

"Let us stand here a moment longer; if he is not waiting for us, it would be terribly awkward to go up and greet him."

"Very well, let us wait a bit more."

After a brief silence, Bishop Byrne remained motionless.

"He truly seems to be waiting for us," Neo observed. "Is he going to take us inside for a tour?"

"I do not know."

"Then let us go up and greet him."

"Yes."

Karen and Neo stepped forward, bowing together in salute to Bishop Byrne:

"Greetings, My Lord Bishop."

Bishop Byrne smiled and said, "Those who ought to have arrived are already here, yet you two are late."

Karen offered an apologetic reply, "Mainly because court was in session today; we came straight here after the adjournment."

"Ah, yes, I almost forgot."

Not long ago, Bishop Byrne had personally defended Dolf's 'grandson,' yet today he had completely forgotten the trial of Dolf's son; one could only say that the fortunes of life are ever so wondrously fickle.

However, Karen did not believe he had forgotten; it felt more like a gesture, a declaration that the past could now be buried and forgotten by all.

"Let us enter together and see just how far our Lord Bishop has prepared to go."

Having spoken, Bishop Byrne walked inside without looking back.

With the entry of the garrisoned knights, the mourners who had been crowding near the villa were systematically driven outward.

When Karen entered the villa garden, he found it completely filled with 'sails.' This was an old funeral tradition of Vien; because Vien was an island and had been deeply influenced by pirate culture in its early history, the custom of offering white sailboats to convey grief had taken root in its funerary traditions.

Of course, such a custom was generally reserved for formal, aristocratic obsequies and rarely appeared in ordinary funerals, for a person sending a white sailboat had to hold a title of nobility at the very least; it was not something just anyone could offer.

Beholding this, Karen found it somewhat amusing, finding the art of paper effigies practiced here.

The white sailboats remained outside, rustling loudly in the wind, while the flower baskets were piled high inside, virtually consuming the living room and stacking up like an ocean of blossoms.

Neo found a spot to deposit the flower basket they had purchased along the way.

Immediately following this, he noticed a table piled with envelopes containing condolence money, many of which had spilled onto the floor.

Karen noticed that Neo's gaze fixed upon it, turning somewhat rigid.

Neo placed his own thick envelope of condolence money onto the pile; if one were to play a game of throwing paper balls with the envelopes on the table and the floor, Neo’s would undoubtedly be the heavy ace.

After placing it, Neo leaned toward Karen and whispered, "With so much condolence money, even I am tempted."

Karen consoled him, "Do not be so quick to covet it; perhaps it is all stuffed with old newspapers."

Neo shook his head, "Unlikely. There are probably very few who could be as shameless as we are."

Karen found Neo's logic so sound that it was impossible to refute.

Nevertheless, Karen reminded him, "You, not we."

"You were the one who gave me this brilliant idea, and now you wish to wash your hands of it? Besides, this condolence money was sent in the name of our office."

"Heh."

A low chuckle escaped Bishop Byrne, who was walking ahead.

In truth, Neo knew perfectly well that Bishop Byrne could hear the voices behind him; though he spoke softly, it was not low enough to escape the notice of a bishop whose exposed consciousness was scanning everything.

At times, one had to use such methods to narrow the distance, making oneself appear amusing to open the possibility for further exploration.

Inside the main living room lay a smaller reception parlor, now occupied by the garrisoned knights, where several women of the Norton family sat with expressions of dread, panic, and unease.

Bishop Byrne ignored them entirely, pressing deeper into what was truly the inner sanctum of the building; near the entrance to the basement stood three coffins of varying hues.

The black one had been sent by the headquarters of the Whip of Order for the York City district, bearing the name of Director Harry;

the dark red one came from the administrative office of the York City district, inscribed with the name of Chief Bishop Wolfrun;

and there was a dark yellow one, which Karen initially assumed had come from the Vien district, but upon closer inspection, discovered it had actually been dispatched by the Liaison Department of the Dingge District Administrative Office.

This was highly intriguing; while the local authorities were setting the atmosphere to influence York City or the entire Vien district, the Dingge district had actually lent a hand by sending a coffin, an act that could not help but provoke deep speculation.

When a department from the capital district sends you a coffin, the implication is clear: an influential figure from above can no longer bear the sight of you, and believes it best that you perish swiftly.

Karen could not help but sigh: "Alas, I actually feel a bit of pity for His Eminence, Bishop Dolph."

Bishop Bourne turned his head, looked at Karen, and smiled: "I do too, slightly."

Neo rolled his eyes inwardly; you pity him, yet wasn't it you who ordered him to write

"I know you have come for nothing but the verdict."

"It could be you alone, or it could be your entire lineage. If you do not lie down now, your whole family will lie down beside you."

"Ah, to think that a day would come when I too would face such a threat."

"Be quick about it, do not delay. Everyone is occupied; no one can afford to abandon their duties just to stand here and watch you die."

"Bourne, I curse you! No, not just you—I curse every single one of you!"

"As you wish."

Bishop Dolph recoiled step by step, until at last he collapsed back into his chair.

"I have but one more question. May I enter the First Knights?"

"Are you worthy?"

Bishop Dolph struck his chest once more with violent force. "If the day comes when I am awakened, I am willing to fight for the Holy Church!"

"The First Knights are a symbol of glory; you are not worthy to share in it."

Dolph let out a bitter sneer. "Very well, then."

With those words, Dolph hurled the wine glass in his hand to the floor.

"Will you do it yourself?" Bourne inquired.

"I am a man who fears death above all else. Suicide is out of the question; even if I wrote and published a suicide note with my own hand, I would swallow it before the eyes of the world.

I shall remain sitting right here."

"Very well."

"No, let him do it!"

Dolph extended a finger, pointing directly at Karen, who stood nearby.

"Let him do it. This is my final request. Let him come and kill me—let him strike the blow!"

"Dolph, do not think me ignorant of your design. You wish to shatter his heart of faith, do you not?"

On the path of pursuing faith, if a shadow were cast during a certain stage, one might very well remain stagnant there for the rest of one's life.

"Why can you not view this as a crucible, Bourne?

If he can endure it, will his future path of faith not become all the more unyielding?

I am granting him an opportunity—an opportunity for this exceptional young man of our diocese to thrive even greater in the future!"

Bishop Bourne raised his hand, causing a black amulet to float into the air. Runes manifested beneath their feet, weaving together a starkly three-dimensional barrier. As this barrier materialized, the magic formations within the basement seemed provoked, showing signs of automatic activation. Yet in the next instant, as the light from the amulet swelled continuously, those formations were utterly suppressed.

Dolph remained seated, witnessing the scene without making any attempt to breach the barrier. Instead, he snatched up the red wine bottle from the floor, took a fierce swig, and laughed aloud:

"Come then, Bourne. You may consult each other to your heart's content."

Within the barrier,

Bishop Bourne spoke: "Karen, this is the opportunity I have won for you."

What?

Karen caught himself by surprise; he had not expected Bishop Bourne to say such a thing.

Yet clarity dawned upon him swiftly. He realized why Bishop Bourne had brought him and Neo along. The bishop was clearly here to execute the mission of "Dolph's suicide"—an act so dark and clandestine that while everyone might suspect the truth, absolute proof could never be permitted to exist.

Recalling Bishop Bourne's earlier dialogue with Bishop Dolph, including how he deftly deflected the conflict toward Karen midway through, it was clear he meant to draw the trapped beast's fury upon the youth.

He had done it intentionally.

And yet, Karen had failed to notice it entirely.

Neo, on the other hand, had perceived it, but it was inconvenient for him to offer a warning, nor did he deem it necessary.

Bourne continued, "He dare not truly strike back, but before his demise, he will stop at nothing to intimidate you, aiming to leave a shadow upon your heart of faith.

Should you fail to endure it, a fracture will remain within your faith, hindering the elevation of your future realms. Should you endure it, your heart of faith will become firmly anchored and fortified.

I am not a man who enjoys presenting gifts, but this is an exception.

In the tribunal, I insulted the relationship between you and Pavaro's wife and daughter. I promised I would offer repentance, and this is my gift of atonement to you.

Whether you accept it or not is entirely up to you."

So, I am meant to slay this Lord Bishop with my own hands?

I have absorbed the Bone of God, I have looked upon Raelilsa with my own eyes, the Scythe of War nearly dominates my dreams, and there is an evil hound kept at home...

Not long ago, through the memory fragments of the Silver Mask, I witnessed Grandfather slay the ancestor of the Danton family. Grandfather had already set the perfect example for him.

Thus, what grand matter was this truly, to be treated with such solemnity?

Just as Karen was prepared to accept directly, Neo’s hand suddenly came down upon his shoulder. He saw Neo gazing at him with an expression of profound gravity, speaking in a tone laced with genuine concern and utmost solemnity:

"Karen, you must consider the consequences carefully. By no means should you force yourself!"

This was what defined a true professional. This was mastery!

Even at such a juncture, Director Neo did not forget to remind him not to agree too readily, but to manage the nuances with absolute precision.

Karen drew a deep breath, pursed his lips, and first reached out to tap Neo’s hand resting on his shoulder before gently removing it.

He then turned to face Bishop Bourne.

After a brief silence,

Having finally summoned enough courage,

He raised his head,

And after locking eyes with Bishop Bourne for three seconds,

He immediately shifted his gaze to Dolph sitting outside the barrier, speaking in a voice that sounded steady on the surface but possessed a faint, underlying tremor:

"My Lord, I accept your gift."

"Excellent."

Bourne was visibly pleased with Karen. Ever since the two had clashed fiercely in the tribunal, he had harbored a great appreciation for this young man.

"Buzz!"

The barrier was retracted.

Dolph asked, "Well, have you reached an agreement? You must hasten, for the sensation of awaiting death is not pleasant in the least."

"We have agreed," Bourne nodded. "Let him do it."

"Heh, heheh..." Dolph fixed his gaze on Karen. "I can serve as your stepping stone, allowing you to climb higher."

Evidently, the thoughts in his heart were entirely at odds with the words on his lips.

Bishop Bourne turned away, waving his hand as he walked toward the exit. "I shall go upstairs to discuss the subsequent arrangements with your family. Since you are willing to die, they will receive some measure of favorable treatment regarding their future."

Dolph cursed, "I can only guarantee that I will not raise a hand against him. Beyond that, I guarantee nothing."

"That will suffice."

Bishop Bourne stepped outside the basement hall and paused for a brief moment.

Neo understood at once, and followed him out.

Immediately, Bern dropped the pendant from his hand, catching it in the gap of the door; a new barrier formed, isolating the inside from the outside.

Following that, a beam of black light released from the pendant, aiming straight for the center of Dolf's brow.

Dolf made no resistance, allowing the beam of light to enter; he knew this was a shackle, deliberately set by Bern to prevent him from running amok.

He could break free of it himself, but Bern could return here before he managed to break it.

Neo asked with a look of worry: "My Lord Bishop, will nothing really go wrong?"

"Dolf is not a good man, but there is one thing beyond doubt—he cherishes his family. He will not strike directly at Karen; he cannot afford such a price."

"But he is a bishop after all... at least he used to be. I worry if Karen might..."

"This is a rare opportunity, and he ought to cherish it, for it will be difficult to find a second Dolf. I can sense that he is close to advancing to an Adjudicator. What a wonderful opportunity to provide him with that breakthrough, is it not?"

Yet, what Karen lacked least of all was a breakthrough to advance; he had even personally strangled several opportunities for advancement.

Neo could only nod and say: "Yes, you have thought of everything very thoroughly."

"Let us go up and wait. Oh, by the way, do you lack funds?" Bern asked.

"We do, we do. We have just started on this end and lack everything. You haven't seen it, but my office is still drafty right now, and there are no funds to renovate it."

"Then let us proceed according to the rules. So many people of the Naton family have committed crimes, and their illegal gains always need to be tallied. Representing the Whip of Order, you shall first conduct a rough accounting of their illegal income and property."

"Very well, My Lord, please rest assured. I will handle this matter well and ensure everyone is satisfied."

The underlying meaning was that everyone would receive their share of the allocation.

In fact, under normal circumstances, Bishop Bern would never voice such a hint; he was plotting the annexation of an entire church, so how could he waste his thoughts on such a trivial matter as embezzlement.

After all, theoretically speaking, the Pamires Church now belonged to his family.

But the establishment of the Joint Law Enforcement Department meant not only the sharing of power, but also the sharing of benefits—power and benefits, authority and profit go hand in hand.

Therefore, representing the Regional Management Office, he had to personally establish this model and ensure that it could continue to operate in the future.

"Do you need me to arrange manpower for you, or can you call some hands over yourself to help?"

"Please rest assured, I can do it well."

"Mm, very well."

At this moment, Director Neo, who had just been reminding Karen to mind his image and acting skills, could not help but lightly rub his fingertips; it was no wonder, for he had truly been poor for too long.

Although the external debt from the previous rooftop incident had been paid off, his savings had also worn thin.

Neo was not actually greedy for wealth, but he knew very well that once he went without savings for too long, it might easily evolve into having no regrets left; if he wanted to keep playing along, he could not keep his pockets empty forever.

Because in the depths of his heart, a voice had actually been calling out to him all along: It is time to go down and keep Elisa company.

If he were to find a reason to resist it, it would be that the coupons hadn't been spent yet, so he had to wait a while, otherwise anyone would call him a fool.

"Sigh, isn't it all to help Karen modify his car."

Bishop Bern entered the study to rest inside.

Neo walked into the small parlor, sat down in front of those ladies of the Naton family, and spoke:

"From the perspective of looking out for your well-being, I must remind you that at this time for the Naton family, the more wealth you hold, the greater the danger becomes.

Therefore, ladies, you wouldn't want to lose your most precious lives because of this wealth that you have no way to protect, would you?"

...

The basement.

Karen looked back at the barrier that had been set up, then turned around to face Dolf, opening his palm as a black Spear of Punishment appeared in his hand.

He had said that when news of Dolf's death arrived, he would be able to advance to an Adjudicator.

But the development of things was truly smooth; in the end, it was actually up to him to kill Dolf with his own hands.

By killing you, I shall advance.

I do not believe Grandfather would leave your family to me, for your family is too filthy;

Likewise, I do not believe Grandfather would leave the Vielscher family to me. No matter how good other people's things are, they are never as good as what belongs to one's own family. Both I and Dis subscribe to this truth.

If Dis wanted to give me things, he could give much more, and he could give much better.

However, I truly enjoy this kind of feeling—the kind where, on my own journey ahead, I see the traces left behind by Grandfather, and touch the lingering warmth he left. This feeling is marvelous, and very comforting.

Although you are still slumbering now, I do not feel lonely.

You once dug a pit here, and I am here now to fill it in.

Though separated by decades, we can still complete this interaction that spans across time.

Perhaps this is exactly what you wanted to see, Grandfather. For this, you deliberately came through the teleportation array to tell those people you wished to tell that your heir would continue to pass through this path.

Sitting on the chair, Dolf watched Karen approach step by step with the spear, and said with a smile:

"I will not strike to kill you, but I will leave you with an extremely profound impression, making it impossible for you to escape today's shadow for the rest of your life, leaving you forever trapped in the nightmare of this moment.

I will exist in your heart forever, and my laughter will also echo by your ears for