Chapter 597: Extremely Bad Influence

Chapter 597: An Utterly Abhorrent Influence

Hearing this reply, a trace of a smile touched the corner of Bishop Bourne’s mouth.

When he first encountered Cullen, he had thought him nothing more than a decent young lad, though his own son had been quicker than himself to discern that there was something uncommon about this young security guard.

In the tribunal, Bishop Bourne had sparred with Cullen on behalf of the regional administration, and it was precisely that encounter that had earned Cullen his genuine appreciation.

The young man’s maturity, his composure, his calculated maneuvers... in short, Bourne had seen in him a reflection of his own youth, and he could even admit that his younger self had not been nearly as exceptional.

Of course, the greatest discrepancy still lay in... their outward presentation.

While it was true that appearance was negligible when weighed against competence, it was undeniable that the latter required far more exertion to make up for the lack of the former.

This young man’s public presentation was simply too flawless; by comparison, Bourne felt he belonged to the sort of breed better suited to standing in the shadows.

Yet, when the young man uttered the words "follow the Regulations of Order," Bourne’s smile was born of genuine emotion, for that was his own conviction, the path he had chosen based on his faith in the God of Order.

At that exact moment, his perception of Cullen shifted from mere appreciation to true recognition.

"I am glad you would say such a thing," Bishop Bourne said, lifting his glass to take another sip. "But what interests me more is whether you have already sensed the direction of the wind?"

Cullen shook his head and said, "At present, it remains entirely chaotic."

"Ah, which is to say, you cannot calculate the outcome of your choice either."

Minister Bernie and District Chief Harry undoubtedly wished for him to cooperate in dampening the impact of this affair, but he was unwilling to offer such cooperation, even knowing that doing so would secure him immediate, short-term benefits.

If he chose not to cooperate and instead deliberately fanned the flames, once the fire spread entirely, it would not just burn a district chief or a minister; the fire would likely consume all related personnel, and perhaps even the entire headquarters building.

It was essentially a choice: compromise or radicalism, conservatism or extremism—to what exact degree should this matter be pushed?

"Perhaps that is the very meaning behind the existence of the 'Light of Order'; when you are lost in confusion and do not know how to choose, you follow the Light of Order ahead, and it will guide you."

Bishop Bourne pressed a hand against his own chest and asked, "Because in doing so, one can at least be true to their own faith, or as one might call it, true to their own heart, leaving no room for regret?"

"Yes, precisely; even if one is ultimately consumed by the fire, there will be no sense of grievance."

There was one thing Cullen could never deny: the scene on Fire Island, where the elder Thyssen had manifested a colossal phantom wielding the Scythe of War to strike down, had imparted a profound lesson to him and exerted a tremendous influence on his mind.

Dis and Mr. Hoffen had undoubtedly spoiled him, for Dis truly regarded him as a beloved grandson, wishing only that his life might be easier and filled with happiness;

Thyssen’s reprimands, however, had supplied the missing ideological link in the education Dis had provided to his descendant.

Bishop Bourne straightened his posture, his gaze turning solemn as he looked at Cullen:

"Please continue, where exactly does the point of no regret lie? Can you articulate it?"

"Rules are rules; what is right is right. When you possess the ability to maintain the rules in your heart, and when you possess the entitlement to defend what is right, you should naturally step forward to maintain and defend it, rather than continuing to hide in the background, repeatedly calculating your own gains and losses with a pen on a scratch pad, becoming a sophisticated egoist.

I believe that a dwarf in action can never support a giant in thought."

"A sophisticated egoist—a very novel description. Can you elaborate on that specifically?"

"Ideologically confused, politically naive, practically deficient, and weak in struggle."

"Hahaha!" A light gradually kindled in Bishop Bourne’s eyes, and he pointed to himself, asking, "Then what do you think of me?"

"I do not actually like you, but it cannot be denied that you have always been practicing the path of Order in your heart; you are a brave man who dares to step forward."

"You know that the methods I like to employ are not honorable—most of them cannot bear the light of day. How do you view that?"

"You have at least managed to use the tenets of faith as the guide for your actions."

"Then what of Bishop Wolfrun? How do you appraise him?"

Cullen fell silent.

Bishop Bourne smiled and said, "There is nothing to be embarrassed about saying. I have said it right to his face that I actually look down on him a bit in my heart, and I look down on many people represented by him.

They always worry too much, involving too many interests. On the surface, they posture as defenders of Order, but in reality, they have also been doing things that violate the principles of Order from the sidelines.

Just like that sophisticated egoist you mentioned, Wolfrun is actually the same. He clearly has the capacity to do more and do better, yet he has always leaned toward conservatism and hesitation. Of course, it cannot be denied that he is already among the more exceptional Chiefs I have seen.

Only now, after losing everything, does he finally look like a true believer of Order."

"In truth, a choice and transformation like the Chief's... is unavoidable."

"Then he should not be sitting in that position," Bishop Bourne said unceremoniously. "He should go be a servant of God; that is far more forgiving and loose."

"You have a point, but have you ever considered, if the Holy Church were entirely comprised of people like you..."

"What would happen if the Holy Church were entirely comprised of people like me?"

"Would the color not be too monotonous?"

"Monotonous?"

"When you and the Chief are together, you complement each other, and the color becomes softened and balanced."

Bishop Bourne fell silent, and then he picked up the wine bottle, topping up Cullen's glass before topping up his own.

"Next, what do you intend to do? No need for further theories; you must speak of concrete methods."

"What my superior gave me was not the complete dossier. As you said, those arrested beginning this evening are all small fry. Do you have the true, complete list and dossier over at your place?"

"I do not. I went to ask for it, but our Chief did not give it to me. Furthermore, let me remind you of one thing: the Chief was likely unaware of what transpired at the commendation ceremony today."

"That I believe."

For there was no reason for Wolfrun to stuff his own grandson into Cullen's circle while simultaneously conspiring with others to ruin Cullen's future; that would be tantamount to personally delivering a state of "widowhood" to his own grandson.

"The true, complete list is likely held by him alone. What is in your superior's hands is probably incomplete as well. Of course, they are likely unwilling to give you even that incomplete version now; they want to raise the gavel high only to let it fall gently, using the heads of low-and-mid-level figures who will not provoke a violent reaction from any faction to satisfy the internal opinion of the Church.

There is another matter you might not yet know. You issued the mobilization order for the Whiplash of Order squads in your name, but after your order was issued, District Chief Harry issued a new order that overrode yours.

Therefore, the manpower you can mobilize for your use is not substantial either. If you want, I can dispatch personnel to you."

"As a member of the Whiplash of Order, utilizing outside personnel to conduct business would violate the rules."

"Did you not just say that as long as existing conditions allow a thing to be done, it must be done?"

"It has not yet reached the point of absolute desperation. However, I hope to obtain some assistance from you in private."

"That is no problem. I am very willing to assist you unconditionally in such matters, for it brings me pleasure. So, what you are about to do next..."

Cullen caught his words and said, "In truth, controlling the heat is not merely about maintaining a fixed temperature, but rather raising it to a high heat first, then lowering it, adjusting according to what the actual situation requires."

"For instance?"

"Add a flame first, to burn through the chains binding myself and the Whiplash of Order."

"Are you aware that the director named Neo helped you plug the original vortex? What you intend to do next is to tear open and expand the very vortex that was plugged."

"He agreed to let me do so."

"Oh, how touching."

"But the situation is at least chaotic now, which can be considered an opening."

"Yes, quite so, but you should be clear that once this matter is truly set in motion, your path hereafter will become exceedingly difficult.

If a sharp, prickly young man is disliked by most superiors, then a subordinate who dares to completely tear away from and subvert his superiors is someone almost every superior utterly abhors.

Your future might very well be restricted and confined to this city of York, making it difficult to ascend any further."

"I know."

"Still resolved to do it?"

"Yes," Bishop Borne said, lifting his glass. He waited until Karen raised his own before gently clinking it against his. "Look on the bright side. When it becomes hard for you to be promoted any further, it also becomes hard for anyone to suppress you any further." Bishop Borne narrowed his eyes, offering a soft smile. "Just like me."

...

This late-night meal lasted until four in the morning. They began by discussing official matters, but eventually, it dissolved into pure, idle chatter. Bishop Borne did most of the talking, recounting many experiences from the first half of his life. Through these stories, Karen caught a glimpse of the hidden side of a veteran "spymaster" within the Church of Order.

Near the end, the Bishop even murmured, "The first night after I sent my son to the Pamireth Cult, I couldn't sleep a wink."

Karen knew the Bishop remained stubborn to the core; the word "regret" would never fall from his lips.

Bishop Borne departed first, leaving Karen to stay the night at Lemar's residence.

Sleeping until nine in the morning, Karen arose to wash up. After enjoying a breakfast meticulously prepared for him by Selina, he walked out to the entrance of the pottery studio.

A carriage stood waiting there, its driver a middle-aged man.

"Lord Karen, Bishop Borne commanded me to wait for you here and escort you to the Whip of Order Headquarters."

"Very well," Karen nodded, stepping into the carriage.

By the time the carriage arrived at the gates of the Headquarters, a vast crowd of journalists had already gathered. A good number of them were likely reporters from other church publications who had traveled through teleportation arrays today specifically to cover the investigation.

Just then, Karen, who had been dozing inside the carriage, opened his eyes and spoke to the driver in front of him.

"Praise the God of Night."

The driver instantly froze.

Karen continued, "In truth, our Church of Order truly welcomes the existence of traitors like you. Every time we catch one, we extort a massive sum of compensation from your cult. How much do you think you are worth?"

"My Lord..." Cold sweat began to bead and roll down the driver's face.

"Your wife and children back in your York City home surely do not know about your hidden identity. If you want them to live, then attempt an assassination on me right now."

The driver's face twisted into an expression of sheer astonishment.

"Do not hesitate, be quick about it. Once we pass through those gates, you won't get such a generous offer again."

...

High above, inside the Headquarters.

"Why are there so many journalists again?" Regional Director Harry asked with a frown. "Didn't I tell you to have someone secretly suspend the authorization for these press teleportation arrays?"

Bernie replied as if it were a matter of course, "Then it means someone else, even more secretly, restored that authorization."

"The last thing I want to see right now is a circus. Looking at those flash lamps makes my head throb."

"Director, honestly, whether these outside journalists come or not doesn't change much. The matter has already been broadcast to the world. A few more reporters... it makes no difference. The main issue lies with the Chief..."

"Let's switch roles this afternoon. I will go find Karen. You, after all, have a direct conflict with him, so it would be better for me to persuade him. You go deal with the Chief. Have the person backing you use the communication array to speak with the Chief directly.

This matter requires the Chief himself to step forward if the situation is truly to be pacified."

Bernie nodded and said, "For now, let us first control the scope of the investigation."

"One Bishop Yeder, plus a decent handful of small fry, should be just enough to piece together a passable banquet. It serves as an accounting. It is a pity, though. If this accident hadn't occurred, we could have carried out this great purge much more smoothly."

A trace of resentment bled into Harry's tone.

Bernie let out a sigh and said, "It is my fault for failing you, Director."

"Forget it, I know this was beyond your control. Let's work together to contain the situation first. What about those five bishops?"

"They are cooperating with the investigation well enough, but nothing of substance can be dug up. As for Bishop Yeder, the case files I provided to them were incomplete to begin with."

"The misunderstanding still needs to be cleared up. Find an opportunity to speak with them. Tell them that their Chief Bishop was also one of the hidden hands behind this entire affair. Let them mobilize their colleagues and subordinates to put pressure on the Chief first."

"Is there enough time?"

"Of course there is time. As long as we suppress the rhythm of the investigation and proceed steadily, we can temporarily feed those small fry and shrimp into the frying pan in batches. That should satisfy the appetite of these journalists."

"Yes, I understand."

"That carriage..." Harry caught sight of a carriage approaching the main gates in the distance. "The person sitting inside is Karen, isn't it? Did he go out last night?"

"Yes, he went out."

"Where did he go?"

"Unknown. The man I sent to shadow him was found dead in a trash bin in the alley across the street."

"He strikes with a brutal hand, and against his own people no less."

Bernie did not reply to this statement, for the two of them were exactly the same.

"The press conference regarding the case is about to be held. Is he the one in charge of it?"

"Yes."

"There has been almost no progress on the case. I would like to see what good he can possibly say. The youth possesses too much sharp arrogance. I only hope that after he gets ground down a bit, he will know how to turn back. That way, we can avoid a lot of trou— What is going on!"

...

"Ahhh!"

"An assassination! An assassination! An assassination!"

"Take photos, quickly! Take photos!"

An assassination attempt unfolded right at the entrance of the Whip of Order Headquarters. The target was none other than the Office Director of the Whip of Order.

The journalists snapped photos frantically, and the reporters who had long been waiting inside the building's auditorium rushed out upon hearing the commotion.

The assassin was captured alive. Clerics from the Whip of Order streaming out of the building subdued the assailant, while another group of clerics shielded Karen, hurrying him into the building.

Amidst the endless flashing of cameras, images were captured of Karen being surrounded and protected, his right hand clutching a blood-stained chest.

The Director of the Whip of Order, responsible for investigating the Bishop's case, was assassinated at the very gates of Headquarters!

For the already burning situation within the York City region, this scene was equivalent to pouring another barrel of oil onto the flames.

...

Escoroted into the building, Karen was quickly met and taken over by the staff of his own office, who hurried him inside.

"Young Master?"

"Director?"

Once the outsiders were gone, Karen shook his head. "I am fine. I allowed him to stab me on purpose. It isn't deep, no major harm done. Where is the investigation report? Let me see it."

Alfred handed over the progress report.

Vick spoke up, "Director, there is a problem with the case files handed down from above. Bishop Yeder has only been found to have some personal moral issues so far. The other five bishops have only undergone two rounds of questioning with no results whatsoever; of course, they might truly be innocent.

On the other hand, a few lower-level figures, like god-servants and the divinely inspired, were caught for embezzlement and dereliction of duty. The evidence against them is solid enough, but bringing these to the press conference would be somewhat..."

"It is fine. You have all worked hard." Karen picked up the folder and commanded, "Send out the notice. Move the press conference forward by one hour. We convene immediately."

Ventura immediately said, "Then I shall fetch a clean garment for you."

Muri reached out from behind, gripping Ventura by the neck to stay his pointless bustling.

Vic said with some hesitation, "But Director, the investigation results..."

Cullen waved the folder in his hand and said, "Are they not all right here?"

...

The auditorium where the commendation ceremony had been held yesterday was even more crowded today, leaving many without seats and forced to stand in the aisles. Fortunately, Cullen and his companions could enter directly through the small side door of the front hall, sparing them the need to push through the throng.

When Cullen stepped into the auditorium, his clerical robes stained with blood, his face slick with a cold sweat, and his lips stark white, the buzzing hubbub of the room instantly fell dead silent.

Cullen pushed away Alfred, who had been supporting him, and walked to the podium with one hand clutching his chest and the other holding the folder, presenting a figure that seemed on the very verge of collapsing.

"Director Cullen, you were just assassinated at the entrance. Does this matter have a direct connection to the case you are currently investigating?"

"Director Cullen, do you believe the assassination attempt on you was intended to sabotage this investigation?"

Cullen activated the communication array on the podium, causing a black starburst to manifest, and spoke into it:

"My apologies, but the theme of this press conference should pertain only to yesterday's grand investigation. Irrelevant topics will find no answers here."

Just as the reporters below prepared to press further,

Cullen spoke into the black starburst once more:

"I will now announce the results of the investigation since yesterday."

The moment these words were uttered, the entire venue fell silent again. The reporters twirled their pens, preparing to take notes, while the broadcast arrays had long since zoomed in and focused entirely on Cullen.

Cullen did not open the folder; instead, he spoke with absolute gravity:

"My apologies, but I cannot disclose the specific details of the case here, nor can I allow those present to engage in a question-and-answer session."

The auditorium, which had just quieted down, began to buzz with agitation once more. The crowd could not accept that after waiting for so long—many having just arrived from afar via long-distance teleportation arrays—they were met with such a response. It felt like a mockery.

Harry and Bernie exchanged glances, both feeling a mutual sense of relief.

"Silence, please, silence!"

Under the raised volume of Cullen's voice, the venue returned to a tense calm, but the words that followed from his lips struck like a direct thunderbolt.

"Because the preliminary investigation has revealed:

The gravity of the disciplinary violations and unlawful acts committed by these six Lords Bishop is utterly shocking, the circumstances are extraordinarily severe, the repercussions are immensely damaging, and the nature of their conduct is profoundly egregious!"