Chapter 619: Reversal!

Chapter 619: The Twist!

Duped.

It was a deception so simple it verged on the rudimentary, costing almost nothing at all. With just a few words, it had driven a wedge between two people who by all rights should have been thinking as allies, reducing them to watching one another with mutual suspicion.

Yet, this also implied that the adversary had conducted an exhaustive intelligence reconnaissance beforehand. Only by truly grasping the nuances of the relationship between the two could they have manufactured such a rift with such effortless precision.

Furthermore, the enemy had explicitly informed you of an impending assassination. Naturally, you followed his train of thought, pondering who the fitting target might be, only for the adversary to select an adult thunder dragon.

At this juncture, the dragon's identity served as a perfect visual blind spot, because the moment Lio revealed his true form, assassination became an atmospheric impossibility.

After all, assassination and a mass ambush were hardly synonymous.

Karen also sensed that in the opponent's original design, he and Lord Oggie were meant to be excluded entirely, for the adversary was even aware that Lio would invite Miss Dena for a private discussion.

The minor disruption arose when he... and Oggie over there, both seemed to discern a faint anomaly through their respective means. Consequently, to appease these two vigilant "children," each was thrown a jellybean to keep in their mouths and savor slowly.

While savoring it, one naturally lacked the opportunity to speak, and so, silence ensued.

Just as Karen had instinctively lapsed into silent observation after Lord Oggie replied with the latter half of the sentence.

And this was precisely the outcome the adversary desired when throwing the sweets.

At this moment, Lord Oggie froze for an instant before immediately rushing out of the private box.

Karen hesitated briefly, then raised his hand to signal Puer and Kevin that they could act at their own discretion, letting them look after Eisly.

Then, with the mindset of someone plunging into a muddy swamp, Karen followed suit and rushed out of the room.

Upon dashing out, Lord Oggie had already vanished.

Of course, it could also be understood that the one who had vanished was himself.

Black mist billowed up before Karen, and that skeleton stepped forth once more. The black robe cloaking his form slowly receded, unveiling a bronze-colored internal skeleton.

It turned out that even a creature of bare bone could project a sense of "muscularity."

"Manager Karen, my apologies. Previously, we lacked the leisure to converse, but now, we have a slightly more generous allocation of time.

In truth, I have always harbored a keen interest in you.

An exceptional, intriguing young man whose conduct overflows with youthful vigor, yet who personally maintains a cool, restrained composure, alongside the... innate strength and talent veiled beneath that brilliance.

I know you well, truly. I have gathered every shred of data concerning you as thoroughly as possible. I am aware that much of it is likely fabricated, but I did not come to unearth hidden secrets; I came to scavenge fragments of personality.

It is a wondrous sensation. The masked you and the unmasked you present two entirely disparate countenances.

To be candid, I have no desire to invoke your enmity. For I believe that thirty years from now, you will secure at least one seat—either at the round table of the Order of Holy Light, or at the helm of a massive apparatus like the Whiplash of Order."

"You possess far more confidence in me than I do in myself."

"Is that so? Yet I know you are profoundly confident. I even attended the lectures delivered by your manservant within the York City heteromorphic circles. Though his delivery was subtle and heavily expurgated, I was able to capture certain highly intriguing elements.

For instance, emanating from him, there is what must belong to you... an absolute pride."

"Such an investigation is entirely to my displeasure."

"Then... what of the physical examination at the Knights Templar Hospital, heh." The skeleton let out a dry laugh. "In truth, you have consistently cooperated with being investigated, have you not?"

Karen remained silent, silently raising the Sword of Diamance in his hand.

"There is no need to rush. I am willing to clash with you, not to decide life or death, nor even for the sake of an outcome, but because I believe that thirty years hence, if I still exist, I shall feel honored to have had the privilege of exchanging blows with you today.

In fact, you need not worry—worrying, for instance, that I have discerned anything further.

I am, after all, merely an outsider. I do not belong to the Order of Holy Light. To truly peer into secrets beyond what you have made public, one would undoubtedly need to become someone close to you.

And the reason I managed to detect a few interesting anomalies is that, unlike the aloof attitude your Holy Order's high-ranking figures adopt when viewing you from above, I acutely recognized your exceptional nature very early on.

Furthermore, have you noticed? I have consistently addressed you with honorifics. This is not mere courtesy, but my genuine sincerity.

Only when I view the present you through the lens of a future figure far grander and more majestic than myself can true insights be gained. Those grand figures currently within your church could never adopt such a perspective. Humans, after all, are prone to bouts of self-conceit.

And I... am not human."

"The one you intend to assassinate is Lio?"

"Yes, Lio. But how should I put it? It differs somewhat from your assumptions. If you continue to follow your own line of reasoning, you will deduce that Lio has defected to the Order of Holy Light, and that our motive in assassinating him is to make the Church of the Crypt more independent...

However, the reality is not so.

What Lio desires is to become the leader of the dragon lineage within the Church of the Crypt, and then lead the dragons to secede from the Church of the Crypt to establish a new draconic settlement.

Whereas what we desire is to maintain the current integrity of the Church of the Crypt. To that end, I believe continuing as a subservient church to the Order of Holy Light is the most appropriate choice.

But Lio does not think this way. To be precise, the one who most desires to see a rift between the Church of the Crypt and the Order of Holy Light is actually he, the one seemingly most 'loyal' to Order. Only if these two holy orders fracture will he gain the opportunity to lead the dragons away.

He is an ambitious careerist. From a long-term perspective, his existence is detrimental to Order's policy of loose rein over the Crypt.

My killing him today is, in fact, beneficial to Order."

"Do you imagine I will believe what you are saying now?"

"You need not believe it." The skeleton raised a finger and flicked the air above, causing a layer of ripples to instantly undulate overhead. "You are very close to the Guman family. I surmise you must possess an exceptional understanding of formations, given that you are a genius. Thus, you should be able to see now exactly what caliber of... defensive formation this is."

"It is not of the same tier as the previous one."

"Indeed. My apologies for not displaying such sturdiness to you earlier, otherwise you would not have chosen a temporary silence to cope. In truth, through our deliberate modifications, the strength of the defensive formation here... should not be inferior to your Whiplash of Order headquarters building.

We have prepared for this matter for a very long time, and our preparations have been thorough.

I do not believe the present you can defeat me, but even if you do, you cannot escape the constraints of this place. You have no way to stop me."

Karen's silhouette surged forward, bringing the sword down upon the skeleton in a fierce slash.

The skeleton extended a hand, a black vortex manifesting before him, from which he drew a blade that perfectly parried Karen's strike.

Immediately following this, it took a step forward, and everything in the surroundings began to compress frantically.

As Karen took a half-step back, he thrust the Sword of Diamance into the ground. In the next instant, chains of Order erupted forth, counter-propping the compressed space.

The skeleton spoke: "Summon: Necromantic Dreamweaver."

A long-haired woman, emaciated to a nearly inhuman degree, manifested and began to sing a lullaby to Karen. A potent mental hypnotic force began to permeate the air like an incoming tide.

Karen's gaze remained resolute, a black luster swirling within his eyes, directly sealing off the mental energies attempting to invade his consciousness. Simultaneously, he drew the greatsword out, his silhouette shifting sideways with the momentum to bypass the Necromantic Dreamweaver and deliver another slash at the skeleton.

"Clang!"

The skeleton's blade once more blocked the greatsword's assault.

"You did not feign being affected by the mental intrusion to deceive me. May I interpret this as a form of respect toward me?"

"You talk entirely too much."

"Heh heh heh, my apologies. Encountering one's future idol makes it rather difficult to refrain from speaking a bit more. I truly cannot contain myself."

Blade and sword exerted force against one another before bouncing apart. The skeleton began to take the offensive, each descending blade carrying a terrifyingly formidable might. Had the two not been situated within the confines of the defensive formation, the floorboards of the second-story corridor would have already been utterly dismantled.

Karen shifted to defense. Though it appeared slightly taxing, he managed to dissolve the opponent's onslaught each time.

"This is the style of combat you prefer—utilizing defense to deplete the opponent while observing simultaneously, then waiting until their strength wanes to strike at the opportune moment and win the duel, because your reserves of spiritual power are remarkably abundant.

In truth, mine are also abundant, and I possess absolute confidence... but I simply do not wish to compete with you in this regard, heh, for fear that some anomaly might arise."

Following a succession of offensive maneuvers, the skeleton began to actively withdraw.

Then, the dueling parties lapsed into a bizarre and awkward stillness. When both sides relinquished the initiative, desiring to strike on a defensive counter... no one remained to launch an attack.

"Minister Karen, you haven't given your all."

"Neither have you."

"But our reasons differ. I simply did not want to kill you—or rather, I chose not to attempt it. As for you, is it that you wish to avoid exposure, or are you just... too indolent to reveal your hand?

Well, to spare you from finding this affair too tedious, I can offer a fresh topic of conversation, one I believe will piqued your interest.

The inheritor of the fallen god, that fellow who delights in shaping sculptural art from sand, actually has ties to the Cult of the Desert behind him.

Oh no, to be precise, it is the desert believers who are currently fracturing.

The schism within the Cult of the Desert is imminent; before long, it will likely split into a new Desert Church and the legacy faction.

Meanwhile, the Church of Order has secretly been backing the new faction all along. Order hopes to severely weaken the Desert by fostering this internal rift, and then... absorb it entirely. I imagine Order has already set the table, merely waiting for the feast to begin."

"How do you know so much?"

"I am honored once more that you did not take my words as a mere provocative test, and that you refrained from asking, 'What on earth are you talking about?'"

"The assassin—was he a man of the Desert Church?"

"Strictly speaking, not entirely. In this world, drifting outside the orthodox churches, there exist certain specialized organizations. Take Dark Moon Island, with which you have always maintained close ties; over a century ago, it made contact with a mysterious group.

Later, I learned that the remains of the ancestor Bernard, a figure of supreme stature on Dark Moon Island, were stolen and desecrated. At that time, you happened to be on the island as well.

Oh, I have no intention of probing into what you did during that period, though I am certain you played a part.

I merely wish to tell you that for the past millennium—from the moment the Light perished until just a few years ago—the consistent foreign policy of the Church of Order was to maintain the stability of the ecclesiastical circle. Back then, any destabilizing factor was a target for Order to crush.

Yet, when the Church of Order began to alter its foreign policy, actively instigating and fueling conflicts within the circle, many flies flocked to the scent, moving to the rhythm of Order to satisfy their own private interests.

I am simply one of those flies—a very, very small one."

"Then what was the purpose behind the assassination at the Chief Bishop's estate?"

"An investigation is hardest when there is no clear motive. In truth, the objective was quite broad: to accelerate matters, forcing the Church of Order to actively push the divide between the two desert factions. This was an excuse delivered right to their doorstep.

Order itself would not stoop to forging an excuse in such a manner, but they could not resist one so willingly provided. If you were among the higher-echelons of Order, you would likely reckon that since the deed is done, you might as well do what must be done, and at the very least, reap some profit from it."

"Are you one of theirs?"

"I wear many identities... I have had contact with them, but strictly speaking, I do not count myself as one of their number. I dislike working with them because, to my mind, no matter how grandly they boast of their ideals and creeds—as though each of them stands exalted above all churches and the entire ecclesiastical circle—

How much of that is merely the result of the orthodox churches below turning a blind eye?

They are like the environmentalists who have become fashionable in secular nations in recent years.

When the authorities are well-fed and content, they can watch their performances with a smile, even chanting a few slogans alongside them. But when the authorities themselves grow hungry, these flies are swatted dead with a single blow and tossed into the refuse.

Their transcendent status does not belong to them; it is granted through a tacit understanding.

I once was, but am no longer, simply because I do not care for them."

"One more question. Why are you telling me all this?"

"Ah, you simply refuse to believe my admiration for you and my reverence for the person you will become. Yet it is the absolute truth. There are always a select few in this world who can look further ahead and place their wagers on the future.

Have you ever wondered why Rayo chose to follow Norton back when Norton was merely in the middle ranks? I was the one who prompted him.

That Rayo commands his current position is also due to my backing.

It is only that now, I have little need for him. He has fulfilled his purpose with me and is ready to be cast into the refuse.

If I share one more thing, you ought to believe me.

I have been to the Allen estate.

I lingered in the patriarch’s study where you once stayed, admiring the portraits hanging upon its walls. There was a painting of a cat that looks identical to the black cat you carry with you now.

Furthermore, there is a performance hall within that manor..."

Karen's gaze narrowed slightly.

"I chose not to attempt an entry to investigate, for I felt it would gravely offend you. I had a premonition that if I crossed the threshold of that hall, I would be 'remembered' by the existence within.

Please believe that I hold you in high esteem. Perhaps in a year, two years, three years... I will dispatch someone to your side, or simply petition for employment and terms myself.

Before that day comes, how could I bear to incense you?"

"Did you know I would come here?"

"I did not. I had no intention of meeting you just yet. Fortunately, this is not my ultimate identity, so the consequences are not too severe. But I surmise your presence must be related to that deceased former Chief Bishop."

"Are you an entity from the lineage of the Sages?"

"Very close to the mark. I do hold the identity of a Sage, though you would have to search for it on the list of the deceased, haha."

"How will Rayo die?"

"Slaying a dragon may seem arduous, but in truth, it can be quite simple. For instance... when the Rebellious Dragon God turned against the dragon race in ages past, he fought his former kin and left behind a lesser artifact—the Spear of Rebellion.

This heavily damaged artifact has been kept in the custody of the dragon lineage of the Crypt Church. Yet, though the seven main lineages possess their own territories and independence, there has been no shortage of mutual exchange and infiltration over the long years.

For example, I happen to possess a replica, one crafted with a specific suppression effect against the formidable hides of the dragon race."

"Do you intend to cast the blame for Rayo's death upon Dana?"

"Indeed, precisely so."

"Are you not worried about provoking the wrath of the High Priest?"

"In truth, I understand your High Priest far better than you do. To maintain the suppression over the Crypt Church and keep them acting as hounds, two of the seven main lineages must be ruthlessly broken.

One is the dragon race. They are a naturally proud people; this era devoid of gods has caused their ambitions to swell further, leading them to believe they can break away to establish their own ancestral nest.

The other is the Sages—natural conspirators, an absolute element of instability. And that replica of the Spear of Rebellion destined to assassinate Rayo was covertly fashioned by the Sage lineage itself.

Miss Dana slaying Rayo provides the perfect pretext for the Church of Order to enter this place and investigate. If the High Priest knew my true identity, he would order my execution first and then attend my memorial service.

As for Miss Dana, I know who her father is, but I am even more aware that the High Priest and the companions who have followed him all this time require only one thing of her... that she remain alive.

The Church of Order will not demand her life in forfeit; at worst, she will be confined somewhere, keeping her absolutely safe. It spares the High Priest and those uncles from having to maintain a display of tender affection around her."

"And Augie?"

"Augie... a similar position, a similar stage. However, she is currently being detained by her mother, whom her father personally exiled to the Abyss for her crimes. I only recently dispatched men to rescue her.

Once the dragon race is suppressed, they will need someone to clear up the aftermath. She is perfectly suited, for her bloodline is quite noble among the dragons."

"So, you do not belong to any of the seven main lineages."

Light flared within the skeleton's eye sockets. "Hahahahaha! Have you guessed it? You have already guessed it, hahahahaha!"

The skeleton raised its arms, casting aside its previous composed demeanor as it grew exceedingly ecstatic.

"An ordinary man—no, the vast majority of people—could never have deduced it. Yet you managed to glean it from our brief discourse. My premonition was not wrong, my investigation was not wrong, and my judgment was entirely correct.

In the future, within the Church of Order, there will absolutely be a place of prominence for you.

To be confined to the York City Region is merely a minor hurdle on your path ahead. You will gather your strength here, awaiting the day the fierce tiger steps out from the mountain forests.

Even so, I still hope you will speak that unfinished sentence.

I want to hear it. I want to receive validation—validation coming from you."

The skeleton drew itself up, bowing its head, its hands resting upon the blade. Had it added the gesture of a bended knee, it would have mirrored the ritual of a knight's investiture.

Karen fell silent.

"I beg of you, speak, for this matters greatly to me. I am so terribly alone, and I crave recognition."

Karen remained wrapped in silence.

"That bone dragon will eventually find its way into your hands. Consider it my investment."

Still, Karen offered no reply.

"My true name is Zagis ben White. It was given to me by my biological father, whom you will find no record of, for he perished when I was but three years old, prompting my change of name."

At last, Karen spoke: "The object of your faith... is the Crypt."

"Hiss..."

The skeleton flung its arms wide and declared, "Indeed, the Crypt is my faith. To outsiders, the seven founding deities of the seven main lineages merely contrived an excuse to cooperate and forge the Church, rendering it akin to a guild alliance. Yet in truth, the magnificent God of the Crypt truly exists, and in my eyes, His stature is second neither to Order nor to Light.

Those seven founding deities were, in reality, merely seven branch gods under His command.

And what I devote myself to is the authentic faith of the Crypt. Thank you for acknowledging it; I do not believe anyone else could have divined this answer."

"Then why has the God of the Crypt never truly manifested Himself?"

"Why should He manifest?" the skeleton countered.

"Why should He manifest?"

"If the God of the Crypt knew that following the end of the previous era, this current era would be one where gods do not walk the earth, why would He manifest? Merely so that during this godless age, some tales of His own might circulate within ecclesiastical circles for people to read?"

"And what is your theory?"

"The God of the Crypt was the primordial deity who first foresaw the future of the eras. The Crypt is His sanctuary. What I am doing now is doing whatever it takes to preserve the framework of the Church of the Crypt, to prevent it from fracturing.

For when the gods return... then the God of the Crypt shall be the very first to return!"

"Then let me offer you my congratulations in advance."

"Thank you." The skeleton reached up to stroke its smooth, rigid cranium. "Ah, the assassination has commenced. Please watch."

"Crash..."

As though a great curtain had been violently torn away, the partitions shielding all the private booths on the second floor vanished entirely. The commotion stirred above caused everyone below to lift their eyes in unison.

Like a stage erected upon high, every spotlight converged upon that single point.

On that stage,

Miss Diana stood in stark astonishment, clutching a violet spear with one hand—a double-pointed lance whose original counterpart the Rebel Dragon God had wielded in the previous era to slaughter his own kind.

At this moment, one end of the lance had already impaled Rayo's chest. The proud physical resilience of the dragon race proved as brittle as paper before this specially countered spear.

"Rayo cannot survive. He was already grievously wounded not long ago while slaying a rival. This strike is precisely enough to claim his life. Well, it is all over.

Farewell, Minister Karen. Please do not forget that in some dark, forgotten corner, there is a man who already regards you as the next Norton."

"I think you might want to wait a moment longer."

"Hmm?"

Above,

Miss Diana, who had been holding the lance, appeared to have just driven it through Rayo's body;

yet in the next instant,

the bewilderment and panic vanished from her eyes. Her other hand twisted slightly, exerting a pulling force upon the double-pointed lance toward herself, and she abandoned all of her own defenses, even deliberately opening herself up.

"Pffft!"

The tip of the spear plunged into Miss Diana's abdomen, piercing clean through as a terrifying force invaded her body, beginning to savagely tear her apart from within!

Below, screams instantly erupted:

"Miss Diana and Lord Rayo have been assassinated!"