Terror

Driving back into the city, Neo looked at a coffee shop by the street and spoke up: “I'd like some coffee.” Karen, who was driving, replied, “Captain, I have full confidence in your abilities, but you ought to consider the lady inside.” It was already the early hours of the morning. Any coffee shop still open at this hour certainly was not in the business of selling legitimate coffee. And with Neo's chest practically pulverized, one could easily imagine the shock that awaited any girl who unbuttoned his shirt for front-side service—it might well traumatize her for the rest of her career. “I just purely want a cup of coffee. I'm thirsty. Go buy me one.” “There's water in the car.” “I've lost a lot of blood and want something with flavor. Remember to add plenty of sugar.” Karen eased off the accelerator, but did not stop. “I'll help you modify this car.” The car came to a halt. Karen unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out. Before long, he returned carrying a pot of coffee and a cup. He poured a cup for himself first, then handed the pot directly to Neo. Neo managed with some difficulty to lift the pot, drinking straight from the spout. Sipping from his cup, Karen kept an eye on the passenger seat, deeply concerned that coffee might spray out of Neo's body like a showerhead. Neo said irritably, “I already agreed to help you modify it. I'll replace the cushions for sure.” “I trust you, Captain.” “Can I communicate with the Mad Pope?” Neo asked. “Like how I used to bicker with Philias. Right now I can only listen to that old bloodthirsty aberrant demon blabbering nonsense. It feels a bit lonely.” “Probably not. In my view, it's likely just a totem that happens to take the shape of their own form.” “Fine. So does that mean I'm the same as you now? We have yet another layer of shared secrets.” Karen shook his head. “Not the same.” “How are we not the same?” “Seniority.” “Seniority?” “The grandfather behind me and the Mad Pope behind you should be equals in realm and cognition—peers of the same generation. You agree with that, don't you?” “Yeah, I agree.” “I am my grandfather's grandson, whereas the Mad Pope lived a thousand years ago. Which generation of successor does that make you?” “Heh.” Neo swallowed a mouthful of coffee. “Looks like I really beat you sore tonight.” “There's another difference.” “What?” “My grandfather is still alive. The Mad Pope fell long ago.” “What's the difference? Neither can see the light of day anyway, can they?” “It is different. If you see the light of day, you still have to die. If I see the light of day, I'll be sent to the Holy See in the Dinge Region for private grooming.” “Hehehe.” Neo reached up to touch the coffee dripping from his chest. “Let's find a chance to spar again next time, after my injuries heal.” “I benefited greatly from this fight.” Karen was not flattering him; he was stating a fact. After undergoing Order transformation, he had still been fighting in his old ‘department store’ style. Neo had shown him what real combat was supposed to look like. “So?” “Alright. Once you're healed, we'll continue.” *** When Muri walked out of the Church Affairs Building, he saw the hearse parked by the curb waiting for him. He had arrived quietly. Had he revealed his identity as a scion of the Benda family, personnel from the York City Region would certainly have come out to host him. His grandfather's rank was not among the very highest, but as captain of the High Priest's guards, his situation was like that of a mayor's secretary or driver—influence could not be judged purely by official grade. “Mr. Muri, I have come to pick you up on my Young Master's orders. Your lodging has already been arranged.” “Alright. How should I address you?” “You may call me Alfred. I am the Young Master's first manservant. If you have any daily needs moving forward, you can instruct me directly.” “Alfred?” Muri thought for a moment. “You are also a member of our squad. I've seen the roster.” “Yes, Mr. Muri, I am. Joining the squad makes it convenient for me to better serve everyone.” “No, that can't be it. Karen wouldn't do something so pointless. I believe you must be quite extraordinary, Mr. Alfred.” “I suppose the most extraordinary thing about me is my loyalty.” Muri got into the hearse. The recessed space in the center, originally intended for a coffin, was now stocked with plenty of refreshments. “I saw Karen's interview. He said the hearse represents that we must never forget our roots, right?” “Indeed. The Young Master has always been a man of profound depth.” “I can sense that.” The hearse pulled into Allen Apartments, where Xili's mother and two aunts were already waiting. Alfred walked over and asked, “Is the room ready?” “To answer your question, sir, it's all tidied up and very clean,” Xili's mother replied respectfully. Muri opened the door to his room and stepped inside. It really was spotless. While it was not a private villa and offered neither sandy beaches nor the sea, having a clean, warm residence right away upon arriving in an unfamiliar city was already wonderful. Alfred said, “Mr. Muri, if you have any preferences regarding your stay, you may speak to her directly.” “Alright, understood.” “Would you like to rest first? I will come tomorrow morning to escort you to have breakfast with the Young Master.” “Karen is resting right now?” “The Young Master had matters to attend to and stepped out.” “What about the others? Have they arrived?” “You arrived earliest. Mars and Blanche, who need to travel via teleportation arrays, will arrive at noon; I will go receive them. The remaining members will assemble in the afternoon, and our squad's founding banquet will be held in the evening at our funeral parlor. “Originally, the Young Master planned to cook a fine meal to host everyone himself, but I do not know if he will be able to rest well after tonight's exertion. However, our maid has also learned the Young Master's culinary craft. I am sure tomorrow evening's banquet will leave a deep impression on you, Mr. Muri.” A proud look surfaced on the face of Xili's mother. “Karen knows how to cook?” “The Young Master is omnipotent.” Muri blinked, looking at Alfred. “Mr. Alfred, between you and Karen, is there any special relationship besides that of master and manservant?” Xili's mother was taken aback. She felt as though she had suddenly discovered the real reason why the Young Master never touched her daughter. Alfred smiled faintly. “My relationship with the Young Master is the same as yours with him.” Xili's mother looked at Muri: *You too?* Muri nodded. “I have offered my loyalty.” Alfred replied, “I have offered everything.” “Could you tell me a bit about the squad's makeup, if you feel it's permissible to share, Mr. Alfred?” “I, you, and Ventura are the three people least likely to betray the Young Master.” Muri grew thoughtful and nodded. “Please rest well.” “Thank you for your trouble.” Closing the door, Alfred turned to look at Xili's mother. “I apologize for having you start work so soon. I know you haven't fully recovered from the fright of that night.” Xili's mother hurriedly said, “No, no, no, we are truly grateful to you and the Young Master. Not only did you save us, you took us in as well.” Before this, Alfred had already negotiated their compensation. While their pay was not as high as Xili's, compared to industry standards, it was already doubled, not to mention the various allowances. Xili's mother, two aunts, and younger aunt were responsible for cleaning and cooking. Once Xili's father recovered from his injuries, he, along with her two uncles and younger uncle, would take charge of security here. Of course, they were not truly expected to protect anyone. But since this building had been cleared and leased, security patrols were naturally required to maintain a comfortable living environment. “There is one thing I must remind you of: when it comes to work, I will not tolerate any slip-ups. I dislike irresponsible employees.” “Yes, we understand, Mr. Alfred. We will certainly work hard.” “Good. Then goodbye for now.” Alfred walked downstairs. Beside the hearse, he saw Borg and Judia. As representatives of Allen Manor, they had come to oversee the clearance and eviction of the apartment building. It was a minor matter, but old Anderson was very adept at making such arrangements. “Alright, nothing else is needed. You may head back,” Alfred said with a smile. Judia spoke discontentedly, “It wasn't easy for us to make the trip here. Shouldn't we at least see Karen?” *Smack!* A distinct handprint bloomed on Judia's cheek while Alfred calmly smoothed the creases of his glove. “Use an honorific. Address him as Young Master.” Judia cupped her cheek and glared at Alfred. “You just wanted an excuse to hit me.” “Indeed, precisely. Because I have felt you lacked discipline for quite some time, but never had the opportunity before.” “Heh. Hit the other side too, won't you? Make it symmetrical.” *Smack!* Alfred continued smoothing his gloves and asked, “Satisfied?” Judia nodded. “Mm, satisfied. Feels good, too.” *** In the morning, Alfred drove in person to pick up Muri. Stepping out of the hearse, Muri felt that no matter how brilliant the morning sun was, filtered through the hearse's windows, it looked like dusk. “From now on I'll come on my own. There's no need to pick me up, Mr. Alfred.” “Very well. We will arrange a car and driver for the apartments.” Muri walked into the funeral parlor and saw Pike rolling up his bedding. Alfred introduced, “Address him as ‘sir.’” “Yes, sir.” Pike bowed to Muri. Alfred instructed Pike, “From now on, you and Dincomb will take shifts on either side, handling driving, pickups, and awaiting instructions. Starting this month, your allowances will be doubled again.” “Thank you, Mr. Alfred!” “This way, please, Mr. Muri.” Alfred led Muri into the backyard. “I quite like this decor and layout. Did Karen design it?” “I designed it after coming to understand the Young Master's philosophy.” “You truly are a man of remarkable talent, Mr. Alfred.” “Please do not say that. I am merely picking up the seashells left behind by the Young Master.” “Muri? Muri of the Benda family?” Muri turned around and saw a cat riding a dog, watching him from beneath the left eaves. “Yes, I am Muri Benda.” Purr laughed. “I recall your family carries swords and shields, right?” “Sabers.” “Oh, my mistake then.” “Do you have ties to my family?” Muri asked with great respect. He did not find it strange at all that a talking monster beast resided in Karen's home. “Oh, no, none. Just heard of them. Keep working hard!” “Alright. Thank you for your encouragement.” “Go back and slap those old Bendas in the face! Show them who the true hope of the family is!” Purr clenched a soft paw. “Slap them hard across the face!” Sensing Purr's sincerity, Muri raised his fist as well. “I will.” “Head to the kitchen. Karen is in the kitchen.” “Alright, thank you.” Alfred stepped forward and asked in a low whisper, “How come you never mentioned knowing the Benda family before?” “I don't know them.” Purr looked at Alfred. “Back during an expedition, when fighting over a decent sacred relic, I traded blows with a fellow who claimed to be surnamed Benda.” “Became friends through the fight?” “No. He dared to snatch what I had my eye on, so I burned him to ashes.” “Then what did you mean just now?” “Sigh, just reminiscing about the old days. Feeling a bit nostalgic.” Purr spread its paw, and a crystalline fireball floated upward. Kevin ducked his head lower. “Didn't we already agree? The fact that I can talk can be made known to the squad. No problem with that, right?” “Except for your surname.” “Even my name was changed by Karen. Why would I care about a surname?” “According to custom, one takes the husband's surname after marriage.” “You mean Eunice Inmeles?” “Heh.” Alfred chuckled. Kevin chuckled as well. “Karen is making fish tonight, yay!” Purr could not be bothered with the two of them; all it cared about was its fish. “Yes, I have prepared plenty of fish,” Alfred said. Purr licked its lips. “Haven't you noticed? Karen is getting lazier and lazier. I really miss the old days on Mink Street when Karen cooked almost every single day.” “I believe the Young Master misses those days in his heart as well.” *** “Captain.” “Oh, you're here. Have a seat.” “Captain went out last night. Did you rest well?” Muri asked. “Not bad, except my body aches a bit.” Karen brought out two bowls of wontons, along with three steamer baskets of soup dumplings, one steamer of shaomai, and one of fire dumplings. Muri looked at the spread. “I truly didn't expect Captain's cooking to be so exquisite.” “It's just to suit my own tastes. Was your journey smooth?” “Very smooth. My family still doesn't know I'm in York City.” “Then give them a call later?” “Alright, I'll go out and use a public payphone.” “There is something I should mention. Although our squad won't be formally establishing a vice-captain position for now, I hope you can take on the duties of one.” “Alright, I'd be glad to.” “Good, let's eat. In the morning, you can read in my study or take a stroll around the area. I might catch up on some more sleep.” “I'll accompany Alfred to pick up the others.” “That works too.” After breakfast, Karen ran water into the bathtub. After waiting a while to let his food digest, he undressed and stepped inside. Closing his eyes, the power of Light circulated continuously through his body. Wisps of dark bruised blood seeped from his skin, and before long, the bathwater grew murky and deep in color. Karen opened his eyes, let out a long breath, stood up, and drained the dirty water. After rinsing the tub, he sat back down and ran fresh water to wash himself clean. *If I'd known, I should have let the Captain share that first method. In any case, directly using Order transformation to swallow...* Suddenly, an overwhelming pang of hunger surged forth. Karen clutched his chest with one hand while gripping the edge of the tub with the other. *Damn it, can't I even think about it? The craving is triggered just like that?* The intense hunger continued to torment him relentlessly. Karen could only grit his teeth in silence, struggling against the craving in his soul. *** “Miss, I've brought back the two custom banners.” Xili came over carrying the banners. “Alright, Big Butt, hang them in the middle of the yard, right in front of the warehouse. The banquet will definitely be held in the courtyard.” “Yes, Miss.” Xili worked nimbly and soon had the banners hung up. Sitting atop Kevin's back, Purr read aloud: “‘Warm congratulations on the official establishment of Karen's Whip of Order Squad!’” Flanking either end of the text was an enlarged cat paw print. The other banner read: “‘A great journey begins right here!’” “Woof!” Purr looked down at Kevin and asked, “What did you say about symmetry?” “Woof.” “And rhyming? I know what rhyming is. What does symmetry mean—having the same number of words?” “Woof.” “You say this is a linguistic style Alfred researched? You think my design isn't good enough?” Kevin nodded. “Whatever. It's not like we could write it in the script Karen once jotted in his notebook. As long as the meaning gets across, it's fine.” Kevin nodded again. “Come on, let's go check on Karen. When he got up this morning, I saw so many bruises on him. It was terrifying.” Purr rode Kevin into the bedroom. “Little Karen, are you bathing again? Are you nervous about having to face all your squad members soon? Don't be nervous. Take a deep breath and just relax. You're the strongest one in the squad anyway, so hold your head high! “When I was captain of an expedition squad back in the day, I was nervous at first too, but got used to it later. Everything takes time to get used to. At the beginning, I even stuttered when speaking in public. Later on, I could smoothly assign Bernard to the most dangerous missions! But that bastard was tough as nails and just refused to die.” Seeing that Karen still gave no reply, Purr extended a curious paw and turned the handle of the bathroom door. “Karen, did you fall asleep?” Hearing the door open behind him, Karen, sitting in the tub, subconsciously looked back. In Karen's eyes was a pitch blackness brimming with ravenous desire. Purr froze on the spot. A second later, with an “Ouch!”, Purr tumbled straight to the floor. For Kevin, who had been carrying it, had collapsed flat on his belly. From head to paws to tail, every inch of him was pressed tight against the floor tiles, his body shuddering violently as white foam leaked from the corners of his mouth. A scene from memory suddenly resurfaced: Upon the towering, majestic Throne of Order sat an imposing existence, his face veiled in endless nothingness. Yet his gaze seemed capable of piercing through every barrier, descending directly into the deepest recesses of your soul—even if you were a god. Before him, ordinary gods and ordinary mortals were no different. Above all, the words he had spoken next were like a terrifying brand seared deep into its soul, which through countless ages afterward, it dared not touch, much less recall. Because in that moment, it had felt that it was truly about to be utterly extinguished. Those were words that would make even a god tremble and crumble: “Raniedal, I'm hungry.”