Thrilling!

"I'll take you to the church hospital now," Bernie said. "The rest of your injuries still need follow-up care at the church hospital, or they might leave lasting complications." Both Karen and Neo knew Bernie was merely offering polite pleasantries—going through the motions of courtesy. After all, this was precisely when people were needed most. As the Minister of Logistics and acting Minister of Law Enforcement, his primary confidants and capable hands were these two injured men right before him; how could he possibly send them off to lie in a hospital bed? Yet sometimes such pleasantries served a purpose in social interactions, acting as a lubricant. After all, it wasn't fitting for a superior to say bluntly: "Neither of you is dead, right? Then get up and keep working for me!" Of course, that relied on a tacit understanding between both parties. Neo spoke up. "These minor wounds are nothing—it's just a bit inconvenient to fight for the moment, but doing anything else won't be a problem. This is a critical juncture; how could we go to the hospital?" Karen chimed in, "Yes, no need for the hospital." Bernie nodded. "Then thank you for your hard work. Once all of this wraps up smoothly, I'll treat you both to a good meal as a reward." Bernie checked his watch; it was past midnight. Turning his gaze back to Karen, he asked, "For this afternoon's trial, you're supposed to attend as our side's representative. Are you still up for it?" Neo leaned in, inspected Karen, and said, "Looks fine to me. His face wasn't hurt." "Mm, true," Bernie said. Neo cut in further, "I told you, this brigade captain of mine is exceptionally photogenic." "Haha, yes." Bernie nodded again. "So using him as the public face and poster boy of our Whip of Order is absolutely the right call. Who knows, during next month's recruitment drive, we might even attract more transfer applications from priests within the church. Sure, female priests might make up the majority, but with looks like that, I reckon he'll draw in plenty of male priests too. After all, they want to look this dashing and glorious as well." "Ahem..." Bernie cleared his throat, hinting that Neo could stop. Going on like this was unbecoming of a leader's dignity. As if completely oblivious to the hint, Neo carried on: "What we need most right now is public image and influence, so we must seize every opportunity to market ourselves. Nothing markets better than star power. Besides, Karen's image will soften the outside world's traditional distaste for the Whip of Order, not to mention he already has a sterling reputation and solid fame within this region." "All right, I understand. That was my intention anyway." Seeing Bernie finally commit with firm confirmation, Neo felt thoroughly satisfied. Sometimes one had to be subtle, and sometimes one had to play dumb. The crying baby didn't always get the candy, but the child who knew precisely when to cry was bound to get cavities. His relationship with Karen was rock solid; he had given up the office renovations without batting an eye, even if his heart had been bleeding. However, while he and Karen stood together on one side, and Bernie was currently an ally on the same line, there was still a layer of separation between them. To put it simply: cooperate when cooperation was needed, and demand benefits when benefits were due. While keeping interactions pleasant, one also had to make sure the accounts were settled cleanly. Neo knew exactly when to be shameless. Besides, he didn't care about saving face to begin with. Karen replied, "The trial is no problem." The trial was similar to a court hearing in the secular world, but skipped far more procedural steps, making it very straightforward. A divine order's judgment answered to no outside authority. Karen represented the Whip of Order's side, but his role was quite flexible. The opening reading of the case, presentation of evidence, and recitation of canonical statutes didn't require his involvement; dedicated personnel handled all that. What he needed to do was deliver the closing statement on behalf of the Whip of Order prior to final sentencing—which could essentially be understood as an inflammatory, impassioned speech. It was a role that offered immense freedom, yet carried significant risk. If you were trying any random nobody, you could perform and show off to your heart's content, since the verdict was practically set in stone beforehand. But if you faced a powerful opponent and ended up losing, you could easily become a laughingstock, or even the scapegoat blamed from within. Karen had originally agreed to this because he had penned Mr. Pavaro's suicide note; delivering it himself would yield the greatest impact, and it counted as something he could do for Mr. Pavaro. Yet clearly, listening to the tone of Bernie and Neo's conversation, it sounded as though this role was going to become his permanent responsibility from now on. This tactic felt strikingly familiar—much like back when Neo had actively spread rumors about Karen and Ophelia to raise the squad's profile and secure missions more easily. Still, the past was the past, and now was now. The old Neo would use him, and the present Neo would still use him, but now he looked out for him as well. "I need to go to the Church Affairs Building. Neo, come with me," Bernie said. "Understood, Minister." "Karen, head back and rest for now. Do your best so that this afternoon when you appear in court, no one can tell you're injured..." Neo spoke up. "Actually, letting them see he's injured could play the sympathy card. It would show the risks Whip of Order members bear on the job, highlighting the nobility of our work." "There will be journalists present," Bernie said. "Not just from *Order Weekly*, but other churches will be sending reporters as well. Heads of other churches' missionary posts in this region might attend too." "Oh, then projecting a proper image is definitely necessary." "In any case, what just happened must not interfere with this afternoon's trial. These are two separate matters. Understood?" "Yes, I understand," Karen nodded. Neo left with Bernie. Karen walked back in silence, mulling over Bernie's phrase: "two separate matters." Even after such a heinous incident had occurred, the two things could still be kept separate. Evidently, Bernie, the Regional Director, and the higher-ups in the Whip of Order backing Bernie had grander arrangements for this factional struggle playing out in the York City Region. It was a strange feeling—strange because you felt as though you had already raised quite a storm—or more precisely, Neo had thrown himself into causing chaos, leaving one minister dead while a bishop's manor was nearly leveled to the ground. Yet in the end, it was merely thrashing frantically in a small pond, incapable of stirring waves across the vast ocean. Put bluntly... they weren't playing the same game. The higher-ups were playing chess on the board, while Karen and the others were merely squatting on the floor picking up discarded pieces, all while under the strong illusion of deep participation. Karen shook his head and let out a sigh. "Captain." "Captain." Just then, Muri and Philomena approached Karen. Muri was unhurt, while Philomena had a bandaged wound on her neck that seemed to extend up toward her left jawline. "You're injured?" Karen asked. "Captain, your injuries are much worse than mine," Philomena replied. "My face is fine." Philomena froze, completely at a loss for how to respond. It didn't sound like something her captain would say. Karen realized his slip of the tongue. He could only blame Neo for harping on his face over and over just now. "Once we get back, find Richard. Have him call Blanche over to treat you." Karen had long noticed Richard's utility when dealing with Philomena. "Understood, Captain." "Also, tell Richard..." "Captain?" "Never mind. Let's head back first and leave the rest here for them to handle." He had initially wanted to mention that Richard possessed healing abilities himself, and thanks to that "Jerry" of his, it had miraculous effects on external wounds. After all, that kid had been beaten by his father countless times, yet his skin remained fair and delicate. Still, if Richard wanted to, he would offer on his own. There was no need for Karen to butt in and claim credit for the favor. Muri drove, and Karen sat in the back this time. "Captain, the bodies of the attackers, as well as the remains of Minister Enzo and his men, have all been transported back by our people," Muri reported. "Mm." The first to arrive on the scene had been the Whip of Order squads. Although they were still technically under the jurisdiction of the Regional Administrative Office, facing actual people from headquarters, they naturally wouldn't try to seize custody of the remains for the Regional Administrative Office's sake. "Also, Old Coya and the rest survived. When we engaged, they stepped out of their vehicles to help, and Old Coya even took some injuries." "Real or fake?" Karen asked instinctively. Hearing this question, Philomena glanced involuntarily at Karen sitting beside her. Karen spread his hands and smiled at her. "My injuries were self-inflicted." Philomena immediately looked toward Muri driving in front. Catching Philomena's movement in the rearview mirror, Muri was left thoroughly speechless: *Are you seriously worrying about whether I should hear that? I'm far more trustworthy than you, okay?* Karen said, "What happened tonight must be kept strictly confidential where required." Philomena continued staring at Muri in the driver's seat. Muri sighed inwardly: *He's talking to you!* Karen was amused by Philomena's little reactions as well. This girl wasn't one for subtle expressions or restrained gestures; she simply believed that Karen, having promised to help deal with her grandmother, was on her side. In comparison, Muri was an outsider. Looked at this way, once the matter with her grandmother was settled, Karen could mention it to Alfred and let him try bringing Philomena into the second wave of missionary converts. Karen continued, "Muri, draft a report first, then have Philomena copy yours." "What about yours, Captain?" Muri asked. "You can dictate a few details now, and I'll write it for you." "No need." Karen paused, then added, "The Section Chief will write mine." ... Neo had originally intended to drive, but Bernie slipped into the driver's seat first. With no choice, Neo took the passenger seat. Once the car started rolling, Neo asked with a grin: "Sir, didn't headquarters assign you a driver?" "I'm not in the habit of trusting other people. Understand?" "Understood. Frankly, neither am I." "Tonight's events went far too off course, especially Enzo dying." "Yes." "Because of this, our original plan can no longer be used." Neo added, "It's no longer suitable, or rather... now that he's dead, using him according to the original plan wouldn't be cost-effective." "Indeed, not worth it. So my intention is to let him stay dead—no longer exposing him as an insider mole, but designating him as fallen in the line of duty." "Sir, I think we could wait until after the 'Awakening' to see how things develop." "After the Awakening?" Bernie gave Neo an inquisitive look. "Do you think his testimony will shift after he's awakened?" "When it happened, this subordinate was right at the scene and saw that Light remnant walk up to the car with my own eyes. Then, it was just a simple thrust of a sword. I suspect their conversation was supposed to be about inflicting some superficial wounds on Minister Enzo. Minister Enzo trusted him, never expecting that the man would suddenly go mad and run him through with a sword." "Did that Light remnant notice your presence in advance?" "That's possible, but what's even more likely is that there may be a Light remnant lurking inside our headquarters building." "Very few people knew about this plan, however." "He didn't necessarily get the specifics from us. He could have gathered intel from elsewhere. He might have even known who the mole was before we did, and seeing the mole drive out tonight followed by our pursuit, he would have pieced it together." "That's getting complicated. It doesn't necessarily have to be our headquarters; it could be the Regional Administrative Office." "We were tailing Minister Enzo's convoy the whole way, and the ambush was set in advance. Judging by the speed of information transfer, the fact that the Light remnant struck to kill the moment they met proves he must have received definitive word. Only then would he feel exploited, flying into a murderous rage." "It still doesn't quite add up." Bernie shook his head. "After killing Enzo, he went straight to the Norton estate. That implies he already knew the Norton family was the mastermind behind the scenes. If this Light remnant was merely a hired hand, he knew far too much." Neo chimed in at once. "Which is precisely why I believe this Light remnant is likely embedded within our regional priestly hierarchy—and holds a significant rank. Furthermore, his ability to uncover the truth ahead of time means he isn't just deeply embedded, but has already woven a covert web of influence." "Then why would he do this?" Bernie frowned slightly. "The end result of his actions was actually helping us." "Perhaps he wanted to escalate tensions completely? To bring the conflict between the Whip of Order and the Regional Administrative Office out into the open and make it far sharper." "Mm, that does make sense." "So, sir, my thinking is that once the matter with the Norton family is settled, our focus for the next phase should be a thorough screening of internal personnel. We should begin within the Whip of Order. After all, Minister Enzo was already in our midst, and nothing disgusts me more than such traitorous, double-crossing dogs! Once our internal screening is done, we can move on to screen the other departments across the region." "Mm. Once the immediate matter is handled, take some time to draw up a proposal for me. After I get the Regional Director's approval, you can oversee the implementation." "Yes, sir." *Me, leading the hunt for Light remnants?* After a moment, Bernie suddenly asked, "Is that Light remnant strong?" "In a direct confrontation, I didn't feel he was overwhelmingly strong—certainly not ridiculously so. But he gave me an odd impression. His techniques were unlike any I've encountered before. He was more..." "More cunning, and more adept at combat?" "Yes, exactly. More than half of the wounds on Karen and me were inflicted by him during the pursuit." Even though Bernie had treated them personally, Neo had full confidence in Karen. Having inherited his true mantle, Karen's fabricated injuries were beyond reproach. "Every operative involved in tonight's operation must submit an incident report. Compile them and bring them to me." "Understood, sir." "Also, when I was in the Dinge Region last time, I heard a rumor that higher-ups may have a new policy regarding the Light remnants." "A new policy?" "Mm. It seems they don't intend to continue the old policy of exterminating them on sight, but rather adopt a dual strategy of suppression and pacification." "Is that so..." "The exact parameters will depend on the official directive from above, but things will likely shift in that direction. So when you draft your screening proposal for the next phase, remember to include a contingency plan. Once their identities are uncovered, don't rush to strike. See which ones might be willing to cooperate with us. If the wind truly shifts, we could even look into covertly cultivating a controllable Light remnant organization." Neo put on a troubled expression. "But sir, pulling that off would be extraordinarily difficult. Even if the wind shifts, the fundamental stance of our church—and indeed the entire ecclesiastical circle—toward the Light remnants won't change in the grand scheme. If anything goes sideways while we're running this, the fire could easily consume us. You and I would be shoved forward as sacrificial lambs." "Of course I know that. But do you want to climb the ranks quickly, Neo?" "I do." "Then keep gambling. Those accustomed to gambling never leave the table until they've lost everything, do they?" "Sir, I understand what you mean. We must seize every new trend coming from above and produce results before anyone else." "Precisely. We are competing against the Whip of Order in numerous other regions. Right now, I don't have many leaders under me who can actually get things done. Work hard, and give it your all." "I will, sir. Rest assured." They arrived at the Church Affairs Building. Bernie stepped out. Just as Neo was about to follow, Bernie said, "Drive the car back. I can go in alone. I need to make a quick trip back to the Dinge Region to report on our progress and what just took place tonight." "Understood, sir. Safe travels." This was bound to be a same-day round trip. Traversing an ultra-long-distance teleportation array and making a round trip within half a day took a heavy physical toll. "Take care of yourself as well." Without looking back, Bernie ascended the steps of the Church Affairs Building. Neo slid into the driver's seat. As he started the engine, he muttered under his breath: "Telling me to investigate and foster a Light remnant organization... Sigh, so not only do I have to investigate myself, but I also have to cultivate myself?" While turning the car around, Neo casually adjusted the rearview mirror: "Having me tag along just so I could drive the car back? It seems he's grown a little suspicious of me. Tsk, tsk. All the bosses I met in the past were idiots. This superior actually possesses sharp instincts. But that's what makes it fun. Dancing before fools is like performing for the blind. As for this one..." Out of the corner of his eye, Neo watched the rearview mirror he had just adjusted, whispering: "Three, two, one... time to look back." In the mirror, Bernie, who had been climbing the steps, paused and turned around, gazing in the direction of the departing car. Neo smiled. "Thrilling!"