All sound seemed to be completely swallowed at this moment, without the slightest release. As far as the eye could see, violent crimson ripples churned across the air, as if ascending successive slopes before finally culminating in a silent explosion.
Even though Karen stood at the periphery, the ward before him was thoroughly corroded away by the crimson light. If a basic "Purification" spell wiped out all impurities, then this spell devoured all alien life.
A colossal crater opened on the beach. In its center lay Miki in utter disarray.
Her entire body was covered in black bloodstains. The toxin of the bloodthirsty aberrant demon had completely permeated her body, crippling her physical functions while suppressing her soul.
Right now, she was reduced to an ordinary person—a crab stripped of its shell, leaving behind only the tenderest meat.
In fact, the reason she had not been reduced to a dry pulp of crushed flesh was not because of good luck, but because Neo had chosen to hold back at the final instant.
The crimson halos contracted, condensing back into Neo's form. His arms hung limply at his sides and his head drooped, making him look as though he were suspended in midair.
"Ah..."
A raspy roar tore from Neo's throat. He jerked his neck up, his palms facing upward, veins bulging all across his body.
He tilted his head slightly toward Karen's direction.
The grinding sound of teeth echoed, like a countdown.
Karen caught the cue and began to move.
Immediately afterward, Neo plummeted toward Miki.
Buzz!
Miki had already given up hope. She lacked even the strength to stand, let alone defend herself.
Right then, a greatsword appeared before her.
The Sword of Diamans intercepted Neo's claws.
Instantly, thick Chains of Order surged around the rim of the crater, swarming toward Neo.
"Heh."
Neo let out a cold laugh and rapidly retreated. Karen chose not to pursue him, allowing him to vanish into the distance.
If they followed basic theatrical etiquette, Karen and Neo should have fought another round. Considering Neo was someone who pursued perfection and fine details, his premature exit very likely meant that his physical or mental condition was in very poor shape.
Karen guessed that his mind needed calming.
Tainting the Light with a bloodthirsty aberrant demon... That was a dangerous gambit Karen wouldn't dare attempt, nor had he ever considered it.
If nothing had gone awry, Neo had likely just climbed out of his previous bout of schizophrenia only to plunge into an even more severe one.
From another perspective, however, that might not be entirely bad. At least he wouldn't have the spare mind to brood over Miss Elisa.
Karen looked down, his eyes meeting Miki's.
Although she wasn't dead yet and Karen didn't intend to kill her, having such a formidable combatant taken off the board in advance was undoubtedly excellent news for what was to follow.
Karen opened his palm and cast a negligible low-grade healing spell on her. Its only current effect was to perk up her spirits so she could feel the agony across her body more vividly.
Bending down, he lifted Miki onto his shoulder. She was remarkably heavy. While she was stout to begin with, the bulk of her weight lay within. As he swung her over his shoulder, Karen could almost hear the rustling sound of an hourglass beside his ear.
The bones inside this woman... were made of sand.
In terms of cultivation methods, the Church of Order was quite clean. Even though it had absorbed the sequences of many large, medium, and small denominations, its mainstream methods remained relatively "humane."
Other churches, by contrast, routinely strayed from human norms.
The Church of the Desert's method of turning human bones into sand was actually on the conservative side. Back in the day, in pursuit of closer communion with the ocean, the former Sea God Church had altered their very biology. Though born human, they insisted on being reborn from an eggshell to remodel themselves into sea creatures.
As for the Moon God Church, it had always preserved a tradition of devouring. Disciples of a given path were often cultivated in teams, and upon reaching a certain stage, the foremost among them would devour their companions. This mirrored how Artemis, the Moon Goddess, had consumed other lunar deities to ascend as a pillar god.
The Church of Order's only quirk—or defining feature—was merely a penchant for playing with corpses... which was almost refreshingly wholesome by comparison.
Spreading his wings, Karen carried Miki and landed in front of the Ankara Hotel's main entrance. At the gate, he handed the severely wounded woman over to the hotel guards, who would send her to the church hospital for treatment.
When Karen entered the hotel lobby, Leon walked up to greet him, handing him a warm towel.
Wiping his face, Karen listened to Leon's report: Luther and the others had checked into their rooms, security arrangements were complete, and an investigation into the roadside ambush was underway.
After hearing the report, Karen took the elevator up to their floor. From the room opposite, four close-protection guards stepped out—two men and two women. Karen didn't recognize them, but looking at them felt like looking at his former self.
"Minister."
"Minister."
Karen nodded to them and knocked on the door. Elanga opened it and ushered Karen inside, only to notice that Miki was nowhere behind him. He couldn't help asking, "Minister Karen, where is Miki?"
"She's injured. Gravely injured."
"Gravely injured..." Elanga froze, clearly well aware of Miki's strength.
Luther, who was seated on the sofa preparing to dine, looked up in surprise upon hearing this. "Within the borders of the York City Region, there are actually Light remnants this powerful?"
Karen walked up to the coffee table, picked up the untouched glass of red wine, took a sip, and said, "That is not something you need to concern yourself with."
"But Minister Karen, this involves my safety."
"Your safety is our responsibility. Furthermore, I must warn you: Ms. Miki shouldn't have come to any harm. I noticed that you were the one who ordered her to give chase against my objections. From now on, you must strictly comply with the security protocol provided to you beforehand. If you have any requests, our assigned close-protection personnel are staying directly across the hall. Submit your requests to them, and they will relay them up the chain."
Luther smiled. "Is Order always so strict with its guests?"
"Are you a guest?" Karen countered.
An awkward expression flitted across Luther's face.
Karen continued, "Please understand your position. You and your people are here to beg for our Church of Order's aid, not to be entertained as guests."
Elanga stepped forward immediately. "Minister Karen, does this reflect your personal stance, or the stance of your esteemed church?"
"As I said, I cannot interfere with the negotiations between my church's higher-ups and you. But if you fail to cooperate and provoke my temper, I don't believe the higher-ups will penalize me for your sake. You are welcome to file a complaint. The leadership might even appreciate that I made you realize your place early on, sparing them much trouble at the negotiating table."
Luther's face resumed an air of boyish innocence.
Yet compared to Ventura, his innocence was far too contrived.
"Minister Karen, I understand. I will comply. Absolutely."
"Good."
Karen set down the wineglass.
Luther took the initiative to pour him more wine, asking as he poured, "I feel that Minister Karen has held an objection against us from the very beginning. Might I ask why?"
"A casualty report from this security operation will be delivered shortly. My subordinates didn't need to face so many perilous situations in the first place. That is likely why I have taken issue with you from the start."
With that, Karen turned and walked straight out of the room.
Elanga shut the door and raised his hand to erect a ward. "My Lord, do you think what he said is true?"
Luther shook his head. "I don't buy it."
"Indeed, neither do I. That excuse is far too flimsy."
Luther swirled the wine in his glass. "I suspect he knows about Valoti."
"How... how could that be possible?"
"Elanga, never underestimate the Church of Order. Ever since the fall of Light a millennium ago, it has stood as the premier church for a thousand years. How could its intelligence network be lacking? Besides, whenever it wants to investigate something, a single official dispatch is enough to make many churches cooperate under its sheer might. Consider the Church of Pamires—they inexplicably assisted Order in setting a trap to declare war on Samsara, and inexplicably became Order's subsidiary church. I even wonder how many of the desert supporters standing on our side within the Great Desert Church right now are backed by Order."
"But My Lord, if Order knows Valoti was an assassin sent by us, then these negotiations..."
"It won't affect anything. Valoti's actions were meant to catalyze Order's intervention and help us break away from the Great Desert in the first place. I believe Order will choose whichever path is most advantageous. At any rate, we have set no bottom line for these negotiations. As long as Order steps in to secure our independence, we will immediately sign the treaty and become Order's subsidiary church. Trading a Head Bishop for a subsidiary church—Order knows how to choose. In fact, this matter will become leverage for Order to hold over us, a stick to keep us in line, which will only make them believe we are easier to control."
"Yes, I believe so as well. We have come with the utmost sincerity this time."
"Elanga, don't forget that it was this Minister Karen who killed Valoti. Heh." Luther stretched lazily. "We should be glad he treats us coldly. It proves that Order's intentions run contrary to his own; only then would he throw a tantrum. By the way, when does the conference begin?"
"The formal conference is tomorrow morning. Tonight is a preliminary meeting, followed by a welcome banquet."
"Very well. I'll take a nap first. Go check on Miki—ah, forget it, you probably won't be allowed to leave here. I am truly curious... that Light remnant's radiant aura was remarkably pure. Yet I never expected him to be powerful enough to defeat Miki."
"My Lord, could that minister and..."
"Miki is still alive."
"Yes. That proves it had nothing to do with him."
***
The evening banquet began.
In the past, Karen had to use his status as a close-protection escort to scavenge food at such high-end banquets, deliberately picking the most expensive dishes and secretly boxing leftovers for his teammates.
Now, the moment he stepped into the banquet hall, a waiter stepped forward to serve him personally, asking after his preferences. All Karen had to do was find an empty table and take a seat, and a complete spread of fine food and wine was promptly set before him.
He had risen through the ranks too quickly. His benefits and treatment had kept pace, but he hadn't yet grown accustomed to them.
Spearing a piece of roast lizard-dragon meat with his fork, he dipped it in sauce and brought it to his mouth. The meat was as succulent as ever, yet Karen felt it wasn't quite as delicious as when he had devoured it ravenously from the lower ranks.
"Heh."
A familiar chuckle sounded. It was Head Bishop Bern, who took a seat across from Karen while a waiter began setting his table.
"You made quite a commotion today."
"Over what?" Karen asked.
"The Light remnant. Where did such a powerful one suddenly pop up from?"
"Everything is under control," Karen replied.
"Are you sure it's under control?" Bern took a sip of whiskey. "Never mind, I won't press you on that."
"Are you going to speak on stage later?" Karen asked.
"Not me. I'm only here to keep company at tomorrow's conference, just like Wolflen used to do. The conference is merely borrowing our venue; the negotiating team from the Dinge Region has already arrived."
"Oh, I see."
"We aren't at the level where we can dictate policy."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You should know what I mean. Before the preliminary meeting started, I noticed every one of them looked relaxed. Put it this way... they clearly didn't look like people coming for a serious negotiation."
"And then?"
"After the preliminary meeting ended, they grew grave." Bern pinched a piece of meat with his fingers, popped it into his mouth, and chewed as he said, "Look over there..."
Karen turned his gaze toward the banquet hall's entrance. A group of dignitaries from the Dinge Region dressed in scarlet robes filed in one after another.
"They're late," Karen observed.
"Indeed. Because after the preliminary meeting ended, they probably held a brief internal discussion, then commandeered the communication array chamber."
"Meaning?"
"Heh, what else? The desert folks must have offered terms they couldn't refuse—terms they hadn't anticipated beforehand."
Karen picked up a mango and peeled it. A rich fruity aroma drifted up. He took a bite; it was sweet and juicy. This was a point-coupon fruit he could never bear to buy at home.
Bern picked up a mango as well, not bothering to peel it, but lightly squeezing it with his fingers. He cautioned, "The wind is about to shift. Look, they've taken the initiative to mingle with the desert delegation."
The stars of this banquet were bound to be the desert entourage. Aside from Luther and Elanga, there was a whole retinue of attendants, and both sides were currently engaged in an enthusiastic conversation.
Whether it was Sus or Bern, as the two nominal titans of this region, their intelligence capabilities were beyond question. The negotiating delegation sent from the Dinge Region had likely caught wind of things as well.
From their initial ease, to their subsequent gravity, to their current warmth...
People didn't show warmth toward corpses.
Karen continued eating his mango.
Bern added, "All that groundwork for nothing."
Karen smiled and asked, "Did you come over just to tell me this?"
"Of course. But your superior will probably send word to you soon anyway."
"Understood."
"Do you need my advice?" Bern asked.
"Do you need mine?" Karen countered.
"It seems you don't."
"And you?"
"I don't wish to get involved. A waste of effort."
"Fair enough."
"All right. You like this fruit, don't you? I'll arrange for a few crates to be sent over to you as care packages." Bern stood up and reached out to pat Karen on the shoulder, but Karen raised a napkin to block his hand.
Bern wasn't offended. Smiling, he took the napkin, wiped his hands, and walked away.
As soon as he left, Alfred strode over briskly. He was supposed to be acting on Karen's behalf back at the office.
"Young Master, this is a handwritten letter from the Regional Chief for you."
"What does it say?"
Karen knew Alfred had certainly read it already, and he didn't mind. In fact, Alfred not only opened all his letters, but also helped draft replies and sent gifts in his name during various holidays.
"The Regional Chief's meaning is: the wind has shifted; call it off."
"Do you think this is the higher-ups' final decision?" Karen asked.
"This subordinate cannot say, but the desert side must have offered a price the higher-ups could not turn down."
"Mm, very well." Karen glanced at Leon, who stood below the rostrum maintaining order, and instructed Alfred, "Go brief Leon on the situation, then have him come see me."
"Young Master..."
"Go."
"Yes, Young Master."
Alfred walked over to Leon and called him out of the banquet hall.
A moment later, Leon re-entered the hall. Just then, a bishop from their region was chatting with Elanga over drinks. He called Leon over, introducing him like an elder presenting a promising junior.
That bishop was likely looking out for a junior out of respect for the former Head Bishop; he knew nothing of the underlying plot. Within this region, only the heads of the Regional Administrative Office and the Whip of Order were privy to the original plan.
Leon clinked glasses with Elanga warmly and exchanged pleasantries. Only after concluding the conversation did he walk over to Karen, looking composed.
"Have a seat."
"Yes, Minister."
"Are you hungry?" Karen asked.
"I grabbed a bite during the break earlier. I'm not hungry."
"Mm." Karen nodded. "Anything you want to say?"
"Minister, I will obey the church's arrangements. I can accept it and make peace with it. You don't need to comfort me, really."
"Do you have smokes?"
"I do. Mr. Alfred specifically instructed me to keep them on hand whenever I'm with you." Leon took out a pack of cigarettes, drew one out, and offered it to Karen.
Karen took the cigarette and brought it to Leon's lips. Leon hesitated for a moment before biting down on it.
"Light it."
"Yes."
Leon lit the cigarette and took a drag. The moment the Church of Thunder's tobacco hit his throat, he grabbed a napkin from the table to wipe his mouth, suppressing his voice as he began to cough.
Once he had recovered, his eyes rimmed with red, he looked at the cigarette between his fingers and said, "Minister, this smoke is too harsh. I can't handle it."
"If you can't handle it, don't force yourself."
"Minister..."
Karen pulled out a cigarette of his own, lit it, and took a drag, his expression unchanged.
Though he wasn't addicted to chasing thrills with such things like Neo, he had smoked his fair share of these Church of Thunder cigarettes in the past to suppress his soul injuries, and had long grown used to them.
Exhaling a smoke ring, Karen said slowly, "Likewise, I can't pretend I'm not used to it either."
With that, Karen stubbed out the cigarette—having taken only a single puff—into the exquisite ashtray on the table.
"So, let's just put it out."
Chapter 653