Karen the Successor

The High Priest chuckled. "Heh." "Heh." "Heh." One High Priest was reading a book, turning pages now and then; another held a cigar between his fingers, puffing out smoke; and a third was looking over the latest intelligence report, briefing the others. "It seems I underestimated that man's strength, and overestimated the Temple's." "Some of the old fogeys in the Temple must not have awakened." "If rolling over during a catnap could solve the problem, do you think they wouldn't have woken up? At bottom, they feel that without fully awakening, they can't solve it... or perhaps, even if they fully awake, they still might not be able to." "Besides that, a true deity has appeared on Mink Street—not an avatar illusion, not a spiritual brand. I really didn't expect the first returning god to be her." "No, it's hard to say whether that deity is a returning god. Our Lord's barrier hasn't collapsed yet. The first batch of returning gods can only be the two Gods of Life about to descend in the Black Sea region of the Garden of Life, along with Augurev from our church. Of course, if any other gods survive the mutual slaughter, they might return with them." "Then how did this one emerge? Could she have been hiding all along, waiting for the right moment?" "If we're talking about hiding, then the God of the Crypt, the main god of the Church of the Burrow, is the true master of concealment. I've suspected for a long time that she foresaw this era where gods would not walk the earth an entire epoch in advance, and made preparations to hide early on." "Indeed. And considering the good relationship between the branch gods of the Burrow lineage and Our Lord back then, it's hard not to suspect that came from the God of the Crypt's instruction. Even between gods, there are personal favors and compromises." "Then what about this one? If she wasn't hiding, how did she descend?" "I think it might still be related to Our Lord. The betrayal of Augurev and our Church of Order's branch gods accelerated the pace of the gods' return. Perhaps Our Lord made some arrangements in advance because of this. Otherwise, you cannot explain why that deity appeared on Mink Street—and moreover, she is clearly standing on that man's side." "We'll have our answer soon. We're about to arrive at the Temple. When the time comes, from his attitude, we can discern that deity's attitude. I think the matter can be simpler: there's no need to dwell too deeply on the past; we just need to focus on the present." "Summon that Karen back and question him in detail?" "No, the matter on Mink Street still needs him to handle the cleanup." "Foden's work is finished. In my view, there's no need for him to rush back to report. Have him head to Mink Street first as well, to assist Little Foden." "Little Foden? Heh, I haven't seen how he resembles Foden at all. If anything, there are times when I feel he looks like me when I look at you two." "So, can his background as an orphan really hold water?" "Hey, don't forget, the one who has already gone to the Temple only came from a family of inquisitors within the church. In our eyes, that kind of background isn't much different from being an orphan." "Alright, enough chatting. We're almost at the Temple. Things have been pushed to this point; now it's up to me to see if I can take the reins. I truly want to see him. You two, go on ahead." "Mm." "Alright." The two Nortons nodded, then each reached out and slapped their own foreheads, committing suicide without the slightest hesitation. After their deaths, their bodies began to dissolve, flowing back along with their blood into the Norton who had been reading. Norton set down his book, stood up, and straightened the High Priest robes he wore. The previous conversation could be understood as his inner thoughts, only this contemplation was rather "realistic." And the reason his avatars could commit suicide so cleanly and decisively was not because he controlled them well, and certainly not because they lacked self-awareness—if they lacked self-awareness, such a "discussion" would never have existed. The real reason was that their consciousness and intellect were too elevated; they all shared and fully endorsed the same goals and ideals, allowing them to sacrifice themselves without hesitation. Between the original self and the avatars, there was virtually no distinction to Norton. Perhaps the true original had long since committed suicide for all anyone knew. The imperial carriage arrived. The High Priest stepped out. Standing below the steps was Commander Daan. "You've worked hard." "Not at all, High Priest." The knight order stationed outside the Temple was not Daan's direct lineage, yet a temporary reassignment of its commander had still been accomplished smoothly. Moreover, they were capable of ignoring the continuous distress signals sent from just behind the door within the Temple. This demonstrated the profound grip the High Priest's faction currently held over the power of the Holy See. Severing the Temple's reaching hands was not merely an abstract figure of speech. Take this time, for instance: no matter how hysterical the Temple became, it could not mobilize a single organized force from the Holy See. "Open the gates." "Yes, High Priest." Daan immediately issued the order. Over a hundred armored giant weng pulled open the chains on the Gate of Order. Yes, indeed—upon learning that that man had successfully entered through the phantom Gate of Order, the High Priest had immediately given the order to "close the door." He had physically contained this upheaval within the Temple. In other religions, this would be an unthinkable act—the Holy See daring to lock the gates of the Temple. Of course, even within the Church of Order, it was the first time in endless ages. In the past, even if a High Priest had conflicts with the Temple of that era, it would never have gone so far as physically using chains. Yet Norton did not care. Standing before the Gate of Order, he even felt that this gate was far too large. It would be better to lock it completely and add a small side door or a small teleportation array to maintain basic entry and exit. After all, the Temple's territory was vast, housing numerous pocket worlds with all kinds of natural environments. The elders could easily farm and grow their own food inside, or hunt whenever they fancied a treat. When the Holy See needed them, it could just provide a list or headcount, and the corresponding elders could be teleported out from within. Any superfluous interaction and influence was unnecessary and meaningless. Too many halos would only lead them astray. This kind of completely isolated, self-sufficient life would be far more effective at stoking the elders' "wild nature," helping them maintain their professional skills and battle-ready state. After all, how could cage-rearing ever compare to wild training? The Gate of Order was opened. First, orderly military formations marched in, followed by cavalry and falcons, rapidly expanding the perimeter of control. The High Priest stepped into the Temple. When he saw the chaos and devastation within, a smile could not help but spread across his face. Seeing this, Mobiten could only quietly shift his body right in front of the High Priest to block this somewhat unseemly expression from view. Soon, however, Mobiten realized his efforts were futile, because the High Priest behind him even let out a laugh. He had no intention of concealing it; rather, he displayed it openly and boldly. This disaster was practically a pillow handed to a drowsy man. His path toward consolidating centralized power could finally reach into the Temple. The last time the Temple was bombed, he had not yet been the High Priest. This time, he had to seize the opportunity. At the very least, he would bring the overt authority and posts of the Temple into his own hands, accomplishing what past High Priests had never been able to achieve. The priests in the Temple, seeing the arrival of the Order Knights, all showed the excitement of seeing a savior. Especially upon seeing the imperial carriage that symbolized the High Priest's majesty, they began bowing and praying one after another. Daan said, "High Priest, please wait here for a moment. This subordinate will first—" The High Priest raised a hand. "I can't hear any commotion anymore; clearly, the matter is already over." "However, that man might not have been apprehended. Otherwise, these priests wouldn't wear such expressions." "It doesn't matter. At least that man must have vented the anger in his heart. By now, he should have cooled down, meaning we can have a talk." Three Temple Elders flew over accompanying the Prophet. The Prophet spoke: "High Priest, have the knight order arrest him." "Prophet, did you 'prophesy' today's scene?" "High Priest, 'Prophet' is merely a Temple title. I am not adept at divination." "Yet as a leader of the Temple, before making decisions, one should possess the most fundamental foresight." "High Priest, what do you mean by that?" "I mean that you are not suited for this position." "High Priest, are you already so impatient to stretch your hand into the Temple?" "Mm, yes. I believe the Temple requires more qualified leadership, and I believe ordinary priests shouldn't be confined to middle- and lower-level duties within the Temple. For the current outcome, as the instigator of this incident, you, Prophet, ought to bear full responsibility. Where is the Temple Guard Commander? Fallen?" The Prophet remained silent. A Temple Elder beside him answered, "The Guard Commander has not fallen." "The Temple has been reduced to this state, yet he hasn't fallen? How interesting. He is no longer suited for this position either. I believe the Temple's security should be integrated with the knight order outside the Temple so as not to waste manpower. Daan." "High Priest, this subordinate is here." "Starting today, the knight order's garrison is relocated to inside the Temple." "Yes, High Priest." This was not asking for opinions; it was a direct appointment. The Prophet spoke up: "High Priest, the Temple has always held great respect for you. Please do not—" "Threaten all you like; whatever pleases you." The Prophet froze, but ultimately kept his mouth shut. The High Priest asked, "Where is that man?" A Temple Elder replied, "In the Temple." To refer to "the Temple" within the Temple could only mean that one specific place. The High Priest asked, "Did he take the Oracle hostage?" Because only the Oracle could open the doors to that grand hall. "No, he removed the Oracle's heart." "Heh." The High Priest chuckled. "All three of you committing gross dereliction of duty together... I really don't know what to say." The High Priest looked at Daan, then at Mobiten, before taking flight. Daan raised his arm, signaling the knight order to halt their advance and stand by. Mobiten similarly ordered the guard unit to remain in place; this time, even he chose not to follow. The Prophet watched the High Priest's departing figure and asked, "Where are you going?" "I'm going to meet him." The Prophet took a deep breath. One could see how furious he was, yet he had nowhere to vent it. If this High Priest truly succeeded in resolving this crisis, then the Temple would inevitably fall from sitting above the Holy See to being subordinate beneath it in the future. He was unwilling to see such an outcome arise, yet he could not help but admire the High Priest's move. The High Priest flew to the front of the Temple hall. On the outer perimeter, the Temple Guard Commander led a group of elders cordoning off the area. Inside, sitting on the steps, was an old man. The Scythe of War had been set aside, and he seemed lost in thought. The Oracle, despite having lost his heart, was not dead. He was still forming hand seals, preparing to undo the barrier here, but his movements were sluggish. It was hard to tell whether he truly lacked the strength after losing his heart, or if he was simply unwilling to break the seal too early. For once the barrier was lifted, a second round of slaughter would inevitably follow. "High Priest." "High Priest." The Temple Guard Commander and the Oracle bowed to the High Priest, and the other elders followed suit. "I've discussed it with the Prophet. Going forward, the Holy See will take over some of the Temple's affairs, if only to ease your burden." The Temple Guard Commander gave a bitter smile. "That's rather underhanded of you." The High Priest smiled faintly. "You gave me the opportunity. I would feel embarrassed not to take it." Delimeng, the Temple Guard Commander, had known Norton back when he was still an ordinary Temple Elder before assuming this post, somewhat resembling the surface relationship between Karen and Ukonga today. The Oracle did not appear particularly dejected. Looking at the figure sitting on the steps inside and then at the High Priest standing before him, he said, "Praise the Great God of Order. I can only believe this is Our Lord's arrangement. It must be that our actions angered Our Lord, which brought down this tribulation upon us." This served as a legitimate pretext for the High Priest taking over the Temple, and it also preserved their own final shred of dignity. If the Temple had resolved the situation on Mink Street, everything naturally would have continued as before. But now that matters had deteriorated to this extent, and they happened to encounter this formidable High Priest backed by the aura of Tyrannus... The best possible outcome was likely framing this incident as an internal doctrinal struggle within the church. The Prophet knew this in his heart as well, which was why he had not mounted a fierce resistance when the High Priest explicitly declared his seizure of power. They even had to provide friendly embellishment to Diss's actions and identity. Now that Diss had devastated the Temple and left it utterly helpless, labeling him an apostate or a pagan would only slap their own faces. This matter was destined to be recorded in the annals of the church. The High Priest reached out a hand. A ring of light rippled outward, revealing an entrance just wide enough for one person to pass through. Seeing this, the Oracle and the elders were not particularly surprised; instead, they all breathed a sigh of relief and bowed once more: "Greetings, Lord Tyrannus. Greetings, High Priest." "Greetings, Lord Tyrannus. Greetings, High Priest." A barrier that only successive Oracles could open had been unsealed by this High Priest. This was Norton's first formal declaration to the outside world of his identity as Tyrannus's inheritor. It also greatly soothed the elders' feelings from another angle, making them feel that they were not falling under the Holy See's control, but returning to the embrace of Tyrannus. After the High Priest stepped inside, the barrier closed again. He walked slowly toward the steps, watching Diss seated above, a deep smile on his face. Diss did not rise to greet him, merely watching him in return. The High Priest sat down at the foot of the steps, turning sideways to face Diss sitting diagonally above, and asked, "I don't know how much my envoy, Karen, told you." "He told me a great deal." "I don't know how many promises my envoy, Karen, made to you." "No promises." "I recognize his competence. Actually, I didn't want to send him at first and changed my mind at the last minute, but he was unwilling to back out." "He is a good boy." "Indeed. Among the young people of the same age in the church, including the Children of God, none can compare to him. Mm, even without the qualifier of 'same age,' the same holds true. How do you think I should reward him?" Clearly, in just a few exchanges, the High Priest had seized upon the key point—one that Diss had not bothered to hide either. "How about letting him be the High Priest?" At that moment, Old Hoffen's voice rang out. Behind Diss, the pages of a book turned, and a human form materialized. Sitting beside Diss, he looked at the High Priest seated below, like two parties haggling over vegetables in a marketplace. "I think Karen is very well suited for your position." The High Priest hesitated for a moment, then chuckled, "Xifusi claimed that notebook was lost..." "It truly was lost," Old Hoffen nodded. "To them, whatever isn't under their control is considered lost." "May I ask what your relationship is?" Old Hoffen pointed at Diss, then at himself. "What else could our relationship be? Nothing more than the traditional friendship between Order and Principles." "Very well, I understand. However, you seem to think very highly of Karen?" "He is my grandson." The High Priest's eyes narrowed slightly. "Biological?" If he were biological, Karen's background and excellence would have a reasonable explanation. Even his initiative in this mission would make sense. Old Hoffen said with a touch of excitement, "Right now, you could say we're closer than biological!" The High Priest nodded. Then he had overthought it; Karen had simply been adopted as a grandson recently. That was normal too. One only needed to look at Foden's attitude toward Karen. An outstanding young man was naturally prone to gaining the favor of old men, and Karen seemed to possess a peculiar trait that drew old men's affection. Piro and that bunch of retired senior priests were willing to hustle and pull strings on his behalf; even Ukonga was willing to get into brawls for him. Winning the favor of an artifact spirit... seemed well within reason as well. In a near-suicidal mission like this, to execute it so perfectly without radiating some personal charisma would indeed be difficult. In short, even with the High Priest's intellect, he would never link Karen with Diss before him. Because you simply could not explain it: the grandfather bombed the Temple and fell into a slumber, while the grandson worked diligently for promotions within the Church of Order... What kind of logic was that? The High Priest looked at Diss and asked, "I know you are very dissatisfied with Our Lord." "That is the God of Order whom I raised." The High Priest was not surprised by such blasphemy. Instead, he asked again, "What are your thoughts on the return of the gods?" "Our Lord does not wish to see them return." The High Priest pointed outside the barrier. "Then you are more devout toward Order than they are." Diss pointed inside, toward the deep pit where generations of Temple Elders had sacrificed themselves. "I don't think so." "Those are not contradictory," the High Priest said. "The sacrifices of past sages were undoubtedly great; they merged themselves into this godless world of Order. Yet that does not prevent this generation from harboring wild ambition and wavering in their hearts when hope becomes visible. In the end, however, they can still be re-educated." Diss fell silent and offered no reply. The High Priest continued, "Everything in Luojia City remains as it was. What do you think?" "Good." "As for the rest, I imagine you have no need for it either. After all, you gave up even the chance to become a god." Diss stood up and gave the High Priest a nod, serving as a salute: "Greetings, High Priest." The High Priest also stood and returned the gesture: "Praise great Order." "Something is missing." The High Priest repeated his gesture: "Praise the Great God of Order." Diss was satisfied. Immediately afterward, the High Priest looked at Old Hoffen and asked, "Will you always treat him as your grandson?" Old Hoffen replied as though it were the most obvious thing in the world, "Does the High Priest of Order make a habit of talking nonsense?" "No, I merely wanted to confirm." "Mm?" "If you are truly willing to always treat him as your grandson, then I can indeed promise you to groom him as my successor. "However, there is one condition: both of us must make this matter public." "The High Priest of Order harbors such great ambition?" Old Hoffen understood the High Priest's intention. The personal notebook of the God of Principles was the supreme token of the Church of Principles, holding a status far surpassing a divine artifact. One could say it was the manifestation of the truest will of the God of Principles. If Karen were designated as its inheritor, it would be equivalent to receiving recognition from the God of Principles, granting him supreme legitimacy. If Karen later became the High Priest of the Church of Order, while possessing sufficient power and foundation, he would also hold a legitimate basis to lay claim to the Church of Principles. This laid the perfect foundation for the Church of Order's plan to annex the Church of Principles! "What do you think?" the High Priest asked again. "I..." Old Hoffen was torn. If Karen held any other identity, or was even a believer of another religion, he wouldn't mind. But it had to be Order—Order possessed both the ambition and the capability. Diss spoke up, "Not biological after all." Old Hoffen's eyes instantly widened, and he shouted: "Deal!"