Figured It Out

"What do you think of this one?" "I think it suits you very well." "But I feel the colors are a bit too vivid, hardly appropriate for someone my age." "You are very young to begin with." "I'm not a little girl like Kanna, dressing herself up in every color of the rainbow. Besides, he prefers a minimalist style... No, I prefer it." Eunice stood to the side, covering her mouth with a light chuckle. Her ancestor was about to embark on a long journey, and she was helping her pick out suitable attire. She could sense that her ancestor attached great importance to this trip. "Let's try another one, meow." Purr slipped out of the dress and stood unabashedly naked before the mirror, admiring her own body. Her figure was indeed somewhat fuller than before, but far from plump; every curve and contour was just right. At least, that was what she thought. Eunice brought over a dark purple gown and helped Purr put it on. "This one is nice. It'll do." "It's a pity. Though I've been studying, I still haven't mastered embedding spell formations into garments." "It doesn't matter. It's just for decoration anyway. Most of the time, I can't even be bothered to take human form. Bring over the accessories; let's match them." "Right away, Ancestor." "Let's go with this hat and this pair of gloves... Heh, you just focus on your design studies. As for formations and the like, once you bear Karen's children in the future, let the child learn them. Believe me, your child will definitely learn much faster than you." Just then, a knock came from the door. "Enter," Purr called. Eunice went to open it. Standing in the doorway was Karen. Glancing at Purr's outfit, he smiled and said, "Not bad." Purr lightly brushed back her hair and said self-deprecatingly, "After being a cat for so long, looking into the mirror as a human actually feels a bit strange and unfamiliar." "That's normal. You'll get used to it after a while." Karen walked over to the sofa and sat down. Kevin followed him inside and squatted by his feet, looking up at Purr in her new clothes with a warm doggy smile. A new expedition was about to form. The expedition leader was Dicarost, with Purr and Kevin serving as deputy leaders. In addition, per Earl Recar's request, three thousand priests had been personally handpicked from the Church of Order to form an elite expedition team. Every squad leader held at least the rank of director in a relevant department of Order. On top of that, the temple was dispatching three temple elders with relevant expertise to accompany them, one of whom was Elder Rohan, whom Karen knew. Compared to this, the previous operation to retrieve the Blade of Sighs had been nothing more than child's play. Of course, this was also because Karen's standing was much higher than before, granting him access to far greater church resources. Eunice brought a glass of ice water to Karen and said, "I'll go fetch a few more cloaks for Ancestor to choose from." "Alright, thank you for your hard work, my dear great-great-great-great-niece, meow." Karen said, "Dicarost isn't completely trustworthy. Keep that in mind." "I understand that, meow." "Most importantly, stay safe. If an accident occurs, don't hesitate to pray and draw upon my power." "Of course I won't. I treasure my life very much. Still, with an expedition team this large, I don't think the dumb dog needs to come along at all. He'd be better off staying by your side to protect you." At this stage, as long as Kevin remained by Karen's side, any so-called assassination attempt would be utterly laughable unless Karen was surrounded by an entire church legion. "There's no negotiating this. Kevin must go with you." "Fine, fine, fine, meow." Purr rolled her eyes and transformed back into a black cat, letting the gown she had been wearing collapse naturally to the floor. Karen looked down at Kevin. "Ensure everyone's safety to the best of your ability. Also, if you can locate Heaven, I will credit you with first merit." Upon hearing this, Kevin wagged his tail so excitedly he nearly took flight. Purr leapt onto Kevin's back and patted his bald head several times with her paws before the big golden retriever finally calmed down. "Little Hoffen analyzed the scenes you saw in Dicarost's memories. That place seems to be a forbidden zone of laws. Even beings as powerful as gods would be decomposed upon entering. "So, Karen, do you want to use that place to deal with the gods once and for all? "But... but if that's possible, the God of Order had already found that place together with the God of the Abyss back then. Why didn't the God of Order do it?" "When cooking a dish, you have to prep the ingredients before tossing them into the pot." "Oh... meow." "Oh... woof." Both cat and dog wore stunned pet expressions. It wasn't disagreement. Rather, they found Karen's analogy not only remarkably sensible, but also exceptionally elevated in style. One could say he was actively carrying forward the fine tradition of Order believers, taking blasphemy to another extreme by treating gods as a dish to be cooked. Karen raised a hand. "Of course, this is merely my deduction based on current observations and the premise that the God of Order never wasted her efforts. Whether that was truly the reason, I still don't know. "However, I remember the God of Order mentioning that she would seek a way to resolve the gods once and for all, but the ultimate answer could only be given to me when she descended from heaven and fell." "Then should the name 'Heaven' be changed? The God of the Abyss said himself that he was deceived, and that place isn't Heaven at all." "No need to change it." Karen set his water glass gently back onto the coffee table. "Isn't a place where gods reside Heaven?" *** The first ten pastry shops along Maple Leaf Street had recently been bought out by Young Master Aisen, a well-known wealthy heir in the district. These ten shops, previously the most popular establishments on the street, were currently not taking regular patrons. Instead, the older sisters and aunties inside had begun offering completely legitimate, wholesome services: massages, cooking, dancing, singing, and various other health-promoting activities. No one found this particularly surprising. First, Young Master Aisen paid generously in riels every time and never defaulted. Second, it was no secret that Young Master Aisen only sought conversation and never went to bed with anyone. Still, not even Karen had expected that the alumni reunion he had organized, only for it to be interrupted, would reconvene in such a manner on Maple Leaf Street. These few individuals were treating this place entirely as a quiet summer retreat right in the middle of the city. "Puff... puff..." Neo took a drag of his cigarette, then irritably stubbed it out in the ashtray, grumbling, "I never noticed it before, but ever since the gods and divine beasts on both sides of the pack perished, these cigarettes have tasted more and more flavorless." Dicarost set down his newspaper, glanced at Neo and Ukonga lying on their massage beds, and chuckled. "The three of us truly are depraved. We're nothing like Budalas. The moment he woke up, he first stabbed his own people, and after stabbing his own people, he went wild stabbing outsiders. "Right now, three orthodox churches led by the Night God Church have separately declared war on three orthodox churches led by the Storm Church. "And they announced it simultaneously to the world. "On top of that, historical grievances between several other orthodox churches have flared up again, with frequent attacks and skirmishes breaking out along sensitive borders near sacred grounds. "As for the major churches and the smaller ones beneath them, everything has devolved into total chaos. It's only been a few days, and the entire church world has already been churned into a vat of Wien bean paste." Neo tapped his forehead with a finger and laughed. "Damn it, fuck! What a familiar feeling, haha!" Carrying the memories of the Mad Pope, Neo knew very well that although the Church of Light back then had suffered internal divisions and turmoil at its core, the external pressure it endured had been immense—and nearly all of it had been Budalas's handiwork. He truly possessed both the meticulous precision of a conspirator and the expansive vision of a master strategist, executing both to perfection. Ukonga asked, looking somewhat puzzled, "I don't doubt Budalas is pulling the strings here, but what is the point of doing this? Today is already the third day—strictly speaking, the fourth day. "Which means you and Budalas could collapse at any moment, Dicarost. Could it be that our High Priest wants Karen to awaken yet another historical High Priest to take over? "No matter how vast our church's legacy, it can't withstand being squandered like this, can it?" Dicarost pointed at his own face and smiled. "So, Ukonga, are you standing by right now waiting to collect my corpse?" "What else?" Ukonga shrugged. "I'm very busy. If it weren't for the fact that you're about to pass away again, I wouldn't be keeping watch here." "Oh, really? Your protection is truly heartwarming." Ukonga sat up, walked over to Dicarost's massage bed, grabbed his arm, and rolled up his sleeve. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. A thousand years have passed, and I know you've been lonely, but you can't be doing this. I'd rather you go find another rock-hard divine artifact to take care of business." "Why are there no corpse spots?" Ukonga asked. "The time limit has already passed. Even if you could hold on a little longer, your body should be decomposing by now." "I like wearing fragrance. Hand cream of the Moon Goddess—care for some?" Dicarost raised his walking cane. With a soft click, the cane's tip detached, releasing a refreshing white liquid that looked like milk. Neo held out a hand. "Come on, give me some." "Here, take it." After receiving the hand cream, Neo rubbed it between his palms. Just before applying it to his face, he paused, puzzled. "Why does the goddess's hand cream smell a bit fishy?" "Because it's extracted from an adult fire phoenix during its first mating after nirvana." "Which thing?" "That thing." "*That* thing?" "Yes." Neo didn't act disgusted. Instead, he smiled and went over to wash his hands, scrubbing them with soap while quipping, "No wonder the God of Order looked down on the Moon Goddess. Her tastes were way too heavy." "Well, that's gods for you, isn't it? They establish rules while remaining exempt from most of them. Looking across the stories of gods throughout every stage of civilization, you'll find nothing but confusion and bafflement." Ukonga pressed, "Dicarost, why aren't you dead yet?" "Because I can't bear to leave you, my dear classmate." Dicarost opened his pocket watch, glanced at it, and chuckled. "Oh, time's up. I should get going." With that, Dicarost walked out of the shop. After a light cough, a male bodyguard and a female secretary appeared at his sides, dressed in black and white respectively. Each supported one of his arms, and the moment Dicarost stepped forward, his figure vanished from the spot. Ukonga walked to the doorway, turned back, and looked at Neo, who remained seated where he was. "You know something, don't you?" "Mm-hmm." "What is it, exactly?" Neo shook his head. "It's not my place to say. That person hasn't given a clear answer on whether to tell you." "Why wouldn't he tell me?" "I'd advise you not to find out. Otherwise, be careful—you might not even be able to remain roommates." "If we can't be roommates, at least we can still be father and son." Neo raised his teacup from the nightstand beside the sofa bed, offered Ukonga a toast, and said, "May you always remain optimistic." *** Karen had not expected that just as he was about to leave Allen Manor, he would encounter a carriage, inside of which sat Budalas. Budalas stepped down from the carriage and bowed to Karen. Karen shifted aside. Although an unpleasant incident had occurred between them, he was still reluctant to accept his bows. "Young Master, how is that artifact spirit?" "Word from the containment space says the restoration is progressing smoothly. The artifact spirit's core wasn't damaged, and it will make a full recovery before long." "That is good to hear. Otherwise, I would truly be consumed by guilt." "It's fine. It's in the past. It was a misunderstanding neither of us wanted. Also, you don't need to call me Young Master like they do. Just address me by my title." "Understood, Secretary-General." "I thought you would be very busy right now. I didn't expect you to find the time to come here." "I am indeed very busy, reviewing the changes of the past millennium while formulating numerous plans." "At least for now, the results are excellent. Chaos in the church world works to our greatest advantage." "Indeed. What I cannot fathom is why, after my death, the offshore balancing policy I established for the church world wasn't maintained and advanced. "Logically speaking, after the Church of Light perished, our Church of Order became the indisputable foremost church of the world. We should have maintained a transcendent posture, constantly instigating infighting across the church world. "Yet of all the subsequent High Priests, aside from the current one, none seem to have actually done so." This was an ancestor's bewilderment toward his successors: the hardest boulder had already been cleared away, yet they somehow failed to walk the open road left behind. "After your departure, an internal consensus formed within the church—no one wanted another you to emerge. Even the Whip of Order was neglected for centuries." Budalas sighed. "Ah, how helpless." At that moment, Dicarost appeared at the gates of Allen Manor. He did not enter uninvited, as extremely formidable defensive formations were laid out across the grounds. Muri escorted Dicarost inside. Dicarost first bowed to Karen, who nodded in acknowledgment. Immediately after, Dicarost rested a hand on Budalas's shoulder. "I'm truly touched. Did you come all this way just to see me off?" "Yes." Budalas lightly brushed Dicarost's hand away and smiled. "I was worried that in case your submission was feigned, and you had second thoughts along the way, you would end up dead." "Heavens, you actually have the nerve to lecture me? Have you already forgotten what you just did?" "Dicarost, do your job well," Budalas said sternly. "Do not disappoint my Lord." Dicarost waved a hand. "You don't need to preach to me. If the gods truly return, future explorers won't have any fun places left to adventure, because all the masters will have come home. "You know, after waking up, I read plenty of notes and stories. I discovered that even a thousand years after my death, my status remains towering. Year after year, the Adventurers Association ranks me as the greatest explorer in history. "I have to do something for my adorable fellow explorers of later generations, clearing out more playgrounds for them to enjoy." "We're ready, meow!" "Woof!" Kevin came trotting out with Purr riding on his back. Purr said cheerfully, "Mr. Dicarost, it's an honor to embark on a magnificent adventure with you!" Dicarost tipped his hat and returned the greeting. "Oh, beautiful and brave Miss Purr Allen, embarking on an adventure with you is truly thrilling and delightful to anticipate." "Then let's depart. The expedition team has already assembled in the transit space." "Very well." Dicarost bowed to Karen once more in farewell. *Hum!*— A faint tremor resonated above the manor. Looking up, one could see a towering, golden figure. He wanted to enter, but was held back by the barrier. Dicarost asked, "Does someone need to tell him?" Budalas said, "He has likely guessed it already." "Well, he's certainly bold now, daring to strike this place with his dharma body." Budalas shook his head. "He'll hit it twice at most; he wouldn't dare strike a third time. Just making a point—throwing a tantrum like a child while keeping an eye on the adult, careful not to truly provoke anger." *Hum!*— A second impact rang out. Then, the dharma body vanished. "Dicarost, I happen to be heading back to the Holy See. Ride with me in my carriage." "Alright." The carriage drove out of the manor, its curtains pulled back so that the passengers inside were clearly visible from the outside. Muri asked, "Minister, should I go call Elder Ukonga inside?" "Never mind. I'll go take him by the hand and lead him home." Karen walked out through the manor gates. Not seeing Ukonga's figure, he strolled up a hillside beside the main road, where the scenery was pleasant. Just as he came to a stop, he saw Ukonga approaching from the distance. With every stride, he crossed hundreds of meters. Karen stood where he was, waiting for him to arrive. Finally, Ukonga reached Karen. Because Karen was standing at the highest point of the hillside, Ukonga appeared shorter than him. Ukonga pointed to his own forehead. "Karen, I think I've gone mad, because I just thought of something utterly absurd and terrifying. It makes me laugh and cry at the same time. Hehehe, hahaha... If I told you, you'd definitely think I'm crazy too, because it's just so hilarious, hahaha..." Karen smiled gently and said softly: "Father?" *Thud!* Ukonga dropped straight to his knees, arms crossed over his chest, his entire body trembling violently. "Lord..."