Chapter 217: Message and the Star Palace
Chapter 217: Message and the Star Palace
"Olivia!"
Seeing that the Red-Haired Director seemed ready to give up, Beverly couldn't help but glare at him, her eyes filled with anger. "He's clearly making things up! Besides him, no one..."
'Don't say it, it's useless.'
After giving her a look to keep calm, the Red-Haired Director communicated through the psychic pathway, 'I know you're not satisfied, but our Purification Bureau is a relatively loose organization. Although the rules are strict, the enforcement is not enough. Whether we can force Aquarius to have his memory read doesn't depend on who is right or wrong, but on how many people are willing to stand by our side.
Aquarius has made connections with many Bureau Directors over the years, and his supporters are not few. The reason no one spoke up for him before is because Lord Taurus, who is about to ascend to the Star Palace, is on our side, and Aquarius's suspicion is indeed high. They didn't want to get involved.'
After glancing at the various Bureau Directors in the hall, each with a different expression, the Red-Haired Director coldly smiled.
'But now it's different. Although it's obvious to anyone with eyes that Aquarius is making things up, he has indeed provided a somewhat plausible explanation. Among the other Bureau Directors, there are clearly more who value his ability to create anomalies than the massive casualties he's caused over the years.
Moreover, Aquarius has met with many people these past two days and has likely promised countless benefits in private. In the face of tangible interests, even if they suspect Aquarius of breaking the rules, there will still be many who will stand by him if a vote is called.'
'If we could take Aquarius down in one fell swoop, these people wouldn't say anything. But now, Aquarius has presented a plausible excuse, giving them room to maneuver. Even if we insist, it will only result in endless bickering.'
As for the Director, if he were here in person, he would likely force Aquarius to submit to maintain the Bureau's rules. But now, he's in the Old Land and can't return. Compared to maintaining the Bureau's rules, he will prioritize stability in this situation.'
Based on my understanding of him, the Director will likely step forward and try to mediate, ensuring that the Bureau doesn't fall into chaos. Then, he will remember this and find a way to settle the score with Aquarius when he returns... Let's endure for now. No matter what happens to Aquarius in the future, we have indeed lost today.'
...
"In my opinion, this matter requires further deliberation."
The subsequent developments unfolded much as the Red-Haired Director had predicted. After scanning the expressions of the various Bureau Directors, the Director, who had an idea of what was going on, gave Aquarius a meaningful look. Then, he took the initiative to mediate, saying, "Although Aquarius Director's 'duplicate' has caused many problems, the root cause was to prevent greater damage from the Twin Mirror Lake. The merits and demerits balance out, so let's not mention the resignation.
Although all twelve Directors have the authority to handle anomalous incidents independently, they should report when they are unable to resolve the situation. Those who conceal and fail to report must be punished... Aquarius Director, do you have any objections?"
Upon hearing the Purification Bureau Director's words, Beverly couldn't help but clench her fists, glaring at Aquarius Director, who remained calm.
Objections? What objections could he possibly have? Compared to having his memory read by a God-ranked Brain-Eating Demon, this punishment was nothing. "I have no objections."
After smiling at the Lion Director, who was glaring at him, Aquarius Director bowed slightly towards the central projection. "Your judgment is most appropriate. Also, please, please don't be too harsh on the other Bureau Directors.
Although they questioned me without knowing the truth, their actions, while rash, cannot be considered groundless. So, they shouldn't face punishment from the Bureau, right?"
"...
Relying on a backup plan from years ago, Aquarius effortlessly dismantled the foundation of the entire inquiry and forcefully twisted the facts. He even offered to waive a punishment that never existed in the first place.
Facing this humiliating plea, which could be considered the ultimate embarrassment, the directors and bureau chiefs present reacted with varying degrees of anger, even the Red-Haired Director narrowing his eyes.
Unfortunately, despite Olivia's clear understanding, her methods were slightly immature, leaving an opening for the Aquarius Director.
With a regretful glance at the Red-Haired Director, the Purification Bureau Chief nodded, intending to let the matter rest.
"Alright, then this matter can be... um... just a moment."
Just as he was about to announce the end of the inquiry and Aquarius Director's safe passage, the stone tablet beside the Purification Bureau Chief flickered, displaying a strange series of writhing symbols.
The Purification Bureau Chief touched the symbols, deciphering their meaning, and his eyebrows furrowed.
This was a complaint message delivered via a Homing Stone Tablet, and ninety percent of its content was a complaint about a Virgo Bureau Purification Agent who had disrespected and assaulted a prince in the Royal Palace.
However, after detailing the beatings he had endured from the Purification Agent, the prince seemed to have been coerced into helping the agent deliver some messages to the Headquarters...
"Aquarius Director!"
After deciphering the symbols, the Purification Bureau Chief turned around abruptly, his eyes fixed on the Aquarius Director seated in the eleventh seat.
"Nathan... Do you know this person?"
Noticing the subtle change in the Bureau Chief's expression, the Aquarius Director raised an eyebrow and nodded.
"Yes, he is the leader of the Rogue Gang, and he has had contact with 'another me'."
Emphasizing the words 'another me' with emphasis, the Purification Bureau Chief repeated the ambiguous statement. "Aquarius Director, during your participation in the annual review, a Virgo Bureau Purification Agent successfully captured the leader of the Rogue Gang and obtained some intriguing information.
After reading the message he sent, I believe it will be very helpful in capturing your duplicate. Are you willing to cooperate and gather the twelve Zodiac Bureau Directors or Commissioners to bring Nathan and the two Purification Agents here?"
So... Nathan couldn't escape and was captured by the Virgo Bureau Purification Agent? And he revealed some unfavorable information about me?
After hearing the Purification Bureau Chief's request, the Aquarius Director frowned, sensing that the situation seemed a bit off.
To maximize the protection of the dangerous items stored within, in addition to repelling most outsiders, the core of the Purification Bureau Headquarters was specifically set up on an asteroid over 70,000 meters above the ground, constantly orbiting the world like the moon.
Even the most advanced airships of the Mechanical City of Corlok can only fly at an altitude of 8 to 9 kilometers, and the highest unmanned probes do not exceed 400 kilometers, which is just a fraction of the 70,000-kilometer distance.
Therefore, it can be said that aside from the Purification Bureau higher-ups who can use the Zodiac Star Palace for relocation, and those with special anomalies, no one can quickly reach this place.
The only exception is when the twelve Zodiac Bureau Directors or Commissioners are gathered, using the Zodiac Star Palace to piece together some of the Solar Power, forcing a relocation through sunlight.
Even then, those brought here can only stay for one day. When the Purification Bureau Headquarters rotates to the other side of the world, they are instantly squeezed back to their original position by the headquarters' repelling force...
What exactly did the message say that prompted the Purification Bureau Chief to suggest gathering the twelve Zodiac Bureau Directors and Commissioners? What information could be so crucial that he wants to bring them here for a face-to-face confrontation?
(End of Chapter)
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