Chapter 219: The Real Inquiry (Part 2)
Chapter 219: The Real Inquiry (Part 2)
Who would have thought that he managed to steal from the Enlightened Deity using the Steal Transport Finesse technique... If I had known this, I should have left more life-saving Anomalies for Nathan.
Looking at the "old friend" who had served the Aquarius lineage for fifteen generations, the Water Bottle Director couldn't help but shake his head. He then completely ignored Lyon and Jerry and turned to face the Purification Bureau Chief, speaking sincerely:
"Chief, the Enlightened Deity has been imprisoned by our Aquarius lineage for two thousand years, and I alone have extracted its flesh and true spirit thousands of times.
No matter how deep a grudge or hatred, it probably pales in comparison to a fraction of its hatred towards me. Do you really want to suspect a Director who has served the Bureau for nearly a century based on the word of an Outer God?"
"I'm sorry, but this isn't a matter of trust."
After a brief flicker of light in his lavender eyes, the Purification Bureau Chief replied calmly:
"Unlike the previous private creation of Anomalies, this time, since it involves the safety of the Watchtower Palace, there is no room for negotiation.
Whether it's you, another Director, or even me, the Chief, if we are accused and the accuser presents some evidence, we must immediately prove our innocence.
If we cannot prove our innocence, we will have to undergo Memory Extraction... Water Bottle Director, do you have anything else to say in your defense?"
"Nothing more."
Glancing at Lyon beside the Purification Bureau Chief, the Water Bottle Director calmly stated:
"Bring the Divine Mind Devourer here, I choose to undergo Memory Extraction... By the way, I'm curious why the Virgin Bureau is so focused on me.
Not only did they coordinate six Deputy Directors, but they also initiated an inquiry against me, a Director, and even took the risk of releasing an imprisoned evil deity to contact this creature, which is used to perform the Aberrant Generation secret technique..."
"I am the Enlightened Deity! You are the material, and I will get out of here..."
Crossing his fingers, the Water Bottle Director used some unknown method to silence the Enlightened Deity. Then, gazing into the distance, he spoke to Olivia:
"Olivia, if the Memory Extraction proves that I've done nothing wrong, could you also undergo Memory Extraction? And not just you..."
"Why should I?"
Before the Water Bottle Director could finish, the Lion Bureau Chief, Beverly, couldn't help but interrupt, her voice filled with anger:
"The first inquiry today, even if you weren't directly involved, is still connected to you. The second inquiry involves the Watchtower Palace, and Olivia has shown no suspicious behavior. Why should she be subjected to Memory Extraction?"
"If we're talking about suspicious behavior, she has done more than one thing."
Glancing at Beverly, the Water Bottle Director spoke without emotion:
"The Bouquet Family, who attempted to overthrow the Royal Family, should have been executed according to Kingdom Law. However, Emma Ma, who didn't meet the standards, was taken in by the Virgin Bureau. You tolerated her private revenge plans and covered for her on multiple occasions.
Furthermore, last month, you recruited Lyon Lane, who also didn't meet the Purification Bureau's hiring standards but had the right to inherit the Duke's title. You sent him to investigate the Lane Estate, which resulted in the Ryan Blood Night incident. Almost all of the Lionheart Family died, leaving no one to inherit the Duke's title, and through a series of coincidences, this Tier 3 Purifier, whom you had exceptionally hired, ended up in your pocket."
The Water Bottle Director paused briefly before continuing:
"Additionally, Tom Lane, a Tier 1 Disaster Handler in the Virgin Bureau with a record of expelling a True God, disappeared from the Central Agency's surveillance after completing the Blood Pine Ridge Anomaly incident.
Tom Lane's most powerful Anomaly ability is a pair of dice that create coincidences, making all impossible things sixty percent possible. The time he was off the Central Agency's radar coincides with when Lyon Lane obtained the Duke's title."
After saying all this, the Water Bottle Director looked at the Purification Bureau Chief, whose brows were furrowed, and continued:
"These issues came to my attention while investigating my Duplicate. In recent years, my Duplicate has frequently appeared in the Capital City, cultivating a force called the Rogue Gang, attempting to overthrow the Royal Family. You, on the other hand, seem to be intentionally gathering the heirs of the old families.
Therefore, I have reason to suspect that you have had contact with my Duplicate and received some benefit from him, or perhaps even engaged in extremely dangerous cooperation. That's why you initiated the inquiry against me and always presented evidence that was hard for me to refute."
Under the Purification Bureau Chief's suddenly sharp gaze, the Water Bottle Director hesitated:
"Olivia, are these suspicions enough for you to agree to undergo Memory Extraction with me?"
"..."
...
Strange... Why is the Water Bottle Director bringing up these points? Is he "desperately grasping at straws," or does he have some hidden card that gives him confidence in withstanding Memory Extraction?
Noticing the change in the Purification Bureau Chief's expression, the Red-Haired Bureau Chief couldn't help but rub her furrowed brows. Although she wasn't sure what the Water Bottle Director was planning, she could only nod slightly in agreement:
"Alright, I agree to undergo Memory Extraction."
"However, the order must be after you. If it can be proven that there are no duplicates, or if you are truly plotting against the Watchtower Palace, then my memory extraction must be canceled!"
"Not just you, there's also this Tier 3 Incident Handler who needs to have his memory read."
The Water Bottle Director smiled and pointed towards Lyon's direction, referring to the troublesome fellow who had caught Nathan within two days and provided crucial evidence, despite being overlooked by her in the past. "Considering the close relationship between you two, if I'm proven innocent, then he should also undergo memory extraction."
"I object! This matter has nothing to do with Lyon!"
The Red-Haired Director's expression tightened upon hearing this. She spoke up in opposition, "He's only been with the Virgin Division for a month. If memory extraction is necessary, I'll be sufficient."
"Additionally, aside from the Ryan Blood Night incident, Lyon has performed his duties diligently and excellently in every mission. He even has a record of killing a Holy Spirit."
"Having his memory read by a Divine Mind Devourer is equivalent to being forcefully tainted by a True God, which will undoubtedly affect his mental stability. For a Purifier with such immense potential, this is undoubtedly a..."
"His mind doesn't need to be tainted; it's already quite unstable." The Water Bottle Director interrupted the Red-Haired Director and continued calmly, "I've carefully reviewed his file. After the Ryan Blood Night incident, the two investigators sent by the Central Agency had very interesting evaluations of him.
They unanimously agreed that this Tier 3 Purifier is extremely dangerous, nearly fanatical in his dedication, and harbors numerous dangerous secrets. They suggested strict surveillance.
Furthermore, to find evidence against me, he has made contact with the Enlightened Deity and might be under their control or even possessed. Having him undergo memory extraction alongside you could be a form of protection..."
Protect your mother!
As Lyon watched the enormous cage rising from beneath the center of the hall, and the disgusting Mind Devourer inside, he couldn't help but feel his scalp tingle at the thought of having his memory read by this creature licking his brain with its tongue.
If this is what you call protection, I hope the Purification Bureau protects you for the rest of your life!
Unfortunately, despite the Red-Haired Director's persistent arguments, upon hearing the Water Bottle Director's proposal, the Purification Bureau's Director revealed a hint of eagerness, especially when he heard about Lyon's potential control by the Enlightened Deity. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes at the thought of the potential risks.
On one side was the possibility of the Enlightened Deity's escape, while on the other was a reportedly talented Tier 3 Purifier. For a Director who desires stability within the Purification Bureau, these two matters are fundamentally incomparable.
If the one objecting wasn't Olivia, who possesses two numbered anomalies and is among the more powerful Directors, the Director might have already made a decision without hesitation.
"Lord Taurus!"
Seeing that the Purification Bureau's Director seemed convinced. The Red-Haired Director turned to the hesitant Taurus Director for help. "You've met Lyon, and you even personally crafted an anomaly for him. You know his potential. Having him undergo such an early immersion with a True God-level entity will undoubtedly harm his mind. If memory extraction is truly necessary, I can do it myself."
"Indeed..."
Lord Taurus hesitated and nodded. "The child's potential is exceptional. He's smart and has a bright future. He might even become a Tier 1 Purifier and succeed a Division Director's position, becoming a force that safeguards humanity. Undergoing memory extraction this early could hinder his future."
"Even if his future is hindered, what can be done?"
After Lord Taurus finished speaking, the Water Bottle Director's eyebrows drooped slightly, and he spoke indifferently, "Lord Taurus, on one side is the risk of the Enlightened Deity's escape, while the other is just a Tier 3 Purifier who hasn't fulfilled his potential yet. I don't think there's any comparison."
"But..."
"Enough, let's not argue."
The Director's body slightly distorted as he continued, "The flow of time here is slowing down, and the time we can communicate is limited. The most important thing right now is the safety of the Watchtower Palace. So, I'll make the decision.
Next, the Water Bottle Director will undergo memory extraction first. If it proves to be uneventful, Olivia will follow suit.
And if Olivia's extraction also yields no issues, then this Lyon, the Purifier, will be exempt from memory extraction... Water Bottle Director, please proceed!"
(End of Chapter)
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