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Chapter 278: Lanchi Kept Silent
Chapter 278: Lanchi Kept Silent
On a Sunday, the people on Hellrom Street mostly enjoyed the weekend leisure, except for the area near the solemn Temple of the Knights of Annihilation, which remained as desolate and quiet as ever.
Soon, the distant sound of footsteps broke the silence, as two figures, a man and a woman, quickly crossed the plaza in front of the temple.
They did not wear the distinctive attire of the Knights of Annihilation. The young man in a long coat had a calm gaze fixed on the clock, while the woman beside him wore a silver skirt-armor with a casual expression.
After confirming the time, the two unconsciously quickened their steps as if driven by some important matter.
Just as they were about to reach the door, two deep gray armored knights guarding the entrance blocked their way with their long spears.
Lanchi did not slow down, staring straight into the knights' eyes, engaging in a silent conversation.
Whether it was due to this air of entitlement or the recognition of their faces, the guard knights soon reacted and let them pass without hindering their path any further.
The temple's spire and stone walls were cold and hard, but the interior of the hall was filled with bright light.
Deep within the Temple of the Knights of Annihilation lay a spacious meeting room hidden behind a heavy oak door.
The vaulted ceiling rose high, designed with a complex arch structure that imbued the entire space with an air of authority. Tall windows were arranged on both sides of the walls, their sills framed by thick lead and handcrafted stained glass. When sunlight filtered through these intricate panes, it created a play of light and shadow, as if time and history intertwined within the chamber.
In the center of the room stood a round table made from rare imperial ebony, its surface polished to a mirror-like shine. Surrounding it were rows of high-backed chairs adorned with dark leather upholstery, some of which were already occupied by several figures.
Seated at the table, in addition to the other qualified individuals from the final assessment, were a man in a deep gray suit and two high priests. The high priests wore the distinctive vestments of the Knights of Annihilation, with amulets bearing the holy seal surrounded by violet radiance hanging from their necks.
"...''
Sander's soldier, with a cold and stern countenance, held some documents and files in his hand. His gaze pierced through the room, as if seeing through everyone's thoughts, while his fingers gently tapped the table, like a conductor waiting for the right moment to begin.
Despite the appearance that the meeting could commence, it was evident that key attendees were yet to arrive.
All eyes occasionally turned to Sander, awaiting his judgment as the moderator.
There were only a few seconds left until the appointed time.
If those two troublesome individuals still hadn't arrived, the meeting would proceed without further delay.
As the silent atmosphere in the conference room persisted, the door opened once more, and two figures entered one after the other.
They didn't seem like vicious criminals, clearly standing out from the group of butchers, arsonists, death singers, and eyeball collectors in the room.
Sander's soldier looked up at the two and said nothing.
Not until Lanchi and Xide took their seats under everyone's gaze.
"Today's meeting will be brief; it should take about ten minutes to wrap up."
Leaning back in his chair, Sander glanced at the documents in his hand and spoke.
First, following the ceremony and protocol, they signed the contracts. The two high priests then presented the new members of the Annihilation Branch with the elite priest-level 【Rebirth Certificate-Annihilation】 and a rulebook that all Annihilation Branch priests must abide by.
"When you receive this holy seal, understand that although it is not stated in the contract, should you ever choose to betray the Bishop of Annihilation, the consequence will be relentless retribution and pursuit until the end of your days. Are we clear?"
Sander's voice was cold, his mouth curved downward, devoid of any trace of a smile.
The villains in the meeting room nodded in confirmation.
This was something they had already considered before joining.
"Your work going forward will be relatively free. Lately, there hasn't been much logistical work requiring your assistance here in the imperial capital of Hellrom. However, as it stands, the northern regions are actually quite short-staffed, which presents a great opportunity for you..."
Sander continued, "Over the next month, you are free to depart and return as you please. It's best to travel in groups of two or three to investigate and track down the infiltrators from the Kingdom of Aisetelan in the northern provinces of the Empire. The local branches will provide assistance, and you may even have the chance to establish considerable achievements, directly promoting to high priests or even soldiers under my command."
"Of course, solo missions are also an option, but they require special reporting to me because we need to coordinate with the northern branches. Traveling alone to the frontlines in the north increases the risk of being targeted or replaced by high-level agents of the Kingdom of Aisetelan. However, traveling in pairs or trios significantly reduces liaison costs, lowers the probability of unexpected incidents, and makes it easier for the northern branches to identify and confirm your identities."
"Once you've decided on your itinerary, you can declare it to us. We will make arrangements for your travel expenses and accommodations, as well as any anticipated expenses. The only thing you need not worry about is funding; what you should be concerned about is returning empty-handed."
"...'
After Sander's speech, most of those present had exchanged more than a few glances. During the final assessment, they had all worked with fixed partners, so there were no further questions.
The only difference now was—
Whether or not to bring in the two most formidable individuals.
They both seemed to prefer working alone.
However, their strength and maliciousness were undeniable.
Yet, as the other villains were still undecided, Lanchi and Xide had already shared a glance and proceeded to fill out their itineraries with Sander, seemingly having chosen each other as partners. They even decided to travel together to the North for their mission.
Like after the retake exam, the two didn't linger for a second after finishing their business and left immediately.
The conference room fell silent for a long while.
"How come these two seem so friendly with each other?"
Not only the other villains who were still dazed, but even the two High Priests felt worried and asked the soldier beside Sander.
These two highly self-aware individuals should, by all means, be incompatible.
Just trying to reach a cooperative agreement and deciding who would be the leader should have been enough to make their negotiations fall apart.
"It's alright, no need to worry. This is normal."
Sander smiled faintly.
All they needed to do was wait for the two to annihilate each other.
This was a good sign.
The two High Priests soon realized what Sander meant.
These two were not good people and would definitely not form a mutually trusting relationship.
And such cunning villains would not directly take action against their opponents.
They would most likely pretend to be friendly and then secretly harm each other at a critical moment! This actually reduced their threat.
...
On the other hand.
The plaza extended from the massive gates of the Temple of the Knights of Annihilation, making the surrounding buildings look shorter and more spacious.
The two of them were no longer in a hurry and walked together for a few blocks until they reached a corner, where their paths would diverge.
"Then, see you tomorrow."
Xide raised his hand.
"When I see you at school, do I need to pretend I don't know you?"
Lanchi also waved, asking.
"It's fine, just talk to me naturally."
Xide smiled casually and turned to leave.
Lanchi nodded and continued on his way south towards the Protoss Royal Magic Academy without hesitation.
Tomorrow, he would temporarily move to the school and experience the long-lost campus life, but with a Northern Continent twist.
As he leisurely turned a few corners, the number of people around him increased, and unbeknownst to him, the little black cat had once again jumped out of his shadow and snuggled into his arms.
"Meow meow meow! I don't want to keep playing with you anymore!!!"
Cat Boss rolled around and caused a ruckus.
Being the Son of the Dominating Emperor, infiltrating the Annihilation Branch, and now going to the Empire's North with the Annihilation Bishop was just too much!
"But, Cat Boss, think about it. If I leave you in the Imperial Capital, will you be safe? The entire Protoss Empire is a bit bizarre. If we continue to follow the common sense of Ikelyte, we might be branded as heretics and thrown into jail on the spot..."
Lanchi explained calmly as he patted the cat.
"Meow, that's true..."
Upon careful consideration, it seemed that no matter where he stayed in the Imperial Capital, it would be safer to remain by Lanchi's side, as the Annihilation Bishop would protect him.
"Let me make this clear first, I haven't joined the Rebirth Church, meow!"
Cat Boss made a solemn statement.
As long as he wasn't on that kid's wanted poster, he would be fine.
"Alright, alright, just stay in my shadow then."
Lanchi gently patted the cat as he strolled down the street, "Hey, Cat Boss, why is it that some people can disguise themselves as young girls so naturally, while others just look ridiculous?"
"..."
"Who are you subtly mocking?"
Cat Boss raised his head to look at Lanchi.
He felt that Lanchi hadn't mentioned a certain name from the start, but his words always seemed to revolve around that name.
But he didn't know who Lanchi was referring to.
According to reason, the only female he knew besides Xide wouldn't try to disguise herself as a younger girl.
Lanchi smiled without answering.
Some things were best left unsaid, known only to the heavens, the earth, the cat, and himself. Freedom of thought was important.
(End of Chapter)
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