Chapter 353: The Choice
Chapter 353: The Choice
As Kline rode in the Black Thorn Security Company's carriage, various thoughts flashed through his mind, unable to be suppressed.
Under Old Neill's teachings, he knew what a high deacon represented.
The thirteen archbishops and nine high deacons were the typical high-level church officials. It was said that among them were high-sequence existences, those of Sequence 4 and above, the half-god, half-human stronglings.
These twenty-two gentlemen and ladies were completely equal in status, following only the oracles of the Goddess of the Night and accountable only to the Pope. In simple terms, they were the messengers of the goddess, acting on her will.
Would such high-profile figures come to Tinggen just to investigate the anomalies on Leonard and the Antigonous Notes?
Kline believed that Leonard had something special about him. The fact that he had suddenly appeared in a different location from the company was very eerie, and it was normal to remain vigilant and conduct strict inspections.
Similarly, the Nocturne Squad was also very concerned about the whereabouts of the Antigonous Notes and would dedicate their efforts to investigating it, giving him the green light within the permitted range and allowing him to take the soothsayer's magic potion in advance.
But was this small matter really worth a high deacon's personal investigation?
Kline pursed his lips, thinking of a possibility.
Could it be related to his crossing over?
Kline recalled the scene of his crossing over. He remembered first being resurrected on a thoroughly dead body, then witnessing a peculiar celestial phenomenon where the starry sky displayed a crimson moon and the brilliant radiance of nine celestial bodies, with one star dimming and disappearing early on, and the rest of the celestial phenomenon slowly dissipating...
Then, Tinggen City went into lockdown, and both the Extraordinary Squad and the secular police patrols increased significantly, seemingly indicating that the upper echelons attached great importance to the celestial changes.
According to Roxana, the formal members and office workers weren't as busy as they are now, and overtime wasn't as frequent...
At this moment, Kline also remembered the old acquaintance from Barkeland he had visited a few days ago, and his brows furrowed again.
From the time Luke rented 1 Red Moon Street, to the time he filled out the purchase form for the tailcoat formalwear at the clothing store, to the time he visited Luke's home and occasionally chatted with the servant, Parrot, Luke seemed to have appeared around the same time as his crossing over.
However, Luke's identity was mysterious, he possessed extensive high-level knowledge, was already a Sequence 8 Extraordinary, and his combat power was exceptionally fierce, having wiped out the Esoteric Studies Order's personnel in Tinggen. He acted very mysteriously.
Could it be that the high deacon wasn't investigating Leonard or the Antigonous Notes at all, but rather Kline himself or Luke, the two interdimensional travelers? With this thought, Kline became more nervous, but he maintained his composure, showing only a curious expression.
"Frey, do you know which high deacon is coming?"
Frey, with his cold demeanor, straightened his shirt collar, and his deep voice said:
"According to the captain, the one in charge of this examination is Cresta Cecima, one of the nine high deacons of the Nocturne Squad."
"Cresta Cecima?"
"Yes, Cresta is only Sequence 5 and hasn't reached the 'half-god, half-human' level. There's no need to be too afraid or fearful."
Frey lowered his voice, "Hmm, his title in the Extraordinary World is 'Sword of the Goddess' because he has gained the recognition of a holy artifact, and his combat power isn't much weaker than a newly promoted Sequence 4."
Holy artifact...
Kline chewed on this word in his mind, deep in thought.
When Kline went to Luke's place for a meal, Luke occasionally gave him a bit of knowledge, not a formal instruction, and didn't charge him money. He would just mention it in passing during their chats.
Holy artifacts should refer to extraordinary items with divine attributes, either high-sequence seals created by combining extraordinary traits and items of Sequence 4 and above, or temporary or limited-use items created by high-sequence stronglings through rituals and other means.
The holy artifact held by Cresta Cecima was likely the former, as the latter's prestige and ability were clearly a notch lower, making them more like consumables.
Hmm... Hopefully, the high deacon doesn't have a lie detection function; otherwise, it would be dangerous.
Kline furrowed his brows and slowly exhaled.
It was fortunate that Luke had just gone to Barkeland for a vacation a few days ago. Even if there was a problem on Kline's end, the worst-case scenario wouldn't involve catching both of them.
"Rest assured, Cresta is only checking to see if he can find any clues about the notebook from you. He definitely won't harm you."
Frey's voice drew Kline out of his thoughts, and he lifted his head to find the "corpse collector" staring at him, his tone gentle and comforting.
Frey was the type of person who was cold on the outside but warm on the inside...
Kline's heart warmed, and he smiled, nodding, "I'm fine. I'm just worried that Leonard won't pass the review.
"Frey nodded solemnly, 'There may be some secrets about him that we are unaware of, but his devotion to the Goddess will not change because of it. I believe he will pass the review without issue.'
The carriage stopped at Zoltran Street, and the two entered the Blackthorn Security Company side by side. As soon as they stepped into the room, they felt a rare sense of solemnity and tranquility.
'Good afternoon,' said Roxanne with a light laugh, her clear voice dispelling the seriousness. She smiled at Kline, 'You've been working overtime quite a bit lately, haven't you?'
Kline smiled politely, 'I can't help it. The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility.'
Roxanne smiled slightly at his words, 'Emperor Rossel's famous saying is indeed thought-provoking, but you're not even an official member yet.'
Kline: ...
That Emperor was a real copycat, was there anything he didn't copy?
Footsteps sounded from the stairs, and Dunn Smith, the captain with deep-set gray eyes and a high hairline, approached them with a furrowed brow. He lowered his voice, 'Lord Crestay is currently interrogating Leonard. No one else is allowed to observe. Please wait for a moment.'
Kline nodded, then noticing the captain's unusual state, asked, 'Captain, what's wrong?'
Dunn fell silent for a moment, massaging his temples with his index finger. He sighed, 'I... I have some issues. Lord Crestay noticed them, so there might be a position adjustment in the future.'
Captain has issues?! Kline was startled, momentarily unsure of what to say.
After some thought, he realized that Captain Dunn was the type who had rushed to promotion after barely mastering the magic potion, inevitably accumulating madness. As a 'Nightmare,' he had also shown symptoms of being unable to distinguish between dreams and reality, and he had a terrible memory...
'Don't worry,' Kline said, noticing the heavy expressions on both Frey's and his own face.
Dunn smiled, realizing the concern on their faces, and explained, 'Lord Crestay has already informed me of a solution to the problem, but that method cannot be disclosed. By position adjustment, I mean promotion. Once these recent events are resolved, I might leave Tinggen and take up a captaincy or stewardship position in a larger city.'
Captain, could you not breathe so heavily while talking? I really thought something was wrong with you.
Kline couldn't help but laugh, 'This is good news, Captain. Why do you look so glum?'
'I've been in Tinggen for too long,' Dunn's gaze grew complex, 'I know this place too well—every inch of land, every building, and everyone on the Nocturne Squad. If I could, I wouldn't want to leave here so much.'
'But this is also an opportunity, Captain. You can't stay separated from Ms. Daly forever, can you?'
Frey spoke calmly, dropping a bombshell.
'How did you...?'
Frey's mouth curved up slightly, 'Everyone basically knows about this.'
I actually didn't know...
Kline, who hadn't been here long, watched as Captain Dunn became awkward, his pupils shaking slightly. An untimely thought flashed through his mind.
The Goddess was quite lenient, allowing office romances.
Just then, footsteps sounded, followed by a somewhat flippant male voice interrupting their conversation.
'The atmosphere is quite delicate. Am I interrupting you?'
Leonard, exuding the air of a romantic poet, descended the stairs with his hands folded across his chest, a smile playing on his lips.
Dunn cleared his throat, 'What was the result?'
'Of course, there's no problem. Lord Crestay thought it might be a prank by some spirit realm creature or the result of a 'Traveler' from the Apprentice Path going out of control,' Leonard replied.
Leonard lifted his chin towards Kline, 'Lord Crestay asked me to call you in.'
'Which room?'
'The break room.'
Kline nodded, mentally preparing himself as he climbed the stairs.
He arrived at the break room door and knocked with his top hat.
The newest, smallest, and most talked-about book in the last 69 books bar, the first in the series, is now available!
'Come in.'
A deep, powerful male voice echoed.
Kline entered the break room and saw that the squad members' desks had been neatly stacked in the corner. In the center, two classical high-backed chairs stood almost a meter apart, facing each other.
A man in his thirties, wearing a black overcoat and a white shirt, sat in the chair facing the door. His golden-brown hair was cut short, and his dark green eyes resembled a moonless midnight lake. The collars of his shirt and overcoat were high, hiding his entire chin in shadow.
'Hello, Lord Sessy.'
(End of Chapter)
"Cline bowed and performed a polite greeting.
Cresta Sessima casually rested her right leg on her left, leaning back in her chair with a relaxed smile.
'Hello, Cline. You can take a seat over there.'
She pointed to the high-backed chair opposite her.
By her feet, there was a silver-white metal briefcase, similar in size and shape to a violin case, which must be the 'Holy Relic'.
Cline took a few steps forward and sat down in his designated seat.
'Don't be nervous, we're just having a casual chat.'
Such a casual statement usually meant business.
As a seasoned interviewee, Cline was all too familiar with this opening line. He straightened his body, enduring the soreness, and sat with a sense of urgency.
'Cline Moretti, you've been with the Nocturne Squad in Tinggen City for a while now. How do you feel about the atmosphere here?'
Such a simple question allowed Cline to relax a little, and he answered honestly.
'It's great. Everyone is very friendly, and they've all helped me get familiar with the environment and work processes.'
'So, you get along well with the administrative staff and the official members here?'
'Yes.'
Cresta's tone was more conversational than interrogative, with a smile on her face and a gentle demeanor.
After a series of questions about work, accommodation, and even romantic relationships, Cresta leaned back and asked calmly:
'Your guide is Dunn Smith, the leader of the Nocturne Squad in Tinggen City, and your mentor in the occult is Old Neill, a former squad member who has retired to an administrative role.'
She rested her chin on her hand, gazing quietly at Cline.
'If these two were to be promoted and transferred, would you choose to follow them to the big city, or stay here in Tinggen as a Nocturne?'
Cline was taken aback by this question, feeling awkward as he realized that even his superiors were pushing him to consider marriage.
He had just learned about the captain's transfer, but Old Neill was leaving too? He struggled to maintain his composure, drawing the symbol of the goddess, a red moon, on his chest.
'I will follow the Cathedral's arrangements.'
Cresta shook her head gently. 'This is a choice. Going to the big city represents a larger stage for you to showcase your talents, and it will bring more opportunities and challenges. Staying with the Nocturne Squad will also offer you a promising future, but you may not reach the same heights.'
'Cline, which path will you choose?'
This...
Cline furrowed his brows, not quite understanding Cresta's intention. Without sufficient merit, what right did he have to a bigger stage?
'Your Excellency Cresta, if I choose to leave, will I truly be able to go to the big city?'
'No, there are many evaluation criteria, and your will is just one of them, with no decisive influence. But this should be the factor you can control the most.'
Cresta tapped the table, smiling with a hint of depth. 'When you have the chance to choose, it's best to exercise this right, even if it may not make a difference. After all, it's not like it costs anything, right?'
Indeed, the phrase 'it's free' was quite persuasive.
Cline hesitated for a moment, choosing a safe response: 'Can I have some time to think about it, Your Excellency?'
Cresta smiled and sighed. 'No need. 'I need time to think' is also an answer. You are cautious and careful, which is a good quality for an individual. But...'
She didn't finish her sentence.
Cline inwardly scoffed at this vague and evasive attitude.
'Get out. There's nothing more for you to do here for now.'
Cresta seemed tired, closing her eyes. She handed over a piece of paper: 'I'll be staying in Tinggen City for a while. This is my address. If you encounter any difficult matters, you can seek my help.'
'Yes, Your Excellency.'
After Cline left the room, Cresta lifted her finger, and a wall of spiritual energy sealed off the surroundings.
The high-ranking executive, the executor of the goddess's will, approached the violin-like case and carefully opened it, revealing a pure white bone sword inside.
Then, the senior deacon began her prayer:
'O Goddess of the Night, more exalted than the stars, more ancient than eternity;
'I seek your blessing;
'I pray for your guidance in making the right choice.'
As her prayer ended, boundless darkness engulfed the entire room, bringing a serene silence and tranquility.
End of Chapter.
Chapter end
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