Chapter 485: End of Vacation
Chapter 485: End of Vacation
"In any case, the situation is rather unique now. Although those kingdoms are suspected of having issues, the royal families haven't completely fallen yet. To avoid pushing them to the brink, the Bureau can't afford to make a big scene."
As he spoke, the Red-Haired Director couldn't help but look at Lyon with a relieved expression.
Compared to the already 'fallen' divisions, his Virgo Division wasn't in a much better state. After all, whether it was the Incarnate Doe that almost descended six years ago or the Iron Doll that had been lurking by the Princess's side for six years, they were all just one step away from success.
If it weren't for your good luck, the Incarnate Doe's plan being unexpectedly thwarted, and recruiting a capable subordinate like you, who disrupted their plot during the rebellion, the Virgo Division might have been the most embarrassing one."
"The meaning of not making a big scene is... the Bureau is planning to take its time again?"
Not in the mood to ponder which division was more embarrassing, Lyon immediately sighed in frustration after hearing the Red-Haired Director's words, knowing that the kingdoms might face sanctions for half a year or even longer.
"Last time, when the Aquarius Director's plot was exposed, instead of immediately taking action to arrest the Aquarius Director, the Bureau sealed off its headquarters on its own. Now that we've discovered someone plotting against the royal families, we're not taking immediate action and are continuing to investigate slowly? Is this how indecisive they are?"
"Lord Taurus and the others are also helpless..."
The Red-Haired Director sighed helplessly, "As you know, the Purification Bureau has heavy responsibilities, and once a decision is made, there are no small matters. So, over the years, we've become accustomed to putting caution first."
"Forget it."
Lyon shook his head in disagreement, "If the Bureau wants to be truly cautious, they should act as soon as they catch a whiff of something, snuffing out any signs of trouble. Instead of hesitating and deliberating, this isn't caution; it's pure hesitation!"
Indeed...
Hearing Lyon's words, the Red-Haired Director couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Although planning carefully before acting is a good thing, sometimes overthinking and waiting for perfection before taking action can lead to missed opportunities.
It could only be said that since the Director went to the Old Land, the Bureau has been able to maintain normal operations, but when faced with more significant matters, the lack of a decisive leader among the directors has resulted in poor decision-making.
It's not that the directors are incapable; it's just that compared to the Director and the Aries Director, the other directors lack the dominant 'leadership qualities.' Their identities and strengths don't possess that overwhelming advantage, leading to overly conservative decisions.
The current Purification Bureau feels like a burly man covered in tendons, yet indecisive. Despite having the strength to easily defeat his opponent with a full-force punch, he's always hesitant, waiting for the perfect moment.
It's frustrating, so frustrating that it makes one want to howl.
...
"Director."
Just as the Red-Haired Director was sighing and feeling helpless, thinking that the Bureau was in a hopeless situation, Lyon spoke up, "Since the Bureau has decided to take its time again, does that mean Nicole and I will have to conduct our investigation in Cole Kingdom discreetly?"
"Hmm..."
The Red-Haired Director nodded, "Although there aren't many changes in personnel, the investigation will primarily be led by the Scorpio Division, with our Virgo Division providing support. The approach will indeed be more covert. As for Aolexon... oh, the kingdom where the Scorpio Division is stationed.
You know, Aolexon is known as the Land of Green Shades and is the largest food exporter. Among the Twelve Kingdoms, four kingdoms—Thousand Sails Sea Kingdom Seo, Mechanic Capital Cole, Reflective Kingdom Reflay, and Icepeak Kingdom—all rely on Aolexon for their annual food supply.
Recently, the Aolexon Kingdom is preparing to send a delegation to exchange Cole Kingdom's newly developed irrigation technology. The Scorpio Division's members will likely blend in with the delegation, and they'll be heading there in the next couple of days... Oh, and something else."
At this point, the Red-Haired Director seemed to recall something, and with a hint of amusement, he said, "During the Nightmare King's incident, you seemed to have left a deep impression on Edward. When he heard that you would be participating in this joint task from the Virgo Division, his expression became quite complex.
How should I put it... it's like a tiger that's been starving for ten days finally spotting a living creature passing by, but this creature happens to be a porcupine, leaving him hungry yet afraid of getting pricked. It's quite an amusing sight."
"..."
"Also, after some consideration, he made a request to Lord Taurus, saying that he would welcome your presence, but he hopes you'll follow his lead."
"And if you encounter any issues, don't be impulsive. Before you take any action, inform him first. Don't make decisions on your own, and absolutely don't go to extremes. Choose a gentler approach..."
"..."
What the hell are these demands? I was a bit caught off guard by King Nightmare, but other than that, I've always been rational, haven't I? Is there a need for such repeated reminders? It's as if I'm some hot-headed brute..."
Lyon, feeling speechless, pursed his lips and proposed, "Director, how about we change the plan and learn from the Scorpio Division's approach?"
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing Lyon's suggestion, the Red-Haired Director blinked and understood, "Send a delegation from your...?"
"..."
What delegation...? Where did this come from?
Lyon's mouth twitched slightly, and he said, "The Cole Kingdom is pressing us for a response, so we can send a delegation to explain the Docking Tower incident. I'll go with Nicole, and it'll be less likely to attract attention."
"Mhm, that's a good idea."
The red-haired director nodded with a smile and said, "Compared to sneaking in disguised as a traveler or merchant, this is indeed a better approach. Although there will be more eyes on you, there will also be more ways to confuse the Cole Kingdom, making it more convenient to act.
Moreover, being part of a delegation has its advantages. As a prince leading the delegation, according to the default diplomatic etiquette between nations, the Cole Kingdom will have to dispatch royal family members to receive you.
If that's the case, you'll have the perfect opportunity to interact with the Cole royal family, investigate the situation, and even rescue them if necessary. It's a double win...no, a triple win!"
"I was thinking the same," Lyon added.
"By sending a delegation simultaneously with the Aolexon Kingdom, we can also officially interact with the Scorpio Division's people without raising too much suspicion from the Cole Kingdom, making it easier for us to work together."
"Yes, but in that case, we'll have to move up the timeline. Not only will your vacation have to end early, but Lord Taurus won't be able to provide you with a new main combat anomaly..."
The red-haired director furrowed her brows in thought and asked, "By the way, I remember the dagger Aquarius used to kill the Dog God was also a powerful anomaly, right?"
"Hmm... But that thing's ability isn't very suitable for me."
Lyon thought for a moment before replying, "It's a silver paper cutter named 'Silver Scissors,' and its ability is to cut through anything as easily as cutting paper, even things without physical forms.
However, this item requires manual cutting to be effective, and my physical qualities and reaction speed are only at the lowest level for a Level 2 Purifier. I can bully ordinary people, but if I were to face the controlled Purifiers from the Gemini Division, I'd probably be no match for them even with this."
So, the problem is that your reaction speed isn't sufficient, and it's challenging to launch effective attacks against stronger Purifiers?"
After listening to Lyon's response, the red-haired director pondered for a moment, then reached up and removed a half-heart-shaped earring from her ear.
"This is for you~"
"???"
Amidst Lyon's confused gaze, the red-haired director passed him the 'Heartstealer' earring and smiled as she explained, "Lyon, your greatest strength has always been your ability to take a beating. Even if the 'Sheep's Heart' can't be used, you still have two types of immortality with the 'War Diagonal' and your drunk state. Your only weakness is your slow reaction speed, making it hard to land hits.
My idea is, since your issue is not reacting fast enough, and you can't hit your opponents even with a knife, why not just stop reacting altogether?
Instead of trying to improve your reaction speed, rely on your two types of immortality to take a hit and, with the effect of this 'Heartstealer' earring, listen in on your opponent's thoughts while they're attacking you.
When they land a hit and slightly lower their guard, preparing for their next attack, you can be ready with your knife, waiting for them to impale themselves on it!"
"..."
(End of Chapter)
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