Chapter 737: An Unsettling Encounter
Chapter 737: An Unsettling Encounter
Something still felt off...
Although Lyon was unaware of the situation beneath Hot River City and hadn't noticed any abnormalities with the "Aquarius Director," he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss after seeing the female cleaner's low spirits.
To be fair, as the "grand-uncle" who had raised the female cleaner, the Aquarius Director should have been aware that any news about the Earth Tribes and the Marrow Realm would likely trigger her emotions, reminding her of her mother's sacrifice.
Given his previous displays of affection for the female cleaner, he should have subconsciously minimized such conversations, only briefly mentioning the Carnage King Society's objectives to avoid any association with the past. Yet, the Aquarius Director did not do so.
Admittedly, the extensive information he shared about the Earth Tribes and the Marrow Realm could have been intended to assist Lyon, the "reinforcement," by providing useful intelligence and clarifying the underlying reasons, making it easier for Lyon to handle the mission.
However, if this was the case, it didn't align with the Aquarius Director's refusal to allow Lyon to provide support and his insistence on keeping him at the Aquarius Bureau to help defend Hot River City.
After all, if the Aquarius Director didn't require Lyon's assistance, then Lyon wouldn't need to face the Earth Tribes or the Marrow Realm, rendering the extensive intelligence unnecessary. So, why would the Aquarius Director take the time to explain all this during the critical pursuit of the Carnage King Society? Was he feeling lonely and seeking an online chat companion?
The Aquarius Director's behavior seemed odd, whether it was his "familial affection" or "mission mindset." Lyon couldn't help but harbor some doubts, but he quickly dismissed the idea after briefly contemplating it.
There was no other explanation. If the Aquarius Director from earlier was an impostor, why would he have the Aquarius Director's mirror, and how would he know about the female cleaner's childhood?
The Aquarius Director's incongruous behavior could be attributed to his being a chatty person who couldn't resist talking. However, assuming he was an impostor, there was no solid evidence to support this theory.
"Melly."
Lyon called out to the female cleaner, narrowing his eyes. "Can you call him back?"
"Huh? Who?"
"I mean, aside from Director Barto contacting you, can you initiate contact with him?"
"I could, but..."
The female cleaner blinked in confusion, then asked with a hint of bewilderment, "But you two just finished talking, didn't you? Did you forget something?"
"Yes."
Since it was just a hunch, Lyon didn't rush to explain his thoughts. Instead, he nodded and said, "I do have some questions for Director Barto regarding the Aquarius Bureau."
"Okay."
The female cleaner mustered her energy and took out the small mirror again, her fingers tracing the Aquarius emblem on its edge.
Strangely, despite the Aquarius Director having just spoken at length, there was no response. No matter how the female cleaner called out, there was complete silence.
"Hmm?"
After waiting for a while without any reaction, the female cleaner blinked in confusion and tried contacting him again. Meanwhile, Lyon, sitting beside her, sighed, knowing he had likely guessed correctly.
Although they didn't yet understand why the "Aquarius Director" from earlier had the Aquarius Director's mirror or knew about the female cleaner's childhood, his sudden unresponsiveness meant there was an 80% chance he was an impostor.
"Stop."
After waving his hand to stop the female cleaner who was about to make the third "call," Lyon turned to the other three directors from the Ration Bureau... no, the three directors who had come to provide support.
"That just now, it's very likely not the real Director Barto."
"What?!?!"
Upon hearing Lyon's words, the three directors were taken aback, while the female cleaner stared wide-eyed, her eyes filled with anxiety. "Lyon? You mean Uncle...?"
"Don't worry. Director Barto is, after all, the Aquarius Director. Even if the Star Palace's blessing weakens after he ventures deep into the Earth's core, it's not something one or two True Gods can handle. The possibility of him encountering danger is slim."
After reassuring the female cleaner, Lyon briefly explained the strange occurrences and his analysis. Then, with a solemn expression, he said to the four who were half-believing, half-doubting: "In any case, we now have reason to suspect that Director Barto has encountered some trouble. It's possible he's been held back or even temporarily trapped, so we must prepare for the worst-case scenario."
The worst-case scenario...
The three directors from the Ration Bureau exchanged glances, and then Director Tianma spoke cautiously, "Director Lyon, what do you mean?"
"If Director Barto couldn't stop the Carnage King Society, they might enter the Earth's core, break through the blockade the Bureau set up ten years ago in the Marrow Realm, and release all the Earth Tribes inside. They might even repeat the attack from ten years ago!"
Lyon paused as he spoke, recalling the Past Oracle that the Aquarius Director had handed him after ascending the palace, which foretold four major disasters within the next year.
Icepeak Country Ashito, Hexagonal Mountain Range, Underneath Hot River City, Scorching Spring Magma, Northern Overflow River.
The scenes he had witnessed with the help of the Past Oracle far exceeded the strength limit of an average True God. He estimated that only the release of the Earth Tribes from the Marrow Realm could cause such a disaster, melting the Hexagonal Snow Mountain and flooding the northern part of the continent.
"We must take immediate action!"
After connecting the information he had, Lyon's expression turned grave as he concluded that something serious was afoot. "After the airship lands, we should split into two groups. Director Hoover from the Whale Bureau and Director Reok from the Cheetah Bureau will remain at the Aquarius Bureau to prevent an attack from the Carnage King Society and protect the Northern Kingdom's royal family.
Meanwhile, Director Misa and I will head straight to Underneath Hot River City to try and stop the Carnage King Society and rescue Director Barto, who might be trapped! We can't rely on Director Barto this time; we have to do it ourselves!"
"Zzz..."
Just as Lyon was making urgent arrangements, the cleaner's chest puffed out slightly, and the little mirror she had just put away fell out again. The face of the Aquarius Director appeared in the mirror, completely oblivious to the situation.
"What's wrong?"
The Aquarius Director blinked in surprise, looking at the astonished faces in the mirror. "Is something the matter? I was on my way here and didn't hear anything."
"..."
"What's going on? Say something! Why are you all silent?"
"..."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
