Chapter 745: The Aquarius Director's Poor Treatment of You
Chapter 745: The Aquarius Director's Poor Treatment of You
"I... I believe you."
Facing Lyon's method of gaining trust by leaving nothing behind, the middle-aged man, one of the only two survivors from the Aquarius Bureau, fell silent for a moment before reluctantly choosing the only path available to him, his eyes filled with despair.
After all, if Lyon was telling the truth, there was still hope for the Aquarius Bureau's personnel. But if he was lying... then it made little difference whether he believed him or not.
"Sir Lyon."
Adding a title to Lyon's name reluctantly, the middle-aged man, whose Heart Lake was in turmoil, asked weakly:
"So, what exactly do you plan to do? Are you taking all of us from the Aquarius Bureau directly down the Underground River to find Director Barto?"
"That was my initial thought."
Lyon nodded in agreement, then spoke sincerely:
"But after hearing your analysis, I think you make a lot of sense.
The Earth Core Melt Channel has been opened for more than half a month, yet the Carnage King Society chose to act precisely when Director Barto entered the Underground River, and they were caught red-handed by him.
I also find this timing too coincidental. They might have ulterior motives, pretending to lift the Purification Bureau's blockade on the Stone Marrow Realm while actually planning to lure Director Barto away and take advantage of Hot River City.
Hmm... they might even be greedy enough to plan for both simultaneously, releasing the blocked Earth Tribes and attacking the Ashito Royal Family in Hot River City!"
"What should we do then?"
After hearing Lyon's words, the female purifier, now back to her senses, asked anxiously:
"If the Carnage King Society is indeed planning to strike both targets simultaneously, should we stay to guard Hot River City or go down to find Uncle-Grandfather?"
"If we think rationally, it's still safer to pursue them."
Lyon thought for a moment before replying:
"The ultimate goal of the Carnage King Society is evident from their name—to eliminate the twelve royal houses that can 'amplify' the Watch Tower Palace.
Since you are of royal blood, I can take you down there. Even if something happens to the royal family above, as long as you're safe, the Carnage King Society's goal will not be achieved.
Additionally, considering the worst-case scenario, if the blockade on the Stone Marrow Realm is indeed lifted, Director Barto, who is in pursuit, will face a joint attack from the Carnage King Society and the Earth Tribes, likely putting him in danger.
By going there immediately, we can ensure that the Carnage King Society's goal is thwarted and Director Barto's safety is guaranteed. This should be the most secure choice for now, but..."
Although Lyon didn't finish his sentence, everyone present understood his implication.
If they chose this option, it meant completely abandoning the Northern Kingdom's royal family and even the entire population of Hot River City. If the Carnage King Society was indeed luring the tiger away from its mountain, those left unprotected would be at their mercy.
So, was it a choice between the people of Hot River City and the safety of Uncle-Grandfather and the Watch Tower Palace?
...
After receiving Lyon's probing gaze, the female purifier subconsciously clenched her fists, her beautiful eyes filled with bewilderment.
As Lyon had said, the most "correct" choice at the moment was to prioritize going underground to thwart the Carnage King Society's plans and ensure Uncle-Grandfather's safety, but...
"The cost is too high."
After glancing at the hesitant female purifier, the middle-aged man, Hop, paused for a moment, then frowned and said to Lyon:
"Our duty as purifiers is to stand at the forefront of humanity, blocking those things that exist outside the lives of 'ordinary people' and safeguarding the stability of the present world. Choosing to sacrifice the people of Hot River City would be a betrayal of our responsibilities.
Secondly, Sir Leon, while your suggested choice is the most stable, it lacks faith in the Director. As the oldest surviving Yellow Dao Bureau Director, his strength is among the top in the Yellow Dao Bureau. He might very well catch up to the Carnage King Society's men.
Furthermore, the Director has been in pursuit for a long time now, and it's likely he's already entered the underground magma tunnel. With their speed, it's almost impossible for us to catch up. Going down there might only hinder them. So, it's better to focus on defending Hot River City first..."
As he spoke, the middle-aged man paused slightly, then turned to look at the female purifier. His expression was earnest, with a hint of sorrow, as he said, "Lastly, if the worst-case scenario truly happens... I believe the Director will make the choice befitting of a purifier, just like your mother did back then!"
A choice befitting of a purifier...
Upon hearing the middle-aged man's words, the female purifier's body trembled slightly, and she bit her lip.
"Uncle Hop, you... you're right!"
Seemingly having made a firm decision, the female purifier's eyes reddened as she looked at Leon, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke, "Leon, let's stay here! My grand-uncle told me that as a purifier, he... he... waaah!"
"..."
Leon was momentarily taken aback by the female purifier's sudden emotional outburst, as if her grand-uncle had just passed away.
"Aren't we in the middle of brainstorming on how to achieve the best outcome for both sides? How did we suddenly skip the research and discussion phase and jump straight to sacrificing your grand-uncle, then immediately start getting sentimental?"
"Sir Leon!"
Perhaps influenced by the atmosphere, the previously dejected middle-aged man suddenly lifted his head, his eyes glistening with tears as he looked at Leon. "Stay here and guard Hot River City! Director Barto always tells us that his greatest hope in life is not to die without purpose, but to sacrifice himself gloriously in defense of humanity..."
"Stop! That's enough!"
Leon couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the unusual excitement of the two purifiers. "Is Director Barto usually harsh on you? Why do I get the feeling that you two can't wait for him to die? Calm down and listen to me; it's not time for that yet..."
"No! This is a necessary sacrifice!"
Interrupting Leon, the middle-aged man clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determination. "The Director's sacrifice won't be in vain! His death will bring..."
"Something to help you calm down."
Leon took out a small bottle from the mirror world, dipped his finger into the viscous liquid inside, and flicked a few drops onto the middle-aged man. Then, he grabbed the female purifier and placed the bottle in her hand.
"Drink it quickly! You two have already been affected! Finish it first, then we'll talk!"
(End of Chapter)
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