Cultivate Myself

"Ah, this..."

"And it's a young face, no one will pay attention to him, especially those big shots in the city government."

Cassidy pursed her lips. She had to admit that 'Lin Qi's' reasoning was quite sound.

"Ryan, what do you think?" she asked. "This matter might be very dangerous."

Jonathan kicked Ryan, wanting him to refuse.

Ryan said seriously, "I think Miss Lin Qi is right. The Director often educates us, if police officers are afraid of danger, then who will protect the weak Imperial Citizens! So Your Highness, please rest assured, I guarantee the mission will be completed!"

Jonathan covered his face.

You remember that clearly at this moment?

I was just saying it casually!

He didn't want Ryan to take the risk. It wasn't that he didn't want to help Cassidy, but Ryan was young and lacked experience. Experience was just as important as ability.

But what he didn't know was that Ryan couldn't wait to do it. He'd report this to Adler later, saying the League of Fire was going to make a move. He'd imply more than he said, and then get some clues from Adler. It would be easy, right?

Coincidentally, Cassidy was going to deal with the Hand of Darkness and uncover the mastermind. Ryan didn't care about the big boss, Bill. As long as he could get rid of Adler, he'd be worry-free from then on.

A mole, whitewashed from now on!

Chapter 28: God's Chosen and Magana

The three-party meeting concluded smoothly.

Strictly speaking, it was a two-party meeting, because as the Empire's official transcendent organization, Jonathan was obligated to obey Cassidy's orders.

As for 'Lin Qi', Lia had asked her to meet this afternoon to discuss this matter. Ryan only had time to open the game to check after the meeting. The task High Priest Lia gave 'Lin Qi' was to cooperate with Cassidy's actions.

Originally, Lia had intended to fight on the front lines herself, and 'Lin Qi' only needed to be a messenger.

But when they met at the coffee shop in the afternoon, Lia discovered that 'Lin Qi' was already a transcendent.

Ryan didn't know what means she used, perhaps it was also a transcendent ability. After all, they were both transcendent beings of the Janus faith, so it wasn't strange.

Lia didn't delve into how transcendent abilities were acquired. Those who became transcendent without relying on an organization, she considered them 'God's Chosen'. Those created by the organization were called 'Chosen Ones'.

By the way, God's Chosen didn't need to use Magic Potions. Any God's Chosen would have limitless future achievements.

As for 'Lin Qi', she had taken Magic Potions. But since she was a game character, Ryan wasn't too sure. Anyway, whatever the High Priest said was fine. I'm God's Chosen? Oh, yes, yes, yes, you're right.

Lia decided that after the matter in Berman City was resolved, she would take 'Lin Qi' to the Gate of Janus Headquarters. The latest Saintess Assessment was about to begin, and she felt 'Lin Qi' had the qualifications to become the Janus Saintess.

Once she became the Saintess, her status in the Gate of Janus would be second only to the Pope. There had even been Saintesses in history who could converse with Deities. Such an Existence was absolutely transcendent, and even the Pope would have to obey her.

"Speaking of which, I remember there was a Chosen One for the Saintess position in the game... Never mind, if others can do it, why can't I?"

Ryan didn't refuse the idea of participating in the Saintess Assessment. It would be great if he could become the Saintess, but it didn't matter if he couldn't.

The Saintess had great authority and abundant resources, which would make it much easier to develop the character 'Lin Qi' in the future.

As for what would happen to the original Saintess, that was none of his business.

If she was willing to polish his shoes or make his bed, that could be considered.

"Sigh~ You're still too young, kid. Don't agree so readily even to Her Highness the Princess's ideas. Are there not enough people who die for those princes and princesses of the royal family every year?"

In the private room of the restaurant, Cassidy had already left with her entourage, leaving only Jonathan and Ryan.

Ryan was secretly studying the game, while Jonathan lit a cigarette and pondered. Neither of them felt like eating.

The Director exhaled a smoke ring and shook his head. "Be careful tomorrow. Don't rush into action when you discover something. The waters in Berman City are deeper than you think."

"Director." Ryan discreetly closed the Game Interface and looked up. "If I don't handle this, won't it be difficult for you too? The League of Fire will be fully protecting Her Highness the Princess tomorrow. I'm a new face, and the higher-ups won't pay me any attention. Moreover, if something were to happen to the Princess, we'd all be in trouble."

"Of course, I know the Princess cannot be harmed. Otherwise, what do you think I've been doing all these days?" Jonathan said irritably. "It's you. Weigh yourself before you act. Tomorrow is a contest of Transcendent beings. Don't think you can afford to look down on Transcendent beings just because you dealt with Sam... Forget it. Since things are settled, it's good you're not going to the Train Station. I'll have someone cooperate with you tomorrow."

"Transcendent beings?"

"Yes, but he'll only handle the actions. You'll be in charge of commanding."

Ryan was confused. How could he be worthy of commanding a Transcendent being?

Although, if he used the Silent Nun character card, he could defeat ordinary Transcendent beings.

After parting ways with Jonathan, Ryan detoured to the Central City and found a public phone booth to call Lord Adler.

Technology wasn't that advanced in those days, so there was no need to worry about wiretapping.

He informed Lord Adler about Cassidy's arrival at the Train Station tomorrow.

"The League of Fire will join the protection."

Ryan mentioned the League of Fire but concealed the involvement of the Gate of Janus.

After all, it was normal for him not to know about such things.

"Ryan, you've done well." Lord Adler sneered. "That idiot Cassidy, does she really think she could deceive us last time? This time, I'll let her know this isn't her royal cradle."

"Lord Adler, the Bureau of Investigation will likely send more people. Are you sure you want to launch an attack?"

"Don't worry about the Bureau of Investigation. The more people they send, the more advantageous it will be for us." Lord Adler chuckled. "If it weren't for Jonathan, the entire Bureau of Investigation would be ours. By the way, Jonathan asked you to keep an eye on the Municipal Office. You can't come back empty-handed. The better you perform, the more useful you'll be."

"Tomorrow I'll have Norman handle this. Just keep an eye on him, and then take the evidence chain to Jonathan to claim credit."

Even after killing Cassidy, Ryan's status within the League of Fire remained important, so Adler did his best to push him forward.

"Director Norman?"

"Yes, he's one of our people too. But he's been acting out lately. For Grand Duke Marganna's plan, we'll just have to cut him loose." Adler didn't explain much. "Work hard, Ryan. In a while, I'll put you in the position of Captain. If you perform well, a higher position might not be out of the question, haha~"

This old geezer is surprisingly nice.

Hanging up the phone, Ryan rubbed his chin in thought. Just as he expected, the Bureau of Investigation had indeed been bought off by Adler. Although he was only the Secretary-General on the surface, he secretly worked for Grand Duke Marganna. For some people, his status was higher than the Mayor's.

As for Norman, he was the current Director of the Department General Bureau. He was high-profile and arrogant, and had committed many misdeeds. Yet, such a person was in charge of the Bureau of Investigation. If Adler hadn't secretly pushed him up, it would have been impossible.

Imperial Law only applied to us peasants; it held no sway over Nobles.

Of course, if Adler intended to throw him under the bus, the situation would be different.

"Catching him is useless, but it'll do to report back."

It was a pity that Adler hadn't told him about the Hand of Darkness. Ryan didn't dare to ask more, lest he be suspected.

Slam.

In a mansion in the Central City.

Adler hung up the phone and sat in the room, lost in thought.

Cassidy's arrival in Berman City tomorrow was an excellent opportunity, but opportunity also came with great risk. He had to handle this cleanly and swiftly.

At that moment, the floor-to-ceiling mirror in the room suddenly rippled with energy.

"Hm?"

Adler quickly stood up, tidied his attire, and stood before the mirror, waiting.

This was how he contacted his superiors. The mirror was ordinary, but through a spell, it could achieve ultra-long-distance mirrored conversations. It was much more convenient than the phone, as phone communication distances were still quite limited.

I wonder why Lord Creed is looking for me so suddenly. Could it be about Cassidy?

Creed was his direct superior and Grand Duke Marganna's advisor. The heads of the various secret organizations developing in the cities of the Augustus Empire almost all contacted Creed directly.

As he was thinking, the figure in the mirror gradually became clear.

White hair, short stature, exquisite features, clad in Golden Armor, wielding a giant axe almost as tall as he was... Wait a minute... This wasn't Creed at all???

Seeing the person in the mirror, Adler almost fell to his knees in fright.

"Grand Duke Marganna!"

Chapter 29: Praise Grand Duke Marganna!

Regarding Grand Duke Marganna, the Augustus Empire's internal records are filled with countless accounts of her deeds.

The most frequently discussed among them is her selection by a Deity.

Legend has it that Grand Duke Marganna was chosen by a certain Deity at the age of fourteen, becoming one in ten thousand God's Chosen.

But it was also at that time that her appearance and physique became permanently fixed.

White-haired Loli Marganna, this was the initial title given to her by the world.

Small in stature, exquisite in appearance, if she wore Lolita attire, she would undoubtedly be the brightest star at any Noble Banquet.

Unfortunately, Marganna never cared for such things. Rather than wearing Lolita dresses and enjoying pastries at noble tea parties, she preferred to don armor and charge into the Frontline to battle Enemies.

As one of God's Chosen, her strength was beyond doubt.

There were almost no wars she participated in that ended in defeat.

Whether it was suppressing internal rebellions or repelling an Invasion from an enemy nation, she was victorious in every battle. It was simply that her slaughter on the battlefield was too wild, and her title changed from White-haired Loli to White-haired Demon.

No one knew which Deity had chosen Marganna, and most people didn't even understand the situation of Transcendent beings. They only knew that Marganna was invincible, and that as long as she was present, the Empire would have no problems.

Thus, on the day she became a Duke, she was also awarded the title 'Iron Blood Grand Duchess'.

The army led by Marganna was known as the Iron Blood Legion, a powerful force whose hard strength could even defeat the Empire's Royal Guard... although the two had never clashed.

There were too many rumors about Marganna. Those who followed her had reason to believe she could become the next Emperor of the Augustus Empire.

However, very few people could actually meet Marganna. This Iron Blood Grand Duchess was constantly active on the Frontline, watering the fruits of victory with blood, continuously forging her 'lofty' image in the hearts of the Imperial Citizens.

Adler hadn't expected to be summoned by Marganna. After offering a respectful greeting, he felt it wasn't enough, so he decisively knelt on the ground.

"Grand Duke Marganna!"

"Hmm?... Hmm, it's connected?" the White-haired Loli in the Mirror said nonchalantly. Because Adler was kneeling, she could look down at him, and this posture clearly pleased her.

Grand Duke Marganna disliked looking up at others.

"Your name is... Adler, correct?"

"Yes, Grand Duchess."

"Where is Cassidy?"

Marganna had no interest in Adler whatsoever. It was simply because Cassidy happened to be stopping here, and Adler happened to be in charge of executing the plan.

"Reporting to the Grand Duke, there's just been an update on this matter."

Adler quickly relayed the news that Cassidy would arrive in Berman City tomorrow.

"My scouts in the League of Fire have already gained their trust. As long as the Hand of Darkness cooperates properly, the plan is foolproof."

"Speaking of which..." Grand Duke Marganna said lightly, "The plan has changed. I want you to capture Cassidy alive."

Adler looked up, his expression bewildered. "Capture alive? Weren't we supposed to kill her to escalate the internal conflict within the Empire?"

"Hm? Are you questioning me?"

"No, I wouldn't dare..."

Adler quickly lowered his head.

Perhaps because Grand Duke Marganna was in a good mood, she explained, "If she's killed, the biggest beneficiaries will still be those Princes. It's better to capture her and use her for my own purposes. With her name, I can eliminate some obstacles, which will make things much easier for me."

Adler suddenly understood.

So that's how it is. He got it. As expected of Grand Duke Marganna, she could easily come up with such a brilliant scheme.

In fact, among the several people vying for the position of Crown Prince, Cassidy currently had the weakest influence.

She had almost no power of her own, relying solely on the Old Emperor's favor. Even if she became Empress, she wouldn't last long.

Therefore, Grand Duke Marganna had never considered her a rival.

It's just that...

Killing Cassidy to cause chaos in the Empire would bring her limited benefits.

It would be better to capture the girl, use the Princess's name to seize the Imperial Throne, win over the people, and then kill Cassidy after succeeding.

After all, Cassidy was a Royal Family Member. This would be considered legitimate.