You Can't Come In!

What were you supposed to do when a cult knew the law this well?

Asking for help online, urgently!

Coulson's feelings were complicated.

He had anticipated all kinds of scenarios: they might start fighting outright, or the cult might be forced to cooperate with the investigation by the power of the state behind him. But he'd never seen anything like this.

The leader of a cult wasn't summoning those loathsome monsters to kill him. Instead, he was seriously asking for a search warrant?

The world was so absurd that Coulson couldn't tell what was real anymore.

"We... don't have a search warrant."

Coulson had no choice but to tell the truth. He hadn't forged a warrant—not because he'd forgotten, but because he hadn't thought it necessary.

Normally, a cult—especially one capable of creating monsters—wouldn't be so well-versed in the law, much less insist on following it so seriously.

"Since you don't have a search warrant, I'm afraid you can't come in."

Kaecilius was still smiling, but for some reason, that face just made Coulson furious.

Now he was the one in a bind.

Although he was officially with the FBI, he couldn't openly enter and search without a warrant.

That would be against the rules. If they had a warrant and uncovered something through proper means, then even if they found something truly terrible, he could have his superior shield him from the fallout.

But if he used improper methods and forced his way into an investigation, his superiors wouldn't take the blame for him. It would all be his own decision.

So even if he risked getting fired or going to prison, he could still investigate.

But even if they didn't act against him personally, the cult could simply have the police deal with them.

Just look at how magnificent the church was. They clearly weren't short of money. With the right benefits offered, and especially with a legitimate reason, the police would stop them without holding back. Coulson had no way to fight back. If they beat him to death, he'd have no one to blame but himself.

"Gentlemen, since you don't have a search warrant and aren't faithful followers of the Great Father, the Church of Dagon doesn't welcome you. Please go back where you came from."

Kaecilius ordered them to leave. Without a legitimate reason to stay, Coulson had no choice but to withdraw.

Just as he was about to leave, Hawkeye suddenly asked, "Are you a legally registered religious organization? Do you have all the proper documents?"

At that, Coulson's eyes lit up.

Although he had no authority to search the church, as an FBI agent acting in an official capacity, he did have the right to ask them to present documents proving they were legal.

After all, although cults were everywhere in America, even the Church of Satan had to register. How else would they pay taxes?

And if they had no documents, well, then they were a textbook cult and deserved to be hit hard!

"Of course. As a legitimate church, we have all the necessary paperwork. You're welcome to check."

The Dagon Secret Cult had all its paperwork in order? Coulson was genuinely at a loss for words.

At a gesture from Kaecilius, one of his Priests immediately ran off and quickly returned with the documents, handing them to Coulson and Hawkeye to inspect.

"Well, FBI agents? Does this prove that we're a legitimate religious organization that follows the law?"

With a smile that was almost provocative yet carried a hint of confidence, Kaecilius gently pushed the documents toward Coulson and Hawkeye. This unexpectedly clear proof of the church's legitimacy made the atmosphere even more delicate and tense.

Coulson carefully examined the documents. Every item looked completely official and unimpeachable, from the church's registration papers and tax records to its permits for religious activities. Everything was in order.

"They're certainly thorough."

Coulson spoke in a low voice, his tone full of both frustration and resignation.

He realized that these documents alone gave them no grounds to take action against the Church of Dagon.

"Looks like you really know how to work the rules."

Hawkeye cut in coldly from the side. This cult was far too cunning. They'd really been outplayed this time.

"Our Church of Dagon has always upheld the principles of peace and faith, and we operate within the bounds of the law. I'm afraid you've misunderstood us. We welcome any kind of oversight or investigation, as long as it's lawful and fair."

Kaecilius smiled faintly and spread his hands, like a respected clergyman.

And he certainly looked the part. His appearance drew a burst of cheers from the people around them.

Coulson put the documents away and swept his sharp gaze over Kaecilius and his followers, silently weighing their options.

Although this operation hadn't gone as hoped and failed to reveal the true face of the Church of Dagon, it hadn't been a complete waste.

At the very least, they'd confirmed just how cunning and cautious the cult was, giving them valuable intelligence for future operations.

It was enough to report back to the Director. At least they'd found the mastermind behind that "monster."

Coulson's paycheck probably wouldn't be docked, either.

"The FBI respects and protects religious groups that obey the law. Since the Church of Dagon claims to be a legitimate religious organization, it should be open to public scrutiny and ensure its actions comply with the law. We hope you'll continue to uphold the principles of peace and faith, and operate within the bounds of the law."

"Of course, Agent Coulson. The Church of Dagon has always respected and obeyed the law. We welcome any form of lawful oversight or investigation. It helps us serve society better and spread our faith."

Kaecilius replied with the same gentle smile, though a trace of slyness flickered in his eyes.

After all that, Coulson and Hawkeye naturally couldn't do anything more.

They couldn't get into the church. If they wanted to take a look inside, they'd have to apply for a search warrant.

And the people around them had clearly been brainwashed by the Church of Dagon. It was practically impossible to get any information out of them.

So the two had no choice but to get back in the car and return to report the matter to the Director.

Watching them drive out of sight, Evans stepped over to Kaecilius and whispered, "High Priest, they've left this time, but next time they'll definitely come back with a search warrant. They won't be so easy to turn away then."

Kaecilius tilted his head slightly and replied without a trace of concern, "It doesn't matter. Even if they manage to get a search warrant next time, it'll make no difference. I've prepared everything. Heaven will descend at last!"