Unraveling the Threads

Vera sat on the Sofa with two cups of Black Tea, glancing at the Informant:

"It seems you've had quite a haul. Go ahead and tell me."

Upon hearing this, Lorry, who was considering where to begin, showed a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Vera chuckled.

"Judging from how you joined in the fun last time, I haven't said a single word of teasing you in the half minute I've been sitting here. You must have made some unseen discovery."

"Tell me, which task have you completed?"

As he spoke, he picked up his Black Tea and took a sip.

Uh... I feel like the Lieutenant Colonel is subtly mocking me... Lorry couldn't help but mutter to himself, taking two deep breaths before speaking:

Both items are finished, but...

He gave a wry smile and reported his findings to his superiors in detail.

Vera's expression changed from relaxed, slightly playful and teasing at the beginning to gradually becoming serious, and her body unconsciously sat up straight.

He listened silently as the Informant finished speaking, then slowly exhaled.

Tell me your opinion first.

Lorry nodded slightly and continued:

"I have two doubts about this matter."

"First, judging from the way the Fantasy Society recruits Believer, their leaders are not fools. Logically speaking, such a plan should be kept strictly secret."

Arthur, who introduced me to the group, told me about it.

"Although I deserve some credit for his acceptance of baptism, it still doesn't quite make sense. Didn't the Archbishop warn him about this?"

"I suspect Friday's date might be a ruse, a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation to cover up their real plans."

His throat was parched, so he picked up his Black Tea, took two sips, glanced at the Lieutenant Colonel was listening attentively with his arms crossed, and continued:

"Secondly, regarding the Archbishop's status."

"To be honest, even though I've found some indirect evidence, I still find it hard to believe that the Archbishop is Miles."

"I've had quite a bit of dealing with him, and I can confirm that he's an ordinary person, at least that's how it was when I last met him."

"In just half a month, I can't understand how he could suddenly transform into the Archbishop of Cultist?"

"Also, I have a feeling something's not right..."

Seemingly seeing through her Informant's thoughts, Vera composed herself, leaned back on the Sofa, and asked in a leisurely tone:

"Are you trying to say that this mission went too smoothly?"

"More or less," Lorry sighed, then hesitated before saying:

"I know Luck can be helpful to some extent, but in just a few days... isn't its effect a bit too exaggerated?"

Vera smiled and shook her head slightly.

I'm not sure how much of an influence Luck actually plays.

However, you can try to solve your problem logically.

He paused slightly and said:

"Whether it's the Cultist's plan you investigated or the Archbishop's identity, they are all inextricably linked to Arthur, the key figure you mentioned."

Perhaps Luck simply brought you together again.

"The real reason the investigation went so smoothly is that you astutely seized the opportunity."

After saying that, the Lieutenant Colonel chuckled:

"Perhaps I can put it more bluntly."

"First, we need to reach a consensus: Luck is not everything. It can provide opportunities, but more importantly, it's about whether you can seize those opportunities."

"Otherwise, wouldn't those Beyonder on this Pathway have no rivals?"

He took a few more sips of Black Tea and began to speak eloquently:

"Looking back at the outcome, the key figure, Arthur, longed to bring enough Believer to the Archbishop's audience and baptism."

"Based on this known information, it makes sense that when he met you again, he tried to win you over by treating you to a meal to become a more devout Believer."

"Your disguise as ' Bart ' contributed your strength when Arthur needed help the most, giving him the opportunity to receive the blessings of the Evil God."

"It's not incomprehensible that he sees you as someone he can trust."

Vera seemed to want to give her Informant some time to think. After finishing her sentence, she didn't continue speaking but instead took small sips of her Black Tea.

Lorry leaned back silently on the Sofa, lost in thought.

That seems to make some sense...

A moment later.

His brow relaxed slightly, and he temporarily accepted the Lieutenant Colonel's assessment of the matter.

Vera put down her teacup and chuckled softly:

Next, I'll address the two points of doubt you raised.

"I think there's no problem with the former, because as you just said, Arthur intentionally avoided talking to other people when he told you these things."

"And he only told you the meeting time and place, without revealing anything else."

"The higher-ups in the Fantasy Society definitely want this matter to be kept secret, but they might not specifically emphasize it, hehe... After all, those who know about it are all Cultist have received the 'gifts'."

"Even if they betrayed the Evil God, their fate of being Purification wouldn't change. Who would be foolish enough to court death?"

"Arthur confided in you, so he probably really considers you one of his own."

"Combined with your description of ' Shaman ' abilities, the Future few days may be the time for them to find suitable targets and establish territories."

"Based on these four points, I'm more inclined to believe that Friday's action was real. As for your claim that the Archbishop is your unfortunate neighbor whose work was plagiarized..."

He paused for a few seconds, then explained in a low voice:

"The Blessed are different from the Beyonder."

"We take Potion to gradually become familiar with, control, and enhance our power, while their power is directly infused into their bodies by the Evil God."

"In other words, if Evil God so desires, he can forcibly elevate an ordinary person to the level of Demigod through a single blessing."

Vera didn't continue speaking, letting the air fall into a sudden silence.

A few minutes later, he sighed:

"I know you may have a good relationship with Miles, but having received the blessing of the Evil God, he may not still be the same unfortunate writer he once was."

For him, death may have been more of a release and a relief.

"A saying has always circulated among the Nighthawks under the Goddess's command: We are Guardian, but also a group of pitiful creatures constantly fighting against danger and madness."

"A large proportion of the extraordinary events handled each year involve Beyonder have lost control."

"This is the destiny of every Beyonder; the only difference is when. And in terms of the degree of danger, the Blessed are more dangerous than the out-of-control Beyonder."

"I see."

Lorry nodded with a bitter smile.

He understands the principles.

It's still hard to accept that in just half a month, my timid and kind neighbor has suddenly become the leader of Cultist, plotting to bring Catastrophe to innocent people.

"I'm glad you understand." Vera breathed a sigh of relief, then suddenly changed the subject, "So, what are your plans next?"

"If the news is true, you've definitely done a great job this time. Hehe, according to the previous agreement, the ownership of ' Self ' is beyond doubt."

I don't recommend you continue taking the risk.

"I don't want you to witness your friend's death."

Lorry hesitated for a moment, then gently shook his head:

"I'll go back, otherwise Arthur will definitely become suspicious. If they change their plans at the last minute, it will be even more troublesome for us."

"Besides, we don't know their specific arrangements."

"And..."