"You're overly cautious and distrustful of the Cult. Most people would have handed over the ring for peace at this point, but you're being picky."
"But being overly cautious has its advantages. Someone as restless as you won't easily trust anyone, but you have a lot of confidence in your own judgment. That's why I arranged for you to sit next to him. You might not trust him, but you'll definitely want to figure out what he's up to. Maybe—"
"Do you think I would actually listen to him and kill him outright?" Isaac retorted.
"There's no harm in trying," Glen shrugged. "If you really believe me and help us solve a problem, that would be great. If you don't, I don't lose anything."
Isaac smirked and said, "It's not just that Halperin wants to die; you seem to want him dead too. Why?"
"Because he's become a burden to the Cult, but he still occupies that position. As long as he's alive, some things will be difficult to handle, and some people will still feel hopeful. But the Cult has rules: members can't kill each other. Whoever does it will be punished, no matter the reason. So this matter can't be done by our own people."
Isaac thought the rule was quite proper. Judging from the Ghoul Cult's style, these people didn't seem particularly united or friendly; they seemed more like they were preventing each other from harming one another. This rule was probably reserved for settling scores with those who actually took action. "So you need an outsider to do the dirty work."
"We need someone who can justify their actions afterward," Glen corrected. "Not just any homeless person on the street, giving them some money to stab someone. That way, if we investigate afterwards, it'll be obvious that someone ordered it."
Isaac thought to himself, "No wonder, looking at it this way, I do seem quite suitable."
The Cult wasn't just composed of these people; there were other factions scattered throughout the country. If a venerable elder like Halperin were to die at the hands of a vagrant, or in some kind of "accident," the other factions wouldn't believe it.
They will investigate who did it, and whoever is found will be held responsible. If they can't find out who did it, then those around Halperin will be held responsible.
Therefore, a reasonable person needs to be present here and take action in a reasonable way so that we can report back to our superiors.
If Isaac kills Halperin, Glen will claim that Isaac was an assassin sent by the Joint Investigation Bureau. Given their capabilities, it's impossible for them to order an Joint Investigation Bureau agent to kill someone for them. In the end, Isaac will have to take the blame himself.
" The Cult seems to be constantly eroding my trust in you," Isaac said. "I came to you because I believed Cult could offer me protection, but you've repeatedly tried to discard me or use me for your own purposes. You promised to take me to see the Cult's higher-ups, but instead you brought me to see a half-dead Halperin."
Seeing Isaac's reaction, Glen knew he had guessed his purpose. "Of course we can't trust you too easily. Anyone would be wary of an Joint Investigation Bureau. I've already shown great sincerity by not having anyone directly steal the ring."
"This show of sincerity is rather cheap; I see no reason for me to continue trusting the Cult."
"I have shown my sincerity and made this matter clear to you."
"They used me first, then, failing to achieve their goal, pretended to be honest. Is that how they make people believe them?"
"So what do you want?"
"You can tell your superiors that if the Cult isn't even willing to send someone who can give me a clear answer, then I won't stay here any longer. I'll take the ring. As for whether I'll turn myself in to the Joint Investigation Bureau later, that depends on your attitude towards me."
Glen frowned. "Are you threatening the Cult?"
"I'm leaving myself a way out," Isaac said. "I can wait, but I won't wait indefinitely."
Glen stared at him for a moment, then finally said, "I'll talk to the higher-ups; they need to discuss this with us too."
Isaac turned and walked back into the room. A few seconds later, he came out with his cane and headed towards the stairwell.
Glen was taken aback. "What are you doing?"
"I've already said I won't wait any longer; of course I'm leaving."
"Wait, I didn't kick you out!"
"What you just said has given me a reason why I can't stay here any longer." Isaac stopped at the top of the stairs and turned his head. " Halperin isn't the kind of person who can make decisions on his own; you'll have to discuss it with your superiors. Staying here to be used as a tool or have your ring stolen—I have no interest in that."
Glen hadn't expected the man to leave so decisively, without even a moment's hesitation or agonizing. He had thought that dealing with this kind of person would involve putting on an act of "since you're a smart guy, I'll be frank," which would at least keep the other person calm. But Isaac wasn't buying it.
"Have you thought this through?" Glen raised his voice. "Leave here, and no one can guarantee your safety."
"I can't expect you to guarantee my safety. Once you've made your decision, send someone to leave a message at the front desk of the hotel at No. 3 Red Maple Street. I'll keep an eye on it."
"That's your address?"
Do you think I'd tell you where I live?
Glen watched Isaac descend the stairs and let out a sigh of relief.
This person left too decisively, so decisively that it was impossible to discern their intentions. They didn't seem like someone genuinely seeking refuge, nor did they appear to be there to gather intelligence. After all, even if someone was there as an undercover agent, it would be better to remain patient and stay longer to gather more information, unless negotiations broke down.
This really does seem like a cautious guy who's always ready to back down and doesn't put all his eggs in one basket.
Glen wasn't sure, but since Isaac wanted to leave, he couldn't force him to stay in a big way.
This person's combat ability is a mystery. It would be embarrassing if we couldn't beat him. We can only leave this place as soon as possible to avoid being cornered by the Joint Investigation Bureau.
After Isaac left the apartment building, he walked for a while, turned a corner, and saw a figure huddled against the wall at the alley entrance, half-hidden and half-revealed. The figure peeked out for a moment, then withdrew again.
That movement looks too furtive— Isaac slowed his pace.
The moment the man saw him, he leaned halfway out of the alleyway, clutching a rope tied to a black dog.
Li Jiehao hurried over, his voice low. "Brother Isaac! Are you alright? The boss suddenly sent me to pick you up, saying things were almost settled here. I ran all the way here with Fenri, I'm completely out of breath—what's the situation on your end? Did you get exposed?"
"It's alright, it's relatively safe." Isaac crouched down and looked at Fenri. " Fenri, could you please check if anyone's following me?"
Fenri glanced in one direction, then shook his head, confirming that Glen had at least not sent anyone to follow them anymore.
"Brother Isaac, why did it suddenly stop—" Li Jiehao was still puzzled as to why the undercover operation was suddenly stopped. Based on his experience watching those spy dramas with all sorts of names, this usually meant that they had been exposed.
Isaac stood up. "The boss gave me the order to retreat."
His sudden and decisive departure was certainly not a personal decision. After all, although Glen was troublesome, he had not yet posed a real threat to him. The evacuation order was given directly by Carlo.