Convincing Utravsky of this plan wasn't difficult. Based on our past encounters, I could tell this half-giant bishop was genuinely a lover of life and someone willing to help others selflessly—especially since I had excised the dark personality within him.
If I reported a harmful cult to him, even without concrete evidence, there was a good chance he'd notify the Nighthawks or the Machinery Hivemind to intervene. This aligned with the outcome I had just divined atop the gray fog.
However, he wasn't obligated to help conceal my identity. Should official investigations follow, I'd have no plausible explanation for my source of intelligence. Worse still, what if my report drew Ince Zangwill's attention? My actions might disrupt his "plans," potentially bringing his focus onto me.
So, why not avoid using my identity as "Sherlock Moriarty" for this report? Instead, I could employ a more compelling yet untraceable persona!
As this thought crystallized, Klein suddenly paused before the entrance of the Harvest Church. He didn't enter.
By now, the Mother Earth's "Holy Communion" had already been distributed. A handful of remaining followers departed, while Emlyn White, having just concluded the ceremony, hurriedly followed, looking eager to leave.
The vampire immediately spotted Klein standing at the door. Surprised, he asked, "Did you forget something?"
"Or are you waiting for that woman, Hazel? Give it up; she's far too proud. With her metal arm's strength, she'd never fancy someone like you."
So, you're calling someone else proud, Mr. Vampire? It seems you and Hazel are a bad match. Plus, you've mentioned her metal arm twice now… Have you experienced it firsthand?
Klein, lost in thought, ignored Emlyn's banter. Instead, he asked, "Why are you in such a hurry?"
Emlyn's expression soured as he replied, "I can't endure this place any longer. I feel myself resisting it less and less! I have to change this!"
Klein glanced inside the church at Bishop Utravsky, who was still praying intently at the altar. Then, turning to Emlyn, he casually asked, "What's your plan?"
Emlyn's red eyes sparkled. Without hesitation, he blurted, "I'll reunite with my parents. The three of us together can't lose to a 'Dawn Paladin.' Once we defeat him, I'll take the Heart's Desire Candle and free myself from his influence."
Klein hadn't expected Emlyn to be so forthcoming. His lips twitched as he thought, This vampire is so naïve… casually revealing his plan right here? And at the Harvest Church entrance, no less, where Bishop Utravsky might overhear!
Of course, the bishop likely wouldn't mind.
Shaking his head, Klein decided not to linger. Concerned about Shoko's situation, he wished Emlyn good luck and left, heading for a nearby street with a small inn.
As Klein walked away, Emlyn chuckled smugly to himself, murmuring, "I guessed right. He's back for that woman… Embarrassed after being exposed, he left in a rush!"
...
Meanwhile, unaware of Emlyn's gossip, Klein booked a room at the inn and quickly set up a ritual. Using the walls of spirituality to seal the space, he took out the powder of Evernight.
He then arranged his altar and began his invocation:
"I!"
"In my name, I summon:"
"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era;
The Mysterious Ruler above the Gray Fog;
The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck."
...
Once the ritual was complete, Klein stepped backward, retracing four steps to enter the ancient hall above the gray fog. Responding to his own "summoning," he picked up the "Black Emperor Card" lying on the right-hand side of the table and integrated it into his spirit.
In an instant, black armor materialized across his body, and a heavy crown appeared on his head. His aura became regal and awe-inspiring, making him impossible to gaze upon directly.
At that moment, Klein resembled an emperor preparing to set out on a campaign.
The Black Emperor.
Yes, Klein's plan was simple: meet Bishop Utravsky not as Sherlock Moriarty but as the Hero Bandit Black Emperor. This way, even if the authorities investigated, Sherlock Moriarty would remain uninvolved.
Besides, this half-giant bishop had previously condoned Miss Hazel's efforts to aid Freya and Liv in finding Daisy…
Thus, the Hero Bandit Black Emperor who had rescued countless young girls during the Capim incident, would naturally gain a certain level of favor and trust from the bishop. This would make his words all the more convincing.
Of course, before setting out, he had performed another "divination" to ensure there was no danger before taking action.
...
6 Rhine Street, South Bridge District
Inside a three-story building, a member of the Aurora Order wearing a black hooded robe approached Mr. A and reported in a deep voice:
"Your Excellency, we've confirmed that at least one team of 'Mandated Punishers' has surrounded this location… exactly as the warning we received described."
The exquisitely beautiful and androgynous Mr. A nodded slightly but said nothing, lost in thought.
Irene, who had just arrived at the hideout, asked curiously, "Who tipped us off, and how did they know we were here?"
She was subtly trying to distance herself from any blame for the hideout's exposure.
"Who tipped us off wasn't a person but a 'Secret Puppet'—or rather, a 'Clown' hoping to reap some benefits!" Mr. A suddenly laughed as if realizing something. His eyes were filled with madness as he rasped, "There have been too many coincidences. I think I finally understand what's happening. No wonder I gave such an order earlier... Even if it was divine inspiration, I rarely act so recklessly."
Irene and the other members of the Aurora Order exchanged confused glances, unsure what Mr. A meant.
However, they could generally infer that someone intended for them and the Punishers from the Church of Storms to fight to mutual destruction, allowing them to profit from the chaos.
After hesitating, Irene asked, "What should we do? Should we break out before the Punishers complete their encirclement?"
"Why break out? I want to destroy the Mandated Punishers and the 'Marionettist' pulling the strings behind the scenes! Then, I'll go settle the score with that traitor from the Church of the Evernight! Only this will create the greatest chaos and pave the way for the Lord's return." Mr. A laughed hoarsely.
Irene thought Mr. A had truly gone mad, but seeing the fanatical determination on his face, she found herself infected by it. Flushing with fervor, she asked, "Your Excellency, what should we do?"
"It's simple. You all will conduct the ritual before the statue, activating the arrangement we set up earlier to seal off the space around this street. Leave the rest to me!" Mr. A's exquisite face showed a cold smile as he added, "Don't worry. With someone orchestrating from the shadows, the Church of Storms won't receive reinforcements that quickly."
The Aurora members immediately responded affirmatively. Only Irene hesitated before asking again, "What about the 'instigator' we captured earlier? What should we do with him?"
"Watch over him personally. Don't let him escape… He possesses something that interests the Lord." Mr. A emphasized, "Remember, his life is more important than yours. If necessary, you must sacrifice yourself to protect him. Understand?"
"Yes, Your Excellency!" Irene replied with utmost respect, her eyes blazing with fanaticism.
However, even Mr. A failed to notice the slender, transparent figure crouched outside the window, eavesdropping on their conversation.
...
Meanwhile, at the Harvest Church
A figure clad in dense black armor and wearing a pitch-black crown suddenly appeared in the prayer hall.
Hazel, who had been copying scriptures, widened her eyes in shock. Instinctively, she raised her metal arm and pulled back the "Fire Raven Shortbow" that had seemingly materialized out of nowhere.
In contrast, Bishop Utravsky seemed unsurprised. He calmly turned his gaze to the figure and extended his hand to catch a piece of stiff parchment the newcomer had tossed over—it was something Klein had written after briefly possessing a nearby ruffian.
After a quick glance, the half-giant bishop's expression turned solemn.
(Chapter End)