NOVEL NEXT Chapter 97: "Coincidence" (2)
"It can almost be confirmed now that the purification of the Sun believers within the Church might itself be closely related to the Sun Divine Palace, as if some sort of conflict has arisen within the Sun Divine Palace. It cannot be ruled out that this is because of the Master's arrival, with the leadership choosing to sacrifice some believers to prevent exposure."
After ensuring the soundproof magic was in place, Sebastian spoke.
"No, it should be more than that. Perhaps it also relates to the danger that...naïve one sensed. I am most familiar with the ways of secret churches; such moves against their own people at critical moments are never merely simple power struggles. It might be...that some special change forced them to act in this way."
Nisi shook his head and said.
"Special change? Then it must be the divine miracle induced by the Master. In recent days, there have been undercurrents in the black market. I've discovered that someone seems to be purchasing extraordinary blood and various supernatural materials on a large scale, with traces of the Church's involvement. Perhaps related to the Sun Divine Palace too."
Sebastian said.
"Extraordinary blood? Could they be intended for the imprisoned Bloodline clans?"
"Quite likely, and the transaction volume is exceptionally large. Not only that, the volume for this particular supernatural material is quite significant too. Nisi, you should have heard of Black Blood Grass."
"Black Blood Grass? Wait... isn't that the favorite magic herb used by those lunatics from the Blood Demon Church when they are desperate for blood rage? It's said to activate the Bloodline's ancestral traits temporarily... What do they intend to do with it? Cause the Bloodline clans to rage? Did you report this to the naïve one?"
"Not yet. I'm still tracking the destination of these Black Blood Grass. I've secretly investigated the involved priest and Church Knights, and ultimately found that the source seems to point to the Judgment Court in the ninth district. This is the tavern closest to the Judgment Court in the ninth district, which is why I arranged to meet you here."
Sebastian said.
"Wait... are you saying that the Judgment Court in the ninth district is also your next investigative target?"
Nisi exclaimed.
Sebastian's mind stirred:
"What? You too?"
"Yes, the chief of the Church Authority Country is from the Sun Divine Palace, and it is likely that the Great Judge is also connected to them. They are also leading the apostate capture operation this time, so I've been investigating the issue with the Judgment Court secretly these past few days. After investigation, I've surprisingly found that many captured apostates once worked at the Judgment Court in the ninth district, so... the Judgment Court in the ninth district is also my next investigative target."
"What a coincidence?"
"Exactly a coincidence."
Sebastian and Nisi exchanged glances, their expressions gradually becoming solemn.
There aren't so many true coincidences in this world; all coincidences are inherently a necessity of fate.
"It seems... perhaps the Judgment Court in the ninth district is indeed our true investigation goal, and the truth the Master seeks might also lie there. Now that I recall, before we set off, that Wisdom Divine Artifact once suggested investigating from the outermost city area of the Holy Capital; perhaps... it knew some intelligence in advance."
Sebastian pondered.
"Heh, I've long felt that artifact is somewhat strange. I've been in the Holy Royal Court for so long but have never heard of any Guardian's Staff, yet Lord Charlotte seems to trust it considerably."
Nisi said.
"Not necessarily; the Master probably doesn't fully trust that artifact, otherwise, we would not be independently investigating the threat perceived by Him, and it seems He hasn't told that artifact about the perceived threat either."
Sebastian pondered.
"Looks like during the next briefing, we need to remind Lord Charlotte again. However, He's surely more assured than us, that Wisdom Divine Artifact may be hiding something, but at least... it should not be an enemy."
Nisi said.
The two continued their discussion, determining their cooperative action intentions for the future. Just as they were about to finalize the exploration timing, the tavern door was suddenly pushed open, and a poorly dressed, panic-stricken young girl stumbled inside.
She appeared to be around twelve or thirteen, frail in stature, gripping a Ring Cross necklace, her body trembling.
The bustling tavern instantly quieted, then quickly sank into even more chaotic noise:
"Oh! Whose child is it? How did she end up in such a place?"
"Hahaha, little one, this is a place for adults to drink—did you wander into the wrong place?"
"Quite cute, come over and pour uncle a drink, and uncle will give you a candy!"
"Alright! Andrew, she's just a kid! Little one, where's your mom? Are you lost?"
"Hey? That outfit... it looks like it's from the Church orphanage?"
The tavern patrons were all drawn to the little girl that burst in, with some rude fellows even whistling, though most were curious about the girl who mistakenly entered, casting disdainful looks at the crude drunkards.
Looking at the smoky tavern, the young girl showed fear and looked helpless.
Yet she did not leave but pressed her lips and walked inside, scanning the hall continually as if searching for something.
Even though... she was frightened and trembling terribly.
In the corner, the two who had been communicating a while ago were also drawn to the scene.
When their focus settled on the girl, they both paused for a moment, then their expressions turned uncertain and contemplative.
"Hey, Sebastian, did you perceive it?"
Nisi's gaze was locked on the girl, he asked.
"If you mean the aura she has... I perceived it, I'm not stupid."
Sebastian too fixated on the girl, squinted, and spoke.
"Then I didn't perceive it wrong, on her... there is Holy Power akin to ours."
Nisi stated.
At this moment, the tavern door was once more roughly pushed open.
The wooden door struck the wall, emitting a resounding crash that startled the nearby patrons.
"What kind of person is this?! Don't you know to take it easy?!"
"Dammit! Bastard born of a harlot!"
The patrons cursed and shot angry looks at the door opener.
But the next second, they fell collectively silent.
Those who barged into the tavern were none other than several tall and fully-armed Judgment Knights.
The patrons, who were cursing minutes ago, covered their mouths, the drunkards instantly sobered up.
And those who had been joking about the Judgment Court suddenly showed fear.
"Ju...Judgment Knight, welcome to our establishment. May I ask... would you like to have a drink?"
The tavern owner wiped sweat from his forehead, asked bravely.
The Judgment Knight paid no attention to the patrons.
With a solemn demeanor, they scanned the area, finally focusing on the tavern owner who forced a smile nervously.
"Was there a little girl here just now?"
The leading Judgment Knight asked.
"A... a little girl?"
The tavern owner paused briefly, then quickly nodded:
"Ah, ye...yes, there was one, she's...um? Where is she?"
The tavern owner pointed to where the girl had been.
But she was nowhere to be seen.
...