Adrian stood, pushed open the door, and strode out. Klein, watching his back, sighed.
"Old Adrian's got it rough…"
From Klein's perspective, Adrian, a fellow transmigrator, led a tough life. Balancing his noble persona among Backlund's aristocracy and leveraging his abilities as the True Creator's "ally" to grow the Aurora Order, a top-tier international cult, was no easy feat. Seeing Adrian and Mr. Z leave, Klein stood and asked, "Mr. Z, is there anything I can help with?"
"Favored Adrian has assigned no tasks, Favored Klein," Mr. Z replied, bowing with impeccable aristocratic etiquette learned from books and noble Aurora Order recruits. Klein paused, then smiled. "Mr. Z, I'm new to the Aurora Order and lack experience. As the Lord's Favored, I'd like to learn about our inner workings to assist everyone…"
Mr. Z pondered briefly, then said, "Very well, Favored Klein. I must accompany Favored Adrian to negotiate with the Demoness Sect's heretics. How about I leave you a basic Aurora Order manual? Study it, and I'll address your questions after the meeting."
"Good, thank you," Klein nodded. One must repay kindness, and since Adrian and the Aurora Order had helped him immensely, he wanted to contribute. Studying their regulations, Klein noted their shift toward orthodoxy. This was also a chance to uncover the Aurora Order's true nature.
But… could a pathway's apex shift affect subordinate Beyonders so profoundly?
"Thank you for understanding. I'll have the book sent shortly," Mr. Z said courteously, closing Klein's door. Klein mulled over Mr. Z's words, fingers tapping the table, muttering unconsciously:
"Cooperation, cooperation…"
"What could the Demoness Sect and Aurora Order collaborate on?"
In the corridor, Adrian watched Mr. Z approach briskly. As he reached him, Adrian asked, "What did Klein ask?"
"About our Aurora Order's inner workings. Favored Klein seems eager to help," Mr. Z replied respectfully. Adrian nodded. "As expected. Given Klein's nature, overhearing our talk and asking this means he's suspicious of our Demoness Sect cooperation."
"Should we inform him of our plans?"
"No," Adrian shook his head calmly. "Let him investigate. Once Klein's suspicious, he won't ask you—he trusts his own instincts, typical of Seer pathway Beyonders. Since our cooperation ends with a fatal betrayal of the Demoness Sect, Klein won't mind the tactic."
"Understood."
"Also, Klein just left the Evernight Church, so he'll have some resistance to us. Don't take it personally; you know how orthodox churches slandered us before the Lord's awakening."
"I understand," Mr. Z nodded, pausing. Glancing at Adrian for confirmation, he opened the door.
Behind it sat a stunning woman. Her smile was pure yet alluring, her exposed neck pale and elegant, like a swan's. Her face was holy and radiant, a pristine saint, captivating at first glance. Draped in a simple white robe, she exuded a blend of restraint and languid charm.
Any normal man would fall for her instantly.
But Mr. Z, no ordinary man, poured all emotion into his faith in the True Creator. Adrian, not quite human, was immune to her charm.
A shadow appeared beside Adrian, its dark gaze fixed on Panatiya, silently observing the Demoness of Despair. This was Dark Saint Kosma, Backlund's resident demigod since White Saint Mr. A left.
Panatiya, facing the trio, adjusted her posture to be more formal—her failed charm attempt clear from their actions. To continue, she'd need to state her terms openly, hoping to secure Aurora Order cooperation.
Backed by higher-sequence Beyonders, Panatiya was confident her terms would be accepted. Even if refused, they had a backup plan. Her main fear was these True Creator-worshipping lunatics snapping and killing her.
With a veteran demigod present, if the Aurora Order went berserk unprepared, Panatiya, a Demoness of Despair with combat prowess far below a Dark Knight, risked being slain by Dark Saint Kosma.
After all, the Aurora Order's recent halt in activities was abnormal, so much so that orthodox churches grew nervous, suspecting a grand scheme.
In silence, Panatiya eyed the trio, noting their deepening gazes over time. She shifted, sitting upright, and said, "Regarding my earlier request for our sister Trissy Cheek's return…"
"We've discussed it and won't comply," Adrian said seriously. "She's our spoil of war, brought back by Mr. A from Tingen with great effort. No way we're returning her."
"But the Demoness Sect is like family; we can't bear our sisters' separation," Panatiya countered. "I'm willing to offer a Sequence 7 Beyonder characteristic for Trissy."
"Trissy has converted to our Lord and will redeem her sins within the Aurora Order."
"…Fine," Panatiya sighed, seeing Adrian's resolve. Pausing, she continued, "Then, sir, how may I address you? I worked with Mr. A, but he was suddenly reassigned, and I don't know where. Regarding our prior cooperation, I'm at a loss…"
"My name's unimportant, but if it bothers you, call me Mr. Abraham," Adrian said, lips curling, propping his chin with both hands, speaking slowly. Panatiya's pupils contracted, sensing hidden secrets in his tone.
As a Demoness Sect demigod, Panatiya knew secrets beyond ordinary Beyonders. The Abraham family's feud with the Aurora Order was well-known, especially after the Saint of Secrets and Mr. X's betrayal nearly wiped them out, leaving survivors bitter.
Logically, no Abraham remnant would join the Aurora Order!
She scrutinized Adrian—blue eyes, black hair flecked with white, like dyed streaks. This coloration, unique to Abraham ancestors, confirmed his lineage.
Yet Panatiya never imagined an Abraham joining the Aurora Order. Judging by Dark Saint Kosma and Mr. Z's deference, Adrian led this negotiation despite not being a demigod, holding high status among these True Creator fanatics.
Could he be…
Panatiya cleared her throat, opting to treat him as a god's Favored. Taking a breath, she said solemnly, "I wish to sign a deeper cooperation agreement with you and the Aurora Order."
"Mr. Z told me about the cooperation," Adrian said. "You claim you'll provide enough sin and souls for our Lord's divine descent ritual, and you'll digest your potion through this, correct?"
"Yes, I believe such rewards should—"
"Silence," Adrian cut her off coldly. "Do you take the Aurora Order for fools? If it's just about digesting your potion, there's no need to do it here. This is Backlund, the 'City of Hope,' teeming with nobles and Loen's tightest defenses. Digesting a potion here is far less successful than in the Southern Continent. I don't buy your excuse. What's your real goal?"
"We're only executing this in Backlund's factory district. The viruses and diseases I spread will, at most, reach the slums, affecting some commoners, not nobles," Panatiya retorted sharply. "As long as we don't threaten noble interests, high-sequencers won't notice."
She wasn't wrong. In the original timeline, without the Evernight Goddess deploying her divine vessel, Panatiya could've escaped, digested her potion, and taken Trissy, advancing toward Demoness of Immortality.
Adrian's gaze grew odd. Mimicking a normal person's expected reaction, he softened his tone. "Even so, I can't trust your motives."
This little fox! So cunning, nothing like Mr. A, who agreed instantly. He's not like an Aurora Order member! Panatiya gritted her teeth, mentally filtering unspeakable secrets. After pondering, she tweaked the "Demoness Sect and royal collaboration" intel, saying, "Mr. Abraham, we're merely tasked by the 'royals' and 'nobles' to cleanse Backlund. I can digest my potion, and Backlund will radiate the vitality His Majesty needs… My only cost is sparing the noble district, while nobles shield us from church scrutiny. Worth it, no?"
After the Great Smog, conspiracy theorists would accuse the king of abetting cults to purge Backlund, but so what?
Noble interests would remain untouched. Factory owners could hire displaced poor—even formerly comfortable commoners—at dirt-cheap rates, working them to death on assembly lines. The truly suffering's cries wouldn't reach lofty ears. Even if the Aurora Order spread this, no one would believe them.
By then, who the commoners blamed was uncertain. The Demoness Sect's reputation far outshone the Aurora Order's, as they'd pinned many potion-digesting misdeeds on the latter.
Panatiya gazed calmly at Adrian, asking softly, "Mr. Abraham, is this reason enough?"
"Sufficient," Adrian nodded. "We'll fully support your operation. With Mr. A gone, we'll recall Mr. X of the Door pathway to assist. Trissy stays; she must heed our Lord's teachings."
"Fine," Panatiya pursed her lips, pulling a faintly fragrant box from her bosom. "This is a gift for Trissy. Seems I must entrust you to deliver it?"
"Naturally," Adrian smiled, pocketing the box, privately deciding to toss it to the Evernight Goddess later. Standing, he extended his right hand. "Pleasant cooperation."
"Pleasant cooperation."
Their hands clasped, both smiling, eyes glinting with icy intent.
(End of Chapter)