radually slowed down until it came to a complete stop.Since it had nothing to do with her, Talia stopped paying attention to the topic and shifted her gaze away from Lance.Warm light spilled from the...Chapter 278: Ranchi Didn't Mention a Word.

On Sunday, the streets of Helstrom were filled with the relaxed atmosphere of the weekend. However, near the solemn and silent Knight's Templar Temple, it remained as deserted and quiet as ever.

Soon, the sound of footsteps broke the silence from afar. Two figures, a man and a woman, dashed across the temple courtyard.

They were not wearing the distinctive garb of the Knights of Serenity's Temple. The young man in the long coat gazed calmly yet intently at the clock, while the woman in silver plated armor beside him appeared relaxed and unconcerned.

After confirming the time, the two of them unconsciously quickened their pace, as if something important drove them on.

As they neared the gate, the two dark gray armored knights guarding it crossed their spears, barring their way.

Lance didn't slow down, locking eyes with the knight and engaging in a silent conversation through their gaze.

Whether it was the natural air of authority or because they had seen through the two men's appearances, the guard knight quickly reacted and allowed them to pass, no longer obstructing their path.

The temple's spires and stone walls were cold and hard, yet the interior hall was filled with brilliant light.

Deep within the temple of the Order of the Silenced Knight, behind a heavy oak door lay a vast hall for meetings.

The vaulted ceiling, designed as a complex arched structure, fills the entire space with majesty. High windows are arranged on both side walls, their sills composed of heavy lead strips and handcrafted stained glass. When sunlight passes through these delicate panes, it creates a mosaic of light and shadow, as if time and history were intertwining within the hall.

In the center of the room stood a round table crafted from rare Imperial Ebony, its surface polished to a mirror shine. A row of high-backed chairs upholstered in dark leather encircled it, several figures now seated within.

Besides the other qualified examinees apart from the final assessment, on one side of the round table sat a man in a deep gray suit and two high priests. The high priests wore the robes unique to the Order of Obliteration Knights, with a holy emblem pendant that shimmered with purple light hanging from their chests.

"……"

Sander’s direct subordinates stood with grim faces, each holding some documents and data. His gaze swept across the hall, seeming to pierce through everyone's thoughts at a glance. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, like a conductor waiting for the right moment.

Although the meeting seems to be able to start early, it is clear that some key attendees are still missing.

All eyes were constantly fixed on Sander, waiting for his judgment as the host.

There are still about a few dozen seconds left until the agreed-upon time.

If those two worst guys haven't arrived yet, the meeting should proceed as normal and no longer wait.

The hushed silence in the meeting room persisted for a long time, until the door swung open once more, admitting two figures in quick succession.

They didn't look like the kind of ruthless criminals you'd expect, clearly out of place among the diverse personalities in this room—butchers, arsonists, death singers, and eyeball collectors.

Sander's men looked up at the two of them, but he didn't say anything.

Not until Lanche and Sid took their seats under the gaze of all present.

The meeting today was short, it only took about ten minutes to resolve.

Sanders leaned back in his chair and glanced briefly at the documents in his hands.

First, following the ritual and process, after signing the contract, the two high priests presented new members who officially joined the Annihilation branch with the elite priest level certificate {Rebirth of Annihilation} and the rulebook that Annihilation branch priests need to follow.

When you receive this holy seal, know that although it is not written in the contract, if one day you choose to betray the Silent Pope, the consequence will be endless retribution and pursuit. Understand

Sander's voice was cold, the corners of his mouth slightly drooping, with no trace of a smile.

All the villains in the conference room nodded in agreement.

This had already been thought through before they joined.

"Next, your work will be more flexible. There isn't much logistical support needed in Helroom, the Imperial Capital, recently. However, the north is currently very short-staffed, which presents a great opportunity for you..."

Sander continued,

"Over the next month, you are free to depart and return as you please. It's best to travel in groups of two or three. Your mission is to investigate and track down spies from the Etherian Kingdom who have infiltrated the northern provinces of the Empire. The local chapter will provide assistance, and you may even earn enough merit for direct promotion to Arch Priest or even become a member of the Imperial Guard."

Of course, solo operations are also possible, but you need to report it to me specially because you'll need to hand over work to the northern division. There is a possibility that a solo trip to the front lines in the north will be targeted or even swapped by high-ranking agents of the Aestellian Kingdom, while traveling in groups of two or three will greatly reduce the cost of contact, the probability of accidents, and the difficulty for the northern division to identify your identity.

Once your itinerary is decided, you can report it to us. We will arrange travel expenses, accommodation, and any advance payments needed in advance. You don't need to worry about finances; the only thing you need to worry about is coming back empty-handed.

"……"

After Sander's speech, most of the people in attendance had already begun to exchange glances.

By the final assessment, almost everyone had established fixed partners, so there were no further questions.

The only difference is——

Should we try to recruit the two most skilled individuals

They all seem to be people who like to drink alone.

But the strength and severity are undeniable.

However.

Before the other villains could even decide on a plan, Lanchi and Xide had already exchanged glances and went straight to Sanders to start filling out their itineraries. They seemed to have already chosen each other as partners, and even decided to travel north together.

Just like after the first interview, both of them left without wasting a second after finishing their business.

The conference room was silent for a long time.

"How come these two people look so close"

Not only were the other stunned thugs, but even the two high priests were worried. They turned to Sander's immediate subordinates and asked.

These two self-aware individuals, when all is said and done, should be incompatible types.

Even just trying to achieve cooperation, negotiate who's in charge, and who has the final say, should be enough to make their negotiations collapse directly.

"Don't worry, it's normal."

Sandler smiled faintly.

Let them two kill each other.

This is a good omen.

The two high priests on either side quickly understood, grasping what Sander meant.

These two guys are no good, and they'll never be able to trust each other.

And such a cunning villain wanting to dispose of their opponent is unlikely to do it directly.

Be sure to feign friendliness and get along well, then secretly harm the other party at a critical moment!

On the contrary, there was no threat.

……

...and the other side.

The plaza road stretched out from before the massive doors of the Silent Knight's Temple, making all the buildings along its sides seem small and sparse in comparison.

The two no longer hurried as they had when they first arrived. They simply walked together for a few streets until they reached the corner, where their paths diverged.

Then see you tomorrow.

West Germany raised his hand.

"When I see you at school, do I need to pretend not to know you"

Lan Qi also waved his hand and asked.

"It's okay, just talk to me naturally."

West Germany sauntered away with a carefree smile.

Lanche nodded, without pausing, and continued walking south along the road toward Protoss Royal Magic Academy.

Tomorrow I will be temporarily moving to school and experiencing campus life again, but it's a northern style.

After turning several corners, Zhou Yuan found himself surrounded by a growing crowd. Unknowingly, the little black cat in his shadow reappeared and burrowed into his arms.

"Meow meow meow! I don't want to play with you anymore!!"

The cat boss rolled and tumbled about for a while.

As the Hegemon's Son, hiding within the Annihilation Branch, and planning to go with the Hegemon Church to stir up trouble in the Empire's north, he's beyond saving!

But Cat Boss, think about it. Leaving you in the Imperial City would make you safe The entire Protoss Empire is a little...off. If we still act by Icthe's logic, we might be labeled as heretics and thrown in jail right away!

Lanche, hearing this, calmly explained the version to the cat boss.

"Meow..."

On second thought, it seems that no matter where I stay in the imperial capital, it's still safer to remain by Lanchi's side because the Heavenly Domination Sect would indeed protect him.

Let me make it clear, I didn't join the Revival Church, meow!

The cat boss solemnly declares.

As long as this kid is on the wanted list and I'm not on him, then it's all good.

"Alright, alright. Just stay in my shadow."

Lance patted it lightly and strolled down the street.

"Oh, Cat Boss, I say, why are some people so natural when they pretend to be girls, while others look so ridiculous doing the same"

"..."

Are you making a veiled dig at someone

The cat boss looked up at Lance.

It feels like Ranch never mentions a certain name from beginning to end, yet every sentence revolves around that same name.

But it doesn't know who Ranch refers to.

He shouldn't know any women other than West Germany who would pretend to be younger.

Ranch smiled but said nothing.

Some things are known only to heaven, earth, cats, and him. It's all about freedom and ease of mind.

(End of Chapter)

[ ]s and ensuring everything was correct, Kuise and the other fighters signed this agreement.Kuse then swept his gaze over the five people behind Lance, as if he couldn't wait to torment them."Then pleas...