NOVPUBMost people on the streets of Herram were basking in the leisure of the weekend, yet in front of the imposing Temple of the Nirvana Knights, the scene remained desolate and tranquil.
Suddenly, the sounds of footsteps from afar broke the silence; a man and woman rapidly crossed the temple’s courtyard.
Neither of them wore the characteristic attire of personnel from the Temple of the Nirvana Knights. The young man in a long coat stared calmly, yet intently, at the clock, while the woman who wore a silver skirt armor leisurely followed at his side.
After confirming the time, both quickened their pace as if they were driven by some pressing matter.
As they approached the grand entrance, two knights in ashen armors blocked their path by crossing their lances.
Lanci didn’t slow down, looking directly into the eyes of the knights, engaging in a silent conversation with them through his determined gaze.
Whether it was his assured disposition or the recognition of their faces, the guarding knights soon stepped aside, no longer obstructing the way of these two figures.
While the temple’s spires and stone walls were cold and hard, the interior hall was filled with bright light.
Deep within the Temple of the Nirvana Knights, behind a heavy oak door, lied a spacious conference hall.
The high-domed ceiling, designed in a complex arch structure, filled the entire space with an aura of authority. Large windows lined the sides of the walls formed by hefty lead strips and handcrafted stained glass. When sunlight poured through these delicate panes, it cast a dappled light and shadow, intertwining past and present within the hall.
In the center of the room was a round table made of rare imperial ebony, the surface polished to a mirror finish. Surrounding the table, rows of high-backed chairs crafted from dark leather were already occupied by several figures.
Aside from the other candidates qualifying for the ultimate evaluation, on one side of the table sat a man in a dark grey suit and two grand priests. The grand priests were dressed in the distinctive robe of the Nirvana Knights, with Holy Seal pendants surrounded by a purple halo hanging from their chests. n𝚘𝚟𝚙u𝚋.co𝚖
"..."
A stern-faced soldier, directly under Sender’s command, held several documents and materials. His gaze penetrated across the hall, seemingly capable of discerning everyone’s thoughts. His fingers lightly tapped the table, like a conductor waiting for the right moment.
Even though the meeting seemed ready to begin ahead of schedule, clearly some key attendees were still missing.
All eyes occasionally focused on Sender, waiting for his judgement as the moderator.
In a few more seconds, it would be the scheduled meeting time.
If those two worst fellows still hadn’t arrived, the meeting would proceed without any further delay.
Just when the silent atmosphere in the meeting room had persisted for some time, the door was pushed open again, and two figures entered one after the other.
Neither of them looked like desperate villains as their demeanor contrasted strikingly with that of the butchers, arsonists, death singers, and eyeball collectors in the room.
The soldier under Sender’s command looked up at the two without saying much.
Lanci and Sikder took their seats under everyone’s gaze only then.
"Today’s meeting will be brief, probably resolved in about ten minutes."
Leaning back in his chair, Sender gave a cursory glance at the documents in his hand.
Firstly, following the ceremony and procedure, having signed the contract, two grand priests bestowed the elite priests who officially joined the Nirvana Branch with a [Certificate of Resurrection - Nirvana] and the rulebook that priests of the Nirvana Branch had to abide by.
"When you accept this Holy Seal, you have to know that even if the contract doesn’t spell it out explicitly, if you ever choose to betray the Bishop of Nirvana, the consequence will be endless retaliation and pursuit. Do you understand?"
Sender’s voice was cold, his lips slightly downturned, not a trace of a smile to be found.
Everyone in the meeting room nodded their heads in confirmation.
They had all thoroughly thought through this before joining.
"Next, your work is quite free. There aren’t many logistical tasks requiring your assistance in the imperial capital Herram, but it seems that there is a serious shortage of manpower up north, which is a great opportunity for you..."
Sender continued,
"Within the next month, you can depart and return at any time. It would be most preferable for you to form groups of two or three, go to the northern provinces of the empire to investigate and track the infiltrators from the Aestheland Kingdom. The local branch will assist you, and perhaps you can accomplish a lot, possibly even advancing directly to the rank of grand priest or even direct soldiers."
"Of course, going solo is also an option, but you need to file a special report with me. Due to the transition of work with the northern branch, going to the northern frontline alone increases the possibility of being targeted or substituted by high-ranking agents from the Aestheland Kingdom. Going in groups of two or three will significantly reduce communication costs, the likelihood of accidents, and the difficulty for the northern branch to confirm identities."
"Once you’ve decided on your itinerary, you can file your report with us. We will arrange for your travel and accommodation expenses, and any required funds in advance. The only thing you don’t need to worry about is money; you should worry more about coming back empty-handed."
"..."
After listening to Sender’s speech, most of the attendees had already exchanged many glances with each other.
During the final evaluation, they had all more or less found their regular partners, so there were no further doubts.
The only difference was—
Whether to infuse the two strongest guys into the team.
Both of them appeared to prefer working alone.
But there was no doubt about their strength and dreadfulness.
Nevertheless, as the other evildoers were still undecided, Lanci and Sikder have already exchanged glances, directly approached Sender, and started filling out their itinerary. It seemed that they have long been each other’s chosen partners and even decided to travel together to the north.
As after the re-examination, once they finished their tasks, they wouldn’t stay a second longer and left directly.
The meeting room was silent for quite a while.
"How come these two look so harmonious together?"
Not only the other thugs who were still stunned but the two Grand Priests also became apprehensive, asking the soldier directly under Sender’s command.
These two self-conscious fellows, in any way you look at it, should be incompatible types.
Just the thought of achieving cooperation, discussing who the boss is, and who calls the shots, they should break off the negotiation.
"There’s nothing to worry about, this is normal."
Sender said with a mild smile.
Just wait for the two of them to kill each other.
This is a good sign.
The two Grand Priests on the sides quickly came to a realization, understanding Sender’s meaning.
These two fellows are not good people, and it’s impossible for them to trust each other.
And such cunning villains wouldn’t directly make a move when they want to deal with their opponent.
They would surely pretend to get along, then backstab each other at the critical moment!
So, there’s actually no threat.
...
On the other side.
The plaza road extended from the huge gate of the Temple of the Nirvana Knights, and the buildings on both sides seemed somewhat low and empty.
The two no longer hurried like when they came, but just walked through a few streets, until they reached a turn, their path split from there.
"We’ll see each other tomorrow."
Sikder waved his hand.
"When I see you at the academy, should I act as if I don’t know you?"
Lanci also waved and asked.
"It’s fine, just naturally talk to me."
Sikder smiled gracefully and turned to leave.
Lanci nodded, took no pause, and continued walking down the road to the southern Protoss Royal Magic Academy.
He would temporarily move into the academy tomorrow, experiencing the long-missed campus life, but it’s the Northern Continent’s style.
After leisurely turning a few corners, there were more and more people around, and unconsciously, the Little Black Cat in his shadow also came out again and nestled into his arms.
"Meow, meow, meow! I don’t want to play with you anymore!!"
The Cat Boss wriggled and fussed.
Being a Saint of Hegemony, infiltrating the Nirvana Branch, and he even had to mess around with the Bishop of Hegemony in the north of the empire, there was no washing clean of it now!
"But think, Cat Boss, if I left you in the capital, would you be safe? The whole of the Protoss Empire is quite bizarre, if we still act according to Ichrite’s norms, we might be jailed as heretics on the spot..."
Upon hearing this, Lanci calmly explained his own version to the Cat Boss.
"Meow...this..."
Upon consideration, it seemed like staying by Lanci’s side was safer than staying anywhere in the capital, because the Bishop of Hegemony would certainly protect him.
"I have to say, I have not joined the Rebirth Church, meow!"
The Cat Boss made a severe declaration.
As long as he wasn’t on the boy when the wanted notice was issued, then there would be no problem.
"I know, I know, it’s fine if you just stay in my shadow."
Lanci lightly patted it, strolling down the street,
"Ah, Cat Boss, tell me, why do some people impersonating girls seem so natural, while others seem so ridiculous?"
"..."
"Who are you talking about?"
The Cat Boss looked up at Lanci.
It felt like Lanci didn’t mention a certain name from beginning to end, but his words never strayed from a certain name.
But it didn’t know who Lanci was referring to.
Logically, besides Sikder, he didn’t know any other females who liked to pretend to be younger than they were.
Lanci remained silent with a smile on his face.
With some things, heaven knows, the earth knows, the cat knows, and he knows, it’s about being free and easy.
