Chapter 92

Ninety-Second Measure

“Any preliminary results? Quite fast, go ahead and tell me.” Behind the desk, hearing Gregor’s report, James said. Upon hearing James’ response, Gregor nodded and began to speak.

“Yes, we found a destroyed altar with the meaning of ‘Cup’ in Brandon’s house, along with some bloodstains and a small amount of human tissue. We also discovered traces of Cup Medicine in the bathroom, which were identified as Thirster Powder. In the trash, we found several nightclub business cards. Using these cards, we located several nightclubs in the lower city area. After verification, we found out that Brandon used to frequently visit those places, but he hasn’t been there since half a year ago. It was said that he fell in love with a woman he met.”

“A woman?”

“Yes, after a more detailed investigation, we found out that the woman was a street prostitute. Rumors say she could use special means to bewitch men’s souls, making them unable to leave her. As a street prostitute, she stole customers from brothels, and someone wanted to teach her a lesson, but they discovered she had powerful backing. Based on intelligence, we raided her home and found her dead in the bathroom. Her house contained a large amount of Cup Medicine.

“Based on past cases, she was likely an enticement for members recruited by the Holy Communion, using seduction followed by Cup Medicine to corrupt and recruit members. Later, we successfully identified her identity through a wounded member captured at the dock.

“Based on our comprehensive investigation, we believe that Brandon, due to his personality, often frequented the red-light district in the lower city. He was targeted by the bait spread by the Holy Communion there, then controlled and corrupted by the Cup Medicine, revealing his identity during this process, and was ultimately discovered and utilized by the Holy Communion.”

After Gregor finished speaking, he fell silent. James paused for a moment before sighing and speaking.

“Sigh… People who cannot control their desires can easily be corrupted by the ‘Cup’. In the future, we need to pay more attention to these issues…” James said, then his expression changed as he spoke again.

“Oh, what about the organization called Rosy Cross?”

“There has been no progress on that front. We went to the flower shop owner and searched the Iron Mud River banks, but found no clues. The organization remains a mystery, and we have too little information about them.”

With a serious expression, Gregor told James, listening to which James frowned.

“Rosy Cross… After serving as the chief for so many years, I have never heard of this society. What could be their purpose… To help us target the Holy Communion?”

“I don’t know, but the member of Rosy Cross who single-handedly cleared the Holy Communion’s base said before leaving that what we see of the Holy Communion is just the surface. Beneath the surface lies something much deeper and more secretive, and they came for those things we haven’t seen yet,” Gregor recalled the conversation on the roof of Buck’s house, saying, upon which James furrowed his brows even deeper.

“They came for something much deeper and more secretive…”

James muttered solemnly. Seeing James’ expression, Gregor asked:

“Mr. James, did you think of something?”

“Mm… No, nothing. Thank you for your hard work, Gregor. I am very satisfied with today’s achievements. I know you have many other things to do, so let’s stop here for now.

“For now, focus primarily on the Holy Communion. Although they suffered heavy losses today, it is the right time to further eliminate their remaining forces in the city, while also being cautious of counterattacks. As for Rosy Cross… although they have not shown any harmful intentions so far, their strength cannot be underestimated. Since their purpose is unclear, we still need to be more vigilant and not become complacent just because they have provided us with intelligence a few times.”

“Yes, Mr. James!”

After saying this, Gregor left the chief’s office. James remained in deep thought, sitting in his seat.

…

In the darkness of Igewent at Night, in a room adorned with intricate carpets and ornate decorations, only a few tall candles on candlesticks provided faint lighting.

At the center of the room, between two tall candlesticks, sat a chair. On the chair sat a figure, while behind the chair knelt a man covered in bl**d.

“Master… I led poorly, causing the society to suffer heavy losses. My years of effort have come to naught. I am ashamed of your teachings.”

Kneeling on the carpet, Buck sincerely addressed the figure in front of him, who responded after a moment of silence with a voice tinged with age.

“It’s okay, I understand you encountered unforeseen circumstances. I didn’t expect other forces to get involved in Igewent.”

Hearing the tolerant tone from the figure, Buck was slightly stunned and then spoke.

“Although there were unexpected factors, the root cause was my incompetence. If I had been more careful, we wouldn’t have suffered such great losses today.”

“Heh heh… You don’t need to take all the blame upon yourself. Plans are made by humans, but success is determined by the deities. I think your plan was quite good; if I were in your position, I might have done the same.”

Laughing softly, the figure known as the Master replied, causing Buck to be taken aback.

“This… Master… Today, the society suffered such great losses. Do you not blame me?”

“Blame? I suddenly threw the society into your hands. If we talk about responsibility, it would certainly be mine first. How could I shift my own responsibilities onto yours?”

The figure continued, seemingly bewildered by the Master’s magnanimity. After a moment, Buck expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you, Master, for your tolerance. I will strive to revitalize the society in the future and avenge today’s losses!”

“Heh heh… There’s no need to revitalize it. The history of the Crimson Eucharist ends today…”

Just as Buck had spoken excitedly, the figure continued with words that shocked Buck.

“What… Master… What did you say? The history of the Holy Communion ends today?”

Buck looked stunned, unable to believe it. The figure continued to answer.

“Yes… I may not have explained clearly before. What was the purpose of forming the Crimson Eucharist? Let me explain now. I formed this society… to collect spirituality and materials for my advancement. I was pursued by troublesome individuals, and it was inconvenient for me to act directly. So, I established a society in an inconspicuous place in Igewent to prepare for my upcoming promotion…

“As I speak, the figure continued calmly. The more he spoke, the more astonished Buck became.

“You mean… the formation of the society wasn’t as you previously said, to lead us to taste the ultimate experience, but rather a tool for your advancement…”

“Yes, thanks to your years of effort, I now only lack a bit for my advancement. But the extraordinary resources needed after my advancement are beyond what Igewent County can provide. Therefore, the Holy Communion is no longer necessary. After my successful advancement, I will leave Igewent. For me, the destruction of the Holy Communion at this time is best.”

The figure continued calmly, and after a long moment of shock, Buck slowly continued.

“You’re going to leave Igewent… Then… You had Bill bring me back to take me with you?”

“Heh heh, no no no… You misunderstood, Buck. I just said that my preparations for advancement still lack a bit. And this bit includes…

“Almost two portions of ‘Cup’ worth of Thirsters.”

As soon as the figure finished speaking, Buck hadn’t even had time to react when he felt a chill in his chest. His eyes widened as he looked down and saw a sharp blade piercing through his heart.

“Mas…ter…”

Spitting bl**d, Buck’s eyes widened as he fell forward. Standing behind him, Bill pulled out the bl**d-stained staff-sword and stepped forward, respectfully handing it to the figure in front.

The figure took the staff-sword and then gently touched the gemstone glowing red on its surface.