Chapter 528

Chapter 528: ‘Puppeteer’

The underground room was somewhat cold, with only the torch embedded in the stone wall emitting light and warmth. Lolan Hill pondered the pros and cons of accepting the offer.

After a long while, she finally spoke, her ethereal voice echoing in the dim underground room.

“I’d like to ask about the specific job responsibilities, and also whether I will be forced to do certain things.”

“Your job is to join our Judgment Department team, assisting in guiding the pursuit of those who are fleeing, hiding, or related to the Chaos Phantom. Combat and apprehension are handled by specialized team members.”

“During the mission, your salary and benefits will be equivalent to full members. Additionally, for each confirmed target we identify, the Judgment Department will provide rewards. These rewards are not just material; they can also be exchanged for unique extraordinary artifacts and rare materials.”

“Furthermore, if you get injured, the Church’s high-ranking Sequence will treat you, ensuring no scars or aftereffects.”

“Moreover, if you encounter tasks that conflict with your values, you can decline them, and we won’t hold you responsible. However, in reality, the Judgment Department deals with those who are unforgivable. Ordinary small-time individuals don’t warrant our involvement, as manpower is precious.”

To win over this young lady, Kous spent considerable effort in persuasion. As the second-in-command of the Judgment Department, his experience was extensive, naturally understanding what concerns this young lady might have.

In fact, such situations were extremely rare.

For some reason, people always harbored great fear towards unknown existences, including the Judgment Department.

Due to the special nature of their work, internal personnel, institutions, and models were never made public, leading to many suspicions and fears.

However, the truth often differed from rumors.

As a department monitoring corruption within the Church, personnel selection was rigorous, and after joining, there was a dedicated department to support and protect family members, ensuring the purity of internal personnel.

Moreover, the department had ample funding, and with limited personnel, there was no need to take huge risks to commit evil acts.

In reality, the Church was indeed open and honest. They did not lack funds; the treatment fees and donations from churches across various regions were substantial income. There was no need to dirty their feathers for additional gains.

After spending some time in the Holy Land, Lohil broke through her initial misunderstandings. While they might lack personnel, they did not lack funds. Although living conditions were simple, uniforms and bedding provided to personnel were of high quality. It was common to see elderly people within the Church, even in advanced age, maintaining good health and having comprehensive pension systems, which was rare in other secular nations.

It was due to these impressions that she agreed to participate in this assistance and testing. Otherwise, given her preference for tranquility and stability, she would not involve herself in such matters.

Fortunately, this unexpected turn of events seemed to open another path. She no longer needed to worry about writing practice insights whose approval was uncertain; instead, she could gain access to reading permissions and uncover the mystery of her origins through another method.

After careful consideration, Lolan Hill nodded.

“I accept your invitation, but could you specify the duration? After all, my stay in the Holy Land won’t be too long, and I have other things to learn.” She came here as an exchange student, not to work for money.

“The minimum is one month, the maximum is three months. Even if the matter isn’t resolved by then, you’ll still have ample time to learn. Vincent instructed me to ensure this.” Kous replied slowly.

No wonder this major figure of the Judgment Department held such respect for Priest Vincent. The young lady recalled yesterday’s experiences.

“Alright,” the young lady nodded.

“This way, our subsequent work will be much easier. We’ll be relying on Miss Lohil for the next few months.”

With that said, Kous stood up and asked someone behind him to take Lolan Hill to understand some precautions of the Judgment Department and prepare a uniform and equipment for her.

—

Three days later, on the road at the foot of Mount Carnriel, a carriage was speeding along, the wheels bumping over small stones by the roadside, producing a faint rattling sound.

Inside the carriage sat four people, members of a small team within the Judgment Department, dispatched to execute a mission in a small town south of the Holy Land.

“Welcome our new member, Puppeteer,” a man with half-closed eyes and wearing a top hat introduced.

“Hello everyone, I’m the new member, Puppeteer,” a girl with two blue pigtails stood up and said, then sat down again as directed by the man.

“Puppeteer, quite an interesting title. Is it inspired by the doll in your hands?” asked a pink-haired woman in the carriage, dressed in a light red dress, seemingly a noble lady.

“Yes, ‘Make-up Artist’ sister,” Puppeteer replied, holding the doll on her knees close to her chest.

This doll was exquisitely crafted, with ice-blue hair and a gothic-style dress, with white lace frills at the cuffs and hem.

“Welcome, I’m called ‘Black Bull’.’

After the new member greeted everyone, another large man in the carriage introduced himself. His physique matched his nickname—tall and strong—with a broadsword resembling a door placed beside his seat.

“So, the team is complete. Let me reintroduce myself, ‘Red Hat,’ the captain for this operation.” The man with grayish-white short hair and a distinctive burgundy top hat, adorned with black silk flowers, said.

“Let me explain the mission objectives. We need to thoroughly investigate a town named Merlin in the south.”

“According to information from within the Judgment Department, someone stayed there for several days, then went to the holy mountain and was found corrupted. Additionally, some strange rumors have surfaced in this town recently, attracting attention.”

“During the operation, our identities will be as follows. I am a minor noble from a distant land, traveling to the Holy Land with my fiancée (Make-up Artist), accompanied by my sister (Puppeteer) and bodyguard (Black Bull).”

“For temporary names, you can call me Edward.”

“I’ll use Margaret this time,” Make-up Artist said.

“Just call me Blackge,” Black Bull’s beard twitched as he smiled.

“And you, ‘Puppeteer’ sister?” Make-up Artist supported her chin with two fingers, looking at the delicate and frail girl beside her.

“Alice,” the girl blinked her transparent blue eyes and answered.

(End of Chapter)