Kapitel 49: Response
After emerging from the Chamber of Stars, the weight of my newfound powers and the intense experience left me utterly drained. I collapsed into bed and slept for what felt like an eternity—three days straight. My body demanded rest, and I indulged in it, refusing even Uriel's offers to heal me. The thought of lazing around felt almost therapeutic after the trials I had faced.
As I finally stirred awake, blinking in the soft light filtering through my chamber windows, I realized that the world outside had changed dramatically. Rumors and news of recent events buzzed through the air like restless insects. People from all walks of life discussed the occurrences with fervor, each with their own unique perspective and opinion.
In the streets below, I could hear snippets of conversation drifting up to my window. Some spoke of awe and reverence, marveling at the supposed divine intervention that had occurred. They saw it as a sign of hope, a beacon in troubled times. Others were skeptical, questioning the motives and implications of my actions. They debated the nature of power and its consequences, wary of the unknown forces at play.
Authorities, meanwhile, were in a frenzy trying to track down my supposed followers. Reports circulated wildly, each sighting or lead sparking a flurry of activity. It amused me to hear this, considering that besides Sharron, Maric, Oliver, and myself, there were no actual followers to be found. The idea tickled my sense of humor—like a cosmic joke playing out on a grand scale.
"Hahaha," I chuckled to myself as I stretched lazily in bed, savoring the moment of quiet before facing the inevitable chaos outside. "I wonder if this is how Klein felt when he first had people hunting down his followers. Quite the introduction to fame, isn't it?"
My bed, a simple yet comfortable refuge, seemed to cradle me in its embrace, a sanctuary from the tumultuous world beyond. The sheets were rumpled from my long slumber, and I idly smoothed them out with a lazy wave of my hand.
"I should probably get up," I muttered to myself, reluctantly preparing to face the day.
As I moved about my chamber, mundane details caught my attention—the soft glow of the morning sun casting patterns on the floor, the faint scent of incense lingering from the previous night's rituals, and the distant sounds of city life drifting through the open window. It was a stark contrast to the cosmic grandeur I had recently experienced, grounding me in the reality of everyday existence.
"No matter what life is still the same huh"
...
Carlson stood before the silver mirror, feeling a mix of determination and apprehension as he prepared to ask his question. The members of the assembly watched with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the shimmering surface that held the answers from beyond.
"Honorable Arrodes," Carlson began, his voice steady but nerves bubbling beneath the surface, "my question is 'Who are the believers of The King of Nothing?'"
The tension in the room was palpable as the silver mirror responded with a gleaming golden crest symbol. Carlson blinked in surprise, his eyes widening as he processed the revelation.
"This is! The Golden Order..." Carlson exclaimed, looking around at the gathered members. The news spread like wildfire among them, whispers and murmurs filling the chamber.
"Quick! Share it with the other churches!" someone urged excitedly, the urgency in their voice adding a humorous edge to the frantic atmosphere.
Feeling a surge of confidence from his successful query, Carlson basked momentarily in the spotlight. "Well, I guess I have no secrets now," he quipped with a half-smile, brushing off the impending questions he knew would follow.
Arrodes, ever mysterious and perhaps mischievous in his ways, presented Carlson with the next set of choices: a question, a mission, or a penalty. Without hesitation, Carlson blurted out, "Question!"
The words etched onto the mirror's surface appeared slowly, almost ominously, resembling letters formed by dripping blood. Carlson leaned in, squinting to read the sentence that emerged.
"Do you relieve yourself daily with your hand?"
Carlson's lips trembled, and he felt his ears burn hot with embarrassment. The question, though mundane, hit him unexpectedly amid his triumph. Despite considering it a normal activity, facing it publicly before his teammates and superiors was another matter entirely.
A wave of awkward silence swept through the chamber as Carlson contemplated his response. His mind raced, imagining the reactions of those around him. He could almost hear the stifled giggles and raised eyebrows.
"Yes..." he finally muttered, his voice barely audible, as if confessing a shameful secret.
The room erupted into a mixture of stifled snickers and awkward coughs, a few members attempting to maintain their composure while others failed miserably. Carlson, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, wished he could sink into the floor and disappear.
…
Beneath the grand arches of Saint Samuel Cathedral, Daly, known for her striking blue eye shadow, casually tossed a thick stack of documents onto the table before Soul Assurer Soest. The papers thudded against the polished surface, the weight of their contents palpable in the air.
"All the information you requested on The King of Nothing," Daly stated matter-of-factly, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement.
Soest, a seasoned captain with a reputation for thoroughness, peered at the documents with mild surprise. His brow furrowed slightly as he skimmed through the pages, absorbing the details laid out before him.
"It's smaller than I imagined," Soest remarked, his tone betraying a touch of curiosity mixed with cautious skepticism.
Daly couldn't help but snicker at his reaction. "This is just an index," she clarified, a mischievous glint in her eye. "The real meat of the investigation lies beyond those pages."
Leonard, a member of the investigative team, interjected with a suggestion, his red-gloved hand gently touching his lower lip in contemplation. "Captain Soest, why don't we conduct a thorough analysis of individuals associated with the Golden Order and Ince Zangwill? By comparing their profiles with those from previous cases, we might uncover clues about the organization behind The King of Nothing."
Soest nodded thoughtfully, his expression thoughtful. "The challenge lies in the elusiveness of our suspect. Despite numerous interviews and surveillance efforts, they seem to have mastered the art of evasion. We need to identify their methods and start from scratch. It's a classic Red Glove scenario—chasing shadows across the city, but that's our duty."
Leonard acknowledged the task ahead with a solemn nod. "Understood."
In the back of his mind, Soest couldn't help but recall the advice of an elderly mentor, whose skepticism echoed faintly within him. "I have a feeling the NightHawks won't uncover this group unless they make a bold move and reveal themselves."
As the discussion continued in the solemn halls of the cathedral, the weight of their investigation hung heavy in the air. Each member of the team understood the stakes—they were on the trail of a secretive and potentially dangerous organization, where every lead, no matter how small, could hold the key to unraveling the mystery.
Outside, the faint echoes of prayers and footsteps mingled with the distant sounds of the city beyond, creating a backdrop of tranquility against the backdrop of their intense deliberations. Daly's gaze remained fixed on Soest, her confidence in their abilities unshaken despite the challenges ahead.
"We'll find them, Captain," Daly stated firmly, her voice cutting through the tension. "It's only a matter of time."
Soest met her gaze with a nod of determination, his resolve strengthened by the unwavering support of his team. Together, they were prepared to delve deeper into the shadows, knowing that persistence and diligence were their strongest allies in the pursuit of justice beneath the watchful eyes of Saint Samuel Cathedral.
…
Inside the grand halls of the Holy Wind Cathedral, the atmosphere was solemn as Spellsinger of God, Ace Snake, with his silver eyes sharp and focused, selected an elite member of the Mandated Punishers.
"Although I'm departing Backlund soon, this directive comes directly from the Council of Cardinals," Ace Snake declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
"You have one mission ahead: to investigate the followers of The King of Nothing," he continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled team.
"After approval, each of you will be equipped with a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact. Your objective is to uncover the identity and workings of the Golden Order."
At the forefront of the group stood a middle-aged man, distinguished by a black bonnet and a modified captain's hat. His demeanor exuded discipline and readiness as he stepped forward, fist clenched against his chest in a gesture of solemn commitment.
"As you command, Your Eminence," he responded firmly, his voice resonating with resolve.
The man appeared unremarkable at first glance, with a lean frame and nondescript features, save for an anchor tattoo visible on his neck—a symbol of his steadfast dedication.
The chamber reverberated with the gravity of their task, the echoes of Ace Snake's instructions lingering in the air. Each member of the Mandated Punishers understood the significance of their mission. They were tasked with unraveling the mysteries of a clandestine organization that operated in the shadows, threatening the stability of Backlund and beyond.
Outside the cathedral, the city bustled with life, oblivious to the covert operations unfolding within the cathedral's sacred walls. The mandate issued by the Council of Cardinals carried immense weight, underscoring the urgency and importance of their assignment.
Ace Snake watched silently as the team prepared to depart, his expression unreadable yet tinged with a hint of anticipation. His silver eyes, known for their piercing insight, mirrored the determination reflected in each Punisher's stance.
"We must uncover the truth," Ace Snake murmured to himself, a solemn oath that echoed the collective resolve of the Mandated Punishers.
As they filed out of the cathedral, their footsteps echoed against the polished marble floors, marking the beginning of a quest that would test their skills, loyalty, and courage. The fate of Backlund hung in the balance, and they were the vanguard against the darkness threatening to engulf their world.
Around the world, numerous factions and forces are stirred into action, driven by the quest for truth. The revelation of mysterious organizations and hidden agendas sent ripples across the global landscape, prompting intense investigations and strategic maneuvers.
In response to the unfolding events, even notorious and malevolent organizations halted their operations, wary of the unpredictable new factor introduced into their calculations. The atmosphere was fraught with tension yet paradoxically marked by a temporary calm—a chaotic yet peaceful interlude in the world's ongoing struggles.
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein