Bab 66: Chapter 66: Changes and Expansion of Twilight Street
["Twilight Street is no longer in chaos," this piece of news surprised the outside world. You know, Twilight Street itself is an extremely xenophobic place with extremely serious internal strife. The people here can't say that they live a happy and healthy life, but it can be said that they live a life worse than death.]
[After all, in a place where you may be robbed at any time if you walk on the main road, you may be robbed if you walk on the side roads, and you may die if you turn into the alleys, "chaos" should be the main theme here.]
[It's not that the outside world hasn't tried to clean up this place, but the extremely xenophobic people made the outside world's efforts useless. This place is still so messy that in the end, no one wants to take care of it, except for some special organizations, such as the "Red Cross" and the "Church"; they are still working hard to improve people's lives here.]
[Specifically speaking, the "Red Cross" eventually became a sanatorium, and the "Church" was a church. Both were "outsiders allowed to stay," and they often huddled together for warmth and helped each other.]
[However, after a long period of time, the "Red Cross" and the "Church" gradually gave up the idea of changing this place and switched to a state of "only providing material support and not caring about the rest"—there was no other way, Twilight Street was really "too violent and barbaric."]
[In the end, many people even felt that it was not bad to be in a mess here, as they could help people from the outside world deal with some "garbage" or some very troublesome things—such as refugees.]
[The number doesn't have to be large, just put them in in small batches, and then let Twilight Street slowly "digest" them. This can greatly reduce the refugee pressure of other countries, and also earn a good reputation—"Look, I've accepted so many refugees, I'm kind, right? Come to me!"]
[Then find the "high-value targets" among the people who come and keep them, and slowly, little by little, force the rest of the unnecessary troubles to Twilight Street, let them be dealt with, and then repeat the above operation.]
[This is a very realistic and cost-effective operation, isn't it?]
[However, in such a "chaotic place" that was tacitly allowed by the world, suddenly one day it became peaceful and harmonious.]
[Whether it was the originally dirty streets that no one took care of or the disastrous public security... everything had changed, became different, even those gangs that were always fighting and killing each other had become polite, to the point that people were wondering if this place had suddenly become some "weird place," or if it had been occupied by Honkai or something like that.]
[At the same time, some people noticed that the people in Twilight Street... became more difficult to deal with, or in other words, became smarter.]
[They no longer use the simple and efficient "physical" means and threats that they are good at as before, but instead begin to use "rules," those rules that are tacitly accepted by everyone. They even know how to use simple words and self-evident demands to ask for subsidies from other countries.]
[This was not obvious at first, but as time went on, the outside world felt that the people in Twilight Street were becoming visibly more difficult to deal with, as if they had suddenly become wise.]
[No... No, I should say they have become "united."]
[A group of gangs, who were nothing but violent elements and criminals, suddenly "united" and combined their intelligence to target other gangs within the group, and began to act in unison against the outside world.]
[Not only that, they seem to have accumulated strength and started to "expand" outwards.]
[It does not refer to the scope of Twilight Street itself, but the industries run by these gangs. Those dirty and sinful industries have been moved out of the original Twilight Street one by one, moved to other places belonging to the outside world, and began to innovate rapidly.]
[At the same time, relying on their sudden enlightenment, the abundant martial virtues cultivated in Twilight Street, and their unusual "unity," the gangs that were originally fighting among themselves in Twilight Street began to "expand" recklessly in the outside world.]
[In the underworld, countless gangs were swallowed up. Even the old and large gangs were attacked and destroyed by the guys from Twilight Street with an outrageous execution power. Countless gray industries were also occupied by them.]
[Not only that, they also learned to win over the powerful or oligarchs, and gain support or make them lose support by making concessions... or directly contact some restless governments and exchange them for acquiescence or support through transactions.]
[One thing worth noting is that those guys on Twilight Street are very polite during the day. They obviously came from that chaotic place, and they obviously can't hide their fierce temperament, but they maintain excellent etiquette during the day. At least it is difficult to find fault with them. Even if they are reprimanded or insulted, they will not take action. They just communicate and debate with each other like gentlemen. Their behavior is also unusually law-abiding, and it is basically impossible to find fault with them.]
[But when night falls, their methods will become mean and unscrupulous. Assassination is the norm, poisoning is the basis, and blasting is even more common. Moreover, their actions are very quick and clean, and basically no traces are left.]
[People outside suddenly discovered that Twilight Street was such a terrifying and troublesome place, and more importantly, they had to endure frequent and inexplicable disasters, which would create refugees. Once the number of refugees increased, some countries would be unwilling to accept them.]
[So, where will these refugees be accepted in the end?]
[Yes, that place where people are eaten, that "garbage can" that everyone condones, that "place of chaos"—Twilight Street.]
[This made Twilight Street more and more powerful, and coupled with the clever concessions, Twilight Street suddenly became a place that no one could control.]
[Even in some special places, where the government has lost its functions, the gangs of Twilight Street have directly replaced the collapsed government, taken over the social functions that should have belonged to the government, and started to manage the people who were in chaos there.]
[More importantly, they actually did a pretty good job!]
[Except for the use of some violent means in the beginning to curb the panic of the people, no one died as a result. Even if there were injuries, the gangs would considerately arrange for doctors to treat them. If someone was too heavy-handed, the executor would be given equivalent injuries... and additional treatment.]
[In the end, the people being managed actually felt that... being managed by them was actually pretty good?]
[The gang members will arrange jobs for each person based on their specialties. If they are not good enough, they can go to the "factory." Anyway, there are always things that need people to do. Although the "salary" is lower and some jobs are more dangerous, surprisingly, most people think it is nothing.]
['At least we can survive, right?' Many people think so.]
["Twilight Street is no longer in chaos," this piece of news surprised the outside world. You know, Twilight Street itself is an extremely xenophobic place with extremely serious internal strife. The people here can't say that they live a happy and healthy life, but it can be said that they live a life worse than death.]
[After all, in a place where you may be robbed at any time if you walk on the main road, you may be robbed if you walk on the side roads, and you may die if you turn into the alleys, "chaos" should be the main theme here.]
[It's not that the outside world hasn't tried to clean up this place, but the extremely xenophobic people made the outside world's efforts useless. This place is still so messy that in the end, no one wants to take care of it, except for some special organizations, such as the "Red Cross" and the "Church"; they are still working hard to improve people's lives here.]
[Specifically speaking, the "Red Cross" eventually became a sanatorium, and the "Church" was a church. Both were "outsiders allowed to stay," and they often huddled together for warmth and helped each other.]
[However, after a long period of time, the "Red Cross" and the "Church" gradually gave up the idea of changing this place and switched to a state of "only providing material support and not caring about the rest"—there was no other way, Twilight Street was really "too violent and barbaric."]
[In the end, many people even felt that it was not bad to be in a mess here, as they could help people from the outside world deal with some "garbage" or some very troublesome things—such as refugees.]
[The number doesn't have to be large, just put them in in small batches, and then let Twilight Street slowly "digest" them. This can greatly reduce the refugee pressure of other countries, and also earn a good reputation—"Look, I've accepted so many refugees, I'm kind, right? Come to me!"]
[Then find the "high-value targets" among the people who come and keep them, and slowly, little by little, force the rest of the unnecessary troubles to Twilight Street, let them be dealt with, and then repeat the above operation.]
[This is a very realistic and cost-effective operation, isn't it?]
[However, in such a "chaotic place" that was tacitly allowed by the world, suddenly one day it became peaceful and harmonious.]
[Whether it was the originally dirty streets that no one took care of or the disastrous public security... everything had changed, became different, even those gangs that were always fighting and killing each other had become polite, to the point that people were wondering if this place had suddenly become some "weird place," or if it had been occupied by Honkai or something like that.]
[At the same time, some people noticed that the people in Twilight Street... became more difficult to deal with, or in other words, became smarter.]
[They no longer use the simple and efficient "physical" means and threats that they are good at as before, but instead begin to use "rules," those rules that are tacitly accepted by everyone. They even know how to use simple words and self-evident demands to ask for subsidies from other countries.]
[This was not obvious at first, but as time went on, the outside world felt that the people in Twilight Street were becoming visibly more difficult to deal with, as if they had suddenly become wise.]
[No... No, I should say they have become "united."]
[A group of gangs, who were nothing but violent elements and criminals, suddenly "united" and combined their intelligence to target other gangs within the group, and began to act in unison against the outside world.]
[Not only that, they seem to have accumulated strength and started to "expand" outwards.]
[It does not refer to the scope of Twilight Street itself, but the industries run by these gangs. Those dirty and sinful industries have been moved out of the original Twilight Street one by one, moved to other places belonging to the outside world, and began to innovate rapidly.]
[At the same time, relying on their sudden enlightenment, the abundant martial virtues cultivated in Twilight Street, and their unusual "unity," the gangs that were originally fighting among themselves in Twilight Street began to "expand" recklessly in the outside world.]
[In the underworld, countless gangs were swallowed up. Even the old and large gangs were attacked and destroyed by the guys from Twilight Street with an outrageous execution power. Countless gray industries were also occupied by them.]
[Not only that, they also learned to win over the powerful or oligarchs, and gain support or make them lose support by making concessions... or directly contact some restless governments and exchange them for acquiescence or support through transactions.]
[One thing worth noting is that those guys on Twilight Street are very polite during the day. They obviously came from that chaotic place, and they obviously can't hide their fierce temperament, but they maintain excellent etiquette during the day. At least it is difficult to find fault with them. Even if they are reprimanded or insulted, they will not take action. They just communicate and debate with each other like gentlemen. Their behavior is also unusually law-abiding, and it is basically impossible to find fault with them.]
[But when night falls, their methods will become mean and unscrupulous. Assassination is the norm, poisoning is the basis, and blasting is even more common. Moreover, their actions are very quick and clean, and basically no traces are left.]
[People outside suddenly discovered that Twilight Street was such a terrifying and troublesome place, and more importantly, they had to endure frequent and inexplicable disasters, which would create refugees. Once the number of refugees increased, some countries would be unwilling to accept them.]
So, where will these refugees be accepted in the end?
[Yes, that place where people are eaten, that "garbage can" that everyone condones, that "place of chaos"—Twilight Street.]
[This made Twilight Street more and more powerful, and coupled with the clever concessions, Twilight Street suddenly became a place that no one could control.]
[Even in some special places, where the government has lost its functions, the gangs of Twilight Street have directly replaced the collapsed government, taken over the social functions that should have belonged to the government, and started to manage the people who were in chaos there.]
[More importantly, they actually did a pretty good job!]
[Except for the use of some violent means in the beginning to curb the panic of the people, no one died as a result. Even if there were injuries, the gangs would considerately arrange for doctors to treat them. If someone was too heavy-handed, the executor would be given equivalent injuries... and additional treatment.]
[In the end, the people being managed actually felt that... being managed by them was actually pretty good?]
[The gang members will arrange jobs for each person based on their specialties. If they are not good enough, they can go to the "factory." Anyway, there are always things that need people to do. Although the "salary" is lower and some jobs are more dangerous, surprisingly, most people think it is nothing.]
[At least we can survive, right? —Many people think so.]
[After thinking about it, the outside powers actually thought that this was okay. Although they were vigilant and restricted Twilight Street, they did not formally suppress it. They just kept sending out negotiation applications in order to reach a consensus with these guys who suddenly changed.]
[Thus, Twilight Street inexplicably and subtly became a "force" that should not be underestimated.]
[However, although the outside world has changed dramatically, your surroundings, or rather, the interior of Twilight Street has also undergone earth-shaking changes.]
[Contrary to the outside world, the changes inside Twilight Street are positive.]
[Under your order, Twilight Street is incredibly safe during the day. If someone from the outside came to inspect, they would probably think this is some city with a very high safety factor. Of course, considering the current size of Twilight Street, it should be a town.]
[The originally messy and garbage-filled streets were cleaned up, even the alleys were the same, the streets were renovated, all the things that "hindered the city appearance" were removed, sorted out, and rebuilt, and the homeless people were arranged to rest in designated places and they would be assigned jobs.]
[Residential buildings have also begun to be demolished and rebuilt one after another, becoming more suitable for living, and the rent is quite cheap... or there is simply no rent at all. Many people have started to use their own homes to open shops, relying on the acquaintances around them, so they don't have to worry about not having customers.]
[People who have difficulties in life don't have to worry; the gang members will issue "minimum living allowances" on a regular basis every day, which is enough to ensure people's "survival" here. Of course, if you want to "live" here, you need to work.]
[As for where the resources to maintain these "minimum living allowances" come from... after reading the above description, isn't the answer obvious?]
[When night falls, the streets begin to become deserted, and most people consciously enforce the "curfew" which is not a curfew. After all... you said that "private areas are sacred," and each person's home is the safest place at night.]
[The only people who can go out at night are probably the playful children who are protected by the "rules," the chasers, and the chased.]
[Of course, the "clergy," or you and Aponia, are exceptions. Although you don't go out at night in most cases, you will still go out under certain circumstances—for example, Aponia goes out to look for lost or playful children, and you follow "Her" will to arrest and judge those who try to disrupt the status quo of Twilight Street.]
[Everything seems to be in order, doesn't it? Everything is stable and going well, isn't it?]
[Twilight Street has undergone a complete transformation. The gangs have gained more knowledge and insights, their territories have expanded, and they have gained more profits.]
[The gangs outside were dealt with and occupied, and were controlled by the gangs in Twilight Street, and then became more orderly and disciplined under your restrictions.]
[People who become refugees due to disasters will also be absorbed by the gangs, and other countries outside will no longer have to worry about the refugee problem because Twilight Street will help solve it... There is no need to bother other countries to deal with areas where social order collapses due to disasters. They find it troublesome anyway, so just leave it to Twilight Street. The gangs will handle it efficiently and quickly.]
[Except that people's lives may be a little harder in the future, but at least they are stable, at least they can eat and survive, right?]
[But of course, in this situation, it is inevitable that some people... well, will have some other ideas. To be more precise, some kind of "desire" will begin to grow.]
[This is human nature, a "sin" that people are born with, and it is like a rolling stone on a mountain, difficult to stop.]
————————
"I beg you to forgive me, Father, for my sins."
The man lay trembling in front of Nozomi, with his head buried deep and his forehead resting on the cold floor, his tone filled with fear and determination.
"I betrayed the people here and leaked the news, causing the supplies that were supposed to be transported here to be looted and my companions who were escorting the supplies to die or go missing, all for the sake of the money given by the outsiders."
"Father, I am...guilty."
He finished talking about his [sins] with a trembling voice, and at the end, his tone became resolute.
"I know it, and [She] also knows it."
Nozomi sat in front of him, his golden pupils glowing slightly as he looked at him, and he had an unquestionable and irresistible temperament.
"It is understandable that the family is in hardship, and it is also reasonable for them to hope that their children can get treatment."
Nozomi whispered something he had not mentioned before, which made his body stiffen. He subconsciously raised his head and looked at him with expectant eyes.
"Of course, betrayal is a serious crime, so the punishment is two months."
But Nozomi's next words shattered his expectations...or rather, brought him back to reality from his unrealistic fantasy.
Then, the feeling of being burned by fire came from his throat, causing him to kneel on the ground, holding his neck and groaning in pain... He didn't dare to scream or speak because that might aggravate the pain in his throat.
Moreover, he knew that this kind of "punishment" was already very light. Even if he had taken the initiative to come and confess to reduce the "punishment," even if the priest had reduced the "punishment" further out of consideration for his "difficulties," this degree was still very light.
After all, betrayal is a serious crime and deserves to be judged. Now it is just "punishment," which is enough to show the mercy of the priest, so he has no complaints.
"Thank you for your kindness."
He even endured the pain and thanked Nozomi with unclear words, and kowtowed to him slowly and firmly. When he realized that Nozomi had withdrawn his gaze and was no longer looking at him, he slowly stood up, covering his throat, and slowly left.
"..."
After leaving the church, he walked slowly and firmly. Even though the burning sensation in his throat was tormenting his spirit, he did not collapse due to the pain. Many people greeted him enthusiastically along the way. Seeing his painful appearance, they seemed to understand and showed pity to him, asking if he needed help.
But he refused them all and walked slowly to a designated building alone. Under the instructions of the guard who had been waiting for a long time, he entered the building and met someone.
"Hey, you're back alive."
The man who was obviously the leader looked at him trying to hold back the pain, smiled without seeming to be surprised, and spoke briskly.
"You see, you don't have to worry at all. That priest is extremely kind. Even if you did something so extreme, as long as you have a little bit of hardship, your [punishment] will be reduced. Well... although I know it will still be painful, but at least you won't die immediately, right?"
The man stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, and then saw his slightly disgusted and urging look.
"Don't look at me like that. You did this voluntarily, didn't you? You need money, and I happen to have it. Besides, your [Punishment] won't kill you directly. As long as your will to survive is strong enough, you can hold on until the [Punishment] ends... Of course, all this is based on the premise that the priest will not judge you again."
After that, the man motioned for his men to bring a bag, unzipped it, showed him the bag was full of cash, and then handed it to him.
"So... you understand, right? Use this money to take your child to where you want to go, find a good doctor, find a matching organ, and then... don't worry about anything, don't say anything, and live a good life. Do you understand?"
"..."
He nodded wordlessly and left with his backpack.
"…Pfft, look, isn't this a success?"
The man watched him leave, and when the door was closed again, he laughed out loud again.
"That priest isn't a god, he's just someone with special powers... and he's also a very merciful person. He can arrange for some "people with problems" to do something and then confess their sins to him, and his "punishment" will become extremely light. As long as they don't violate the "rules" he set, he won't do anything."
There was a hint of pride in that person's words.
"Look everyone, there's nothing to be afraid of that priest. As long as we continue to follow this method, we will become even stronger until we swallow up the other gangs! We will do what the previous leader couldn't do!"
"Go ahead, find those [people with problems], recruit them, and let them contribute to our cause."
"Of course, if we can't find those [people with difficulties]... well... you know what to do."
The man gently supported his chin with his thumb and slightly bent the other four fingers to cover his raised lips.
"Just create some difficulties, um... just like this time."
"Okay everyone, let's get going, for our future."
The man ordered his men to work.
...
...
In the church, Nozomi offered his prayers to "Her" as usual, and at the end, he tightly grasped the slightly hot cross pendant and slowly left a mark on the wall, which represented that he had completed the day's prayer.
The traces are composed of four vertical and one horizontal lines, forming the shape of "卌". One group represents that Nozomi has completed five days of prayer.
If it were usual, Nozomi would return to the small house behind the church at this time, start to wash up and prepare to rest, but today, he went to the original warehouse location first.
But now the warehouse has become the residence of a girl.
Knock Knock——
"Meow!?"
Nozomi knocked on the door politely, but the sudden noise seemed to disturb the girl inside, causing her to let out a somewhat panicked and cute cry, followed by the sound of a pile of items falling to the ground.
"…Pardo?"
"Ahahaha... yes... it's the boss. What do you want from me?"
The girl, whose full name was Pardofelis, carefully opened the door a little, and poked her head out like a kitten to look at Nozomi, with a slightly embarrassed and guilty expression on her face.
"Don't worry. I have no intention of punishing you...as long as you don't steal again."
"I...I, I, I, I don't have any more. Boss, I picked up all those things. I confirmed that those people didn't want them anymore. I didn't steal them!"
Pardofelis seemed to be frightened and spoke immediately, her speech so fast that there were no normal pauses or separations.
"I know, and [She] also knows, so I came this time just to ask you to do something."
"Phew... I'm scared to death..."
Pardo patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief. Then she seemed to remember that Nozomi was still in front of her, shrank her neck slightly, and asked.
"Um... Boss, if you have anything to say, just tell me directly."
"Go and inform all the [leaders] to return within two days. They must be present in person and cannot be replaced by confidants."
"Well..."
These familiar words made Pardo's breathing stagnate, and her eyes unconsciously met Nozomi's strange three-color eyes that shone like starlight.
"Yes."
As if seeing her confusion, Nozomi nodded.
"[The Judgment] is coming."
"..."
The somewhat heavy topic made Padua Felice silent for a while, but she soon breathed a sigh of relief because she knew that all the [trials] conducted by Nozomi had reasons, and those who were [punished] deserved it.
Then, it is time for her, the [messenger], to take action.
"Oh, there's one more thing."
Before Pardo left, Nozomi called her softly again, and after sensing her for a moment, he spoke again.
"…It will rain late tonight and last until tomorrow morning. Please remind everyone to pack up the clothes that have been hung out to dry and keep the doors and windows closed."
"...hai."
To be honest, the topic was quite different... But Pardo was used to it. After confirming that Nozomi had nothing to tell her, she left as nimbly and quickly as a cat.
"..."
Nozomi glanced at the door that Pardo forgot to close, pushed it slightly open, glanced at the room that seemed messy because of too many sundries, shook his head helplessly, and helped her close the door.
Although she did give up her habit of stealing under his supervision, she still retained the habit of "collecting"... and became a "collector" who collected all kinds of rare and weird gadgets.
And then there's the way she addresses her "boss"... Never mind, just let her be. It's just a title, and she has due respect for Him, so that's enough.
Immediately, Nozomi turned back to his room, washed himself simply, and went back to the church to rest while waiting for Pardo to return.
The child is very fast and will be back before the rain falls to just notify him.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Elysia_Husband
Elysia_Husband hope you enjoy~
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone