### Chapter 20: Reaction
"The devil who thrust the entire Backlund into fear finally died."
"Who was the person responsible for this matter?"
"A golden crest was seen at the scene. Is this the new secret group rising in the dark?"
These were the headlines that filled the newspapers read by people throughout Backlund.
"What is the meaning of this golden crest?"
"I don't know, but I feel grateful to them. Backlund is finally peaceful again."
Such conversations were whispered in awe and gratitude as people pored over the articles.
---
### Saint Hierländ Cathedral (St. George Borough, Backlund)
"So, what do you think?" Ikanser Bernald shared the information respectfully with the person before him.
His tone, dripping with deference, revealed that the person Ikanser addressed was not ordinary. After all, few could compel a deacon to bow his head.
"Maybe this group is good," his teammates chipped in, their voices tinged with curiosity and hope.
"What do you mean? Do you still remember that they stole the Blasphemy card?" Ikanser retorted sharply, his eyes narrowing.
"No, we must treat this group as another dangerous, illegal secret organization. If they are so good, why do they operate in secrecy?" Horamick Hadyn, the Archbishop, finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
"I agree. I think this person must have a sinister motive behind their operations," Ikanser concurred with the Archbishop's statement.
"Then, what is the threat level of this new group?" one of the members inquired, his voice laden with concern.
"Look at this," Horamick Hadyn threw a pile of papers onto the table before Ikanser and the members.
"Is this true?" Ikanser said incredulously, his eyes scanning the documents.
"It was only a Sequence 5 Beyonder dying; why make such a fuss?" Daniel said, his voice puzzled.
Sighing deeply, Horamick explained, "It's not just that they were capable of dealing with Sequence 5 Ince Zangwill. What we should emphasize is the fact that they managed to kill Ince Zangwill, who was equipped with a Grade One artifact, before the members of the Evernight Goddess Church arrived at the scene."
"Based on the report, it only took four minutes for the Holy Cathedral members to arrive at Blackthorn Security Company. This means the Golden Crest member dealt with Ince Zangwill and the Grade One artifact within those four minutes."
"Not only that, but they also killed the devil dog that the Church found difficult to track. This means they have quite strong members on their side," Horamick continued, his voice steady but grave.
The Church of God of Machinery members, hearing this, began to reconsider and elevate the evaluation of this unknown group in their minds.
"So, how strong are they?" Daniel broke the silence, his voice tinged with both curiosity and unease.
"I think we should treat their existence like the Aurora Order," Ikanser said seriously, his face stern.
"What? Surely you don't think that this unknown group is on the same level as the Aurora Order, right?" Daniel countered, disbelief coloring his tone.
"No, Ikanser is right," Homidick joined the conversation, his voice calm but firm. "The fact that they are gradually revealing their existence to the world should be taken seriously. It means they have the confidence to defend themselves against the world right now."
"Not to mention their intelligence network. How did they know about the devil dog? And how did they know about Ince Zangwill's location so accurately that even the members of the Evernight Church were unaware of it? We should treat them as a formidable existence," Homidick continued, his words underscored by a sense of foreboding.
"Then, what is the name of this organization?" Daniel asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Golden Order. Crismir saw that name carved on Ince Zangwill's body," Ikanser answered, his voice steady.
"Alright, from now on, this group will be known as the Golden Order. All members of the church must pay attention to this group with the utmost seriousness. Understand?" Horamick commanded, his voice leaving no room for dissent.
"Yes, Archbishop," all the associates responded in unison, their voices resonating with resolve.
---
### In the Basement of Saint Selena Cathedral, in the Guardroom Outside Chanis Gate
Leonard Mitchell leaned against the back of his chair, his legs propped up on the table. His eyes were vacant, devoid of focus. Though he had been treated with ritualistic magic, he still looked dreadful, as if he had been saved from a serious illness but had not fully recovered.
Thud, thud, thud. Footsteps reverberated in the corridor.
Leonard glanced to his side and saw Dunn appear at the door of the guardroom, supported by a mature woman.
"We've received confirmation from the church. All of this was orchestrated by Ince Zangwill using artifact 0-08. Surprisingly, he was killed by someone from the Golden Crest, now known as the Golden Order. Their motive for killing Ince Zangwill remains unknown, except they took Klein's characteristics and the artifact. We suspect they are the ones who saved you and Dunn. We also don't know why Ince Zangwill's Beyonder characteristic was left intact even though they took Klein's characteristic. Our information about this group is too limited. The Red Glove will be dispatched to retrieve the artifact from this group," Daly Simone explained to Leonard, her voice calm but serious.
"So that's how it was..." Leonard drew his feet back and stood up, his green eyes flashing with passion and determination. He turned to Daly and stated, "I intend to apply to join the Red Glove."
"Ince Zangwill and the Golden Order... I feel there are layers of conspiracy behind this incident. I must find the truth at all costs!" Leonard clenched his fist, his resolve unwavering.
Daly, understanding Leonard's feelings, sighed softly. She knew she would feel the same if Dunn had been the one to die. For this reason alone, she felt grateful to the Golden Order.
"Is the funeral ready?" Leonard asked, his voice a mix of sorrow and determination.
"Yes, let's go. We should not make Klein wait any longer," Dunn said, his voice full of sadness, a stark contrast to his usual firm demeanor.
Daly, seeing this, held Dunn's hand more tightly and gave him a reassuring smile.
---
### At the Funeral
"The best brother."
"The best comrade."
"Guardian of Tingen City."
Klein saw the words carved on his tombstone, the gravity of the moment sinking in. To think I can still be alive... It looks like there is a secret to my transmigration, Klein mused, his mind racing.
The Golden Order and the secret of my transmigration—I will find the truth. To achieve that, I have no choice but to become stronger.
He strengthened his resolve, the sadness in his eyes replaced by an unwavering determination.
A city of hope, a place where many extraordinary events happen—this is my best shot to become stronger.
Here I come, Backlund.
The sadness in his eyes had been replaced by an unwavering resolve, the path ahead clear and resolute.