Could this be specifically aimed at me? Kline was startled, instantly becoming unusually alert. As someone who had repeatedly experienced such situations, he had developed a certain "persecution delusion." "Indeed, that's entirely possible... Just upon my arrival on Orlavi Island, the 'Tree of Desire' conveyed a vision to Fletch Ken, initiating the entire plan. When I first met Bilt Valandru, the members of the Celestial Order performed a ritual that caused the wandering substitute to starve to death." "If the target is Admiral Emirius, the plan must ensure that he loses his substitute—either because he can't find another ally or because there's no alternative way to conceal it. Clearly, this remains uncertain, as my involvement stands as proof. "If the target is me, however, all these issues become understandable." Kline controlled his facial expression with the abilities of the Clown, silently gazing at Fletch Ken. With this hypothesis in mind, a cascade of further questions arose in his heart: "But how did they know that Bill特. Whitehead would come to me? "Germán Sparo's ability to become anyone's informant was originally transmitted by Tracie in the midst of illness—an unpredictable factor beyond the control of the 'Tree of Desire.'... "Indeed, this could also be viewed from another angle: precisely because this information spread and I arrived at Orlavi Island, the 'Tree of Desire' sent its revelation, thus propelling this matter forward. "Yet the central question remains: why did It choose to contaminate me?" My animosity toward the Rosé School hasn't reached the point of drawing the attention of a deity, much less a demon god. It's merely comparable to what Miss Sharon and her companions accomplished—slaying a Sequence 5 Haunting, a Sequence 6 Undead, and a Sequence 7 Werewolf, seizing the "Deep Crimson Crown" and the "Biological Toxin Vial." Yet, the hunt specifically targeting the "Champion of Blood" has not only been interrupted but effectively abandoned before it even truly began, having achieved only the defeat of the steel-wielding Mavithi. The retribution that might arise from these events could hardly surpass the rank of Saint. Could it be that I possess a unique quality—some kind of resonance forming immediately upon my arrival on the island with the atmosphere and objects emanating from the "Tree of Desire"? Yet, during my time in Beckland and Tinggen City, I didn't observe any unusual reactions among the relics left behind by the deities. "Also, I had previously consulted the oracle atop the Haze, and it foretold that the wanderer's death was a mere coincidence—not orchestrated by any mythological being or a '0'-level sealed entity. Yet the outcome is otherwise... Is this the first time the oracle atop the Haze has truly been disrupted? Disrupted in a way I didn't even notice?" Klein's thoughts stalled, realizing this was the most serious issue. Previously, when matters involving the '0–08' had come up, he had only received ineffective insights—not actual disruptions of the outcome! Therefore, was it a force surpassing the '0'-level sealed entities? Was it the 'Desire Mother Tree' itself directly interfering, and was it truly a divine being? Yet, the Seven Gods generally find it difficult to directly influence the real world—they usually require specific rituals... Ah, I also consulted the oracle atop the Haze regarding the danger level of my role as Emirius, and it predicted that the situation was manageable—its outcome fully aligned with what actually unfolded—and yet, that one remained undisturbed? Klein found himself more and more puzzled by the entire matter. Most perplexing of all was this: if the pollution was meant to target him, why had he encountered only relatively simple trials—none of the severe challenges—and managed to resolve the issue with ease? It made the arrangements of the "Tree of Desire" seem utterly absurd! As the weight of that profound sense nearly crushed Foltier Ken, Klein spoke again, reaffirming his suspicions. To his surprise, throughout this week, the Celestial Sect had never conducted any ritual seeking interference from the "Tree of Desire," nor had they made any special preparations in response to the failed plans. Strange indeed. Klein pulled out a coin, letting it tap once against the table as a final confirmation. Even without relying on divination, he was nearly certain that Foltier Ken had not been lying. First, the man's mental state had collapsed, rendering him incapable of constructing a coherent explanation. Second, Foltier Ken's responses were logically sound and aligned with several details Klein had deliberately omitted. Tap! The gold coin landed in the open palm, the king's head facing up, indicating affirmation. Combined with the divination statements, Caine finally confirmed that Fletch Ken had not been lying. Setting aside his lingering doubts, he looked steadily at Fletch Ken and asked without a single smile, "What specific actions have you taken that have violated the kingdom's laws or social customs?" Fletch Ken paused for a few seconds, his mental state suddenly improving. In his view, the schemes involving General Emery were the most serious offenses—those most likely to provoke the current dignitary—and the rest were merely minor issues, not worthy of half-divine attention. By skipping over the significant points and moving to more ordinary matters, it suggested that he might yet secure a favorable outcome. Fleurette Ken couldn't help but offer a somewhat subtle smile, quickly explaining: "I once orchestrated a night of torment for a family, driving them to the brink and ultimately killing them, casting their bodies into the jungle, then securing a substantial fortune through forged documents. I deliberately encouraged many believers to indulge their desires, watching them gradually wither in emptiness and remorse, becoming nourishment for the 'Tree of Desire.' I deceived numerous wives, claiming to help them liberate their natures and achieve spiritual salvation, only to claim them for myself. I also subjected several believers who sought to rebel against the faith to slow, relentless torture—mainly removing all the protuberances from their bodies, one by one..." He went on listing his crimes, as though determined to leave nothing unspoken. Crayne listened in growing disbelief; he had never imagined humanity could be so deeply flawed. As Foltier Ken grew more and more excited, he noticed that General Emirius rose expressionlessly, walked around the desk, and stood before him, lifting his left hand. At the center of that hand, a terrible mouth split open, its two rows of ethereal teeth stark and cold. "No! No!" a piercing, terrified cry echoed throughout the study, lingering without fading. After a while, Caine bent down and picked up the gray-white luminous orb that resembled a miniature brain. This was the extraordinary trait of the madman! Unfortunately, when Foltier Ken was brought in, he had already been searched and left with nothing—no cash, no personal belongings. Clack! Caine snapped his fingers, and the remaining fragments of clothing caught fire. He glanced at the initial healing of the wound on his left shoulder, then sat back behind the desk, remaining silent in the quiet, dancing crimson flames for a long time. Only when all traces had faded into insignificance did he pull the corresponding ropes, causing the bell outside to sway and ring. Lueran, the blonde secretary, was unsealed and stepped in, instinctively surveying the corners. "Instruct the guards and personnel at the base to work in coordination with the Orlavi police system to conduct a thorough clearance of the Celestial Sect—ideally, uncover leads and arrest several members of the Rose School." Caine issued the order with steady composure. "Yes, Sir," Lueran replied respectfully. He did not ask where Fleet Ken had gone, as though the leader of the Celestial Sect had never existed at all. "Admiral, Mr. Auston hasn't yet departed by steamer, and the new governor, Ben Conner, has sent a formal invitation to you, extending his hospitality for a dinner this evening." Near noon, Lurian knocked and entered to report. Ben Conner... the man taking over from Governor Auston... As far as I know, the Viscount Conner family has long been loyal to the royal house; it's likely that Talim met Prince Edsack while teaching equestrian skills to the Viscount's young son. Klein nodded gently, absorbing the nuanced emotions of Emilius Levet. After a moment of silence, he said: "Inform Governor Conner that I have sustained some injuries from an assault by the Celestial Order and therefore will be unable to attend the dinner. Please extend my apologies." "Yes, Admiral." Lurian made no attempt to persuade, and quietly withdrew from the room. A half-god is entitled to a certain degree of autonomy! As long as he hasn't been involved in any conspiracy and hasn't made a serious mistake, no matter what he does, he will never be held to strict account—because any faction would gladly welcome a half-god! Watching Lyur'an's silhouette fade into the doorway, Caine gave a barely perceptible nod and sat back down behind his desk. The calm day soon passed. Near midnight, Caine, who had been sleeping in his guest room, suddenly awoke and sat up. His intuition told him someone had entered the room! Caine focused his gaze toward the window and saw a middle-aged man in a tailored suit. He had black hair and blue eyes, with a slightly downturned mouth—none other than Admiral Emeric! Ah, he's finally back... Caine rose slowly and asked cautiously, "Did you give me anything beforehand?" He was concerned that Admiral Emeric might be using the same 'faceless' disguise as himself. Admiral Emeric stood there, serious, and replied, "The Ninth Law seal. "Before Germán Spáro could speak again, he took two steps forward and asked calmly, "Has anything happened recently?"...克莱恩 controlled the muscles in his face and said, "Your secretary made a mistake and sustained some injuries." "Hmm? Anything else?" Admiral Émilien nodded thoughtfully.克莱恩 made a conscious effort not to shift his gaze, maintaining steady eye contact. "Your brother has been relieved of his governorship; a new governor has taken office." "Your Lady Cynthia has transformed into a monster and has been purified by me." "Several of your guards and servants have also been infected and are currently receiving treatment..." "...", Émilien's expression could not help but grow increasingly astonished. His eyes flickered slightly, as though questioning whether he had indeed arrived at the right place. It's only been three days! ps: Normal updates resumed today.