Chapter 198
Chapter 198
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 198 – Lan Qi Says Good People Get Their Reward
“What… what do you want me to do?”
Phoenix looked at Lan Qi, his voice trembling as he asked.
Since there was still a chance, even if only for his sister Phyllis, he would fight with everything he had.
“First, I need to be clear with you. Since you colluded with the Resurrection Church, committed attempted murder, and tried to cause a large-scale accident, prison is inevitable. However, if you sincerely plead guilty and behave properly, you can redeem yourself and potentially reduce your sentence… while in prison, if you mention me, I’ll personally assist with your case.”
Lan Qi explained clearly to Phoenix that the shortest prison term was fixed—crime equals punishment—and this had nothing to do with whether he wanted to side with Lan Qi.
“As for your sister, if she is indeed innocent, after a thorough verification by the Fate Goddess Church, she can be taken under High Priest Loren’s protection. I’ll ensure she transfers to Ikerite Academy; you won’t need to worry. Naturally, your sister will receive extra attention and protection from Dean Loren.”
“……”
Phoenix listened, pressing his lips tightly, fists clenched.
Lan Qi’s plan was undoubtedly the best possible outcome for the siblings.
Compared to the terrifying scenarios the Great Love Poet had described, Phoenix couldn’t imagine Lan Qi being any more benevolent.
Any reasonable person would know whom to trust between High Priest Loren and Destruction Bishop Ivanos.
Yet Phoenix worried.
Once he was imprisoned as a repeat offender,
his sister might suffer discrimination or live unhappily at Ikerite Academy.
The thought made him feel deep self-blame.
“Everything I’ve said is official business. As long as you are honest with Dean Loren, sincerely admit your mistakes and repent, all this will come true.”
Lan Qi continued speaking.
Ivanos had a rather cruel sense of humor.
Lan Qi knew that if the attack plan succeeded, Phoenix’s sister would likely be protected by the kind-hearted Loren after thorough verification in Hedon Royal Capital.
However, having an evil, murderous, terrorist brother who also killed academy students and innocent civilians would leave a lifelong mark on Phyllis, making her life at Ikerite forever overshadowed by malice and judgment.
Perhaps that was one of Ivanos’s desired “small endings.”
Lan Qi disagreed, wishing for a happy ending.
He wouldn’t allow Ivanos to succeed in any way.
“Phoenix, rest assured. No matter your crimes, I guarantee your sister will never face injustice at Ikerite Academy. Our school does not—absolutely does not—allow any bullying of students.”
Lan Qi spoke seriously.
“…!!”
Phoenix, hearing this, raised his head in shock; a faint light seemed to spark in his eyes.
Even assurances from Dean Loren wouldn’t have eased his worry, as private bullying or deep-seated prejudice could not always be prevented.
But a promise from the man before him…
was undeniably trustworthy.
No reckless student would act in a way that Lan Qi considered “wrong,” “unkind,” or “in need of correction.”
His love, though chaotic and twisted, was all-encompassing.
Even the outcasts rejected by humanity, those needing erasure, would receive his protection.
He treated all equally.
At this moment, to Phoenix, the warm light made Lan Qi’s figure shine, as if standing on a sacred shore, extending an olive branch.
Phoenix could hardly describe this act of salvation.
He had longed for his and his sister’s lives to sever ties completely with the Resurrection Church.
To allow his sister a life free from danger.
He hadn’t dared dream such a day could come, having grown numb and almost abandoned hope.
What he thought was forever unattainable was now right before his eyes.
Phoenix finally understood the fiery warmth rising in his chest.
It was like a simmering ember turning to blazing red.
Like faith ignited, it allowed him to give everything away, sleep without worry, fear, or trembling in the dark.
Even entrusting his life fully to this protector, he did so willingly and wholeheartedly.
“Mr. Lan Qi, I…”
Phoenix’s voice trembled, breaking open with near-overwhelming joy.
“I swear my loyalty to you!”
“Very well.”
Lan Qi nodded in satisfaction.
He had recruited another promising student.
As a principal, he had the duty and responsibility to save more young men and women straying down the wrong path.
On this Northern Continent expedition against the Resurrection Church, he resolved to recruit more first-year students.
He could not allow this evil church to destroy more youth!
Justice stood on his side!
“Now, let’s keep this conversation confidential. No one else, not even Loren, may know. Understand?”
“Of course. I’ve only met you once and was merely caught by you.”
Phoenix nodded.
“……”
Huperion glanced at Lan Qi discreetly.
She suspected that Lan Qi’s objectives on this Northern Continent trip had expanded…
Hours later, the rain had mostly stopped, but the sky remained gray, with no sunset in sight.
Talia’s attic looked particularly beautiful in the rain.
The sound of raindrops complemented the tranquility of the wooden loft, each drop adding a relaxed rhythm, syncing with nature’s breath.
The glass skylight on the wooden ceiling, dampened by rain, became a giant transparent canvas. Tiny raindrops tapped gently, gathering, flowing, and scattering, forming a constantly shifting watercolor against the night sky.
The delicate wooden grain on the walls looked deeper under the warm light, while the cozy furnishings, accompanied by the rain, seemed to wrap one’s heart in a warm blanket.
At this moment, the attic felt like a secluded little world, with only the sound of raindrops on the skylight immersing one in peace and harmony.
Talia was called downstairs to help as the receptionist.
Lan Qi and Huperion remained in her home.
Now, besides Talia’s recliner, there were two more chairs—one for Lan Qi, one for Huperion.
Since Huperion’s arrival, Talia seemed silently to allow Lan Qi to stay in her home.
“Another encrypted [Proof of Resurrection – Destruction] acquired, and also [Grand Puppet Theater] and [Destruction Spark], spells from Destruction Bishop—I suppose good people do get rewarded.”
Lan Qi looked at the magic cards in his hand, pleasantly surprised by the unexpected gain.
These were all obtained from Phoenix.
Phoenix was still confined in the warehouse; tomorrow morning, Dean Loren could take him directly, avoiding complications.
Rather than having Hedon Kingdom confiscate his cards, it was better to give them all to Lan Qi.
The two pink holy unbinding cards cost considerable materials and time.
Removing the soul bindings left Phoenix weak and made several card slots unusable for a long time.
This was the price of pink holy magic card unbinding.
Though Destruction Bishop Ivanos wielded [Primordial Slate – Fire] and symbolized disaster and annihilation, Lan Qi was also a card maker with knowledge of fire.
“These two cards are too dangerous; I must keep them safely.”
Besides giving [Proof of Resurrection – Destruction] to Huperion, Lan Qi kept [Grand Puppet Theater] and [Destruction Spark] himself, as controlling civilians or self-detonation weren’t suitable for Huperion.
“……”
Huperion still felt uneasy about these two cards being in Lan Qi’s hands.