Chapter 278
Chapter 278
Chapter 278
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 278 – Lan Qi Never Mentioned a Word
On Sunday, most of the people walking the streets of Helrom carried the leisure of the weekend. Only near the solemn temple of the Annihilation Knights was it still so deserted and quiet.
Before long, footsteps broke the silence. A man and a woman hurriedly crossed the front square of the temple.
They wore none of the distinctive garb of the Annihilation Knights’ temple staff. The young man in a long coat kept his gaze steady but locked on the clock, while the woman, clad in silver skirt-armor, followed beside him with an easy, carefree expression.
After confirming the time, both simultaneously quickened their pace, as if something important drove them forward.
Just as they were about to reach the main doors, two knights in dark gray armor crossed their lances, blocking the way.
Lan Qi did not slow down. He stared directly into the knights’ eyes, holding a silent conversation with nothing but his gaze.
Perhaps it was this aura of unquestionable authority—or simply that they had recognized the pair’s faces—that made the guards relent. Quickly, they stepped aside, no longer daring to hinder the two figures.
The spires and stone walls of the temple were cold and unyielding, yet inside the great hall was filled with bright light.
At the far end of the temple, behind a heavy oak door, lay a vast meeting chamber.
The domed ceiling soared high, designed in intricate arches that gave the space a sense of authority. Tall windows lined the side walls, their panes of handcrafted stained glass framed in thick lead. When sunlight streamed through, it broke into mottled beams of color, like time and history intertwining in the chamber.
At the center stood a round table made of rare imperial ebony, its surface polished to a mirror sheen. Rows of high-backed chairs with dark leather trim encircled it, several already occupied.
Besides the other survivors of the final assessment, a man in a dark gray suit sat on one side, along with two Archpriests. The priests wore the distinctive robes of the Annihilation Knights, with sacred emblems on their chests haloed in violet radiance.
“……”
Sandel’s Direct Subordinate sat there with a stern expression, documents in hand. His sharp gaze seemed to pierce every thought in the room, and his fingers tapped the table like a conductor waiting for the right cue.
Though it seemed the meeting could begin, clearly some key members were still missing.
Everyone’s eyes occasionally flicked toward Sandel’s man, awaiting his judgment as the presiding officer.
Only seconds remained before the scheduled time.
If those two troublesome ones did not arrive, the meeting would proceed without them.
Then, as the silence stretched, the doors opened once more. Two figures stepped in.
They did not look like cutthroat criminals—yet they stood out among the butchers, arsonists, death-singers, and eyeball collectors already seated.
Sandel’s subordinate glanced at them briefly, then said nothing more.
Under the weight of every gaze, Lan Qi and Sid took their seats.
“Today’s meeting will be short—ten minutes at most,” Sandel’s man said casually, flipping through his documents.
First, following ritual and procedure, contracts were signed. The two Archpriests then awarded each new member the Proof of Resurrection – Annihilation (elite cleric insignia), along with the handbook of rules all Annihilation Branch clerics must follow.
“When you accept this emblem, you must understand—though the contract does not state it—if one day you choose to betray the Bishop of Annihilation, the consequence will be endless pursuit and vengeance. Do you understand?”
His voice was cold, lips pulled into a hard line devoid of a smile.
Every villain in the chamber nodded.
They had all accepted this reality long before they joined.
“From now on, your duties will be flexible. Here in the imperial capital, we don’t need much from you. But in the north, manpower is desperately short. This is a golden opportunity…”
He continued:
“Over the next month, you may depart or return at any time. Preferably, travel in groups of two or three to the northern provinces of the Empire. Track and hunt down spies infiltrating from the Kingdom of Aetherthalan. The local branch will support you. With merit, you may even earn direct promotion to Archpriest—or my own rank as Direct Subordinate.”
“Of course, solo action is also allowed, but you must report it to me in advance. The northern front is dangerous—high-level agents of Aetherthalan could target and replace you. Going alone increases risk and complicates verification. Teams reduce costs, acSidents, and the difficulty of confirming identities.”
“Once you decide your itinerary, file it with us. Travel expenses, lodging, and any advance funds will all be arranged. Money is not your concern. Returning empty-handed is.”
“……”
After his words, the villains exchanged meaningful looks.
Most had already built partnerships during the assessment.
But one question remained—
Should they attempt to draw in the two strongest?
The problem: both Lan Qi and Sid looked like loners.
Their strength and cruelty, however, were undeniable.
Yet before the others could make up their minds, Lan Qi and Sid had already exchanged a glance, then walked straight to Sandel’s man and filled out their travel plans. They had chosen each other as partners—and even deSided to go north together.
Just as after the retest, the two finished their business and left without lingering a moment.
The chamber remained silent long after.
“…Why do those two seem to get along so well?”
It wasn’t only the stunned villains; even the two Archpriests voiced concern, turning to Sandel’s subordinate.
Those two had strong egos. By all logic, they should have clashed at once—arguing over who would lead, who would give orders, perhaps breaking down in negotiation.
“It’s fine. Don’t worry. This is normal.”
Sandel’s subordinate allowed himself a faint smile.
Just wait until they tear each other apart.
That was a good sign.
The Archpriests quickly understood.
Neither of those two was trustworthy. They could never truly form a bond of mutual trust.
No—cunning villains like them would never strike openly.
They would only feign cooperation, waiting for the perfect chance to betray.
Which meant, ironically, there was no real threat at all.
…
Meanwhile—
From the vast gates of the Annihilation Knights’ temple, the main road stretched outward, flanked by low, sparse buildings.
This time, Lan Qi and Sid no longer rushed. They simply walked side by side for a few streets, until they reached a corner where their paths diverged.
“See you tomorrow,” Sid said, raising her hand.
“When I see you at school, should I pretend not to know you?” Lan Qi asked, waving back.
“No need. Just talk to me naturally.”
Sid flashed a carefree smile, then turned away.
Lan Qi nodded and continued south toward the Protos Royal Academy of Magic.
Tomorrow he would move into the school, ready to taste campus life again—though with a North Continent twist.
After turning a few corners, the crowd thickened. Unnoticed, a little black cat leapt out of his shadow, curling into his arms.
“Meow meow meow! I don’t want to play with you anymore!”
The Cat Boss thrashed wildly.
Son of Heaven, infiltrator of the Annihilation Branch, now tied to the Bishop herself, and about to stir trouble in the north—he’d never wash his paws clean of this!
“But think about it, Cat Boss,” Lan Qi replied calmly, “If I leave you in the capital, will you really be safe? The whole Empire of Protos has strangeness about it. If we keep acting by Ikerite’s logic, they’d brand us heretics and throw us in prison immediately…”
“Meow—this…”
On reflection, it was true. Staying anywhere in the capital was less safe than sticking by Lan Qi’s side. After all, the Bishop herself would shield him.
“I’ll say this up front—I haven’t joined the Resurrection Church, meow!”
The Cat Boss made a stern declaration.
As long as he wasn’t with Lan Qi when the boy landed on a wanted list, he’d be fine.
“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Just stay in my shadow, alright?”
Lan Qi patted the cat as they strolled.
“Sigh… Cat Boss, tell me. Why is it that when some people disguise themselves as girls, it looks so natural—while with others, it’s just ridiculous?”
“……”
“…Who are you mocking?”
The Cat Boss peered up at Lan Qi.
It seemed Lan Qi had never once spoken a certain name, yet everything he said circled that very person.
But the cat couldn’t tell who he meant.
By all rights, aside from Sid, Lan Qi didn’t know any woman who liked pretending to be younger.
Lan Qi only smiled, silent.
Some things—heaven knows, earth knows, the cat knows, and he knows. Thoughts are meant to be free.
(End of Chapter)