240. Deputy Inspector
Martial Abbey, Capital.
A black sedan came to a halt in front of the towering hall.
On both sides, the entrances to the Vampire Hunters and H.A.R.M. were crowded with prodigies from various States who had come for the Martial Abbey Cleansing.
They turned around and recognized the pattern on the sedan.
It was fine—just an Admiral.
Then they saw the young man step out of the car.
"An Admiral, so young?"
"It's just an illusion technique—an old man pretending to be young."
They whispered among themselves while maintaining respectful bows on the surface.
One of them suddenly exclaimed, "It's him—the ten-times guy!"
He vividly remembered his bad luck. He was about to receive his Cleansing last time when a young H.A.R.M. General cut in front of him and received ten cleansings in a row.
Afterward, the Martial Abbey temporarily closed the Cleansing for seven days. He had urgent matters in the State, so he had to abandon his Cleansing opportunity and has only just returned.
Though the young general had changed from his cold, dark armor into civilian clothes, his face remained as calm as ever.
Damn it! Coming right on time, are you?!
The Vampire Hunter's hands began to shake.
"Let me in! I was here first!"
He rushed into the Vampire Hunters' headquarters.
… …
"I'll go submit the documents. Wait here a moment. You're unfamiliar with this place, don't wander off." Theodore Montgomery gave a quick instruction before floating toward the right wing with the prepared report.
This visit to the Abbey was on business, and even an Admiral had to follow proper procedures.
"Alright." I stood quietly in place.
A moment later, a figure in black robes emerged from the great hall. The old man's eyelids drooped as he glanced at the young man. "You've returned but don't come in? Why are you standing outside?"
He beckoned. "Follow me."
"Reverend Thompson, it's a pleasure to meet you. However, I came with a colleague."
I bowed slightly and glanced toward the H.A.R.M. headquarters. I had always respected those who willingly offered their treasured artifacts.
"Don't worry, I'll send someone to call him over later." Reverend Thompson shook his head, seemingly unconcerned about a Spirit that was about to fade away. He led me toward the spacious courtyard behind the Martial Abbey.
Watching the two leave, the remaining people were dumbfounded.
The Abbey Keeper just left like that? What about the Cleansing?
What could be so important in Cascadia that would make the Reverend Abbey Master abandon them so casually?
Surely it couldn't be that Cascadia was being invaded by vampires?
Besides, even if vampires were invading, the people of Martial Abbey—given their temperament—would most likely remain indifferent.
After a while, Theodore Montgomery floated out from the headquarters.
He noticed everyone staring in the same direction.
What was there to see?
Theodore subconsciously looked in the same direction, then suddenly realized: "Where's John?"
… …
"So, have you finally come to your senses? Or has something happened again in Cascadia?"
Reverend Thompson walked unhurriedly ahead.
He had previously warned the young man that the path of Realm Breaking was far more arduous than he imagined—a thousand years might seem long, but it passes in the blink of an eye.
For Realm Breakers, lifespan is always the most precious thing.
What surprised him was that John Kane had come to his senses much faster than he had anticipated.
"If it's about Cascadian matters, don't bother asking, although you are a Martial Abbey disciple..."
"Honorary disciple," I softly corrected.
"I know that!" Reverend Thompson turned back irritably. This young man was truly unfathomable. For others, becoming a true disciple of the Martial Abbey would be considered a blessing from their ancestors, yet he not only refused to take advantage of the situation but honestly corrected the statement.
It was absurd to the extreme.
"Even if you are an honorary disciple of the Martial Abbey! We simply cannot spare any resources."
Reverend Thompson spoke the truth. Though their group of Seekers of Redeemer were superior in rank to the Admirals, without condensing their golden bodies, they couldn't overwhelm a Vampire King. If a confrontation dragged on, it would leave the Abbey defenses vulnerable.
Reverend Thompson spoke the truth. Though their group of Seekers of Redeemer were more powerful than the Admirals, without condensing their golden body manifestations, they couldn't overwhelm a Vampire King. A prolonged confrontation would leave the Abbey defenses vulnerable.
If any Wards of Nature were available, he wouldn't mind requesting one or two masters to assist John, considering his talent.
But at present, there truly was no one available.
"Cascadia is fine for now," I said, shaking my head.
"..." Reverend Thompson eyed me silently, doubt filling his heart.
Fine? If things were truly fine, why would Theodore Montgomery appear in such a miserable state?
He had assumed John had been sent to the Capital for refuge.
The two entered a courtyard, and before they could sit down, someone hurried in. "Reverend, Theodore Montgomery from Cascadia has submitted his duty report for your review."
Calvin Thompson furrowed his brow, detecting a subtle detail in the person's words.
There was no title before Theodore Montgomery's name.
He reached out to take the report but noticed the person first bowed to him, then turned to John Kane with a smile. "Admiral Kane, pleased to meet you."
I acknowledged the greeting with a nod and a smile.
"Hmm?" Reverend Thompson casually opened the report and glanced at the young man with interest. "So you've been promoted to Admiral."
Even though he didn't hold H.A.R.M. in very high regard, he couldn't help but be surprised.
Last time, the young man was already the youngest H.A.R.M. General Calvin Thompson had ever seen, and now, just two or three months later, he had become the youngest State Admiral in history.
After reading the duty report word for word, Thompson's expression remained unchanged. He simply waved his hand, dismissing the H.A.R.M. messenger. "Bring Theodore Montgomery in. I'll see him shortly."
Only the two of them remained in the courtyard.
The old man in black robes unhurriedly sat down on a bamboo chair and smoothed his robe. "Albany Laurent is taking over as Admiral, yet unnecessarily had you serve as a temporary replacement. If I'm not mistaken, it's because you consumed something you shouldn't have."
"It's written so vaguely—do you take me for a fool?"
Reverend Thompson looked up and snorted coldly.
Theodore Montgomery had been unable to defeat the Vampire King, and both were severely injured. At that point, someone needed to step up and finish the job.
Obviously, with John's formidable talent—his unprecedented ability to completely absorb golden body energy in New Terra's history—breaking through to the next realm would be perfectly natural given sufficient power of faith.
After Theodore Montgomery sustained severe injuries, he handed the Admiral's key to John without the Martial Abbey's authorization, using the young man to eliminate the wounded Blood Moon.
Fearing the Martial Abbey's rebuke, he submitted this deliberately vague duty report.
"Emergencies require exceptional measures. We are hardly inflexible people." Reverend Thompson gestured for the young man to sit down.
"..."
My eyes reflected a hint of admiration. As expected of an Abbey Reverend serving the Golden Body—truly as wise as the Martial Abbey's patriarch.
The explanation I had prepared in advance was now unnecessary.
I sat down across from him without further comment.
"Ridiculous. Why would my Martial Abbey disciple… honorary disciple, need to serve as a temporary Admiral of Cascadia?"
Calvin Thompson raised his eyebrows. Sure enough, his guess was correct—the young man was now speechless.
He said calmly, "Since you've returned, focus on practicing the Redeemed Spirit method. As for a position to receive devotional energy, there's a vacancy for Deputy Inspector in H.A.R.M. You can fill that position for now."
"What is an Inspector?" I asked, trying to maintain a neutral expression.
"It's Deputy Inspector," Reverend Thompson corrected, finally finding an opportunity to correct me in return as he smiled with satisfaction. "Above the Nine States Admirals, there's one Inspector and two Deputy Inspectors who oversee the H.A.R.M. headquarters."
"Theoretically, only Wards of Nature can serve as Inspectors. They're responsible for touring the Nine States and resolving vampire threats. You don't meet the requirements."
Having granted such a favor, he felt obliged to explain his reasoning. Otherwise, judging by this young man's demeanor, he might simply assume it was his due.
The old man looked at him. "However, the Inspector is currently not in New Terra, and both Deputies have unfortunately perished. These positions have remained vacant until now. Since you came from H.A.R.M. and have slain a Vampire King, you can hold the title without administrative duties—receiving devotional energy without breaking the rules."
"Of course, if you're bored and want to work at the office, that's fine too. Just don't feel embarrassed when you can't help those Admirals and Generals who come seeking assistance."
"I understand," I replied after listening quietly.
I gazed toward the grand Martial Abbey with a hint of emotion.
It had been a long time since I'd enjoyed such thoughtful treatment—like when a starving person is first offered a table laden with beef, chicken, and seafood, then finally wine is brought out for fear they might choke.
"Very well, come with me to see Theodore Montgomery. Afterward, you can also meet your fellow disciples."
Calvin Thompson rose unhurriedly. "Although it's called the Martial Abbey, it's essentially no different from a Martial Order. Those people are somewhat like your senior brothers and sisters. In the future, if you have questions and I'm not available, you can seek their guidance."
"Thank you, Reverend Thompson," I said as I rose to my feet, following his lead.
"No need for such formalities anymore. If you respect me, just call me Senior Brother Thompson."
Calvin Thompson's eyes softened. He had finally welcomed this talented prodigy into their ranks—truly a blessing for the Martial Abbey.
"..."
Theodore Montgomery was ushered into a room, looking utterly bewildered.
Then he saw the missing John Kane, and in front of him stood an elder in black robes—none other than the Abbey Master Reverend Thompson.
"Reverend, Theodore Montgomery reporting for duty," Theodore said with a salute. Both were Seekers of Redeemer, though the elder was of the Upper Realm. Theodore knew Reverend Thompson could see him despite his spiritual state and dared not show any disrespect.
After completing his greeting, he secretly glanced at me.
Didn't I tell him to wait outside? How did he manage to meet the Abbey Master before me? He worried that John might slip up.
After all, while John possessed great power, he clearly lacked eloquence.
"Why are you making faces? You know to pay respects to me but become mute before your direct superior?" Reverend Thompson glared at him.
"Direct superior?" Theodore stared at me in astonishment. I gave him a slight nod, signaling that everything had been explained.
But... how did he get promoted?
He hadn't even "given away" the achievements yet, and even with all the merits, how could John possibly attain that position?
Above Admiral, what other position could there be except Inspector?
Had he revealed himself as a Ward of Nature?!
It wasn't just John Kane who had ascended to Ward of Nature—there was also Aisha Patani in Cascadia. If this were exposed, it would inevitably bring many troubles.
Theodore Montgomery took a deep breath, suppressing his concerns, and respectfully saluted. "Nice to meet you, sir."