the early morning, the former bounty hunter, now dressed in his uniform, stopped moving, and the soft rustling sounds ceased behind the door.
In the mirror, a petite woman skillfully loads bullets into the magazine of her sidearm.
She wore a slightly loose black uniform on her upper body, and a long trench coat was tied at the waist with a black belt, creating folds to prevent the excessively long hem from hindering her movement.
His lower body was covered by a pair of relatively tight black trousers, similar in style to the equestrian attire often worn by nobles when hunting. The trouser legs were tucked into leather ankle boots along the straps.
Except for the absence of a gold badge indicating his identity, Hugh's attire at this time was almost identical to that of a formal member of MI9.
"Miss Deercha."
A deep male voice came from outside the door. Having finished loading his weapon and made all the necessary preparations, Hugh quickly tucked it into the holster at his waist, straightened his hat, and pushed open the door to go out.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Corosson, I'm still not quite used to it."
The oversized men's deerstalker hat almost completely covered the woman's head, and her frizzy blond hair was pressed down by the brim of the hat, with only one or two tufts occasionally escaping the hat's restraint and stubbornly sticking out from under the gap.
"No need to apologize. To be honest, it was our abruptness to recruit an untrained informant to join the operation midway."
Egron Corrosson glanced at the former bounty hunter, who was a full head shorter than him, before quickly turning his face away, pulling a file from under his arm, and saying indifferently.
"Trentost's invasion of the Kingdom's colonies in the Highlands was something we couldn't have foreseen, otherwise this mission wouldn't have been arranged so hastily."
"I've looked at your resume. You came to Backlund at the age of nineteen, lost your father at a young age, and have a younger brother?"
The resume that Egron mentioned was a 2.0 version that the intelligence department had revised and filled in the gaps in Hugh Deercha's false identity, enriching various details and making it even more difficult to see the relationship between Hugh Deercha and the former chief of the royal guard.
"Yes." Hugh nodded, puzzled, unable to guess why Agrodron would suddenly bring up her background.
"The Second Empire of Trensost, in the Kingdom's propaganda, is a barbaric and backward country, much like the former Byron Empire, composed of natives of the southern continent," Egron said, bowing slightly and looking at Hugh. "But in reality, the Second Empire of Trensost is very different from the Kingdom's propaganda. This is not a secret within MI9, and even among some Backlunds, but in other counties, very few people have a correct understanding of our enemy country."
He casually stuffed the useless file, filled with a bunch of nonsense and invalid clues, back into the folder under his arm, stroking the newly grown beard on his chin with a complicated smile on his lips.
"They are very powerful. In terms of military strength, the legion we deployed in the Southern Continent, the elite army of Yuanlunsost, is just a pretty origami lion, all show and no substance."
"I served in the Southern Continent Legion for nearly ten years. My deepest impression of Trensost is their army. If they can afford to support such an army, they can't be too weak in other aspects."
"Therefore, the kingdom's propaganda about them cannot be taken as a reference at all. If you believe the lies fabricated in those newspapers and books, I'm afraid you will have a hard time surviving in the following operations."
Egron Corosson's words could almost be described as blasphemous.
If all she had to do was copy down the conversation verbatim and hand it over to the mysterious masked man she usually dealt with, she could send Egron Corosson to a military court.
MI9 had always assigned her two tasks: to act as an informant in cooperation with the authorities, and to contact and monitor Egron Corrosson's every move during operations.
However, Hugh had no intention of reporting Egron; on the contrary, she was very interested in Egron's "deviant words."
Fors also commented on the Loen government's propaganda against Trensost within the country in this way. Her friend called it the most blasphemous slander against the empire and the Creator, and a manifestation of the Loen government and the Augustan royal family's cowardice, incompetence, and fear of the enemy.
"Trensost has many methods of obtaining potions, except for a few that cannot be popularized within the system. This is particularly evident in 'War Red,' which is Trensost's elite force, as well as the core of the Church of the True Creator—'Aurora Society,' and the notorious underground rat 'Secret Order.'"
Despite being completely unaware of his temporary subordinate's inner thoughts, Egron meticulously explained the essential knowledge Hugh needed to understand for the upcoming operation, demonstrating his utmost dedication.
"The Ninth Division's mission for me is to thoroughly investigate the gathering of wild Beyonders in Backlund and prevent foreign spies from infiltrating." Seeing that Egron had mentioned something she was concerned about, Hugh seized the opportunity to say, "There are indeed quite a few foreign Beyonders at the underground gathering of Beyonders in Backlund; I've encountered quite a few before..."
"However, Mr. Egron, according to an extraordinary person from Intis who believes in the 'Eternal Sun,' isn't the 'Secret Order' an intelligence agency under the Intis government?"
"What you just said seems to imply that the true object of the 'Secret Order's' loyalty is Trensorst?"
This is Hugh's true story.
During a transaction at an underground gathering, the "Sun" pathway extraordinary individual, commissioned by her, habitually preached to the unknown trader after completing purification treatment.
As a follower of the goddess of night, Hugh had no interest in listening to another god's fanatical followers slander other faiths. If Fors, who was accompanying her, hadn't given her a meaningful look, she might have turned her back and left on the spot.
Fors's rhetoric was shrewd. Without deliberately leading the conversation, he simply echoed the "Eternal Sun" believer's final praise of the "sun," and then gradually steered the topic toward Intis, until the conversation delved into the dangerous minefield of Intis's political situation.
Hugh believed she would probably never forget what happened that day.
When the topic turned to the republican government and the Eighth Bureau, which acted as a lackey of parliament, the irrational "Eternal Sun" believer and royalist supporter could no longer suppress his primal urges. He launched into a tirade against an organization called the "Secret Order," denouncing them as shameful traitors who had killed the legitimate monarchy and Emperor Roselle...
From that day on, the name "Secret Order" was firmly rooted in Hugh's heart, constantly piquing her curiosity.
Previously, Fors had revealed her identity to her, and she had considered inquiring about the "Secret Order," but she didn't want to directly ask her friend who seemed to have a close relationship with the "Secret Order," which put Fors in a difficult position. However, today, Egron brought it up, giving her an opportunity.
"That's why I say the 'Secret Order' is a lowly underground rat."
Egron realized that his temporary subordinate's purpose in asking the question was impure, but he did not stop the conversation.
If it were two months ago, he would probably have demonstrated the true level of a "dream walker" the moment he noticed this clue, using his abilities to uncover the true intentions hidden behind Xiu's question.
However, he has no such intention now, and even if he sees a problem, he is too lazy to uncover it.
He knew very well that MI9 had assigned him support personnel not to expedite the investigation of the underground gathering of extraordinary individuals, but rather as a form of relatively lenient surveillance, a silent reminder.
Egron pursed his lips, seemingly unconcerned.
"'The Secret Order' is an organization with a long history. Their origins even predate the founding of the Kingdom of Loen. It is a secret society supported by the true Creator."
"If you want to explain them clearly, I'm sorry, I don't know much about them either. As for the relationship between Intis and the 'Secret Order,' I can tell you about it, as it involves a part of our next mission."
With leisurely steps, Egron walked to the only sofa in the room, sat down, crossed his legs, and clearly did not intend to start working anytime soon.
Since they've already wasted a lot of time, what's wrong with lingering in the safe house a little longer?
"The composition of the 'Secret Order' is very complex, but the main channel they control is the 'Diviner' channel, and it is said that their leader is also an angel of the 'Diviner' channel."
"This path is not good at direct combat. Their Sequence Six is called 'Faceless Man'. They can change their appearance and become other people. They are natural-born intelligence infiltration experts."
Egron leaned back on the sofa, using simple and easy-to-understand language as much as possible.
"The Secret Order played a part in Roselle's ability to quickly seize power and overthrow the rule of the Sauron family after he turned against the 'God of Steam and Machinery'."
"These 'faceless men' may have replaced many high-ranking officials within the royal government at the time, thus dismantling the government led by the Solon royal family from within. This is something our government fears encountering."
"You mean the government is worried that 'Faceless Men' have infiltrated Backlund and are lurking among the wild Beyonders, waiting for an opportunity, which is why they ordered us to thoroughly investigate the underground Beyonder gatherings?"
Hugh shared his understanding.
"It's not that I'm worried. It's certain that the 'Faceless Men' are lurking in Backlund, probably for who knows how many years," Eggron raised his hand slightly and looked out the window. "It's just that the situation has been tense lately, and they're scared."
In reality, the "Faceless Men's" disguise isn't that omnipotent. They can't imitate extraordinary abilities from other sources. Unless they do detailed work, there will still be flaws in the details. After all, the "Faceless Men" can only imitate appearances, unlike extraordinary individuals from the "Audience" and "Corpse Collector" sources, who can find ways to read other people's memories.
With the protection of the Archbishop in the West End and Queens, and important figures being subject to restrictions, the Kingdom government and MI9 are likely worried that the "Faceless Men" might be targeting the large middle class and making some underhanded moves.
Egron couldn't understand what his superiors were thinking, so he could only obey orders.
"In short, during the operation, do not reveal your identity and intentions casually. Just participate in the gathering normally and treat yourself as an ordinary wild extraordinary person."
"We are just spectators. Our purpose is censorship and protection, not to carry out violence. There's no need to be too nervous."
As he spoke, Egron stood up from the sofa.
"Moreover, the 'Faceless Man' is not the only enemy. Extraordinary beings with a tendency to go out of control, hidden cult members, and outsiders from other countries and faiths are all things we need to be wary of."
"Our job is to screen and identify potential problems, understand?"
Looking up slightly at Egron's serious expression, Hugh slowly nodded.
"clear."
...
Inside a dark house in the West District.
Emlyn, who had been dragged out of the Harvest Church by the vampire Marquis Nibais's men, reluctantly sat on a rickety, dilapidated chair, surrounded by many men and women, some draped in robes and others with masks covering their faces.
This is an underground gathering of extraordinary individuals. The identity and strength of the organizer are unknown, but his gatherings have been successfully held for several years without any rumors of riots among the participants. He is considered to have a good reputation among the wild extraordinary individuals in Backlund.
Why couldn't they have chosen a better place...? Vampires have far superior senses than ordinary people. With every breath Emlyn took, he could smell the lingering musty odor in the air, tormenting his nose.
It's such a waste of time. I'd rather help the priest clean the church; at least the church is clean... As Emlyn's thoughts drifted, he suddenly heard a member of the gathering speak.
"I want to sell a 'moon puppet'."
"Moon Puppet"... Emlyn's heart skipped a beat. He pulled his scattered attention back and turned to look at the party member who had just spoken, only to find two other pairs of eyes looking at him from elsewhere.
He opened his senses and smelled a strange, faint odor of camphor balls mixed with medicinal substances.
At the same time, the man wearing the black iron mask took out a wooden puppet of moderate size and showed it to the surroundings:
"A friend of mine discovered a small burial site deep in the Pass River Valley in the southern continent, and this puppet was inserted into the right eye socket of one of the corpses."
The other members of the gathering carefully examined the puppet in the hands of the man with the black iron mask, but Emlyn subtly leaned back, instinctively wanting to keep his distance from the puppet.
He had never heard of such a thing, but he recognized some of the features on the puppet.
It has a slender body, and the entire wooden stake is carved with crescent-shaped eyes and mouths, as well as dried grass and flowers embedded in it.
No vampires live in the Pass River Valley, and there have never been any. Could it be a blasphemous creation of the "Primal Moon" believers?
Emlyn was unsure of the puppet's exact origins, but his restless inspiration told him that he had to keep his distance from the puppet in the man in the black iron mask, and it would be best to leave now.
No, that won't do. Leaving now could be dangerous; the followers of the "Primordial Moon" might be nearby...
If they fall into their hands, unless protected by the "Father of All Beings," the Mother Goddess, and the Primordial Ancestor, otherwise...
Although he disliked attending activities and dances organized by the elders of his clan, he still went a few times due to his parents' persuasion. Of course, he also heard some of the chatter of barons who had retired from the front lines at the dances.
None of the vampires captured by the followers of the "Primal Moon" have had a good ending!
Even His Majesty's own sister, Princess Ortina, died at the hands of the "Rose School." No matter how proud Emlyn was, he didn't think he could compare to the Blood Moon Queen's own child.
Thinking of this, Emlyn suppressed his panic and did not get up, but moved his seat back a centimeter or two more imperceptibly.
A gaze swept over from a corner of the party. Most of the participants did not notice Emlyn's subtle movements, and the man wearing the black iron mask was still introducing the puppet.
"Neither my friends nor I could confirm what the puppet's purpose was, but we suspected it was not simple and might be hiding a big secret."
"60 pounds, just 60 pounds, you can take it away. This price is very fair. Even if it really has nothing to do with the mysterious realm, it is still a good antique. You can sell it for a good price at a museum that collects artifacts from the Southern Continent."
"In other words, spending a maximum of ten pounds to buy a surprise is more stable than stocks, which should be a worthwhile opportunity for you to try."
...
"A very tempting argument, but why doesn't he keep it for himself? It's an opportunity and a surprise, isn't it?"
In the corner of the room, Egron gazed at the focal point surrounded by the assembled crowd, deliberately lowering his voice to speak in a whisper that only the two of them could hear.
Hugh didn't reply. He straightened his upper body and tried to raise his gaze to see more clearly.
"That's what Egron said again."
"Pay attention to men in suits at eight o'clock; they might be suspicious."
"Why?"
Hugh lifted his buttocks, half-stood up, and pretended to straighten his robes, glancing twice in the direction Egron had indicated.
"His reaction was a little different when the name 'Moon Puppet' was mentioned earlier," Egron said in a cold voice, turning his head slightly and observing the man with black trousers and leather shoes peeking out from under his robe. "And look at his posture, he's very reserved, subconsciously adopting a defensive and wary stance, as if he might run away at any moment."
"He may not necessarily have any connection with the 'moon puppet,' but he probably knows what the puppet represents, otherwise his reaction wouldn't have been so strong."
"and..."
As he spoke, Egron suddenly let out a loud, sneer, which caused a participant in the front seat to instinctively turn his head to look.
Waiting silently until the participants in front shifted their attention again, Egron explained under Hugh's resentful gaze.
"Didn't you notice that the man wasn't wearing a mask?"
"He chose a very large robe, which could indeed cover most of his features. With the oversized hood down, unless a candle was held right in front of his face, no one could see his face clearly."
Upon hearing this, Xiu took another opportunity to look diagonally forward and found that he could only occasionally see the tip of the man's nose peeking out from under the brim of his hood; apart from that, he could not see any other facial features.
Comparing her analysis with that of Egron, she scanned the room and indeed found that, compared to the other participants, including the party organizer sitting directly in front of everyone, only he maintained a high level of vigilance towards the mysterious puppet, even actively avoiding any possible observation of it and keeping his eyes fixed on other directions.
"However, he forgot that many mid-sequence Beyonders have good night vision, and some special low-sequence ones do too," Egron continued. "If everyone were a wild Beyonder, of course they wouldn't care, but what if someone isn't?"
After saying that, he looked away, lowered his head to examine the pattern on the floor, and let out a long sigh.
"Red eyes, that's a characteristic of vampires."
"They worship the moon, well, especially the blood moon."