Seeing that everyone was extremely dissatisfied with 004, 002 could only ask, "003, 006, what do you think?"
003 said, "I haven't been here long, and I know far less about 004 than all of you. So when it comes to the death vote, I choose to abstain."
006 sounded even more helpless, "This is my first meeting. I haven't even finished introducing myself. Other than 002, I don't know a single person here. How am I supposed to vote? If I cast a vote, that would be irresponsible to everyone. I can only abstain."
After thinking for a moment, 002 said, "This matter must receive support from at least one of 000 or 001. I'll ask them and give everyone an answer in a couple of days."
005 interrupted, "No need to wait a couple of days, 002. Contact them right now."
"Now? I can't reach either of them right now."
"I can."
After saying that, intermittent signal sounds came from 005's projection screen.
A short while later, a hoarse voice sounded from the other side.
["Hello, 005. What is it?"]
"001, just reporting to you. We're holding a death vote."
["A death vote? On whom? 004?"]
"Impressive. I didn't even tell you, and you already knew. That's right. It's a death vote on 004."
001 was silent for a moment.
["On this matter, I agree with 007. 007 can speak for me. Also, I've said this before. Unless it's related to that person, don't call me."]
"Alright, got it."
Beep! Beep! Beep!
005 ended the call.
It was obvious that 007, Olov, would vote in favor, so 001's position was effectively a vote in favor as well.
Yet throughout the remote meeting, whether it was 002, who wanted to protect 004, or 005 and the others, who wanted him dead, no one spoke.
Their minds were full of questions as they tried to understand why 001 supported 007's decision so strongly.
A fallen phoenix is no better than a chicken. Olov was no longer who he once was, so how could he still receive 001's approval?
002 spoke, "005, I honestly didn't expect you to still be able to contact 001."
005 smiled, "001 belongs to everyone, not just you, 002. Why shouldn't I be able to contact him?"
"001 said you could contact him if you had information related to 'that person.' Who is 'that person'?"
"Heh! There's no way I'm telling you. Why don't you ask 001 yourself?"
"Let's not go that far. Let's talk about 004's death vote," 005 added, "If 002 hadn't kept protecting him because you wanted to use him to maintain balance with Qi Tian, I would have started a death vote against him long ago. Excluding 004, who is being voted on, and 003 and 006, who abstained, there are seven of us in total. We already have five votes: 001, me, 007, 008, and 009. The death vote against 004 has already passed. Next, we should discuss who provides the money and who does the work..."
"No, it hasn't," Olov interrupted 005's conclusion, "I never said I support the death vote against 004. Don't make decisions for me. At least for now, it still hasn't passed."
005 sounded unhappy, "007, you were the one who expressed dissatisfaction with 004 first. Everyone got worked up because of what you said, and that's why I proposed the death vote. Why are you going back on your word now?"
Olov took a sip of strong coffee, "Everyone has free will and can make their own choices. Do you have a problem with that?"
"I..."
"Forget it. Do whatever you want."
Once an arrow leaves the bow, it can't be taken back, especially when you're the one proposing to kill someone.
In the past, 005 would have argued forcefully and might even have cursed 007 out.
But today, he unexpectedly backed down.
Olov had received strong support from 001. The others still had no idea why and no longer dared treat him the way they used to.
Then another thought occurred to them. 002 had said earlier that today's meeting was organized at Olov's request, which meant 002 also strongly supported Olov.
Olov said, "I can vote in favor of the death vote, but I have one condition, after 004 is killed, you are not allowed to frame any wanted criminal above Snake Card 10 for it."
"Huh? 007, why? If we kill 004 and don't pin it on a Snake Card member, who do we blame? Someone has to take the fall."
"Exactly. Other than a wanted criminal above Snake Card 10, who would have the ability to get through so many obstacles and assassinate a regional commander? 007, even jokes should have limits."
"I think not only should it be pinned on a Snake Card wanted criminal, but it would be best to choose someone above K. Otherwise, it won't be convincing."
Listening to everyone argue against him, Olov let out a cold laugh, "You people are really good at pretending."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Olov leaned back and tapped the armrest with his knuckles, "You're all making a huge fuss about killing 004. Do you think I don't understand what you're really after? You want to kill 004 and then claim the credit for your Snake Card identities. You want to use this to climb into the Joker position. Am I right?"
"What Snake Card identity? 007, what are you talking about?"
"How could we possibly have Snake Card identities?"
"Exactly! We are sworn enemies of the Annhilation Church. How could we complete missions for them? 007, don't throw false accusations around."
"The fact that I haven't exposed certain things over the years doesn't mean I don't know about them," Olov sighed, "I really don't know what goes on in your heads. Instead of trusting people like 000 and 001, who have known you from the beginning, you choose to trust those charlatans from the Annhilation Church who came from other Safe Zones. They say monks from outside seem better at chanting scriptures. The old saying wasn't wrong."
"007, that's enough. Without any evidence, what right do you have to slander us?"
"Whether it's slander or not, you know the answer yourselves. Since all of you insist that framing a Snake Card member is normal, then let me choose who gets blamed for 004's death. Do you agree?"
"007, you..."
"I agree," At that moment, 002 voiced his support, "Anyone here could have connections to the Snake Cards, but 007 definitely doesn't. You want to kill 004, and I can't stop you. But I won't agree to using 004's death as an offering to the Annhilation Church."
003 also spoke in support, "The previous 003 died at 007's hands. He handled it cleanly. I believe that if he decides who to frame, there won't be any personal motives involved."
After hearing that, 005, 008, and 009 could only reluctantly agree as well.
Only 006 sighed from the side, "More than an hour has passed, and I still haven't had a chance to get to know any of you..."
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