The news of the Evil God's spawn being Purification spread quickly through the Nighthawks Squad as if it had grown wings, and was then reported through emergency channels to the Holy Cathedral of the Evernight Goddess Church.
Although the incident was contained to a very small area, its severity was enough to enrage the Church's high-ranking officials and draw serious attention. A defected Archbishop (Ince Zangwill), a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact (0-08), plus an Evil God's spawn that almost successfully descended... any one of these alone would be a major event capable of causing an uproar.
The Holy Cathedral dispatched an Investigation Team led by a Senior Deacon. Its members included experienced Nightwatchers and Mystery Pryers skilled in reconnaissance. They conducted the most meticulous inspection of the scene and repeatedly and thoroughly questioned every Nighthawk involved in the operation, especially Dunn, Klein, and Leonard, even employing certain examination methods involving memory and Spirituality.
Dunn had already prepared his statement. He emphasized Klein's crucial warning role through Divination, highlighted Leonard's brave distraction, and attributed his own performance to "acute intuition regarding danger," "rich experienced judgment," "a bold intervention in Magoes's residual consciousness at the critical moment" (this part was half-truth, concealing the existence of the Simulator), and "a bit of luck"—such as the temporary enhancement provided by a potion obtained during a certain "Ancient Ruins Exploration" (this was how he explained the source of the Genetic Stabilizer, claiming it was a single-use consumable).
His narrative was logically clear and rich in detail (thanks to the real experience of Keen Observation), perfectly fitting the image of a dedicated, experienced captain who dared to take risks at crucial moments. Although the Investigation Team harbored a slight doubt about the source of the potion, this doubt was suppressed in the face of Dunn's flawless performance and the conclusive results of the battle.
The final investigation report identified Captain Dunn Smith as the central figure who "turned the tide" in this incident. The report highly praised his calm command, accurate judgment, fearless spirit of sacrifice (risking entry into the core battlefield), and his outstanding tactical vision in finding and stimulating Magoes's residual consciousness at the final moment, thereby creating the decisive opportunity for victory.
Naturally, Klein Moretti's warning and crucial strike, Leonard Mitchell's heroic fighting, and the supplementary support from other team members were also recorded and recognized with corresponding commendations.
The existence of Ince Zangwill and 0-08 was formally confirmed, and the Evernight Goddess Church issued a highest-level Joint Arrest Warrant to the major Orthodox Churches worldwide.
A few days later, the Commendation Order from the Holy Cathedral officially arrived at the Blackthorn Security Company in Tingen City.
In the slightly solemn conference room, the Senior Deacon personally read out the order. Due to his outstanding merit in this major incident, his steadfast faith, and his adherence to the Goddess's Doctrines, Dunn Smith was exceptionally promoted to Sequence 6: Soul Assurer! Simultaneously, he was awarded the "Medal of Darkness," which represents the highest honor within the Nighthawks!
When the ancient-looking medal—with a Dark Holy Emblem symbolizing Tranquility and Eternal Slumber inlaid in the center, surrounded by patterns of olive branches and stars—was pinned to Dunn's chest, all the team members gave warm and genuine applause. In their eyes, besides their usual respect, there was an added measure of heartfelt admiration and gratitude. It was this Captain who led them out of that near-fatal crisis.
Klein looked at Dunn, his eyes complex, holding admiration, relief, and perhaps a faint, imperceptible bewilderment regarding the fate that had been changed. Leonard grinned, seemingly sharing in the honor.
Dunn touched the slightly cool medal on his chest, his mood complicated and hard to describe. He had changed his destiny, gained promotion and honor, but all of this was built upon countless struggles in Life-and-Death Simulations and direct confrontation with an Evil God.
"praise the goddess," he said devoutly, lowering his head. This time, his words seemed to carry a trace of genuine understanding that he hadn't possessed before, an insight gained after truly experiencing the brink of death.
After the ceremony, the Senior Deacon detained Dunn privately.
"Captain Dunn," the deacon's gaze was deep, as if he could see into the heart of man. "The Holy Cathedral holds your performance in this incident in very high regard. Especially your final handling of Magoes's Consciousness Fragments—it was extremely... subtle, one might even say it exceeded the capability scope of an ordinary Sequence 7 Nightmare."
"Your Excellency the Deacon, the situation was critical then. I merely relied on instinct and past experience dealing with similar contamination incidents to make an attempt. Perhaps it was the Goddess's blessing that made my Spirituality exceptionally clear at that moment."
The deacon gave him a long look, did not press further, and simply nodded: "Perhaps. The Goddess's gaze always watches over her devout followers. The Soul Assurer Beyonder Potion and the Advancement Ritual Guide will be delivered to you shortly. This Sequence requires a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Death and Tranquility. I hope you can master it successfully."
"Thank you for the Holy Cathedral's trust. I will do my utmost," Dunn replied respectfully.
He knew that the Church's high-ranking officials might have developed some interest and curiosity in him, but as long as the Simulator's secret was not exposed, everything was within controllable limits. Sequence 6 Soul Assurer not only meant an increase in strength but also a rise in his status within the Nighthawks system and more trump cards when facing greater crises in the future.
can continue reading on Patreon. Fully free chapters are available there
Patreon: patreon.com/CrimsonInk