Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Quite the Talent
This mole’s experience wasn’t just some vague advice. It was a comprehensive process, complete with multiple real-world applications and detailed notes. It was practically a textbook on being a mole.
Before every [Audience with the Saint]—that is, before studying the knowledge of the [Veto] system—he would make ample preparations. He would set up an [Orbit], calm his mind, clear away distracting thoughts, and perform a whole series of other procedures. He would also stop using any power from the [Suffering] system for three days beforehand and cut off all unnecessary social interactions.
In short, he would turn himself into an inconspicuous nobody.
During the actual study sessions, he would also maintain a clear mind and full concentration, never allowing the slightest thought related to the [Suffering] system to enter his head.
This method was not only highly efficient for learning but also very safe, allowing him to remain undercover for so long without being exposed. Even setting aside the whole mole business, this study method was worth learning from.
And aside from this experience as a mole, this guy also had quite an understanding of how to control, balance, and utilize the power of two systems. He demonstrated high combat prowess, at one point gaining the absolute upper hand. He fought one against five, overwhelming the team of [Hunters] to the point they were completely suppressed.
But that team of fox-masked [Hunters] was no pushover. They were seasoned veterans with seamless coordination. Although they were at a disadvantage for a time, they keenly sensed that their enemy’s [Rationality] wouldn’t last long. So, they adopted the smartest tactic: covering each other, preserving their strength, and relentlessly hounding their foe.
It wasn’t until the mole’s own [Rationality] collapsed, revealing a huge opening, that they struck ruthlessly, forcing him to flee in disarray and end up right in front of Lloyd.
After the whole battle, even though the mole had used every trick he had, he’d barely scratched them. The greatest "damage" he managed to inflict on the [Hunters] was, surprisingly, "getting on the subway first"...
’It really felt like a hunt, didn’t it? Patiently wearing down the prey, then seizing the opportunity to strike decisively. No wonder they call themselves [Hunters]...’
’But this tactical approach would only work against humans. If they used it against a [Demon], they’d probably have been driven mad by [Spiritual Contamination] long ago. It’s no wonder the [Saint’s Grace Court], which specializes in dealing with [Cult Heretics], hands over the fallen who are [Out of Control] to us at the [Holy Judgment Court] for processing...’
’Each [Judgment Court] has its own methodology and division of labor. Our [Holy Judgment Court]’s method of finding people to share the burden of [Spiritual Contamination] isn’t well-suited for dealing with [Cult Heretics].’
Through these combat-related [Memory Fragments], Lloyd ’saw’ the advantages and disadvantages of the dual-system approach in a very direct way. He also gained a better understanding of the infamous [Saint’s Grace Court]. All in all, he had gained a great deal.
He then went through the rest of the [Memory Fragments] in one go.
These last few were all the various delusions and fantasies of the mole named Williams. He imagined himself using the power of his dual systems to successfully rise through the ranks, then bully the men, tyrannize the women, and prey on the common folk.
In the end, he even began to fantasize that he could achieve [Extraordinary Ascension], be promoted to a [Saint], and rule the entire world. Clearly, his mind was already seriously diseased.
Through these increasingly frantic thoughts, Lloyd could roughly deduce his mental state. Even without the appearance of that team of [Hunters], he probably wouldn’t have lasted much longer.
’Finished. All in all, the rewards were quite substantial. Although this guy didn’t bring much [Madness Value] or any skill fragments, his experience is also of great value.’
After finishing his summary, Lloyd let out a long sigh, feeling as if the mental stress he’d been under recently had eased. He then thought to himself:
’Good! It’s settled, then. After tomorrow’s promotion ceremony, I’ll start looking into the [Veto] system.’
The combat power of dual systems was immense, but the drawback was that you went mad too quickly. This mole had fought with the people from the [Saint’s Grace Court] for less than ten minutes before his [Rationality] gave out.
But for Lloyd, this drawback wasn’t a major problem. The faster he went mad, the more points he could add. The higher his [Rationality], the slower he would go mad.
So, the faster he went mad, the slower he went mad.
So what reason was there to refuse the [Veto] system?
Besides, if he wanted to hold onto his long-term meal ticket at the [Holy Judgment Court], he would have to get involved with the [Veto] system sooner or later. This mole’s experience had conveniently taught him various methods for staying undercover and a better way to study, so naturally, there was nothing to hesitate about.
’You know... you had ability, talent, and cunning. If you’d stuck to the righteous path, you might have made something of yourself. But instead, you just had to get mixed up in gambling...’
’But since you did me a big favor, I’ll do you a small one. That ’[Free Style]’ [Association] that led you astray... just watch how I’ll deal with them...’
With that, Lloyd immediately launched a powerful offensive against this criminal syndicate—
He took out a pen and paper and began to write an anonymous tip to the [Saint’s Grace Court].
Don’t underestimate him just because he was a mole; he actually knew quite a lot. He had even specifically collected secret information on the ’[Free Style]’ [Association], organized it into various pamphlets, and hidden them in different locations.
In all likelihood, this was his backup plan. He probably intended to use this information as a bargaining chip to save his own skin if his cover was ever blown.
Lloyd wrote furiously, putting all the useful information into the anonymous letter, and finally nodded in satisfaction.
’Truly, I’m a brave young man who dares to fight against the forces of evil.’
............
The next day, Lloyd arrived at the office early. He changed into a new, silver-gray uniform that was hanging in the corner, then looked at himself in the mirror and sighed with a touch of melancholy:
"Sigh... With looks like these, I wonder which woman will be lucky enough to have me someday?"
With that, he hurried to the sixth-floor prayer room to attend the ceremony.
The ceremony was actually very simple. There were no gongs or drums, nor a crowd of onlookers. The only ones present were a few [Judges], two of whom Lloyd recognized.
One was Weiya, and the other was that [Drunkard] administrator.
’Why is this guy here?’
The process itself was also simple and swift. First, the [Chief Judge], who looked neither human nor ghost, personally handed him a long, narrow [Straight Blade]. Then, he was given an insignia representing his new status. Finally, the [Chief Judge] delivered a few encouraging platitudes directly into his mind, and the ceremony was complete.
Lloyd, however, seized the opportunity to request access to the [Veto] system, as well as to apply for a [Spiritual Object] to practice [Divination].
He still hadn’t found a suitable [Spiritual Object] and didn’t want to use his previous method of [Divination] to find one, so he took this chance to make a request.
The request was not excessive; it was part of the benefits he was entitled to. The [Chief Judge] naturally agreed on the spot, promising to make arrangements for him as soon as possible.
And with that, the promotion ceremony concluded perfectly.
