Endless Debt

The secret brought back by Bologue stirred a silent storm within the Order Bureau. Extraterrestrial visitors, the Terminal World, the final conflict, and more; each piece of information was enough to shake the Order Bureau to its core, let alone when they all surfaced together.

To prevent leaks and chaos, these pieces of information have been sealed by the Decision Room, known only to a select few like Bologue. Although Bologue hasn’t met everyone, he can imagine that their massive shells have fully stretched out, emanating steaming heat.

After some persuasion, Mamo obediently stayed at the Border Sanatorium. Even though he’s an elder, his value to the Order Bureau and humanity remains exceptional.

Not just for the wisdom within Mamo’s mind, but also for his power as a Seeker of Glory, even if his Alchemy Matrix is generations behind.

Regarding Bologue’s meeting with the All Secrets Order, it did not go as smoothly as he imagined. According to other informed staff, the All Secrets Order is negotiating with Nesanel.

This negotiation has lasted several days, and while what they are discussing isn’t clear, everyone can sense the mounting tension. Like smelling the fresh scent of soil before a storm, the staff are inexplicably anxious.

"As an heir of the Clarks and a typical representative of the extraordinary aristocracy, what do you think they’re negotiating about?"

In the combat room, Bologue moved his body while asking Palmer, hoping to get some answers from him.

"What else would they negotiate about? Probably autonomy, maintaining their independence within the Rhine Alliance."

Palmer threw out the Storm Feather, and the flying knife decomposed and multiplied in the air, transforming into a dense flock of birds that swooped in with a scream.

In the past, Palmer could only roughly guide the trajectory of airflow. But after advancing to a Negative Power User, his Secret Energy was further strengthened, allowing Palmer to distort the airflow into a small storm and precisely control the flock of birds, making them hover and dance over his head, producing a piercing noise.

"Independence..."

Upon hearing this word, Bologue couldn’t help but frown. In his vision, all forces must unite and cooperate, and the actions of the All Secrets Order are contrary to his beliefs.

"Yes, Independence. Previously, the Order Bureau could have agreed to their conditions, but this time it might be quite difficult."

Palmer added, "Everyone can feel that war is approaching, and everyone is nervous. During the Fury of the Scorched Earth, the Rhine Alliance responded in panic, having neither the time nor energy to deal with the All Secrets Order, so their existence was permitted. But after so many years, the Order Bureau has grown into a formidable monster.

Now, with war imminent once again, the Order Bureau won’t allow the All Secrets Order to stay out of it, which is evident."

Bologue glanced at Palmer twice, "You’re smarter than I imagined."

"It’s basic common sense for an heir, alright." Palmer retorted.

Palmer said, "Next, either the All Secrets Order will be persuaded to unite and cooperate, or a civil war will occur within the Rhine Alliance before the war comes, addressing these destabilizing factors."

"A civil war?" Bologue pondered, "An incredibly swift civil war, quelling internal dissenting voices."

"It seems the purpose isn’t just that," Palmer added, "Haven’t you heard the recent rumors?"

"What rumors?"

Bologue, being so focused on his work, never pays attention to the whispers among the staff.

"There’s a rumor that the Rebellious Royal Court can operate so freely within the Rhine Alliance because of the assistance from the All Secrets Order." Palmer raised his hand, calling back the Storm Feathers.

Calmly catching the dagger, Palmer wiped the blade with the corner of his clothes, looking up at Bologue, "The All Secrets Order has also sensed the approaching war and fears being unified by the Order Bureau, choosing to cooperate to some extent with the Rebellious Royal Court to ensure their independence."

"I know about this; we previously discussed it with Hart," Bologue continued, "Using this card to threaten the Order Bureau? It sounds too foolish."

"I think so too, so there must be some insider information we’re unaware of."

Palmer nodded, sliding the dagger back into his waist, "But honestly, in my opinion, the cooperation between the All Secrets Order and the Rebellious Royal Court isn’t particularly surprising."

"You know how arrogant those guys are. I once thought their only difference from the Night Race was that they’re not Undead." Palmer sneered twice as he spoke.

"If a civil war really breaks out, do you think we can end the fight quickly?" Bologue asked.

"I don’t know... I think it depends on which side has more Seekers of Glory," Palmer continued, "I also heard the Order Bureau is gathering Seekers of Glory, so we should have the advantage in numbers."

Seekers of Glory.

The destination on the Path of Transcendence, the pinnacle of power available to Condensers in the present world.

Though Seekers of Glory are often mentioned, and many do exist in the current world, truly few can be deployed into an extraordinary war.

The reason is simple: the generational gap in Alchemy Matrix Technology is too vast.

The bodies of Seekers of Glory have undergone high Etherealization, their lifespan reaching human limits. Therefore, there are many remaining like the old, immortal Seekers such as Mamo, but unfortunately, these aged Seekers aren’t suitable for deployment on the battlefield.