Why ask me? How could they possibly ask me?
Behind the round fan, Lynch's eyes flickered with wariness.
This was too abrupt. Would anyone hand over such an important task to someone they had just met? Wasn't he worried about... Well, actually, there didn't seem to be anything to worry about.
Thinking carefully about his current identity, the Swelling Daughter was their most important partner, and he was her representative. He had even taken out her grimoire to intimidate them earlier. There was absolutely nothing suspicious about his identity.
Moreover, he supposedly came from the Swelling Daughter's small world and rarely set foot in the mortal world. He had no ties to any faction and no reason to shield anyone, making him the absolute best candidate to find the mole.
On top of that, in their previous operation, the ritual only stood a chance of proceeding smoothly because she had ultimately stepped in to retrieve the gem. If she didn't genuinely want the ritual to succeed, she could have easily ruined the operation by simply doing nothing.
Hiss, it seemed he had overdone it a bit while building his identity over the past few days. With his current persona, Mayor Howard would probably suspect every single person in the villa before he ever suspected him.
What if I just say Walker is the mole?
As Lynch's gaze swept across Walker's face, the leader of the Rangers suddenly shuddered, looking at the doors and windows in confusion.
There are no drafts. Why does it feel like a cold wind just blew past?
Forget it, he couldn't keep shearing the same sheep. He would let Walker off the hook this once. First, business. He had been worrying about how to uncover the full story, and now the perfect opportunity had practically fallen into his lap.
“Hehehe... A very interesting proposal, but I refuse.”
Playing hard to get and retreating to advance, a meaningful laugh echoed from behind the round fan. Lynch tried his best to mimic the behavior of the monsters he had encountered in the monastery:
“Just because I enjoy watching the show doesn't mean I want to become a part of it. Watching from the sidelines is more than enough for me.”
“Ms. Selene, this matter concerns whether the ritual can proceed smoothly, which in turn will directly affect our transaction with that lady,” Mayor Howard said, frowning solemnly. “The stakes are high. Please consider it carefully before making a decision.”
“Isn't that even more amusing? What does your transaction with the Swelling Daughter have to do with me, Selene? If you want my help... Heh.”
“I understand.” Howard glanced at Walker, seemingly recalling the latter's recent encounter, and nodded thoughtfully. “Rest assured, we won't ask for your help for nothing. However, given your unique tastes, I assume you have absolutely no interest in mortal money and worldly goods.”
Oh no, I shot myself in the foot... Well, actually, don't assume too much. I really wouldn't mind if you crushed me to death with Lande pounds.
Unfortunately, Lynch only dared to think it but not say it. He could only maintain an enigmatic smile.
“How about this? The content of our transaction with that lady is information regarding another manifestation grade mystery relic,” Mayor Howard said after a moment of deliberation. “When the transaction takes place, we will hand the information over to you, and you can report it to that lady. This is an achievement surely grand enough to please her, so it should...”
Hiss, this risk was definitely worth taking. To get such explosive information right off the bat... Trading information about a manifestation grade mystery relic that an evil god was interested in to obtain that mirror—so this was the truth behind their deal with the evil god.
He should quit while he was ahead. Obtaining such core secrets was a great bargain. Besides, a rank five mystery relic that even an evil god was interested in would surely contain a Divine Authority fragment. The Divine Authority of this mirror was merely Copying, which was completely useless to him, but that other relic might be different.
“I need to see your sincerity.” The gaze behind the round fan grew cold. “The name of the mystery relic.”
“The Miracle of Light.”
Light? The neighbor.
【...】 Silence.
Alright, I get it. At least there's some connection.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Lynch adopted an indifferent tone and said, “Tell me the full story behind this matter. Remember, regardless of whether you think it's useful, and even if it's something I already know, tell me everything in detail.”
“This...”
“If you want my help, we do things my way. Otherwise, find a way to solve it yourselves. That is my consistent attitude.” Lynch chin-gestured toward Walker. “I have my reasons for asking this. It is your problem if you do not understand. Now, start with why there are so many inexplicable people here.”
His domineering attitude actually dispelled Mayor Howard's suspicions. He finally felt at ease enough to slowly unfold the entire conspiracy before Lynch.
Through certain channels, Prince William had obtained information about the Gate of Falsehood and Reality from a secret intelligence organization. By following the method they provided—which required sacrificing over three hundred lives, and an additional three to five lives for every entry—he had finally established contact with the Swelling Daughter's small world and concluded a deal.
To obtain the Gate of Falsehood and Reality, they had to simultaneously perform a complex ritual in the mortal world and the Swelling Daughter's world. The ritual required ten participants, five on the inside and five on the outside.
These special personnel had been gathered from the outside. Some had legitimate identities, while others were wanted criminals like Pirate Davis. There were twelve of them in total, recruited under various pretexts. None of them knew this was related to a manifestation grade mystery relic; they all believed it was simply a rather dangerous ritual.
As for why they had to find outsiders for such an important ritual, Howard did not explain in detail, only saying it was a necessary condition for the ritual. Lynch did not press further, already realizing from the other party's attitude that these people would likely end up dying in the ritual. They were essentially important cannon fodder.
Those currently staying in this manor were these bizarre participants and their entourages.
But now, a problem had arisen. Mayor Howard and Walker had discovered that there were moles among the twelve participants, and more than one.
With everything in place, they could begin preparations tomorrow and officially hold the ritual in three days. The sudden turn of events made Howard extremely nervous. If these key participants caused trouble during the ritual, it could easily lead to failure, forcing them to start all over again. And there was no guarantee the Swelling Daughter would cooperate a second time.
They had to identify the moles within three days to ensure the ritual proceeded smoothly. However, both Howard and Walker were far too conspicuous to conduct the investigation themselves, and everyone else was a suspect. They needed someone with no conflicting interests who was absolutely trustworthy.
Naturally, that candidate was Ms. Selene from the Swelling Daughter's faction.
“You certainly have an eye for people,” Lynch said with a half-smile.
“Of course. Living in the mortal world, having an eye for people is the most important skill.”
Mayor Howard adjusted his monocle, smiling with reserved composure.
“I have another question. Everything has been fine for so many days, so why did you suddenly confirm there are moles? Did something happen?”
“Actually, we had our suspicions before, but we lacked evidence until something happened a few days ago.” Howard gestured to Walker, who quickly checked the doors and windows to ensure no one was eavesdropping. Only then did the mayor lower his voice. “You know about that Lynch and Valente today, right? They secretly obtained the method to contact that lady.”
Lynch narrowed his eyes, a shadow of gloom crossing his mind.
“To stop them from investigating further and to force the mole to expose themselves, we leaked this information to the twelve participants upon the suggestion of a certain gentleman. As a result, not long ago, someone broke into the Valente residence and destroyed those contact materials. This makes it painfully obvious that there is a mole in this manor. We must find and eliminate them. Otherwise, to ensure the ritual's safety, I will have to consider calling it off temporarily.”
That won't do. Delay brings trouble. To ensure the ritual can proceed smoothly, I must find this mole and teach them a lesson. How dare you have someone burn down my friend's house? Just you wait, I'm coming for you.
“Very well, I agree.”
Lynch nodded with a sinister smile.
“Then, let the game begin.”
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