13 Mink Street

Chapter 128: The Devil’s Swamp

Long ago, an ancestor of the Allen family had wanted to use the finger of the God of Light to elevate their family faith system to a church system. It was an idea so arrogant and insane it bordered on the absurd. To protect her family and ensure their survival, Pu’er had stolen that finger.

As for Tiz, to a certain extent, his actions could be regarded as having stripped the Immers family of the church faith system. For the sake of his grandson, he had not hesitated to downgrade his family from a church faith system to a family faith system.

Climbing from the bottom upward was hard, while sliding down from the top was far easier.

It was a loss you could see with the naked eye, a deal so terribly disadvantageous that almost no one would choose to take it, and yet Tiz had done exactly that. When his grandson had said he wanted to go out and see the scenery, Tiz had personally made the most exquisite wings in this world.

This was the first awakening of Karon’s family faith system.

He realized he was standing in his home at 13 Mink Street, at the third-floor window. Instinctively, he walked towards Tiz’s bedroom and opened the door, but found no one on the bed.

He exited the bedroom and went to the adjacent study, but there was no one there either.

In the end, Karon walked back to the window and stood there. Gradually, he felt a familiar figure appear at his side. He turned his head to see Tiz standing there. The old man did not look at Karon, nor did he not speak to him. Tiz simply stood there, staring out the window.

This was because Tiz had once said that even if he was unconscious, he would still watch over his home and protect the people inside it.

Following Tiz’s gaze, Karon looked out the window, and the scenery suddenly twisted for a moment. In Karon’s mind, he recalled a scene Ms. Molly had described in her letter.

The next instant, a person stood at the gate to the front yard. It was an old man dressed in a priest’s robes: Rasma.

Ms. Molly walked over and spoke with Rasma, and then deliberately opened the gate.

Rasma stepped one foot onto the Immers property while keeping his other leg outside. His stance looked a little comical, and it was hard to imagine that the old man was the High Priest of the Church of Order.

As this happened, Karon noticed that Rasma’s eyes looked up at the window where Karon stood. Of course, Rasma was not looking at Karon, but was meeting Tiz’s gaze.

According to Ms. Molly’s account, Rasma had said, “Let that interesting fellow send a message home to let them know he’s safe.”

That sentence had finally prompted Karon into calling home.

However, while staring downwards, Karon saw Rasma undergo a change; The old man’s body seemed to split in two.

The half that leaned into the Immers’ yard still wore a gentle, benevolent gaze, like a kindly old man or a true priest.

The half that remained outside wore a solemn expression. Black chains of Order coiled around him, giving the impression of an emotionless machine of Order.

For a moment, it was impossible to tell which one was the real Rasma, but right then, Karon suddenly thought of another scene he had once witnessed while undergoing purification. He had seen the God of Order walk out of the void, scattering starlight from all ten fingers as he walked. He had lacked any sense of self-awareness, and had merely adhered to some sort of doctrine to do what he should do at that moment.

According to the Church of Principle’s research, the gods’ existence had once been compared to a circle and a point. When a god belonged to a circle, they would be a god in the purest sense, carrying out the duties of a god.

When a god was a point, they would be more like a person. He could tease His daughter to make her happy. He could choose vengeance and war for the sake of his likes and dislikes.

Is Rasma like that as well? Has he always been like this, or did he become like this only after Grandpa fell asleep and Rasma became the godfather of Mink Street?

At that moment, Tiz began to disappear. The window began to disappear, and everything around Karon began to vanish. He slowly opened his eyes. By reflex, he turned to look to his side, only to find that the old man who had been sitting there had already turned into specks of light that were dispersing.

“Are you dispersing?” Karon asked.

“No. You are just too tired and can no longer maintain communication with my thoughts. Rest. Praise Light.”

Karon braced both hands on the armrests and tried to stand, but failed on the first attempt. In the end, he simply slumped in the chair and closed his eyes again. He was too tired and directly fell asleep.

In the morning, bright sunlight streamed through the window onto the bed. Pu’er, sleeping on the bed, first flicked her tail aimlessly to the side, then extended a paw and patted the air in front of her.

Then she opened her eyes. “Hm?”

Pu’er jumped down from the bed and kicked the golden retriever, who was still sleeping soundly. He was startled awake, and immediately stood up to look around.

The cat walked out of the bedroom, the dog following her. Pu’er stood at the study door and gestured for Kevin to open it. She could also turn the doorknob, but would need to jump. It was much easier for the golden retriever to do it.

At that moment, the phone downstairs rang. Pu’er went downstairs and jumped onto the coffee table, where the phone sat. She used a paw to move the receiver aside and pressed her head close to it.

“Hello, Mr. Karon?” It was a young woman’s voice.

Pu’er said, “Hello, I’m Mr. Karon’s maid. Mr. Karon isn’t available to accept calls right now.”

“Oh, alright. Please help me with asking Mr. Karon if he can come to the clinic this afternoon for a temporary appointment. I’m very sorry, as this is an urgent temporary appointment, we were unable to schedule it in advance.

“It’s still the same client as yesterday, but this time, it isn’t the child, but the father making an appointment.”

“Alright. I’ll pass this along to Mr. Karon, and he’ll call you back shortly,” Pu’er replied.

“Mhmm, thank you.”

The call ended. Pu’er used both paws to lift the receiver and set it back on the cradle. She then jumped down and went back up to the second floor. She found the study door had already been opened by Kevin, and he was lying on the desk, looking at what lay there.

Karon was still leaning back in the chair, fast asleep.

“Damn it, you stupid dog! You’re not allowed to look by yourself first!” Pu’er also jumped up onto the desk, though she first checked the time on the wall clock. It was still morning, and since the appointment was for the afternoon, Karon could sleep a while longer.

Still, poor little Karon. Just what was he reading here last night that he became so absorbed that he fell asleep in the study?

Then Pu’er frowned again. Damn it! Has your bed at home stopped being attractive to you?

After that, Pu’er and Kevin read through the documents strewn across the desk together.

About two hours passed, and it was eleven in the morning when Pu’er and Kevin finished reading everything. The golden retriever let out a soft bark toward Pu’er.

“I don’t need you to remind me. I saw it: the Raphael family. But these waters are too deep. It’ll be hard for us to handle.” Pu’er, of course, wanted to eliminate the Raphael family as soon as possible, as they were also the greatest threat to the Allen family. While Tiz had already killed their patriarch and thrown their internal structure into chaos, the problem was that the Allen family did not have the ability to reclaim their lost businesses.

All they could do was wait for Judia, Borg, and Eunice to grow up, giving the family several Tier-5 or Tier-6 combatants.

However, since Pu’er was willing to live with Karon, no matter what she said, her actions showed that she was still firmly on Karon’s side. Allowing him to face a case of such deep church corruption at this point in his development was pure madness.

Pu’er turned to look at Karon. Even more outrageous is why you would bring this back. You don’t actually intend to keep investigating, do you?

At that moment, Karon finally woke. He opened his eyes and slowly sat up in the chair, placing a hand on his neck and gently twisting.

“Karon, you became so absorbed reading these things last night that you fell asleep in the study?” Pu’er asked.

“Yes.” Karon nodded. After a moment, he added, “And I became a Divine Shepherd along the way.”

“Oh, no wonder- Meow!”

The golden retriever barked loudly and both animals immediately stood up to stare at Karon.

He rose from the chair, stretched, and said, “Right, I’m going to have to trouble you to find me some Arts that I can use as a Divine Shepherd. Actually, even higher level ones are fine, like Arts for an Inquisitor to use. I want to see if I can use them across levels.”

After his experience with the tram explosion, Karon trusted his cat teacher and dog teacher’s experience and knowledge in this area.

“Karon, don’t you think this is a bit exaggerated? You get tired reading, take a nap in the study, and just happen to become a Divine Shepherd?” Pu’er protested.

The golden retriever barked repeatedly.

“It’s alright. I think it’s a bit like water simply flowing into a channel that was built long ago.” Karon frowned slightly. He had just woken up and his head was a bit dizzy, so he had said something rather convoluted.

“Karon, you really are a genius,” Pu’er said admiringly. “Your speed really is just the same as Tiz. No, I’m starting to suspect that even Tiz wasn’t as fast as you back then.”

The golden retriever barked.

Karon laughed. “Maybe it’s because we’re too familiar with each other, but your praise doesn’t make me very happy.”

Pu’er asked curiously, “Then, which god did you invite into your heart?”

“I didn’t invite any god.”

“You didn’t invite any god? Then what did you put there?” Pu’er asked in surprise. Kevin also tilted his head questioningly.

“Myself.”

Pu’er and Kevin exchanged a look. “Oh, damn it! I realize by hearing this answer that it doesn’t even shock me much anymore.”

The golden retriever nodded and barked twice.

“I’m going to wash up,” Karon said.

“Wait. Karon, this, this—” Pu’er patted the document pouch with a paw. “Don’t tell me you brought it back to keep investigating things?”

“What else?” Karon asked in return.

The golden retriever barked once, and Pu’er translated, “The stupid dog asks if you’re crazy or if your sense of justice just randomly overflows.

“This is simply the stupidest decision possible! If you want to do this, wait until you’re stronger. By then, maintaining justice, removing darkness, or even cleaning up the Church of Order will be far simpler.

“For example, if Tiz weren’t asleep, it wouldn’t be any difficulty at all for him, would it? A wise person doesn’t meddle when their ability isn’t enough.”

Kevin stared at Pu’er in shock and barked a questioning sound.

Karon replied, “I’m not interested in meddling.”

Pu’er let out a long breath. “Good. That’s good.”

“But this time, the matter came looking for me.”

Pu’er froze. “Then we’re back to where we started... Karon, look at yourself right now! You’re already a Divine Shepherd. If we work a bit harder, we can aim for Inquisitor this year, and Adjudicator won’t be far off. Oh, I need to contact Borg and have him hurry up and bring you your new identity the family prepared. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to blend in if you already become an Inquisitor.”

“The road I chose is hard to walk. Tiz probably knows that too,” Karon said.

“Of course,” Pu’er agreed, and Kevin barked.

“Because I decided to continue investigating, I was able to become a Divine Shepherd last night,” Karon continued.

Pu’er fell silent.

“The investigation can be done slowly. We already know that the devil's swamp is in Bluebridge Community. Mr. Pavaro couldn’t continue his search, so we’ll move slowly.”

“And when we find it, then what?” Pu’er asked.

“We find it first, and then we’ll talk,” Karon replied.

“And also, this paper. You wrote down so many names. Don’t tell me you’re going to try to imitate Tiz and go assassinate them at their doors.”

“Those are just names and leads I casually made a note of,” Karon explained. “I’m not that impulsive.”

Pu’er finally felt a bit more at ease. “Heh. Yes. Yes.”

She then seemed to think of something and immediately said, “Karon, have you considered that there’s another way to solve this?”

“Tell me.”

“That is, write to Ms. Molly or call her, asking her to go find Father Rasma, who is now a priest on Mink Street. Tell the great High Priest of the Church of Order that here in York City, capital of Veyn, there’s a case that involves corruption within the Church of Order. If this isn’t handled in time, when it does come out, it will become a huge scandal for the Church of Order.

“See? Doesn’t that solve things easily? I believe as long as High Priest Rasma isn’t stupid, he’ll definitely deal with this.”

“That won’t work,” Karon retorted.

“Hm? Why not?” Pu’er asked, confused.

“Because then Rasma will know I exist, and he’ll even know that after Tiz used a blood sacrifice ritual on the Immers family, there’s still one of us, me, who can continue to touch ecclesiastical circles.”

“Doesn’t he already know? Didn’t he make a point of telling Ms. Molly to have you let home know that you’re safe? I even think Rasma has already been turned by Tiz.”

“Those words were said when Rasma stepped onto the Immers yard. It was only then that could he say those words. He was Rasma.

“However, as soon as he pulled his foot back and stood outside of the boundary of the Immers home, he became the High Priest of the Church of Order. If we let Ms. Molly go find him and report this matter to him, we’ll be walking right into a trap.”

“That’s a bit complicated. I don’t understand,” Pu’er said.

The golden retriever let out a questioning bark.

“Do you remember the example you gave me? About gods being a circle and a point? I think Rasma is in that state now. When the Eye of Order isn’t open, we can even use the God of Light to call Him out and have Him purify me.

“But if at the end of that purification, Order had opened His eyes, what do you think the results would have been?”

Even now, recalling that scene left Pu’er feeling chilled. Beside her, Kevin shuddered outright. “Rasma is like that right now. He isn’t Tiz, or even Hoffen, and he never will be.”

Karon walked out of the study, going to the bathroom to wash up.

After he washed up, he saw Pu’er sitting on Kevin and stepping out of the study. “I’ve decided that Kevin and I will do a preliminary investigation first. You know, sometimes it’s more convenient for cats and dogs to investigate things than a human. At least we don’t need to worry about drawing the attention of the people who are targeting Mr. Pavaro.”

“Alright. Thanks for your hard work,” Karon said.

“And there’s one more thing: your clinic called this morning. There’s a temporary appointment. It’s the father of that child from yesterday.”

Mr. Tadel.

“Alright. I’ll go to the clinic.”

Pu’er sighed. “Alright. Sigh. Upholding justice while still working hard to earn money and support the household really isn’t easy. So...”

She lifted a paw to smack Kevin’s head. “Rather than washing dishes and doing laundry, let’s start investigating first, meow.”

Kevin barked his agreement.

“I’ll go open the door for you,” Karon said.

“No need. We’re going by way of the rooftop.” With that, Kevin carried Pu’er, bolting straight for the rooftop. Karon chuckled at the sight.

He first picked up the phone and called the clinic back to confirm his appointment, then changed his clothes. He grabbed his car keys and opened the door, taking the stairs down to the parking lot. While driving through the gate to the apartment complex, he saw Alaia standing at the entrance of his agency.

Alaia noticed Karon’s car and immediately jogged over with a smile. Karon rolled down the window.

“Good afternoon, Young Master.”

Karon knew the man was worried Karon would not be home in the evening when he brought his son over for treatment.

“I have a short appointment at the clinic, so I’m going to see a patient. I should be back before dinner.”

“Alright, Young Master. Then I’ll have Zhen prepare dinner.”

“Alright,” Karon did not refuse. “By the way, Alaia, I have something I want to trouble you with.”

“Young Master, please give your orders.”

“You’re a real estate agent; Do you also have contact with labor agents?”

Alaia smiled bitterly. “I really don’t.”

“Oh?”

“Young Master, you may not know, but a lot of labor agents take kickbacks from both sides, and some even specifically scam people who want work but aren’t familiar with the area. That kind of money is a bit too hot for me to touch. My son is already like this. I don’t dare earn that kind of money.”

This world also had ideas of retribution and karma, simply explained in a different way.

“I understand. Still, I’m hoping you can help me investigate which agencies in recent years have recruited large numbers of female workers, primarily young ones.”

“Alright, Young Master. Leave this to me.”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

“See you tonight, Young Master.”

Karon drove off, and arrived at the entrance of the tower with the clinic at close to one in the afternoon. He was lucky to find an empty spot by the roadside. After parking, he walked into the building and took the elevator to the twenty-first floor.

Bertha was at the front desk, speaking with the two receptionists. When she saw Karon arrive, she immediately went over to greet him.

“Where is Mr. Tadel?” Karon glanced into the waiting room and did not see Mr. Tadel. “Has he been shown to my office?”

“He hasn’t arrived yet,” Bertha replied.

“He hasn’t arrived yet?” Karon was surprised. “Last time he arrived very early.”

“Parents are always more cautious when it comes to their child, while this appointment is for Mr. Tadel himself, so he’ll be calmer and not nearly so anxious. I think it’s because he was able to see your capabilities from the clear effect your treatment had on his son last time that he also made an appointment for himself.”

“Then why call it an urgent appointment?”

“Because he may not care about the price of an urgent appointment.”

“Alright. Then I’ll wait in the office.”

“Alright. When Mr. Tadel arrives, I’ll bring him straight into your office.”

“Mhm.”

Karon went into his office and sat down behind the desk. The folder from last time was still on the desk. He opened it. Inside were the information sheets for Little John and his father, Mr. Tadel.

For psychological treatment, you certainly needed the patient’s family background and work environment. If it was a child being treated, then most of the family background section was filled with the parents. Basic professional ethics required a psychologist to keep a client’s secrets.

In addition, the clinic would certainly do more detailed background checks on major clients. That had no direct relation to it being a psychological clinic; Any company would find ways to better understand their biggest clients.

On the information sheet, in the occupation field for Mr. Tadel, it “entrepreneur” was written. Karon remembered Little John proudly saying that his family ran textile factories and that they were very rich. When Little John had compared himself to a pig in a pigpen, Karon had even teased him, “Doesn’t your family run a textile factory? Have you also invested in a pig farm?”

Their home address was in the Gold Bay district, and the street number suggested it was a villa.

However, in the occupation details section, the addresses of several textile factories were all filled in as being in Bluebridge Community. What a coincidence. Mr. Tadel’s textile factories were in the Bluebridge community.

Karon could not help recalling what he had seen the first time he had ridden in Alaia’s car to Bluebridge Community. At that time, he had seen groups of male and female workers in uniforms walking along both sides of the road, and had asked Alaia if there were factories in the neighborhood.

Alaia had said that there were quite a few textile factories, but there was no chimneys to produce smoke pollution.

Textile factories, female workers. Karon licked his lips. When Mr. Tadel arrived, he would ask him about it.

He set down the folder and leaned back in his chair, thinking that if Alfred were not hospitalized at the moment and were instead at his side, it would be great. With Alfred’s experience as a demonkin, he could easily help Karon investigate the cause of Little John’s contamination.

Karon sat in his office and waited and waited.

The clock moved from a little after one in the afternoon to a little after three. Karon had waited two hours, and more than half of the scheduled time for his appointment had already passed.

He stood up. Since Mr. Tadel had stood him up, Karon would stop waiting. After all, he still needed to treat Hend in the evening.

Just as Karon was packing up, his office door was pushed open and Bertha walked in.

“Is Mr. Tadel here?” Karon asked.

Bertha shook her head. “We just received news; Mr. Tadel got into a car accident on his way here. He’s dead.”