Endless Debt Chapter 1126 - 126: Movie Marathon (Part 2)

Shortly after, a new contingent of visitors arrived, comprising Hart, Kemp, and Shelley. These three had been on leave during the altercation with the Seeker of Glory and thus avoided the front lines. However, with the insidious plague of decay now afflicting the city, every Field Staff member on leave was recalled to duty, and the trio was no exception.

Mercifully, none of them sustained any injuries. If anyone could be described as afflicted, it was Hart. The decay plague seemed to have taken a toll on his meticulously groomed, beautiful fur, causing significant patches to wilt and fall out, leaving him with an unfortunate series of bald spots.

Hart wore a somber expression, clearly disheartened.

The Undying Club seldom hosted such a throng of guests simultaneously, and the atmosphere was decidedly more boisterous than usual. Palmer had even gone so far as to erect a banner proclaiming, "A Hearty Welcome to the Undying Club's Inaugural Movie Marathon."

Palmer had initially envisioned the movie marathon as a solitary affair, just him and Bologue lounging on the sofa for a night of films. However, Bologue had unexpectedly suggested inviting friends to share the experience.

Witnessing such a departure from Bologue's usual demeanor, Palmer felt a swell of surprise. Perhaps the recent conflict had, to some degree, reshaped the introverted and aloof individual he knew. Palmer found himself appreciating Bologue's transformation.

The preparations were nearly complete... well, the setup was rather minimal, mainly involving the projector and the screen.

"It's quite unfortunate that the team leader and the others cannot join us," Palmer murmured to himself.

Following a month of intensive care, Lebius had finally navigated past the critical phase. While he had regained consciousness, he remained incapable of movement. Medical professionals indicated a strong likelihood of permanent paralysis due to the excessive strain on his body, which had not only fractured his bones but also severely damaged his nerves.

Upon hearing this grim prognosis, Bologue and the others wore expressions of deep concern. Thankfully, the medical team had not entirely dismissed the possibility of Lebius achieving a complete recovery. Geoffrey remained at the hospital, undergoing ongoing treatment, which effectively placed the Special Operations Group in a state of operational paralysis.

This dire situation was not Bologue's primary focus. He was acutely aware of the pervasive pressure that had weighed upon everyone, stretching their nerves to the brink of complete exhaustion. What they desperately needed was a respite, a temporary escape from the harsh realities of their world.

"Has anyone seen Church?"

Bologue scanned the room, but Church was nowhere to be found.

"Church?"

The mention of Church prompted an immediate flash of indignation on Palmer's face. "That scoundrel can't make it."

"Oh?" Bologue inquired, "Did he decline the invitation?"

"Something like that. I suspect that rascal is likely off on a date with Afeiya."

The mere thought of it ignited Palmer's fury. Previously, Church had always been indecisive, but after his encounter with the backlash from Secret Energy, it was as if the very essence of Secret Energy had consumed his internal conflicts. He seemed to have undergone a profound awakening, shedding his previous hesitations.

The consequence of this transformation was the inexplicable absence of Church Burton, Palmer's former partner and one of his closest friends, who had vanished for several days. After his work duties concluded, he would disappear into the Cultivation Room. Rumor had it that Church had taken on a side gig, tending to the needs of plants and flowers.

Despite his vexation, Palmer also harbored a sense of joy for Church. Despite the numerous obstacles and setbacks, Church's previously fractured existence had finally found a stabilizing anchor, a sense of purpose.

A smile of relief flickered across Palmer's face, only to be replaced by a renewed surge of bitterness.

"I truly wish for a vacation... oh, how I wish for a vacation..." Palmer muttered under his breath.

"Once we navigate through this demanding period, we'll be able to rest," Bologue added, "More specifically, we can look forward to some downtime once the other Field Staff members return to their duties."

At present, the Field Operations Department's Field Staff could be categorized into two groups: those recuperating in hospitals and those actively engaged in external assignments. Individuals like Bologue and Palmer, being healthy and available, represented indispensable resources during this critical juncture.

No further guests were expected, so Bologue proceeded to arrange the seating. Serey and Bode emerged, carrying trays laden with steaming dishes. Truth be told, Serey possessed a remarkable talent for cooking. Bologue held a particular fondness for the fries Serey prepared. According to Serey himself, he boasted hundreds of years of culinary experience, an expertise few in the world could rival.

The lights began to dim, and everyone settled into their designated places. Hart and his companions sat together, and Palmer joined them, maintaining a noticeable distance from his father.

Fuen paid no mind to Palmer's presence and instead seated himself with Serey and the others, forming a reunion of old friends who hadn't convened in years.

Belli and Balder appeared somewhat subdued; their infrequent visits to this locale meant they took seats towards the rear. Bologue and Aimou found themselves positioned amidst these disparate clusters, occupying the middle ground.

The projector hummed to life, casting its beam onto the waiting screen.

"By the way, what are we actually watching?" Serey belatedly realized the oversight.

"Shh!"

Palmer raised a finger to his lips, signaling Serey to maintain silence.

A loud crunching noise filled the air as Hart took large bites out of the crispy fries. All eyes turned to him. A little sheepishly, Hart explained, "I was just a bit hungry."

A small, sharp "pop" echoed, accompanied by faint, wispy hissing sounds reminiscent of gas.

The scent of alcohol permeated the darkness. Fuen uncorked a bottle of wine and took a deep swig. Returning to this spectral establishment, the Undying Club, brought back a flood of memories for Fuen. He felt as though he had reverted to his youthful days, transforming back into that impetuous young man he once was.