Endless Debt Chapter 1141 - 4: Rebellious Royal Court

The train gradually glided onto the platform, the combined cacophony of the locomotive's roar and the carriages' screech creating a palpable sense of excitement. As the train settled to a stop, passengers began gathering their belongings, ready to embrace the city's vibrant energy.

Bologue peered out the window, observing the dense crowds on the platform and the distant flow of traffic and public transportation on the streets.

Skyscrapers densely packed together pierced the sky, their imposing structures overlooking the ground. The meticulously organized streets and lively commercial hubs endowed the city with an inexhaustible spirit and dynamism. As dusk descended, various billboards and neon signs flickered to life, casting a colorful nocturnal panorama that captivated tourists.

The 'Epidemic of Ruin' event acted as a pivotal moment, redirecting the world's trajectory and transforming Oubos into a place of altered appearance.

The relentless clashes between the Seekers of Glory, culminating in the devastation wrought by Xilin, led to the ultimate downfall of Wandering Crossroad, which vanished into the chasms of the Great Rift. Concurrently, the lingering shadows over the city were dispersed by the arrival of Fuen, bringing forth storms.

In a mere handful of days, Oubos shed its somber grey facade, emerging as a sun-drenched city of daylight.

The chasm scarred across the earth at the edge of the Great Rift was now in plain sight. Without the Devil's influence, birds soared above the Abyss. Indeed, this expansive void began to experience subtle meteorological shifts, with the formation of shallow cumulus clouds.

Where the entirety of the Great Rift was once obscured, it was now fully exposed. Fueled by persistent newspaper coverage, an increasing number of outsiders were drawn to the city. Previously, they sought opportunities, but now, their primary motivation was tourism, to witness this extraordinary spectacle.

At times, Bologue found himself utterly bewildered by the world's transformations.

He disembarked from the train with the throng, inhaling the city's rich atmosphere and feeling the metropolis's palpable prosperity and vitality.

This influx not only comprised travelers but also infused the city with renewed vigor, its lifeblood and rhythm merging with the train's departing sounds.

Bologue and Yoni navigated swiftly through the bustling crowd, heading toward the platform's exit, both eager to return to the Cultivation Room for their debriefing.

Upon sighting the familiar, dimly lit structure, Bologue couldn't help but release a breath of relief. Re-entering a known environment invariably brought a comforting sense of security.

Yoni halted his stride, turned to face Bologue, and stated, "It appears we must part ways for now."

Bologue responded with a knowing smile, offering no further words.

After a brief pause for thought, Yoni resumed, "Looking forward to our reunion, Leader Bologue."

Bologue offered a nod. Despite the passage of time, hearing himself addressed as leader again still evoked a sense of pressure.

Bologue Lazarus, currently holding the position of leader within the Special Operations Group, also served as its interim head.

He vigorously massaged his temples, attempting to alleviate the headache stemming from his fatigue. He pondered the feasibility of petitioning the Decision Room to consolidate the two operational groups, given that he was, in essence, the driving force behind both.

Turning into a corridor, Bologue made his way briskly toward the Field Operations Department. His footsteps drew the attention of numerous preoccupied field staff members, who registered his presence.

It had been a considerable duration since Bologue had last graced the Field Operations Department with his presence. Initial surprise quickly gave way to gazes of respect; some offered greetings, others saluted him, while hushed whispers circulated about Bologue's imposing aura.

During the Epidemic of Ruin, the King's Secret Sword sustained significant damage, and the Order Bureau also incurred substantial losses among its field personnel amidst the chaos. To recruit new members, a multitude of unfamiliar faces had joined the Field Operations Department in recent months.

These enthusiastic new recruits brought a revitalizing energy to the typically austere department, yet many also met their end amidst the escalating dangers. Without Bologue's timely intervention, the newcomer Qico would have surely been among the fallen.

With the influx of fresh faces, an old tradition within the Field Operations Department was revived: the annual 'Best Newcomer' award. This inevitably brought discussions of past recipients, and thus, Bologue's name resurfaced.

By estimation, this marked Bologue's fourth year in the profession, with the initial year spent as an intern.

Within the Order Bureau, this length of service typically signifies a transition from newcomer to veteran status. However, Bologue's advancement had proceeded at a pace that defied all expectations.

He not only progressed within the Extraordinary System but also ascended in rank, catapulting from a Condenser to a Negative Power User, all while concurrently leading two operational groups.

Judged by these accomplishments, Bologue's tenure within the Order Bureau was undeniably legendary.

Many newcomers harbored immense curiosity about Bologue, yet he remained indifferent, seldom showing himself, which only amplified his enigmatic aura in their eyes.

Whispers began to circulate, linking him to the dark tales of Evil Spirits that predated the Wandering Crossroad’s fall.

"Group Leader Bologue!"

His name was called, causing Bologue to pause as a staff member hurried towards him.

"You’ve returned? Did no one come to meet you?"

"Hmm? Why would anyone need to meet me?" Bologue inquired, perplexed.

"You are the group leader."

"And so?" Bologue’s practical mindset struggled with what he perceived as pointless formalities.

The staff member was momentarily taken aback by his question. Just then, another voice chimed in, "An absolute triumph!"

Bologue’s bewilderment deepened. His gaze fell upon a whiteboard nearby, displaying a map marked with a winding red path.

This marked Bologue's hunting route for the past month; he seldom lingered in one spot for more than a day, as a single day was sufficient for him to annihilate any opposition.

The staff monitoring the Cultivation Room couldn't witness Bologue’s battles firsthand. However, through the continuous updates, they could infer the brutal, life-or-death scenarios depicted by the map's trails.

Bilogue was akin to a rampaging bull—no, more like a relentless armored assault. Those who dared to impede his path either yielded or were utterly crushed, without exception.

Met with the warm, admiring looks from those around him, Bologue could only sigh in resignation. While others interpreted his reaction as modesty, Bologue genuinely felt a profound weariness.

His days were consumed by constant combat or en route to the next engagement. This relentless cycle would have been manageable, but Bologue’s high-ranking position entailed significant responsibilities. The deeper he delved into his duties, the more he learned, and the more concerned he became about the escalating crisis.

Mustering a semblance of a friendly smile, Bologue quickly excused himself from the staff's observation, retreating into the dimly lit corridors.

Pushing open the familiar door to his quarters, Bologue surveyed the room before collapsing onto the worn sofa. The surrounding tranquility elicited a long, drawn-out sigh.

"You seem exhausted," a voice remarked.

"Unlike you, I don't possess the luxury of perpetual rest. I do wish to unwind a little."

Bologne turned, his gaze landing on a familiar face, which instantly alleviated some of his fatigue.

Unchanged by circumstance, Lebius sat at his desk, engrossed in documents as usual. The only significant alteration was his office chair, now a substantial wheelchair equipped with mechanical arms capable of intricate movements, powered by the flow of Ether.

During his final confrontation with Red Dog, Lebius had pushed his body beyond its limits to break a temporal stasis. This exertion resulted in shattered bones and internal damage, and though medical intervention saved him, the severe injuries left his limbs almost entirely paralyzed.

Doctors estimated Lebius’s physical recovery would span several years.

Fortunately, as a Defender of the Commanding School, Lebius could expertly manipulate Ether to operate the mechanical limbs, often quipping that while his body was paralyzed, his spirit remained undimmed.

In his current condition, Lebius was naturally unable to continue as the group leader. Following a meticulous review and approval process, Bologue assumed the leadership of the Special Operations Group, succeeding Lebius. Lebius, however, did not fully retire, instead taking on the administrative duties that played to Bologue’s weaknesses.

"How was the mission?"

Lebius briefly glanced at Bologue before returning to his work.

"Grievous. These Night Race elements emerged unexpectedly. As long as they possess sufficient blood and proximity to civilians, they incite widespread devastation..."

As he spoke, Bologue closed his eyes. Throughout his recent assignment, he had witnessed numerous villages consumed by flames.

His thoughts turning somber, Bologue couldn't help but ask, "Any breakthroughs in tracking the Night Race?"

Lebius responded softly, "Some progress has been made, though it's limited. They are a high-ranking faction of the Night Race, led by a Regent King. They refer to themselves as... the Rebellious Royal Court."