The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 117: Operating Funds

"The Iron Blood Cross seems to be planning something big," thought Lumian, finally understanding Mr. K's true reason for having him join a gang.

It all seemed to be tied to the conflict between the secret organizations, the Iron Blood Cross, and the struggle over faith, likely connected to the situation in Trier.

After thinking for a while, Lumian asked, "What kind of organization is the Iron Blood Cross?"

The more he understood, the better chance he had of doing something that would earn Gardener Martin's appreciation and trust.

Mr. K chuckled softly and replied, "Let Gardener Martin tell you himself. If you know too much ahead of time, they might notice something wrong in the details."

So that's why they picked someone like me—an innocent, wanted rural kid—to be their "spy." They needed a blank slate, someone with a simple background. Lumian nodded thoughtfully.

He recalled how Gardener Martin had arranged for Kristol the "Rat" to smuggle mysterious items into Trier and how the Sava Party also backed Yuge Artois. After a brief pause, Lumian asked, "Could the thing the Iron Blood Cross is plotting be related to Yuge Artois?"

In a raspy voice, Mr. K replied, "According to the intelligence we've gathered, that's just one part of it, not the main objective."

I see. Lumian then shifted the conversation to the "Man in the Mirror," and concluded by saying, "It seems Gardener Martin knew in advance that the item he had the smuggling convoy transport would bring about a related incident."

Mr. K remained silent for a moment before saying, "I suspect it's an important and crucial item, and that's another thing you'll need to figure out.

"Don't worry, the Aurora Society won't be stingy with rewards. When the time comes, you can ask for anything."

Lumian had been about to think, "Help me revive my sister," when he heard Mr. K add, "As long as it's within my power."

How honest of him. If I truly became a formal member of the Iron Blood Cross and gained access to relevant intelligence, they'd likely offer me some initiation benefits, and I could turn right around and ask the Aurora Society for rewards as well. This would also complete part of the mission from the "Lady of Mysteries," who wouldn't fail to reward me, a holder of the Minor Arcana card. Doing one thing and receiving three rewards—opportunities like this are rare... Lumian thought silently to himself as he spoke up with little concern of being rejected: "I need some operating funds right now."

The purpose of these funds was to strengthen his personal abilities and lay a "solid foundation" for completing his missions.

Mr. K seemed to nod. "No problem, I'll give you 10,000 Ferlings later. This is your benefit for formally joining the Aurora Society and participating in a high-risk mission."

In Intis, "benefits" was a commonly used word, originating from Emperor Roselle.

How generous... At that moment, Lumian couldn't help but wonder if he should join a few more secret organizations to claim more joining benefits.

Mr. K stood up, hands hanging low as he slowly circled Lumian.

As he walked, he solemnly said, "My Lord is the great being who created this world, the father of all living things. In essence, we all come from her and bear the divinity she has bestowed upon us.

"Divinity exists equally in every living being. No one is inherently nobler than another. What distinguishes our status is how close we are to our Lord, and how much of Her teachings we've accepted.