Plano Town (8)

10:03 a.m.

Knight Office Headquarters Market District, Plano Town, Marbleam Kingdom.

Nicandro, Tuno, Vivian, and Caleb entered a large and spacious room that was one step closer to becoming a hall while being led by a female in a red uniform. Everyone reacted nonchalantly except for Vivian who knitted her brows together behind her Inquisitor Full-Mask.

This is it…?

In front of her what looked like a command center but there were no monitors.

The room had several windows but were all closed, keeping the outside noise from entering and only the Magic Panel near beside the main entrance was keeping the temperature of the room cold.

On one corner of the room, there were several people dressed in the same red uniform that the female who led them here wore. They sat behind rows of desks, they wore what looked like wireless headphones made out of metal and engraved with Runes, and in front of each of them was a green and oblong-shaped Origin Crystal crystal with rough edges that was as large as an adult's head supported by a platform to make it stand vertically, similar to a Memory Crystal.

On another corner of the room, there was what looked like a meeting or lounging area.

And in the middle of the room was a large circular table that featured a miniature model of Plano Town. Standing beside the table were two people who wore the same red uniform that the people sitting behind the rows of desks were wearing and observing things.

One was a man in his late 40s with blue hair and tanned skin. Meanwhile, the other was a woman in her mid-30s with black hair and tanned skin.

Nicandro and Tuno both raised a hand the moment they made eye contact with them as they made their way towards them with Vivian and Caleb following behind them.

"Mar-Knight Mar-Major Mar-Hesiquio, Mar-Knight Mar-Captain Mar-Hereta," Nicandro said and smiled.

Tuno waved his hand.

"Mar-Knight Mar-Major Mar-Hesiquio~! Mar-Knight Mar-Captain Mar-Hereta~!" Tuno said and smiled as well.

Hesiquio and Hereta nodded and smiled back at them.

"Mar-High Mar-Priest Mar-Nicandro, Mar-Lord Mar-Priest Mar-Tuno."

Aside from being a Noble, if one were to trace Tuno's family tree, he was actually related to some of the Aristocratic Noble families in the Marbleam Kingdom and also to some of the old and prestigious Priest families in the Holy Kingdom. However, he didn't have their Lore Magic to legally claim as one of them.

And as for Hesiquio and Hereta calling him "Lord", since they couldn't call him High Priest because he was neither a Red nor Gray Cloak and it would be awkward to address him just like any other Brown and White Cloak, they added "Lord" as a sign of respect for him being a Gold Cloak.

When Nicandro and company finally got to Hesiquio and Hereta, Nicandro broke eye contact and turned to Vivian and Caleb.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad of the Inquisitory Division and Brother Lieutenant Caleb of the Infantry Division from the Temple of Priests' Holy Crusade," he said and then returned his gaze to Hesiquio and Hereta. "Allow me to introduce to you Knight Major Hesiquio, the Chief Enforcer and Knight Captain Hereta, the Vice-Chief Inspector of the Surveillance Unit here in Plano Town."

Vivian saluted.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Knight Major Hesiquio and Knight Captain Hereta."

Caleb made the same gesture.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Knight Major Hesiquio and Knight Captain Hereta."

Hesiquio and Hereta returned the same gesture.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Priestess Inquisitor Monad and Priest Lieutenant Caleb," they both said.

Nicandro cleared his throat.

"Knight Major Hesiquio, Knight Captain Hereta, both Sister Inquisitor Monad and Brother Lieutenant Caleb are here to observe and lend us a hand if needed."

"I see," Hesiquio said and nodded. "All of you just arrived in time. We're currently in the middle of an operation and are about to launch a raid on one of the suspected groups that we've been monitoring."

Normally, the Temple of Priests won't interfere with the business of the Knight Chapters and the ruling Aristocratic Noble family's forces in towns and villages unless it involves the Temple of Priests or anything that the Temple of Priests considers as an enemy. In return, the Knight Chapters and the ruling Aristocratic Noble family's forces also won't interfere with the Temple of Priests' business unless it involves the Knight Chapters, Aristocratic Nobles and Nobles, and the general safety of the public. But for special occasions like the Feugo Festival, they would launch a joint operation in maintaining the peace and order of the town or village.

One of the people sitting behind the desks and wearing what looked like a wireless headphone made out of metal and engraved with Runes turned to them.

"Mar-Knight Mar-Major."

Hesiquio turned to him.

"Mar-Squad Mar-C mar-has mar-reported mar-that mar-four mar-people mar-are mar-on mar-their mar-way mar-to Mar-Section Mar-3."

"Mar-Do mar-we mar-know mar-their mar-identities?"

"Mar-One mar-of mar-them mar-is mar-a Mar-Gold Mar-II Mar-Adventurer mar-named Mar-Balyena mar-and mar-is mar-known mar-to mar-be mar-active mar-in Mar-Fredo Mar-Village. Mar-The mar-second mar-one mar-is mar-a Mar-Mercenary mar-known mar-as Mar-Alfonso mar-de mar-las mar-Mil mar-Cortes mar-and mar-is mar-from mar-the Mar-Marbleam mar-Kingdom. Mar-The mar-third mar-and mar-fourth mar-one mar-are mar-unknown, mar-but mar-the mar-third mar-one mar-is mar-a mar-male mar-who mar-appears mar-to mar-be mar-in mar-his mar-30s mar-while mar-the mar-fourth mar-one mar-is mar-a mar-woman mar-who mar-appears mar-to mar-be mar-in mar-her mar-80s."

A frown appeared on Hesiquio's face.

"Mar-The mar-fourth mar-one mar-is mar-her mar-80s?" he said and then turned to the miniature model of Plano Town on the table. "Mar-What's mar-the mar-status mar-of Mar-Squad Mar-A mar-and Mar-Squad Mar-B?"

"Mar-All mar-of mar-their mar-conditions mar-are mar-fine mar-and mar-they're mar-ready mar-to mar-go, Mar-Knight Mar-Major."

Hereta turned to Nicandro.

"High Priest Nicandro, if you don't mind, you and your company can wait over there," she said and gestured towards one corner of the room that looked like a meeting or lounging area. "We will inform you right away if we need your help."

"Okay," Nicandro said and nodded before turning to Tuno and the rest. "Let's wait over there in the meantime."

Nicandro, Tuno, Vivian and Caleb went over to the lounging area. They sat in the section where there was a long rectangular table with several chairs. There was also a more casual section that had sofas and a coffee table. 

The female who led them earlier approached them.

"Honored High Priest, Honored Lord Priest, Honored Priestess Inquisitor and Honored Priest Crusader, may I offer you food and drinks?"

"Just a cold water for me," Nicandro said before turning to Tuno and the others as he patted his stomach with a smile. "I'm trying to watch my weight."

"I want a sweet and cold drink and also some sweets," Tuno said and smiled.

"Just a cold water for me as well. Thank you," Caleb said and smiled.

Vivian let out a sigh behind her Inquisitor Full-Mask.

Fuck…

I thought we would be working non-stop or be patrolling outside under the sun and be all sweaty and smelly…

I didn't expect it would be like this…

In Vivian's defense, she was, after all, a 24-year-old man in her original world. Still relatively fresh from college and still trying to make a name for herself. She didn't have a high position or a comfy job that could pay her bills. She was like every average young man who had a grueling entry-level job and who still needed to do side-jobs or side-businesses if she wanted some extra cash. Her only experience of a "comfy job" that actually pays well was being the residence Inquisitor of the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint.

"I'm fine. Thank you," she said and smiled behind her mask.

The female bowed.

"I have received all of your orders and will prepare them right now," she said and then left.

Vivian turned to the people sitting on the rows of desks and wearing what looked like wireless headphones made out of metal and engraved with Runes.

They look like call center agents but without the monitors…

But I don't think there are phones in this world…

Or is there...?

"Brother Caleb," Tuno said.

Caleb turned to him.

"Is this your first time seeing an extensive setup of Communication Crystals?"

Caleb shook his head.

"No, but every time I see one, I just can't help but be amazed about it, especially when considering how dangerous it is."

Tuno nodded.

"But it is amazing, right? It is, after all, still necessary. Nevertheless, just to be sure, they reforge everything every month under the strict supervision of the officials from the ruling Aristocratic Noble family which costs them around 10,000 platinum coins a month, they would only use special weekly codes, and they would never use it to send sensitive information."

Vivian, who was listening, knitted her brows behind her mask.

10,000 plats each month...?

Wow, I guess...

But what a headache…

No wonder they have it here while the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint doesn't…

According to what she knows, in the ancient past when demons, demon-worshipers and heretics still walked freely out in the open, many inventions were created.

Sometime around 1,400 A.D., the first Communication Crystal was said to be created at that time. It allowed the user to instantaneously send and receive voice messages through Communication Crystals, causing it to revolutionize a lot of things, especially when it comes to war and espionage. Also, at that time, the Communication Crystal was made out of Origin Crystals and then engraved with Runes drawn with crushed Origin Crystals so it was quite expensive to make. Nevertheless, since it revolutionized a lot of things, many Scholars and Blacksmiths dedicated a lot of time to researching ways how to make them more efficient and cheaper to make.

However, that also led to one of the greatest tragedies.

In the quest of Scholars and Blacksmiths to make Communication Crystals more efficient and cheaper to make, not only did they figure out ways to disrupt or block Communication Crystals, but they also figured out a way to secretly intercept the messages exchanged between Communication Crystals. Their creativity became so efficient that one could even mimic voices and review every single message that was transmitted on the Communication Crystal.

Of course, the Scholars and Blacksmiths tried to research for ways to counteract these exploits. And although they were able to, a new or more complicated exploit would just come. And in the end, by the end of 1,500 A.D., at least 4 Kingdoms and countless of organizations fell due to information leaks.

Thanks to that, the use of Communication Crystals was greatly diminished and became nothing but a novice project for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Magic Item Crafting or a super expensive and tedious system to maintain such as this. Even up to this day, most people are hesitant to use it like a music box because it could be used to record or spy on people without their knowledge.

***

10:13 a.m.

"Looks like the operation is going well," Tuno said as he watched Hesiquio commanding the operators wearing a headset that was made out of metal and engraved with Runes.

Nicandro nodded his head.

"I pray to the God of Light that the operation will end with no one dying."

Caleb simply nodded as watched Hesiquio and the rest.

Vivian, on the other hand, let out a small yawn behind her Inquisitor Full-mask.

Oh my God…

So boring…

Well…

At least I can yawn in this mask without getting spotted…

But my God, I just want to lay down and sleep…

She let out another yawn.

This is bad…

I'm seriously sleepy…

She sat straight and suppressed the urge to let out another yawn.

How long have we been here…?

Half an hour…?

Or one hour…?

Perhaps 2 hours…?

All of a sudden, a group of people entered the room, causing Hereta, Nicandro, Tuno, Vivian and Caleb to turn their heads to them. Hesiquio would've done the same, but he was currently busy commanding the operation.

It was Alejandro and Ferdino who was wearing an eyepatch on his left eye, and they were accompanied by Emiliano and his Mercenary group Nessano.

Seeing them, everyone had their own reaction.

Nicandro maintained a friendly demeanor.

Tuno raised an eyebrow and one corner of his lips curled up.

A frown appeared on Caleb's face for a moment before he quickly relaxed it.

Vivian pretended to look away but her eyes on the slits of her mask were locked on them, especially on the guy beside Alejandro.

A chubby guy with an eyepatch…?

That's funny…

Is he some kind of pirate or something…?

She shook her head mentally.

No…

Not cool…

Fuck you, Vivian…

You are fucking disgusting…

You should never laugh at a genuine disabled person…

That is just so low…

Really, fuck you…

Hereta had a worried look on her face but she quickly wiped it off her face and then approached Alejandro and his group.

She bowed.

"Mar-Lord Mar-Alejandro, Mar-Lord Mar-Ferdino, mar-welcome. Mar-If mar-you mar-wish mar-to mar-talk mar-to Mar-Knight Mar-Major Mar-Hesiquio, mar-he's mar-currently --"

Alejandro ignored her and went over to the meeting or lounging area.

"Mar-Poor mar-thing," Ferdino said with a smile before catching up with Alejandro.

Emiliano and his group didn't say anything or show any reaction. They simply followed behind Alejandro.

Hereta went back to Hesiquio without saying a word or giving any reaction.

Although she had 3 Magic Art Affinities and was given the right to have the Plano last name on her name so she was part of the Main Family, her status was nowhere near Alejandro who had 4 Magic Art Affinities.

When Alejandro and his group finally reached the meeting or lounging area, he turned his attention to Nicandro.

"High Priest Nicandro, it's good to see you," he said and nodded.

Nicandro and Tuno, even Hereta who was standing beside Hesiquio, were surprised to hear Alejandro greet Nicandro in Zonian instead of Marbleamean.

Nicandro lowered his head slightly.

"It's good to see you as well, Lord Alejandro, Lord Ferdino. I hope the both of you are in good health," he said and smiled.

Ferdino nodded.

Alejandro turned to Tuno.

"Lord Priest Tuno, it's good to see you," he said and nodded.

Tuno lowered his head slightly as well.

"Likewise, Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino, and I hope the both of you are in good health."

Ferdino nodded.

"But I wonder what brings you two here?" said Tuno. "I didn't know that both of you had any interest in the Surveillance Unit."

Ferdino didn't say anything and simply smiled.

Alejandro, on the other hand, already shifted his attention to Vivian. He approached her and extended his hand.

A puzzled look appeared on Vivian's face as stared at Alejandro's hand in front of her.

What is he doing…?

Is he --…?

She then recalled the time when Pen formally introduced her to Lozario and the rest at the Royal Box of the Coliseo.

Oh…

She begrudgingly placed her gloved hand on top of Alejandro's.

Smooch.

Alejandro lowered his back and planted a small kiss on the back of her gloved hand.

"It's nice to see you again, Priestess Inquisitor Monad. I hope that you've been in good health since the last time we've seen each other."

"It's nice to see you too, Lord Alejandro. And thank you, I hope you've been in good health as well."

Alejandro let go of Vivian's hand, grabbed a chair and then sat beside her.

"So what are you doing here today?"

"Huh?" Vivian said absently and then saw the genuine look on Alejandro's face.

Wait…

This guy is seriously asking me that…?

"I'm working, Lord Alejandro."

"Ah yes, work," he said and nodded with a serious expression.

Seeing what was happening, Nicandro and the rest decided to give Alejandro and Vivian some space.

Although Nicandro and Tuno more or less heard about Alejandro and his group's reputation, they doubted if they would do anything crazy in front of them. And as for Caleb, he will admit, his talk with Vivian last time affected him. However, just like Nicandro and Tuno, he doubted if Alejandro would do anything crazy in front of them.

Ferdino grabbed a seat and sat down beside Alejandro, and then engaged in some conversation with Nicandro, Tuno and Caleb.

As for Emiliano and his group, they moved to the side to stand guard.

"You know, I've read a book once," Alejandro said. "The author mentioned that work can be one of the sources where a person can find a purpose in life. You see, he argued that all sentient living beings must have at least one purpose in life. Because without purpose, life would become unbearable. Do you agree with that?"

Huh…?

What…?

She turned to Nicandro, Tuno and Caleb. However, they were busy talking with Ferdino.

Guys…?

Guys…!

Turn over here, guys…!

Fuck…!

She returned her gaze to Alejandro.

Seriously…?

They're leaving this guy to me…?

"I guess so."

"But there was an argument in his book that still plagues my mind up to this day."

Vivian didn't say anything.

"Do you wish to know what is?"

Has this guy ever heard of small talk…?

"Sure, what is it?"

"If all purposes are equal."

Vivian tilted her head to the side.

"If all purposes are equal?"

Alejandro waved his hand dramatically.

"I agree with the author that all sentient living beings must have a sense of purpose in life or life will only become unbearable to them. But are all purposes equal?

"If a person were to say that the purpose he has chosen in life is to preserve his family's legacy. With that, I won't be surprised if many would applaud them for it.

"But what if a person were to say that the purpose he has chosen in life is to taste all the wine in the world? For those who love wine or just food in general, I wouldn't be surprised if they see that as a good or acceptable purpose. However, to the ones who don't share an extreme love for wine or just food in general, I wouldn't be surprised they would view it as a waste of effort, especially from the eyes of his or her parents or family."

"Um… Can't a person have more than one purpose in life?" Vivian said.

"Yes, but what if it's a purpose that the whole world would not agree?"

"Such as?"

"What if the purpose that a person has chosen is to share his feelings with the world? And those feelings happen to be dark feelings, such as spreading misery because it's the only thing he knows?"

Vivian's brows knitted together behind her mask.

"Every person, no matter how bad they are, has some good in them. The same can be said with the opposite."

"But what if he chooses that path?"

"Then it won't be long until he gets arrested or killed."

"You do realize that there are Necromancers, right?"

"Lord Alejandro, I'm sorry, but I don't think I'm knowledgeable enough to talk about such topics."

"But you're a Priestess and also an Inquisitor. If there's anyone who can talk about evil and about Necromancers, it's you and your kind who are devoutly dedicated to eradicating them."

Vivian didn't say anything.

"In fact, let's talk about good and evil, what's right and wrong, what's justice and injustice. Do humans have the right to make those decisions? What about the Elemental Gods? Well, if you look throughout recorded history, both good and evil people have received Lore Magic and Lore Items from Elemental Gods. So what does that mean? The Elemental Gods don't limit themselves to things like right and wrong, like morality? But there are Classes. Perhaps Lore Magic and Items are actually curses? And if those are curses, what about Magic Art Affinities?"

"Lord Alejandro, again, I'm sorry, but I really don't think I'm knowledgeable enough to talk about such topics."

"So your identity as a Priestess and an Inquisitor is nothing but a prop?"

Vivian's jaw dropped.

Excuse me…?!

"Lord Alejandro," Nicandro's voice suddenly cut in.

When Alejandro turned his head, he noticed that everyone was looking at him.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad is a Priestess and Inquisitor, but she is also a woman and you are a man. And as a man, you should always be a gentleman when interacting with a woman, especially when considering you're an Aristocratic Noble."

Alejandro's eyes slowly turned to slits and he licked his teeth.

"'Especially when considering you're an Aristocratic Noble,' you say?"

"Mar-What mar-did mar-you mar-say?!" Hereta's voice suddenly echoed throughout the room and everyone turned to her.

One of the operators had a pale face as Hesiquio, Hereta and the rest of his fellow operators were looking at him.

"Mar-Squad Mar-B mar-and Mar-Squad Mar-C mar-were mar-taken mar-out mar-by mar-one mar-of mar-the mar-four mar-individuals mar-that mar-Squad mar-C mar-reported mar-earlier. Mar-It mar-was mar-the mar-woman mar-who mar-looked mar-like mar-she mar-was mar-in mar-her mar-80s. Mar-However, mar-they're mar-not mar-dead mar-according mar-to Mar-Squad Mar-A. Mar-Also, mar-they mar-also mar-helped mar-in mar-capturing mar-the mar-suspicious mar-group mar-that mar-we mar-were mar-targeting."

Hereta turned to Hesiquio.

"Mar-Knight Mar-Major."

Hesiquio didn't answer her and he turned to Nicandro.

"High Priest Nicandro, we will need you and your companions' assistance now."

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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

I would like to thank these Top 5 Immortal Power Voters:

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I also created social media accounts for Vivian:

Instagram: vivian_lightstorm

Facebook: Vivian Vivian

TikTok: vivian.lightstorm

On these socials, I will be posting extra details about Vivian and the world she inhabits that I couldn't post here in WebNovel because it would break the story's immersion and other reasons such as the limitations of the WebNovel site.

Thank you once again and I will see you in the next chapter :)