CHAPTER 526: CHAPTER 461: UNDERSTANDING AND NOT UNDERSTANDING

"Alright."

After Aquarius Director’s intense verbal lashing silenced the mask-wearing phantoms, the man with the white snake mask spoke up from the main seat:

"In this matter, Leon has done a thorough job. When he sensed the potential failure, he even attempted to warn everyone, so this failure is not related to him and doesn’t prove he has any issues."

"Thank you."

After hearing the white snake’s conclusion, Aquarius Director, wearing the Leon mask, slightly bowed and then smiled:

"If you had said that justified statement a bit earlier, I would appreciate it even more."

"No need to thank me."

The white snake mask ignored Aquarius Director’s sarcasm and replied calmly:

"There’s no need for you to hold a grudge either. ’Number Three’ left some information before being destroyed, informing us that there is a traitor within the Slaughter King Association, and the failure was due to someone leaking our information in advance.

Even though you voted against the action during discussions, this opportunity was indeed created by you, which also gave you the chance to leak, so your suspicion is the greatest. The others’ doubts are not without reason."

The others’ doubts...

Does this mean that the message from ’Number Three’ didn’t specifically mention me?

Staring at the white snake mask for a moment, Aquarius Director smiled and asked:

"Since you think I have no problem, can you tell me the message you heard from ’Number Three’? Let me know who the traitor is."

"Okay."

The white snake mask seemed to hold a high position within the Slaughter King Association. After nodding slightly in agreement, he didn’t seek the others’ opinions and spoke directly:

"According to the message from ’Number Three’ obtained from the level three Cleaner, the traitor in our Slaughter King Association should meet two criteria: someone we would never expect and someone who has died once before."

Absolutely unexpected, and has died once?

After repeating these two criteria in his heart, a knowing look appeared in Aquarius Director’s eyes.

No wonder everyone’s been giving me trouble today. Based on these criteria, it indeed makes sense as I was the one who created the opportunity for action, making me an "unexpected" person.

Moreover, I did indeed "die" once recently, perfectly fitting the traitor’s criteria. It’s no wonder they’re suspicious, but...

"This information was given by Leon."

Looking at the phantom masks still staring intently at him, Aquarius Director spoke somewhat helplessly:

"Do you believe what the enemy says? What if he’s just casually making it up?"

"The likelihood is low."

The black cat mask opposite Aquarius Director spoke coldly:

"At that time, he had already captured ’Number Three,’ completely neutralizing ’Number Three’s’ resistance, with no reason to lie to ’Number Three.’

Moreover, we only found out today that ’Number Three’ could transmit messages across dimensions, ruling out the possibility of deliberately deceiving ’Number Three’ to send false information, thus the credibility of this message is high."

"Indeed."

"I also agree with the black cat’s opinion."

"..."

Seeing the phantom masks around the table nodding in agreement, Aquarius Director couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

This judgment, logically speaking, is not wrong. However, while you understand logic, you don’t understand Leon.

This person is unusually cautious. With just a hint of suspicion, he wouldn’t hesitate to take drastic measures against me. If he doubted ’Number Three’s’ ability to send messages back, he’d never say anything truthful.

From my perspective, those criteria for a traitor were most likely made up on the spot, perhaps even crafted specifically to accuse me.

"Alright, believe what you want."

Feeling weary of trying to convince the Slaughter King Association, who had been misled by one of Leon’s lies and was now obsessively searching for a mole, Aquarius Director chose to change the subject:

"Now that my suspicion has been cleared, what about what you promised me?

After these two recent skirmishes, the Clean-up Bureau won’t wait any longer. Within one or two months max, Director of Taurus will ascend early. How’s the preparation for what you promised me?"

"You need not worry about that."

The white snake mask responded calmly:

"Though our goals differ, you have indeed helped us with numerous matters over the years, and we won’t go back on what we promised you."

"Thank you for that."

Hearing this, Aquarius Director nodded slightly, then reached up to touch his Leon mask.

"Do you have anything else? If not, I’ll take my leave."

"Hold on."

Just as Aquarius Director was about to remove the mask and end this absurd remote meeting, a phantom wearing a stag mask beside the white snake mask suddenly spoke:

"When your ’tongue-stealing’ ring shattered before, the portion of power I transferred to you was activated, pulling two souls into the Realm of the Dead. Were they your doing?"

"Yes, I sent them."

Hearing the stag mask’s words, Aquarius Director squinted before calmly replying:

"One of those souls was a former subordinate of mine. I previously sent her on a mission where capture was possible. Worried she’d reveal my whereabouts if caught, I set a small insurance.

As soon as she disclosed my location, the power I acquired from you was triggered, directly sending her soul to the Realm of the Dead. As for the other soul, it was probably someone nearby that got caught along... Why, is there any issue with this?"

"No problem."

The stag mask shook his head and replied:

"I merely asked out of concern that the soul might have some connection to you since you seemed to use a lot of power to preserve it fully. I thought you didn’t want her completely dead, but if you’re executing a traitor, there’s no issue."

"Hmm?"

Surprised by the stag mask’s words, Aquarius Director quickly asked:

"What do you mean? Did something happen to her soul?"

"You could say so."

The stag mask nodded and said nonchalantly:

"According to my power, those two souls should have traveled along the No Return Path, crossed the Black and White Bridge, and gone through the Corridor of the Deceased, eventually reaching my Funeral Garment Mirror Lake.

But upon entering the Gate of the Deceased, before they could venture further, one of the souls was intercepted by the Canine Deity guarding the entrance, and your soul guest was also retained."

"???"

"You know that the Canine Deity, which usually guards the gate, mostly sleeps and wakes when ready to feed."

Seeing the sudden frown on Aquarius Director’s face, the stag mask consoled warmly:

"Rest assured, that dog was injured by the Scarlet Hair Lady recently and needs nourishment. Once those souls enter its mouth, they’ll be thoroughly consumed. Even if the Clean-up Bureau rushes there, they won’t have a chance to expose your whereabouts."

"..."

"That’s reassuring."

After hearing the stag mask’s words, Aquarius Director was momentarily silent, then seemingly relieved, loosening his brows and nodding with a smile. He then reached up to remove his Leon mask.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave."