It's been nearly a month and a half since the timeline disruption event, and while winter is gradually leaving this land, the cold and gloomy state of Oubos endures, but fortunately, the citizens are long accustomed to it.

Time trickles by, days leaping and skipping on the calendar, and thus the dates shift from Rhein Calendar 1244 to 1245.

A new year had begun, and in the frigid city, everyone held hope in their hearts, as this was the end of winter, and warm spring was just around the corner.

Inside the Sublimation Furnace Core, Bologue sat on a chair in the corridor, with Aimou sitting beside him. Ever since Aimou joined the Special Operations Group, Bologue had been taking her out on missions. The intensity of the missions wasn't high, mostly involving small tasks of chasing Demons.

Oubos falls under the Control of the Order Bureau. It's not every day that life-and-death events transpire within the city. After weeks of slashing away at Demons, Aimou's initial enthusiasm for the job had also started to wane.

Like many employees, Aimou would wake up groggy each day, clock in at work, and patrol her assigned areas to see if reckless individuals were committing offenses.

There were some twists, but with Bologue present, everything was smoothed out, and things continued moving in a positive direction.

With Aimou's joining, she also bridged the communication gap between the Special Operations Group and the Sublimation Furnace Core, relying on her close reputation with Belli to finally liberate Geoffrey, allowing him no longer to deal with those guys.

Daily life thus calmed down, with days passing by until today.

Bologue glanced at Aimou beside him, then around the hallway, which was now crowded with people, turning the originally spacious area unexpectedly narrow.

This was initially supposed to concern only the Special Operations Group, and the presence of its members would suffice, but due to Palmer's broad social circle, members from other operations groups also gathered.

Bologue and Aimou sat on the chair, with the large-framed Hart beside them. Across from Hart was a face both unfamiliar and familiar; were it not for the person greeting him proactively, Bologue would not have recognized him.

The unfamiliar yet familiar face belonged to Church. Bologue remembered him as a member of the Crow's Nest and Palmer's former partner. Bologue had met him once during the surprise assault on the Man-eater.

As for Church, Bologue held a rather rough impression of him, mostly derived from Palmer's words.

Church specialized in infiltration, leveraging his Secret Energy powers, needing to converse with the enemy, understanding their psychological state and past experiences.

Thinking back now, Bologue found Church somewhat like an assassin with strange quirks.

"I feel like we're a bunch of anxious husbands waiting outside the ward for Palmer's delivery."

In the lengthy silence, Hart first broke the calm, though his words rendered the already quiet atmosphere even more solemn.

Aimou and Church shot Hart a ghostly look, unable to comprehend what he was saying; on the contrary, Bologue smiled silently, enjoying Hart's terrible dry humor.

"How much longer will it be? Did he die in there?"

Bologue spoke up, also feeling the atmosphere was too dreary, as if they were awaiting news of Palmer's death. Today should be an important day, and everyone should be happier.

"Die inside? With his luck, it's certainly not impossible," Church nodded in agreement. "Anyway, whether he succeeds or fails, it's a good thing for me."

"Does this person have a grudge against Palmer?"

Hearing Church's response, Hart whispered to Bologue, showing concern, willing to help Palmer fend off this hostile stranger if necessary.

Due to his own beast-like appearance, Hart lived within the Order Bureau for years, even needing to wear thick garments when acting outside to conceal his appearance.

He hadn't gone for a stroll in years, which made him somewhat introverted. Knowing this, Palmer enthusiastically dragged Hart to a bar that could accept him.

Serey showed extreme affection for this furry new friend, and Wei'Er even considered using Hart's large furry body as a nest.

This led to Hart and Palmer becoming close, drinking together daily.

"He's Church, Palmer's former partner," Bologue introduced. "Because of Palmer's Blessing, he's had his share of misfortunes following him. Eventually, it just…"

After hearing Bologue's explanation, Hart's gaze towards Church showed more sympathy and understanding.

Church, affected by those ghostly eyes, momentarily didn't know what to say, as if both were pitying him.

Church tried to ignore the odd looks and turned towards Bologue, "Didn't expect you to remember me?"

"I have some impression," Bologue scrutinized Church closely. "But it feels like you've changed quite a bit since I last saw you... I can't quite put my finger on it."

Bologue could sense Church's peculiarity; he didn't have this feeling at their first meeting, but upon the second meeting, this sense of oddity became increasingly apparent.

He vaguely felt that the last time he saw Church, he definitely didn't have this face. At least there was a certain difference with the face before him now. Outside the differences, the sole point of similarity allowed Bologue to recognize Church's identity. If those similarities were also to disappear, Bologue wouldn't dare confirm Church's identity.

Faceless man.

Bologue suddenly recalled Palmer's nickname for Church and subtly perceived the meaning behind this appellation.

Church was somewhat surprised by Bologue's observation, unexpectedly finding Bologue to be so perceptive, but he had no intention of further explanation, merely offering a friendly smile.

Bologue said, "It seems you don't dislike Palmer too much, otherwise you wouldn't be here."

"Palmer was my former partner, after all. Before he became a Debtor, he was actually quite nice."

Church said this while looking toward the tightly shut door at the end of the corridor.

"I find your description quite appropriate," Church said to Hart. "This place really does resemble the entrance to an operating room."

Everyone was silent for several seconds before they all chortled together. Aimou was caught in the middle, completely clueless about what they were discussing, as if their conversation was encoded.

Waves of Ether emanated from behind the closed door, causing them to cease their laughter and look toward the door with anticipation.

After waiting several minutes, the tightly closed door swung open, and a figure emerged, staggering, drenched in sweat, looking utterly exhausted as if having just completed a marathon.

Physically worn out, yet his spirit was exceedingly high, his eyes gleaming brightly. Upon seeing Bologue and the others, he rallied his meager strength, jumping in place in celebration.

"Ha! I've succeeded!"

Palmer shouted to the group, then sprinted over with a running start.

Bologue sidestepped, while Church leaned against the wall with disdain. Only Hart was left bewildered, and soon enough, Palmer crashed into Hart, the two of them linking arms.

Although they seemed to be linking arms, Hart's size was too big; it was more like Palmer hugged Hart's neck and was hanging onto Hart's body.

"Control yourself!" Hart yelled, pulling Palmer off him.

Hart hadn't spent much time with Palmer yet. Were it Bologue and Church, they would have been prepared for Palmer's eccentric moves.

"Haha!"

Palmer was only concerned about laughing, pressed into a chair by Hart. He was like an overly excited puppy, wanting to lick everyone he saw.

Then Palmer turned and saw Aimou gazing warily at him, their eyes locked. Aimou silently raised a fist, flesh turning into steel, the dull metal exuding a cold sheen.

After joining the Special Operations Group, Bologue gave Aimou comprehensive training, allowing her to undergo complete combat training.

Palmer gulped, turned to Church, smiled as he walked over, "I knew my good brother, you'd definitely come!"

Church dodged, Palmer's hand missing its target. "It's only for the sake of old friendships."

Unfazed by Church's indifference, Palmer moved closer, "I totally understand you, good partner. You're just cold on the outside but warm inside."

Finding Palmer insufferable, Bologue grabbed Palmer's shoulder and restrained him.

"So, what's the result?"

"I'm lively enough now; what do you think?"

Palmer said to Bologue, his eyes glimmering with light. Breezes swirled through the hall, and Bologue suddenly felt a suffocating sensation. Immediately, a strong pressure came from all directions.

This strange feeling lasted but a moment, dissipating along with the glow in Palmer's eyes.

"I'm now one of the Prayer Believers."

Palmer completed the ascension ritual, becoming a Prayer Believer with the arrival of this warm spring.

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