Endless Debt-Chapter 937 - 47: Necessary Sacrifice (Part 2)

"You’re not the only one who returned alive from the battlefield, and not everyone is as lucky as you, able to find relief from their nightmares."

Maria’s voice carried a tone of compassion, but it was unclear whether she pitied Bologue or sympathized with Nesanel.

"As for you, Bologue Lazarus."

Maria seemed to know what Bologue was thinking, what pain he was enduring.

"You cannot always remain just a soldier who follows orders."

Bologue swallowed hard, his emotions a mix of excitement and unbearable fear.

"It’s time to raise the banner."

...

With the privileges of the deputy director, Nesanel moved freely within the Cultivation Room. He vanished in the Inverted Hall and reappeared in the Field Operations Department the next second.

Nesanel’s appearance startled many. All field staff knew that the deputy director was someone who neglected his duties, rarely seen during working hours.

When you could see this neglectful person, it meant that something significant was about to happen.

"Inform the King’s Secret Sword to prepare for the second negotiation."

Nesanel gave the order, disappearing before anyone could respond, only to reappear in the Crow’s Nest.

Ivan had been waiting there for some time. As part of the Intelligence Department, Ivan always sensed the upcoming moves of the Order Bureau early on.

Nesanel’s voice was devoid of any inflection, "I have already informed them to start the second negotiation."

Ivan nodded. In the past, such matters could be settled with a document, but now Nesanel personally informed all departments, highlighting the Order Bureau’s emphasis on the matter.

"War is imminent," Ivan thought to himself.

After a brief consideration, Ivan asked, "What’s the content of the negotiation? And are we really going to agree with the King’s Secret Sword?"

Xilin’s body held immense strategic value. From any perspective, Ivan couldn’t see a reason for the Order Bureau to let it go, even if it meant another war with the King’s Secret Sword.

Nesanel said, "There’s no negotiation content; just tell them."

At that moment, Ivan realized, "This isn’t a negotiation at all, but a trap."

"Not just that."

Nesanel paused for a few seconds before speaking again, "Release a message to the King’s Shield Guard, informing them that we will agree to the accord with the King’s Secret Sword."

"What?"

Ivan doubted his ears.

The meeting with the Shadow King was highly confidential. To facilitate that meeting, Nesanel had deceived everyone.

"According to the Decision Room’s calculations, the King’s Shield Guard also needs Xilin’s body, and their fervor for it surpasses that of the King’s Secret Sword," Nesanel continued. "We can use this."

Ivan understood Nesanel’s intention, "You want to incite a battle between the King’s Shield Guard and the King’s Secret Sword? Right within Oubos of Oath City?"

"It’s a good opportunity to weaken both sides, or even severely cripple one," Nesanel remained impassive. "As for the casualties resulting from the conflict within the city... it’s a necessary sacrifice."

These words echoed in Nesanel’s mind, and with them came the image of a woman and the fallen comrades.

A surge of nameless hatred rose.

Nesanel mechanically reiterated, "A necessary sacrifice."

Ivan’s expression turned cold as well. As a member of the Order Bureau and the Crow’s Nest, Ivan was never softhearted. He had personally experienced the secret wars, his hands stained with blood.

Regarding necessary sacrifices, Ivan bore no psychological burden; he just felt... a bit uneasy.

At that moment, Ivan suddenly realized that the tranquil times post-secret war had unknowingly worn off his edge. Though various conflicts still troubled the Order Bureau, none truly qualified as wars.

Until that moment, when familiar enemies returned to the familiar battlefield, Ivan realized that nothing had truly left; they were all close at hand.

"The King’s Secret Sword is external, the King’s Shield Guard is hidden in the depths of the Great Rift, and they have the support of the Tyrant."

Ivan offered his advice, "This move is too reckless. If their conflict draws us in, the result could be counterproductive."

"That’s why I need you to do something," Nesanel had a plan for this. "I need you to ascertain the actual strength of the King’s Shield Guard within the Great Rift. They’ve been hiding under our noses for too long.

We need to gather all intelligence to keep the intensity of the war within controllable bounds."

Nesanel spoke softly, "Xilin’s body is like bait; it will draw those lurking in the shadows into the sunlight."

"Not just them, but the Devils too," Nesanel recalled those wicked beings, "It’s time to declare war on them too."

Ivan nodded stiffly. Their brief conversation undoubtedly decided many things. Ivan took a deep breath and confirmed again.

"Is this an order from the Decision Room?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I understand."

Ivan contemplated the upcoming infiltration plan for the Great Rift. The King’s Shield Guard was deeply hidden, and with the support of the Tyrant, exposing them would not be easy. Soon, Ivan had a suitable personnel list in mind. If it were up to him, even the Devil’s defenses could potentially be penetrated.