Then Norm Ward, a man who lives by licking blood at the crossroads of hesitation, where did he get the ’Alchemy Matrix’ from?"
Bologue voiced the question in his heart.
"This technology is not monopolized by the Order Bureau, you know, in this world there’s never a shortage of people who are crazy about knowledge. I guess this guy was aided by the Order of Truth and got the ’Alchemy Matrix’ implanted."
This was an unfamiliar term, Bologue pursued further.
"An organization made up of... a group of alchemists whose minds have some issues. Generally speaking, everyone likes ’Scholars’; they have rich knowledge and their own insights, whereas the alchemists in the Order of Truth are a completely extreme bunch.
They pursue the truth of the ’Secret Source’, seeing ’Secret Source’ as a deity and themselves as followers, forming an organization much like a Sect."
Geoffrey remarked sarcastically.
"Scholars should have been breaking free from ignorance, but ultimately fell back into ignorance due to their fanaticism for truth."
"Are they the enemy of the Order Bureau?" Bologue asked tentatively.
"It’s not to that extent yet. In the positioning of the Order Bureau, this is considered a neutral organization, but sometimes they do cause trouble, entering a temporarily hostile state... they’re enemies, but not to the point of mortal enmity. Sometimes, we even cooperate."
Geoffrey recalled matters related to the Order of Truth. Because of their neutral inclination, he rarely dealt with these fanatics in his field work, but from a certain perspective, a portion of Geoffrey’s troubles was caused by this group.
"These guys never care about rules, only pursuing ’Secret Source’. As long as there’s money, they’ll implant the ’Alchemy Matrix’ for you. Of course, most of those ’Alchemy Matrices’ are their experimental products," Geoffrey gritted his teeth, "doing experiments and making money at the same time, quite a good deal."
"Arguably, most unarchived Condensers are created by these lunatics, like Norm Ward for instance."
"However, what’s most detestable about these people is not only their wanton creation of Condensers, which disrupts the Extraordinary World, but more importantly, their bottomless pursuit of the ’Secret Source.’"
No means are spared, no costs are considered.
Many have perished in their experiments, including Extraordinary Disasters caused by experiments getting out of control, and those who survived by luck yet became monstrous, unknowable entities..."
"Sounds really awful..."
Bologue mumbled, his mind already picturing the scene, a group of mad scholars greedily craving knowledge, their greed making them lose their humanity.
"This is the necessary sacrifice to advance towards truth, to uncover the ’Secret Source’... those people always use this phrase to justify themselves."
Geoffrey’s words were filled with disgust and hatred; such a fanatical group like the Order of Truth inherently stands on the opposing side of the Order Bureau.
"But the Order Bureau hasn’t eradicated them," Bologue said.
"Because... sometimes you have to admit, these lunatics indeed can bring us surprises. Hence, the Order Bureau reached an agreement with them to maintain the status quo."
Geoffrey said with a hint of helplessness. He hated those people, but sometimes they actually need those people, an emotion of love and hate.
"Of course, if the Order of Truth shows any signs of losing control, we’ll strike without hesitation, no mercy."
Geoffrey let out a creepy laugh. The Order Bureau tolerates the presence of the Order of Truth simply because the Order Bureau holds absolute power, which brings authority, as well as unwavering confidence and composure.
After this talk, Geoffrey suddenly stared intently at Bologue, as if pondering something. Bologue felt a bit uneasy under his gaze, ready to speak, when Geoffrey said.
"Bologue, when you go home to rest, you don’t have much else to do, right?"
Indeed, when not working, Bologue led a simple life, getting up, fiddling with the war sand table for a while, then listening to his favorite music.
Bologue also found it somewhat boring, but in the past period, because it was an internship, there was a possibility of being sent back to Black Prison, he didn’t have the heart to think about these things. Plus, with Adelle’s passing, his restless heart became even harder to settle.
"You should find some hobbies, or raise some pets to help with your psychological health," Geoffrey said.
Speaking of this, Bologue paused, remembering that Adelle once said something similar to him.
Bologue murmured softly, a gentle voice came through the memories.
"Bologue, have you considered getting a pet?"
In memory, it was a gloomy afternoon. At that time, Bologue hadn’t moved off Adelle’s couch yet.
"Pets? I haven’t considered it."
Bologue lay on the sofa, watching Adelle walk out of the kitchen. She had already become quite old, but Bologue always forgot she was elderly, as beautiful memories still lingered on her.
"I think you should get something," Adelle sat beside Bologue, gently stroking his head.
"Whether it’s a cat, a dog, or even a small mouse, you need some living things to bring some life to your dead life, don’t you?"