Chapter 676 No Malice
Chapter 676 No Malice
Just when we thought we could catch our breath and prepare for the next storm, an uninvited guest arrived.
That day, I was meditating at the highest point of Tide Eye's core fortress, recovering my strength.
A familiar mental wave broke into my perception range.
It was the Guide.
His mental wave carried not only his own presence, but also several other powerful unfamiliar psychic signatures mixed in.
My heart skipped a beat. I immediately opened my eyes and looked toward the sea beyond Mist Island where we had set up our perimeter.
Just as my gaze fell there, three pitch-black special submersibles quietly broke through the energy perimeter I had set up and appeared in the waters near Mist Island.
On the hulls of the submersibles was carved an emblem familiar to the Association.
"Association people!" Anger shot straight to my head.
These persistent bastards—they actually dared to come.
Did they think that after our life-and-death battle with The Lord of Cracks, we were now weak enough for them to push around however they wanted?
Just as I was about to activate the island's highest level of defense and notify everyone to prepare for another fight with these guys, the Guide's mental wave rang out in my mind.
"Young guardian, don't get angry yet. Put away your hostility. They're not here for you—they're here for me."
"Here for you?"
"More precisely, here for us," the Guide said. "They claim to represent the Association's newly established New Order Committee."
New Order Committee—what was this?
What new trick were those Association people playing now?
I was wary, but still didn't make a move, wanting to see what the Guide was up to.
With the Guide's guarantee, I didn't order an attack either.
The three Association submersibles docked smoothly at the temporary pier next to Giant Beast Cemetery.
The hatches opened, and several Association members in silver-gray uniforms walked out, accompanied by the Guide.
Their uniforms were different from the previous Night Owl squad—more like what administrative and research people would wear.
Leading them was a refined-looking man who appeared to be in his forties or fifties.
Behind him followed several men and women with extraordinary bearing, all emanating strong energy fluctuations.
These people must be the heads of the Association's New Order Committee, representing the conservative faction within the Association.
"Sir, I've long admired your reputation," the leading man saw me and extended his hand proactively. "I am Linus, temporary executive chairman of the Association's New Order Committee. This is the committee's special advisor, and also your old friend, the Guide."
I didn't extend my hand, just looked at him and the group behind them.
"Association people coming to my Mist Island—what's this about? Want to run another Ark Project, or want to send me some surprises?"
"Mr. Matthew, please believe us—we absolutely mean no harm this time," Linus said. "We've come with the greatest sincerity and respect."
He paused, glanced at the Guide beside him, then continued, "Regarding the previous incidents that spiraled out of control within the Association, our New Order Committee has thoroughly investigated and severely dealt with them. Those radical core members who led the Ark Project have been completely purged or indefinitely imprisoned by our committee for their insane actions. That Ark Project that nearly destroyed the entire world has been permanently sealed by us, and all related technical data is under the strictest control. It's fair to say that from now on, the Association is no longer an organization driven by ambition, but will return to its original mission when it was first established. Exploring the unknown, maintaining balance, serving all civilization."
Linus's words made me want to laugh inside.
No matter what new face the Association put on, that hypocrisy in their bones would probably never change.
But I also understood that now wasn't the time to completely break with them.
The threat of The Lord of Cracks still remained, and the Association was the most technologically advanced organization on the planet.
If they were truly willing to cooperate and face future crises together, that wouldn't be a bad thing for us.
At least, before completely dealing with The Lord of Cracks, this major threat, having one more ally was better than having one more enemy.
I looked at Linus, "You've come all this way, not afraid we'd shoot you down as enemies, to my little island—what exactly do you want?"
"I wouldn't dare presume to instruct you," Linus bowed slightly. "Our New Order Committee, representing the entire Association, expresses our highest respect and gratitude to you and all the warriors of the Guardian Alliance for your contributions and sacrifices in fighting The Lord of Cracks. Without you, our world would probably be finished already. Besides expressing thanks, we've come with several more important matters that we hope to discuss properly with you and representatives of the Guardian Alliance."
Linus adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose.
"What matters?"
"The first matter concerns the follow-up handling of Pandora's Box," Linus looked at me. "We know that forbidden weapon is currently in your hands. We also acknowledge that it was you who, at the most critical moment, risked your life to activate it, ultimately severely wounding The Lord of Cracks and buying time for this world. But you must also understand that a weapon capable of interfering with the Karma principle—its very existence is a huge destabilizing factor. We hope to discuss with you how to more safely and properly handle and seal it."
Such nice words—they probably wanted to get that ultimate weapon back into their own hands.
I sneered inwardly, but showed nothing on my face.
"Regarding Pandora's Box, it is indeed currently in my custody. As for how to handle it, I think that should be decided jointly by our entire Earth Guardian Alliance—it's not the Association's place to interfere."
"Of course, of course," Linus nodded. "We absolutely respect the Guardian Alliance's wishes. We just hope to participate and provide some technical support and security guarantees."
He continued, "Regarding those deep-sea energy matrix nodes scattered across the ocean floor worldwide. Since the Ark Project has been permanently sealed, those energy nodes have no purpose anymore, and might even be exploited by The Lord of Cracks or other enemies. Our New Order Committee has decided to gradually dismantle and destroy these energy nodes. This process requires significant manpower and resources, and also needs strict protection of the relevant sea areas. We hope to achieve cooperation with the Guardian Alliance in this regard."
Dismantling the deep-sea energy matrix nodes was actually a good idea.
Those things were indeed like ticking time bombs.
If the Association was truly willing to proactively dismantle them, it would definitely be a great thing for the security of the entire world.