Dice In The Darkness: Cthulhu Calls

Chapter 260: Dark Tide

Alice furrowed her brows, addressing the followers of the Deep Sea Gospel Society beside her, "Please make a call and notify the other seniors to come over."

After Alice finished speaking, she sat silently in the nearby chair.

Ten minutes later, those who had heard about the intrusion into the Fujiwara Shrine by unidentified individuals, the damage to the Deep One statue, and the Takagi brothers hurriedly arrived at the Fujiwara Shrine.

Seeing the shattered Deep One statue strewn across the floor, the expressions on everyone's faces turned grim. However, the Takagi brothers and the others were individuals with deep-hidden intentions, and soon their expressions returned to calm.

"Let's have a few people tidy up the main hall, and we'll discuss matters in the side hall," Takagi Ling spoke up.

The others nodded in agreement and followed Takagi Ling out of the main hall, heading to the side hall of the Fujiwara Shrine. They took their seats, while Takagi Ryo positioned himself behind a folding screen.

If Liu Xing were to witness all of this, he would undoubtedly confirm that Takagi Ling was Daikubo Sosuke, and Takagi Ryo was the so-called "Crow."

Daikubo Sosuke took a sip of tea and then addressed Alice, "Alice, as the security head of our Deep Sea Gospel Society's Kyoto branch, can you explain what happened today?"

Alice nodded and replied seriously, "It's quite evident that this was a premeditated and organized intrusion. Those two masked individuals must have known the ins and outs of our Fujiwara Shrine. They were aware that there are usually no people around, which is why they boldly entered the Fujiwara Shrine, ignoring the numerous surveillance cameras. They ransacked the main hall without restraint. Most importantly, it seems like they knew when our people would arrive at the Fujiwara Shrine. They left right on time."

Upon hearing this, the Police Chief couldn't help but voice his professional concerns, "Alice, are you suggesting that we have a mole within the Deep Sea Gospel Society?"

Alice nodded affirmatively and continued, "Indeed, I believe there is a mole within our Deep Sea Gospel Society, but it's highly likely that it's just some low-ranking members who were persuaded by the other side. Because from the way these two individuals acted, it's clear they had no knowledge of the valuable items stored in the Fujiwara Shrine. They didn't even know what was inside the shrine. It's evident that they only knew the Fujiwara Shrine belonged to our Deep Sea Gospel Society. Their purpose seems to be to provoke us, as they casually took an inexpensive compass and smashed our worshiped statues."

After Alice finished speaking, everyone fell into contemplation, pondering her words.

After a moment, Daikubo Sosuke spoke up, "Alice, arrange for some people to investigate the background of those two individuals. Additionally, have some reliable individuals look into the mole issue."

Alice smiled and replied, "Don't worry, I've already assigned people to do that. I believe we'll have results soon. However, right now, I strongly suspect that these two individuals might be from the Shadow Clan."

As soon as Alice mentioned the Shadow Clan, the others present furrowed their brows.

"What? Shadow Clan members? Alice, you're not joking, are you? We shouldn't have any conflicts with the Shadow Clan within our Deep Sea Gospel Society," the Education Chief expressed his surprise.

Alice shook her head and recounted the events that had occurred at the Flame Bar the previous day.

Daikubo Sosuke furrowed his brows and nodded, "In that case, it's indeed possible that the Shadow Clan is causing trouble for us. After all, the Shadow Clan is expanding aggressively, aiming to establish their influence in the Kyoto area. We've become their target because the Red-Clothed Female Ghost incident at Morimoto Academy has gained so much attention. If the Shadow Clan stabs us in the back at this point, we'll have to give up everything in Kyoto. But you all should be aware that if we do that, our headquarters won't forgive us easily."

As Daikubo Sosuke spoke, he glanced at Fujiwara Hiroshi, who was the principal of Morimoto Academy and responsible for all its affairs.

Fujiwara Hiroshi sighed and said seriously, "The current situation is indeed unfavorable. Even though I've arranged for some PR to downplay the Red-Clothed Female Ghost incident, it's only escalating further. It's clear that there are hidden forces trying to continue to hype up the incident, putting us in a passive position. So, for now, I'll keep the identity of the Red-Clothed Female Ghost concealed and then plan our next steps."

Daikubo Sosuke nodded, looking somewhat frustrated. "It seems that everyone is trying to take advantage of us now. Crow, can you go back to headquarters and inform the leader of our current situation? Ask for reinforcements; otherwise, our Deep Sea Gospel Society's Kyoto branch won't last much longer."

Crow remained silent and emerged from behind the folding screen. After nodding at Daikubo Sosuke, he left the side hall, apparently intending to return to the Deep Sea Gospel Society headquarters in Reed Village.

After Crow's departure, the meeting continued.

The Police Chief checked his phone and sighed in helplessness, "Those two guys are quite cautious. I had the surrounding surveillance cameras checked, and it's clear that they were extremely careful, taking a very secluded route and even changing their appearance. So, we can't determine their identities for now. Moreover, the Deputy Chief of Police seems to have some powerful connections and frequently challenges me. Alice, could you assign a few people to help me investigate who's backing that Deputy Chief of Police, so I can decide on the next steps?"

As soon as the Police Chief finished speaking, the Education Chief added, "What? Are you saying that you're also facing issues on your end? We had a new Deputy Chief parachuted in yesterday, and he's been causing trouble for me. It seems like someone is targeting us."

Alice nodded and said seriously, "It appears to be the work of the Shadow Clan. I'll arrange for some people to investigate the two Deputy Chiefs you mentioned and look into the Shadow Clan's specific situation. If we have any results, I'll inform you immediately. However, I'm currently short on manpower here, so please assign a few trustworthy individuals to assist me."

At that moment, Alice's phone rang, and she frowned upon checking it.

Daikubo Sosuke, noticing Alice's expression, asked with curiosity, "Alice, what's happened?"

Alice sighed and replied, "The representative sent by the Shadow Clan to Kyoto was ambushed and killed on his way back to his residence yesterday, right after discussing cooperation matters with the Eternal Truth Society. Now, the Shadow Clan is furious. They've dispatched the second son of the Shadow Clan's leader, Miyake Ken, to oversee the situation in the Kyoto region. They intend to further expand their influence in Kyoto and identify the mastermind behind the assassination, planning to retaliate."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room furrowed their brows.

"Who could be so audacious as to dare to assassinate a Shadow Clan representative? Could this be an accident?" Fujiwara Hiroshi questioned with a puzzled expression.

The Police Chief shook his head and replied, "I've heard about this incident. Initially, I thought it was a simple gang-related feud. However, I never expected that the victim would turn out to be a Shadow Clan representative. But this morning, the detectives informed me that they had ruled out the possibility of it being a gang-related feud. Based on the nearby surveillance footage, there were a total of five individuals involved in the assassination of the Shadow Clan representative. Their behavior and actions suggest that they are not professionals, and the police suspect that three of them might even be minors."

Daikubo Sosuke furrowed his brow and said, "In that case, it's likely the work of a Secret Cult, using their followers to assassinate the Shadow Clan representative."

Of course, if Liu Xing were present at that moment, he would undoubtedly think that the five individuals responsible for the assassination of the Shadow Clan representative were players.

"Let's not meddle in this matter for now. It's best to observe from the sidelines to avoid provoking the Shadow Clan and inviting trouble," Daikubo Sosuke suggested after some thought.

However, Alice had a different perspective. "I believe we can't stay uninvolved any longer. Sosuke, as you can see, these assassins are likely followers of a Secret Cult. So, I don't think the Shadow Clan will let this opportunity pass by without causing us trouble. I even suspect that the assassination was orchestrated by the Shadow Clan themselves."

Daikubo Sosuke raised an eyebrow and replied, "There is indeed that possibility. But let's not add more accusations without evidence. I believe the Shadow Clan wouldn't sacrifice one of their representatives just to target us."

Alice shook her head and continued seriously, holding her phone, "That may not be the case. I've just received another message. The assassinated representative was Miyake Ban's subordinate, the confirmed heir of the Shadow Clan. And I'm sure you all know the relationship between Miyake Ban and Miyake Ken. They've had numerous conflicts over the position of the Shadow Clan's heir. With Miyake Ban's subordinate killed, and Miyake Ken personally involved, it appears that Miyake Ken might be behind this."

Fujiwara Hiroshi interjected, "It seems that the trouble at the city gate has affected the entire city. The internal conflict within the Shadow Clan has spilled over to us. Moreover, I've heard about this Miyake Ken. Compared to Miyake Ban, who excels in strategy and prefers fair and open competition, Miyake Ken is known for using various schemes and conspiracies without any moral constraints. He's a formidable opponent."

Fujiwara Hiroshi's words left everyone in silence once again, as they contemplated the challenge posed by someone like Miyake Ken.

"Alright, let's leave it at that for now. Many things will depend on you from now on, Alice. Principal Fujiwara, please do your best to stabilize public opinion. I'll try to figure out a way to contact the Shadow Clan and at least understand their perspective," Daikubo Sosuke said as he stood up and left the side hall.

As for the Police Chief and the Education Chief, it was still working hours, so they couldn't stay longer and headed back to their respective units.

Alice returned to the Flame Bar to begin organizing her subordinates to investigate various matters.

Of course, Liu Xing remained unaware of all these developments.

At this moment, Liu Xing had arrived at Lu Tianya's home.

Lu Tianya looked at the compass and talisman on the table with surprise and asked, "Where did you get these?"

Liu Xing chuckled and said, "Today, I visited the Deep Sea Gospel Society's headquarters and found these two items. I thought you, Lu Tianya, might know how to use them, so I brought them directly to you."

Lu Tianya nodded, picked up the compass, and commented, "This compass is an excellent item. It's far superior to the one I use. My compass can only detect the locations of Spirits, and powerful malevolent spirits can block its detection. Plus, its range is limited. But this compass is different. Its detection ability is incredibly strong. Unless it's a Legendary Ghost King-level malevolent spirit, it can't evade detection. I haven't even infused it with my own spiritual power yet, but it can already sense all the Spirits within a two-kilometer radius. I believe that once I infuse it with enough spiritual power, I can use it to suppress Evil Spirits."

Although Liu Xing couldn't fully comprehend Lu Tianya's explanation and found it somewhat cryptic, he understood one thing: this compass possessed formidable abilities.

Thinking this, Liu Xing didn't hesitate and handed the compass to Lu Tianya, saying with a smile, "Well, in that case, consider it a gift. Since you find it so valuable, you should keep it."

Lu Tianya quickly shook her head and declined, "No, no. This compass is too precious. If I were to sell it within our circle, I could easily get tens of millions for it. I can't accept it."

Liu Xing raised an eyebrow, surprised to learn that Taoists like Lu Tianya earned such high incomes. Otherwise, a compass wouldn't fetch such a hefty price.

However, Liu Xing wasn't short of money at the moment, and giving the compass to Lu Tianya was also an investment. Even if he couldn't persuade Lu Tianya to join the Worshipers of the Yellow Sect, having Lu Tianya in possession of this compass could help solve many problems in this module. Moreover, as long as he didn't leave the Island Nation, he could seek Lu Tianya's assistance in future modules.

But Liu Xing had anticipated that Lu Tianya might not accept the gift, so he said, "Since you're unwilling to accept this compass, how about I lend it to you for now?"

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