Chapter 176

Chapter 176

Some time had passed. The Divine Being was reporting to the cardinal about the progress at Bletchley University.

"The majority of the areas have been renovated, and teachers from various denominations have mostly assumed their positions. Some students, particularly in specific majors, have already started their studies, and their feedback indicates that teaching is proceeding steadily."

Flipping through a document, the Divine Being continued, "The churches of different denominations near the school are still under construction, but separate confessionals and prayer rooms are ready. Some students have expressed their anticipation for the completion of these projects."

The cardinal remained unperturbed. "Let the work proceed at its normal pace. Ignore those who are urging for haste."

"Very well."

Amidst the campus, the two strolled along. Whenever teachers or students passed by and caught sight of the cardinal, they would obsequiously approach to greet them, saying, "Good day, Headmaster."

Indeed, as the players had anticipated, the contest for the position of chancellor concluded amidst the repeated gatherings of the faithful. It was eventually awarded to the cardinal from the newly prominent bishopric that had contributed the most land and funding. Divine Presence on Earth assumed the role of vice-chancellor, while other high-ranking church officials took seats on the board of trustees. Numerous devotees also secured important positions as teachers and in support staff.

And so, this peculiar school, dominated by heretics and appearing playful yet profoundly stable, came into existence.

Church-affiliated schools are not uncommon in this country, though they mostly cater to primary or secondary education levels, as it is during these years that values are most effectively molded. However, a church-run university is a rare sight, often drawing curious inquiries from the political sphere. Nevertheless, the new bishop has managed to smooth over such matters with monetary means.

Now, the university was taking shape, though it had yet to open its doors to external students. Most of the pupils were selected from within the church, and the devotees aspired to make this institution rival, if not surpass, that renowned Michigan University!

The Cardinal, once a reclusive figure, found himself drawn to the vitality emanating from the school and now spent most of his time on campus.

He increasingly recognized what an excellent idea it was to establish Bletchley University!

Look at those students moving about the campus, he thought. Through systematic education, they would become the new pillars of the church, carrying on its growth from one generation to the next. As the first chancellor, his name would be etched in history, revered by generations to come.

In life, people sought either fame or fortune. At nearly ninety, wealth held no allure for the Cardinal; only the prospect of a lasting legacy stirred his heart. And that legacy was unfolding before him, stirring excitement within.

Due to historical circumstances, he'd dared not take a more public role in the church's development. He'd assumed he'd fade away within its ranks, but fate had taken a turn, presenting him with this new path.

Reflecting on this, the Cardinal gazed at God on Earth with warmth, patting him gently on the shoulder after the report. "Well done, Austin. One day, you'll inherit all that I have."

God on Earth paused, scanning the depths of the Cardinal's eyes for any hint of suspicion. Finding none, he smiled slightly. "May you live to a ripe old age."

"Thank you for your kind words," the Cardinal replied, feeling elated.

"Let's take another stroll around the campus, then. Tell me about your recent life," he suggested, his mood radiant.

"Very well, sir."

A senior and a young one walked along the path in the campus grove, giving the impression of a grandfather and grandson. However, as they emerged from the trees into the area near the school buildings, the cardinal's peripheral vision caught a glimpse that froze his smile.

Did I see wrongly? That person couldn't possibly be here...

Amos, dressed in a linen coat and carrying a dark brown leather case, appeared weary yet cordial as he conversed with a male teacher. His back was turned to the divine on earth, but the person he was talking to noticed the approaching cardinal and brightened up.

"Ahh, Headmaster has arrived. Please allow me to introduce," the young teacher brought Amos before the cardinal. "This is Professor Amos, recommended by the Secret Church to teach history. He earned his Ph.D. at Nightingale University..."

The cardinal could hardly hear what the man was saying anymore. Ever since Amos turned around, his mind was in turmoil, flooded with chaotic thoughts. Though his body stood still, his soul yearned to escape from the bone-deep fear.

It's him, it's him, it's him!

Even after fifty years, the boy had grown into a man, and his features had matured, but the cardinal would recognize him even if he were ashes.

That demon, that devil...

"Hello, I'm Amos," Amos smiled as he extended his hand towards the cardinal. "I'm delighted to have been invited to teach at your esteemed institution. Um, though my teaching experience may be limited, I'm confident I won't disappoint."

The dark-haired handsome man gazed into the cardinal's aged and turbid eyes, conveying hidden meaning.

Divinity on Earth also noticed the cardinal's oddity and surreptitiously glanced at Amos.

Why does this guy seem familiar?

"Survey: Successful"

In an instant, Divinity on Earth finally recalled where he had seen that face – it was that night...

The night when he, in his spirit form, was taken by Lane. They passed through all of Arkham, accompanied by countless terrifying anomalies, encountering a madman along the way. Then, the anomalies following Lane surged forward and tore him apart.

Compared to the expression he remembered, Amos was undoubtedly much more normal now. His features were softer and more delicate than typical Westerners, exuding both gentleness and handsomeness. No wonder this guy still had quite a following among players.

However, he never expected Amos to be alive, let alone teaching at this university?

Thinking about Amos's introduction, a strange look appeared in Divinity on Earth's eyes. "Priest Carmen of the Secret Church did mention sending a teacher over, but I didn't expect it to be such a young professor. However, history... Didn't he tell you that our university is more like a vocational school, generally not offering humanities subjects?"

Amos tilted his head. "Really? That's odd. I distinctly heard that they would offer courses on folklore, anthropology, and even mysticism."

"Certainly, but history… our students might not perceive its usefulness," the cardinal said with a sigh.

Amos beamed at the cardinal, his smile radiant. "Ah, don't worry about that. I'm well aware of this institution's nature. Even cultists need to understand history, don't they? After all, humanity's past is riddled with countless hidden secrets, wouldn't you agree?"

The cardinal's cold sweat drenched his back, and he hastily nodded. "Y-Yes, indeed."

Now, God on Earth was genuinely surprised. Why was this formidable cardinal, second only to the Pope, so fearful of Amos?

"Well then, it's settled. I'll teach your dear students the accurate history from various periods. I'm sure they'll find it fascinating."

With that, Amos placed his hand on the cardinal's shoulder and leaned in, whispering in his ear, "Do take care of yourself, Your Eminence. At your age, it's best to avoid public appearances."

Only when Amos was out of sight did the cardinal manage to regain his composure, gasping for air uncontrollably. He had thought he had long forgotten the nightmare from fifty years ago, but the return of its instigator made him realize that the shadows had never truly dissipated.

"Bishop…."

As the cardinal gazed blankly at Amos's retreating figure, God on Earth sensed an opportunity and asked with concern, "Who exactly is this person…?"

"Persuasion: Success"

"Demon, spawn of the devil," the cardinal's face was blank, and he raised his hands in a subconscious, agitated gesture, blurting out, "He's come to claim his due. It must be so. This time, he'll overturn the entire New Harbor. He'll destroy us!"

In his excitement, the old man's voluminous ecclesiastical robe slipped, revealing his bony arms, covered in deep, bone-exposing scars.

"Investigation: Successful"

"You can see that these scars have aged over time, inflicted during the same period. Judging from the scar patterns, there are burns, scalds, and knife wounds. The longest knife scar measures about 10 centimeters."

These injuries instinctively reminded the deity on Earth of the 'baptism' ceremony required for joining the faith. However, baptisms were usually performed at the layperson level. At the priest or bishop level, self-inflicted harm was not necessary; at most, they would inflict pain as a form of 'tempering' upon others. According to the information the deity had gathered within the Church, this cardinal had held the position for over 40 years, almost since the Church's inception. Who could have left such horrifying wounds on him?

As Austin's intuition told him of the divine presence on earth, it might be connected to Amos's sudden appearance just now.

And as a player, his instinct sensed that something new was about to unfold!

Player Forum

"Live Updates: Recent Events at Bletchley University"

Druid: What? Amos is teaching at your university?!

Insane: A familiar name indeed.

Matcha Milk Green: Ah, is this the mastermind behind the presumed second main storyline, the Arkham Exorcism Day incident?

Black Cat: It's not just a suspicion; it's almost confirmed. He actually appeared at MIT too, inside a research facility. I remember a player reported seeing what seemed like Amos's flesh floating in a petri dish.

Insane: ...Flesh pieces?

Cosmic Machine: Hehe, I was the one who saw it, but that post was deemed too graphic and violent, so it was banned.

Nayumi: Oh, I think I recall that too. It was the video uploaded by that big shot during the second main storyline, a die-hard fan of Lane.

Human Peach: Mee mee mee, I know a little bit. I saw him regain movement and visit Crey. When I asked Crey, he seemed to have been punished by Lane before, but now he regained his mobility because he contributed during the Bureau incident, allowing him to transform from a flesh form back to human.

Uncle Hao: Huh, then why did he come to Brichter University to teach?

God Among Us: He was recommended by the Secret Church, it seems. He's going to be a history professor.

God Among Us: The reaction of the Cardinal after meeting him was intense. They must have known each other before.

Beauty is Justice: I can sense the aura of a mission... Damn, why is it another one from your side?

Tax Collector: Hhh, are you guys from the Audit Bureau short on missions?

Beauty is Justice: Not really, we have plenty here. But the ones from your side sound much more intriguing, qwq.

God Amongst Men: I suspect he might be sent by Lane, probably with a mission. Let's observe for now.

Thus, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Amos began his teaching career at Blichton University with a clear conscience.

He seemed to have genuinely transformed into an erudite and refined professor. He could swiftly answer any questions posed by students and was skilled in socializing. Before long, he became one of the most beloved professors.

Of course, his popularity didn't last long. The older teachers, upon seeing Amos, would convulse as if suffering from epilepsy or, at best, show immense fear as if he were a devil that devoured humans. Younger teachers and students, influenced by the elders, started to keep their distance from this seemingly approachable professor.

By the cardinal's order, God Amongst Men would occasionally sit at the back of the classroom during Amos' lessons, observing the new generation sent by the Church obediently sitting in class.

However, as soon as the lesson ended, God Amongst Men received a call from the cardinal.

"What did he do today?" The cardinal's voice was raspy.

"As usual, teach and assign homework," the divine being on Earth replied, his gaze still fixed on Amos who was answering a student's question on the podium. He lowered his voice and continued, "If he has issues… shouldn't we find a way to expel him?"

"…Not yet," the cardinal said irritably. Previously, he had called the Secret Church to inquire about Amos, but Carmen's response had been as follows:

"Carmen: Amos? Ah, yes, he was indeed sent by our church. He's quite an educated individual, which is rare in our ranks. Is there a problem?

Cardinal: …Not at the moment. We're just conducting a routine background check on the professor. What's he like in his daily life?

Carmen: Oh, Mr. Amos is very well-liked in our church. He's a gentle and capable man with a good temperament. He's highly respected.

Cardinal: …"

The cardinal almost choked with rage when he recalled this conversation. What kind of Secret Church was this, with a deity in charge, that a devil could infiltrate their ranks and rise to a high position without anyone realizing his true nature? This church was doomed!

Now, they'd invited the devil back! Despite his anger, the cardinal didn't dare demand that Amos be taken away. He wasn't sure of the devil's purpose here, and provoking him would be disastrous.

All he could do now was pray that the devil had simply decided on a whim to become a teacher, and would leave once he'd had his fill of the experience.

And yet… how likely was that?

Amos left the classroom with a smile after answering the last student's question, glancing at the back door. Unfortunately, he didn't spot the Cardinal; instead, an unfamiliar Bishop stood outside. Upon seeing Amos, they exchanged a brief glance, and Amos nodded cordially before turning away.

None of the current Church hierarchy had come.

It was within Amos's expectations. How could those cowards, whose spirits had been broken, dare to show their faces before him? However, this meant that he wouldn't achieve the optimal outcome.

Amos hadn't come here to be a teacher. He knew that this mission was his only chance to regain some standing in front of Lane, who had long ignored his existence. During this time, Amos had gradually realized that Lane wasn't the callous, life-disdaining deity he'd imagined. On the contrary, Lane seemed to empathize with humans, showing an unusual level of compassion.

Strange and unconventional, like a human suddenly taking interest in an ant passing by their feet.

But Amos didn't dislike it; he was even slightly pleased. As expected of the entity that had caught his eye, even his disposition was extraordinary!

In a way, it was like discovering a one-of-a-kind flower in the world, igniting Amos's collector's obsession. He felt uneasy if he couldn't be near his newfound treasure for a day.

Unfortunately, the mistake had already been made. While Lane was generally tolerant towards all humans, he was as cold as December's chill when facing Amos. Although such treatment was appealing in its own way, Amos acknowledged that he was not ready to become fertilizer for the flower.

Thus, this mission might be his only chance.

After discussions in the Divine Realm, Lane and Amos had formulated an effective plan.

First and foremost, it was crucial to evoke the memories of those who had lived through the chaotic days, to bring those recollections from their subconscious to the surface, and then, at the peak of their emotions, cast the Dreamweaving spell. This would allow Lane to weave their dreams together and begin the recreation.

In other words, before the recreation, Amos needed to: one, gather those who had personally experienced the chaos; two, stir up their memories from that time; and three, cast the spell when their emotions were at their most intense.

That was why Amos was here, pointing at his own face as he vouched for himself to Lane: "Just by seeing this face, even an old man with dementia will have nightmares at night. Haha."

Lane: "…What exactly did you do back then?"

The reminiscence ended there. Witnessing how his old acquaintances were now avoiding him, Amos couldn't help but sigh: "Not a single brave soul is left, huh? That's truly disheartening."

It seemed he had to take action to force these ostriches with their heads buried in the sand to face reality.

So, the following day, Amos walked into the classroom with his head held high. Facing the group of prospective cultists below, all looking at him with innocent yet foolish eyes, he smiled, baring his teeth: "The previous lessons seemed too dull for you all. From now on, let's learn something more interesting. Close your eyes, everyone."

The young acolytes and a few players looked at each other in bewilderment, but they still dared not defy their teacher's request and closed their eyes.

"Close your eyes and imagine descending, with steps appearing beneath your feet. Keep going down, deeper and deeper..."

Amos's voice held a mesmerizing quality – no, it wasn't just a quality; he had genuinely used a spell. Under its influence, the initially hesitant students gradually gave up their struggle, their faces relaxing into peaceful expressions as they unconsciously followed Amos's instructions. Their subconscious minds began to delve deeper and deeper...

Amos lit a specially crafted incense in the classroom, gazing at his young disciples as if they were delicate flowers in his garden. Occasionally, he would glance up and offer a slight smile to the red-lit surveillance camera in the corner.

All the students had their eyes closed, motionless until the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Those who managed to enter the realm of dreams looked at Amos on the stage with awe, eagerly asking, "Teacher, what was that? I saw a platform and steps leading downward."

"That is what I wish to teach you," Amos spoke with an alluring undertone, "a pathway to acquire supernatural abilities. We call it the Realm of Dreams."

Predictably, Amos's words elicited gasps from the multitude of students below. Though their perspectives had shifted since joining the cult, believing in the existence of gods and the necessity of sacrificing themselves and their surroundings, the allure of supernatural powers, especially ones they could control, was irresistible to these adolescents in the prime of their youth.

"That will be the focus of our future lessons. For those who perceived the platform, the mist, and the dark expanse, changes within you will soon become apparent. And for those who couldn't access the Realm of Dreams, do not worry. You'll have more opportunities in the upcoming classes," Amos chuckled. "The path to transcendence, to break free from destiny, lies before you. I hope each of you seizes this chance to reshape your lives."

"Alright, class is over. If anyone has questions, feel free to approach me. The rest of you may leave."

Of course, no one hurried to exit. Once again, Amos was surrounded, undeterred even by the warnings of senior members within the church.

This was superhuman power! A gateway to the transcendent! A secret, even within the church, known only by hearsay. With such abilities, wouldn't one rise swiftly through society?

In the eyes of his students, Amos was an angel guiding them to the kingdom of gods.

To the cardinal watching from the surveillance screen, however, he was a devil.

"How dare he, how dare he teach such things here!" The cardinal's lips trembled with anger. In his estimation, Amos was brazenly challenging the entire hierarchy with this act, given his suspicions about the man's capabilities.

The current students at the university were carefully selected from other churches as promising talents. If they all perished here, the church would suffer a significant loss of manpower. Forget expanding their influence, it would be fortunate if they managed to maintain a presence in New Port at all.

This could not continue. They could not allow this demon to act with impunity, risking a repeat of the chaos that once engulfed New Port. A meeting must be called, an urgent one, to devise a strategy. After all their efforts to restore order, they could not afford another Day of Discord within Brichester University!