Old days, dice and investigator's manual

Chapter 127 Running away

"You're overly cautious and distrustful of the Order. Most people would have handed over the ring for peace at this point, but you're being picky."

"But being overly cautious has its advantages. Someone as restless as you won't easily trust anyone, but you have a lot of confidence in your own judgment. That's why I arranged for you to sit next to him. You might not trust him, but you'll definitely want to figure out what he's up to. Maybe—"

"Do you think I would actually listen to him and kill him?" Isaac retorted.

"There's no harm in trying," Glenn shrugged. "If you really believe me and help us solve a problem, that would be great. If you don't, I don't lose anything either."

Isaac smirked, then said, "It's not just that Halprin wants to die; you seem to want him dead too. Why?"

"Because he's already a burden to the cult, but he still occupies that position. As long as he's alive, some things will be difficult to handle, and some people will still feel hopeful. But the cult has rules: members can't kill each other. Whoever does it will be punished, no matter the reason. So this matter can't be done by our own people."

Isaac thought the rule was quite proper. Judging from the Ghoul Order's style of doing things, these people didn't seem very united or friendly; they seemed more like they were preventing each other from harming one another. This rule was probably reserved for settling accounts with those who actually took action: "So you need an outsider to do the job."

"We need someone who can justify the act afterward," Glenn corrected. "Not just any homeless person on the street, who can be paid to stab someone. That way, if we investigate afterwards, it'll be obvious that someone ordered it."

Isaac thought to himself, "No wonder. Looking at it this way, I do seem quite suitable."

The cult wasn't just composed of these individuals; there were other factions scattered throughout various regions. If a venerable elder like Helpulin were to die at the hands of a vagrant, or in some kind of "accident," the other factions wouldn't believe it.

They will investigate who did it, and whoever is found will be held responsible. If they can't find out who did it, then those around Halprin will be held responsible.

Therefore, a reasonable person needs to be present here and take action in a reasonable manner so that we can report back to our superiors.

If Isaac kills Halprin, Glenn will claim that Isaac is an assassin sent by the FBI. Given their capabilities, it's impossible for them to order an FBI agent to kill someone for them. In the end, Isaac will have to take the blame himself.

"The Order seems to be constantly squandering my trust in you," Isaac said. "I came to you because I believed you could offer me protection, but you have repeatedly tried to kick me aside or use me for your own purposes. You promised to take me to see the Order's higher-ups, but instead you brought me to see a half-dead Halprin."

Seeing Isaac's reaction, Glenn knew he had guessed his purpose: "Of course we can't trust you too easily. Anyone would be wary of an FBI agent. I've already shown a lot of sincerity by not having anyone directly steal the ring."

"This show of sincerity is rather cheap; I see no reason for me to continue trusting the order."

"I have shown my sincerity and made this matter clear to you."

"You used me first, then, failing to achieve your goal, pretended to be honest. Is that how you make people believe you?"

"So what do you want?"

"You can tell your superiors that if the Order isn't even willing to send someone who can give me a clear answer, then I won't stay here any longer. I'll take the ring with me. As for whether I'll turn myself in to the FBI later, that depends on your attitude towards me."

Glenn frowned. "Are you threatening the Order?"

"I'm leaving myself a way out," Isaac said. "I can wait, but I won't wait indefinitely."

Glenn stared at him for a moment, then finally said, "I'll talk to the higher-ups; they'll have to discuss it with us too."

Isaac turned and walked back into the room. A few seconds later, he came out with his cane and headed back towards the stairwell.

Glenn was taken aback: "What are you doing?"

"I've already said I won't wait any longer; of course I'm leaving."

"Wait, I didn't kick you out!"

"What you just said has given me a reason why I can't stay here any longer." Isaac stopped at the top of the stairs, turned his head, and said, "Helplin isn't the kind of person who can make decisions on his own; you'll have to consult with your superiors. Staying here to be used as a tool or have your ring stolen is not something I'm interested in."

Glenn hadn't expected this man to leave so decisively, without even a moment's hesitation or agonizing. He had thought that dealing with this kind of person would involve putting on an act of "since you're a smart man, I'll be frank and tell you the truth," which would at least keep the other person calm. But he hadn't expected Isaac to be so unmoved.

"Have you thought this through?" Glenn raised his voice. "If you leave here, no one can guarantee your safety."

"I can't expect you to guarantee my safety. Once you've made your decision, send someone to leave a message at the front desk of the hotel at No. 3 Hongfeng Street. I'll keep an eye on it."

"Is that your address?"

Do you think I'd tell you where I live?

Glenn watched Isaac descend the stairs and let out a sigh of relief.

This person left too decisively, so decisively that it was impossible to discern their intentions. They didn't seem like someone genuinely seeking refuge, nor did they appear to be there to gather intelligence. After all, even if someone was there as an undercover agent, it would be better to remain patient and stay longer, gathering more information, unless negotiations broke down.

—This really does seem like a cautious guy who's always ready to back off and doesn't put all his eggs in one basket.

Glenn wasn't sure, but since Isaac wanted to leave, he couldn't force him to stay.

This person's combat ability is a mystery. It would be embarrassing if we couldn't beat him. We can only leave this place as soon as possible to avoid being cornered by the FBI.

After Isaac left the apartment building, he walked for a while, turned a corner, and saw a figure huddled against the wall at the alley entrance, half-hidden and half-revealed. The figure peeked out for a moment, then withdrew again.

That movement looks so furtive—Isaac slowed his pace.

The moment the man saw him, he leaned halfway out of the alleyway, clutching a rope tied to a black dog.

Li Jiehao hurried over, his voice low: "Brother Isaac! Are you alright? The boss suddenly sent me to pick you up, saying things were almost done here. I ran all the way here with Fenri, I'm completely out of breath—what's the situation on your end? Were you exposed?"

"It's alright, it's relatively safe." Isaac crouched down and looked at Fenri. "Fenri, could you please check if anyone's following me?"

Fenri looked in one direction, then shook his head, confirming that Glenn had at least not sent anyone to follow them anymore.

"Brother Isaac, why did it suddenly stop—" Li Jiehao was still puzzled as to why the undercover operation was suddenly stopped. Based on his experience watching those spy dramas with all sorts of names, this usually meant that they had been exposed.

Isaac stood up: "The boss gave me the order to retreat."

His sudden and decisive departure was not his own judgment. After all, although Glenn was troublesome, he had not yet posed a real threat to him. The evacuation order was given directly by Carlo.